Page 10 of Forever with the Mountain Man
"Saw him leaving the school today. Looked about as happy as you do right now."
Heat floods my cheeks. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Caroline, honey, I've been watching people fall in love in this town for twenty years. I know the signs."
"We're not—it's not—" I fumble for words, then give up. "It doesn't matter anyway. He's decided we're too different."
Dad leans back in his chair. "Different how?"
"Age, background, education." I set down my pen and look at him directly. "He thinks you'd disapprove."
"Would I?"
The question surprises me. "Wouldn't you?"
"Finn O'Sullivan is a good man. Honest, hardworking, treats people with respect." Dad pauses. "He's also been half in love with you since the day he met you."
"He has?"
"Honey, the man spent two extra weeks on your classroom, adding features that weren't in the contract. He asked me threetimes if you were seeing anyone. And last week, he turned down a job in Vancouver because it would mean leaving Silver Ridge." Dad smiles. "That's not the behavior of a man who's indifferent."
Hope blooms in my chest, even as doubt creeps in. "Then why is he pulling away?"
"Because he's scared. Because he thinks he's not good enough for Vernon Cooper's daughter." Dad reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. "Question is, what are you going to do about it?"
I look down at our joined hands, thinking about everything Finn has given me. Not just the beautiful classroom, but the way he listens when I talk about my students. The careful attention he pays to doing things right. The way he looks at me like I'm precious, worth protecting.
"I'm going to fight for him," I say quietly.
Dad grins. "That's my girl."
Wednesday brings a minor complication when Principal Martinez mentions she's heard "some talk" around town about me and the contractor, but nothing more serious than small-town curiosity.
"Just be discreet," she advises with a knowing smile. "And maybe wait until after he finishes the electrical work before making any grand romantic gestures."
It's hardly the scandal I'd been worried about, just the normal gossip mill that comes with living in Silver Ridge. By Thursday, I'm feeling foolish for letting Finn's fears get to both of us.
six
Finn
I'vebeenavoidingCarolinefor three days, which is torture in a town the size of Silver Ridge. Every morning I see her little car in the school parking lot. Every afternoon I catch glimpses of her walking to her car, usually with her arms full of papers to grade.
The electrical work is nearly finished, which means I'll be done at the school by Friday. Done with the project that brought us together. Done with any excuse to see her every day.
I tell myself it's for the best. Caroline deserves better than a construction worker who's too set in his ways to change. She deserves someone who can give her the kind of life she was raised for—someone who fits into her world instead of asking her to step down into mine.
But the logic doesn't make the ache in my chest any less real.
Thursday afternoon, I'm installing the last light fixture when I hear familiar footsteps in the hallway. Caroline appears in thedoorway, looking determined and beautiful in a green dress that brings out the warmth in her eyes.
"We need to talk," she says, closing the door behind her.
"Caroline?!"
"The electrical work is almost done." She steps into the room. "Which means you'll be leaving soon."
I nod, not trusting my voice.
