Page 42 of Love Story
“Avoi—” Ashley straightened and set the clippers on a nearby stepladder. She peeled off her gloves. “Cole... I’m not avoiding you.”
“You are.” He wasn’t smiling. A long breath came from his lips. “Mom... I asked you two weeks ago about your love story... the one between you and my dad. And every time I bring it up, you change the subject.”
Ashley’s mind raced. What could she say? Never mind her talk with Landon. Never in her wildest imagination did she think Cole would want to know about her time in Paris. “Honey.”Think, Ashley... God, give me the words.She coughed a few times.
Cole waited for a long beat, his expression marked by hurt. “Tell me, Mom. At least tell me why you won’t talk about it.”
“I will talk about it. I promise.” It was the only thing she could think to say. “Let’s wait until after you finish the project with Papa.”
Again Cole hesitated. He sighed, and the sound was heavier than bricks. “Yes, ma’am. If that’s the way you want it.” He wasn’t being rude. But clearly he was upset. “It doesn’t seem like it would take that long. You could tell me now. Right here.”
“I realize that, Cole. But there’s an order to things in life.” Ashley worked to keep her voice even. “In this case, I believe it’s best to wait.” She searched his eyes. “You have to trust me.”
This time something must have clicked with him, because his expression softened. “Okay.” He took a moment, as if he needed to gather himself. Then he managed a slight smile. “Love you, Mom.”
“Love you, Cole.” She watched him turn around and head back to the house.How can I tell him? What will he think of me when he knows the truth?His words rang again in her heart.Love you, Mom.What scared her most was simply this:
After he knew the story of his mother and father, he might say those words a lot less often.
Or maybe not at all.
•••
THE SUNSET OVERdowntown Bloomington stretched deep pinks and pale blues across the Indiana sky in a way that made Ashley thankful for home. She and Landon had finished an early dinner and were walking along Main Street, stopping to admire the window display at the art gallery where her paintings were sold.
A damp cold hung in the air, but Ashley felt warm with Landon next to her, his arm around her. They studied her most recent painting, positioned under the lights. “It’s perfect, baby.” Landon smiled at her and kissed her forehead. The painting was of a three-year-old towheaded little boy who looked a lot like Cole when he was that age.
“Mmm.” Ashley was still lost in thought from the conversation she’d had with Cole earlier. “Innocent.”
“Yes.”
“That’s what I love most about it. Kids are only innocent for so long.”
Landon looked at her. “Deep.”
She managed a slight smile. “I guess that’s how I’m feeling.”
“Cole’s still pretty innocent.” Landon faced her and took her hands in his. “Everything okay?”
“Not really.” Ashley didn’t want to talk about it. “Let’s keep walking.”
Landon looked at her for a long beat, but then he led the way, his pace slow, thoughtful. The town was nearly empty that evening. They could take their time. “Want to tell me?”
Ashley filled her lungs with the cool air. “I’m not sure where to start.”
This date night with Landon was supposed to be happy. They hadn’t been alone like this for weeks. She wanted to hear about his job at the fire station, the dynamics of the team, the work he was proud of and the funny things people had said or done.
Anything, so long as they didn’t talk about Cole.
“It’s okay, Ash. Whatever it is.” Landon had the most calming disposition. He always had. He looked down at her and smiled, a smile that came straight from the center of his soul. “I’m here. No rush.”
“Thanks.” She gave his hand a gentle squeeze and exhaled slowly. “It’s Cole. We talked today.” She had no choice but to tell him what had happened earlier. She’d given herself away. The painting gave her little option. If she’d known the gallery would have that piece in the window they could’ve walked the opposite direction.
Now, though, she had to take it as a sign. The time had come to share her fears again. Even if the conversation would be uncomfortable for Landon. Even if it hurt him. She would have to tell him eventually.
She slowed her pace. “Cole asked me about his father again today.”
“Okay.” His tone remained easy. “That’s not surprising. Since you two are still interviewing your dad.”
