Page 50 of The Baxters
Ashley went to community college that fall while Landon started his freshman year at Baylor. He thought about her every day, literally walked around campus with an ache in his chest from missing her.
But college wasn’t all bad. Second day of school Landon met Jalen Hale, a guy who happened to sit next to him in English Lit. On the way out of class Jalen fell in beside Landon. “You play football?”
“I did.” Landon laughed. “Didn’t quite make the cut here at Baylor.”
The guy’s eyes lit up. “I’m putting a flag team together. Intramural.” He pulled a flyer from his backpack. “Give me a shout if you’re interested.”
Landon was. He called Jalen that night and added himself to the team. Suddenly Landon’s Saturdays and Wednesday nights were full of more fun than he planned to have his first semester.
After the second game, Landon met Jalen’s twin sister, Hope. She had the same dark hair as Jalen, but her brown eyes and smile took Landon’s breath. It was the first time another girl had turned his head.
By the end of October, Landon and Hope were hangingout a few times a week. He had told her up front there was someone back home. “I need time. This won’t be easy.”
She didn’t mind. “I promised myself I wouldn’t get a boyfriend until my junior year.” Her answer was just what Landon wanted to hear. “Too much to do, too many people to meet.”
At Christmas break, Landon went home with every intention of making things right with Ashley. Instead, she refused to see him. He went to her house with a Christmas present, a sketchbook like the one she’d had when he first met her.
Her mother greeted him at the door and apologized. “Ashley… asked me to tell you it’s too soon.” Mrs. Baxter looked troubled. “She needs space, Landon. Pray for her. Please.”
When Ashley finally talked to him, it was only to tell him she had made up her mind. She was moving to Paris.
After the break, Landon found something else to take his mind off Ashley Baxter. Firefighting. It happened because Jalen had joined the local volunteer fire department. “I won’t do it forever,” Jalen had told him. “But I love the idea of fighting fires. Saving people. The adrenaline rush.” He grinned. “You should join me.”
And Landon did. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to be a firefighter. But he had a blast hanging out with Jalen. Besides, working ten hours a week with the local department was good for his college résumé. Either way.
The memories lifted and Landon watched Ashleyagain. He would never forget how much he missed her at Baylor. Some days he would sort through letters she’d given him, reminding himself how much she had loved him.
How much sheusedto love him.
He didn’t see her until her going-away party—a week before she left for Paris. She was kind to him, but the distance between them was so vast she practically felt like a stranger. Even the way she talked was different. Less enthusiasm, less… Ashley.
Despite all that, the chemistry between them was palpable. Like her body had the sense to know she belonged with him. Whether she admitted it or not. There were times when he would catch her watching him. And at the end of the night when they hugged, neither of them wanted to let go.
But Landon left the party thinking one thing about the girl he still loved: The darkness was winning. He saw her just once more, the night before her flight to France. And even then he couldn’t convince her to stay. Half a year later she came home from Paris pregnant and alone. He would always remember how he felt when he heard the news.
What happened that day was so awful he hadn’t told anyone back home. Landon looked out at the dance floor again. The song was coming to an end, but Ashley and her sisters seemed happy to stay on the dance floor. Whatever the band played next.
Tonight was supposed to be different, Ash.He sighed.You felt it when we danced. I know you did.He had hoped to ask her out for coffee after the reception. Or just find a place where they could finally and fully talk. That didn’t look likely now. He pushed his chair back. Maybe it was best just to leave, not make an attempt at goodbyes.
He was about to stand when he felt a hand on his shoulder. A quick turn and there was Mrs. Baxter. She looked like an older, more genteel version of Ashley, with one exception. Her eyes were warm and full of welcome. “Landon.” Her smile could ease the most troubled heart. “There you are.”
“Mrs. Baxter.” Landon was on his feet, hugging the woman. He raised his voice so she could hear him over the music. “I hoped I’d get a chance to thank you. The wedding was beautiful.”
A depth shone in her expression. “I’m glad you joined us. I know…” She glanced across the room in Ashley’s direction. “I know it’s never… easy.”
“No.” He chuckled. “Definitely not.”
“Anyway”—she took a quick breath and a smile filled her face—“join us after the reception back at the house. We’re having a small party, some food and a chance to catch up.” She raised her eyebrows and laughed. “Where it’s a little quieter.”
Back to the Baxter house after the reception? Landon had never considered such an idea. He shot a quick glance at Ashley and he didn’t need time to process the offer. This was the moment he’d been hopingfor. A time when he could talk to Ashley for more than a few minutes. “You’re sure?” Much as he wanted to join them, he didn’t want the situation to be forced. “Won’t it just be family?”
“Landon Blake.” Elizabeth took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You are family. You always will be.” Her eyes told him she meant every word. “Join us.”
“Okay. I will.” He gave her another hug. “Thanks.”
As she walked away, Landon looked at his watch. It was only just after eight o’clock. Which meant there was still plenty of time left to make it to the Baxter house and spend an hour with Ashley.
He only hoped she would be okay with her mother inviting him.
