Page 93 of Worth the Want
“You look so pretty when you blush for me, Indie Baby.”
“Alright, let’s get you to bed, Hazey.” I grip under her arms and carry her down the hall to bed. I lie beside her for a while after reading herWhere The Wild Things Are.
“I’ll eat you up, I love you so, Hazel Emilia Holloway,” I whisper.
No, I’ll never not miss my sister, but I will let myself feel this love that’s being offered. Let people love me when I need it. I’ll let Knox wrap his arms around me and feel Hazel’s small hand in mine and remind myself thatthisis the whole point. I’m not sure how it happened or why, if it’s fate or happenstance, but something brought me to Silverthorne.
I’d like to believe it was Han, and it’s just like her to know it before I did, that the man from the bar all those years ago was meant to be mine.
The time between Florence’s attack and summer has flown by. She’s speaking normally again, the rasp almost completely gone. Her recovery is going well, considering. If she and Indie had a bond before, they’ve become family in recent weeks. Indie has visited Lo every day since the attack, and Lo stayed the night with us a lot in the first week following it. She’s been back at her place and at work for a full month now. Security cameras have been installed, and the hotel has hired a night guard. The man who did this is still out there, but the police have been unable to identify any new leads.
As upsetting and frustrating as that is, they believe it was random; he was spooked and moved on. I don’t know if I can believe that, and I’m not the only one. The community has been shaken over it. Silverthorne isn’t a perfect town, but nothing like this has ever happened in all the years I’ve lived here. They’ve set up a town watch list, all taking turns keeping an eye on things. Lo doesn’t like the attention, but she’s gratefulfor the concern and really seems to be doing okay, which makes her declaration a surprise.
“I’m leaving Silverthorne,” Florence announces at my parents’ house during family dinner.
“That sounds like a good idea, dear. Where are you going? And how long will you be gone?” my mother asks, setting the bread rolls on the table. I look at Indie who just stares at Lo before she gives her an encouraging nod.So she knew.
“I don’t mean I’m taking a vacation. I’mmoving awayfrom Silverethorne,” Lo says.
“What? Why? Where will you go?” Alder asks a series of questions.
“Are you sure you’ve thought this through? I mean after what happened.” Winnie hedges.
Lo smiles at us all, just a hint of sadness in her eyes. “I love you all. More than I’ll ever be able to say. I truly hit the lottery when I was born into this family. You’ve taken care of me and also let me grow into who I am every step of my life so far. I’ve relied on you for guidance and support. With that being said, I’m sure. This was already the plan before—before everything happened. I purchased a bed and breakfast in Northern California about six months ago. The plan is to renovate, and then it will be The Holloway Inn,” she explains.
My mom’s eyes look shiny, and my dad places a steadying hand on her shoulder. “We knew one day you might have to chase a dream, Florence. You’ve always been so adventurous, even as a child,” she says.
“When? When were you going to tell us?” Rhett asks.
“Well, I was going to after I talked to Indie that night. I had a business opportunity for her, and she’s only just accepted it this week.” Everyone in the room looks to Indie.
She clears her throat. “Um, I’m going to be running the hotel.”
“So this is a done deal?” my father asks. He doesn’t sound upset, more resigned.
“Yes. This is what I want. It’s what I need to do. I refuse to put my life on hold because of the actions of some psycho.”
“As you should,” Ivy chimes in. “Don’t let that animal take anything from you, Lo. We’ll support you. We willallsupport you.”
“Absolutely,” I agree. “Whatever you need.”
“Be prepared for your family to be there on opening day of The Holloway Inn,” my mom says, tears shining in her eyes. “I'm so proud of you, baby girl.”
My dad stands, walking over to where she stands in the dining room, bringing her into his arms. “You’ve always been a fighter, Lo. You’re made of such tough stuff. But you’re still my baby girl.”
“Always, Daddy. I love you all. I hope you know that the reason I feel like I can do this is because of all of you,” she tells us.
I look over at Indiana. She turns her head to meet my eyes, hers filled with unshed tears. I smile at her, wanting to reassure her. I mouth I love you, and she mouths it back. What an amazing time in my life. To find the love of my life and have my whole family in the same town—if only for a little while.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. When I said no more secrets, I meant it, Knox,” Indie blurts out, breaking the silence when weget home. Hazel has been asleep in the back, and I’ve been quietly thanking God and the universe that I get to keep her. She must have mistaken my being quiet for being upset. I’m not though.
“I’m not mad, Indie. In fact, I’m—happy. I didn’t know I would ever feel likethis.Then you happened.”
“Yeah? I must have missed the air horn and clapping,” she drawls.
“You didn’t see the fireworks that spelled your name?”
“Was that before or after you made the speech?”
