Page 97 of Unexpectedly Falling
But it wasn’t.
Nessa had woken something deep inside me, a desire for something more than the predictable life I’d come to know. She made me want matching pajamas and Christmas traditions and cheering for her on and off the field.
“I thought maybe I’d become too jaded to ever be a good partner. You married Mama when you started workin’ at the sheriff’s department, but I’ve been married to the job for more than a decade. And before Nessa, I couldn’t imagine bringing anyone into this life.”
My father nods because he knows. Sacrifices were constantly being made, call-ins and emergencies would override holidays and special events, the highs never enough to fully counter the lows.
“But Nessa is different.”
“She is,” I agree. “She fights me at every turn, makes me wanna pull my hair out half the time, but every day I wake up and I can’t imagine not havin’ her by my side. It’s not because of my history with Scarlett, and it’s not because of her connection with Remi,” I say firmly. “She’s the kind of woman you’d wait a lifetime for, even if you only get a minute with her.”
Falling for Nessa Hart was unexpected, but loving her is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.
My father’s smile is slow and knowing as he stands and walks over to the swing. Remi, having woken up in the last couple of minutes, flaps her arms as she watches the mobile spin above her.
“Seems like you’ll be just fine,” he says, picking up his granddaughter and holding her to his chest, her little hands gripping his shirt collar as she wiggles in his arms. “Isn’t that right, Miss Remi?”
My heart is lighter as I watch their interaction, his gruffness melting away as he talks to her, pointing out little things around the room. It seems silly now, being so nervous to tell my parents about Remi.
But Nessa had been here for that too.
A not-so-silent supporter, she’d helped me more than I imagined in that moment. I pour myself a cup of coffee as I let the rightness of my decision settle into my bones. It won’t be easy, but I’m all in.
And now I just need to convince her to be in too.
45
NESSA
From Goat to Soap and Other Valentine’s Day Fun!
By Arden James
In honor of the anniversary of their very first date, Archer Boyd and Bea Carter are sponsoring a workshop at the annual Valentine’s Day Farmers’ Market held at the Blackstone Falls High School. Patrons will be able to make their own soaps and candles, meet the goats who are the heart of Bea’s Bubbles and Balms, and enjoy a great afternoon out!
More details to come…
“Anything good?” Jensen asks as I scan the article and set it down with a sigh.
“Valentine’s Day Farmers’ Market. Archer and Bea are sponsoring something.”
He nods, a smile tugging at his lips. “That’s where they met. He was too nervous to talk to her in person but managed to ask her out and they’ve been together ever since.”
“I’ll have to ask her about it,” I say and then wince, thinking about how I only have a week left before I’m due back in Nashville.
“You should. It’s a good one.” Lingering at my side, he asks, “Are you busy? There’s somewhere I’d like to take you.”
My eyes land on the clock. Remi will be up soon, and I mentally calculate how long it will take to get us both dressed and her fed before we can feasibly leave. Jensen must see the wheels in my head turning because he smiles as he takes my hand, threading our fingers together.
“Just us.”
“But who?—”
A knock sounds softly on the door before Mason walks in with a smile. “Hey guys, how’s it going?”
“Good. Thanks for coming over. Is Bodhi with you?”
“Nah, he had to go help Montana with something, but I got this, Sheriff, don’t you worry.”
