Page 60 of Small Towns, Wild Hearts

It was a small old-time theater in the center of town that showed one movie. Maddie had requested a modern re-telling of Cinderella. I wasn’t particularly interested in the show; I just wanted to be present.

Standing in the back, I questioned whether it was a good idea. Would Riley want me there? Should I have waited for her to invite me?

Riley was moving down the aisles, checking to make sure the girls had everything they needed. Her hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, and when she turned to see me, her eyes widened. “Easton. What are you doing here?”

The words got stuck in my throat.

Riley grabbed my elbow and guided me to the lobby.

I drank her in. She was casual in a green sweater, dark jeans, and boots. She’d never looked more beautiful. “I wanted to surprise you.”

She tipped her head to the side. “You came for Maddie’s birthday?”

“I didn’t want to miss it.” I hoped I hadn’t overstepped. “I’m opening the second store in town.”

A smile played on her lips. “I know. I helped with the sale, remember?”

She was pleased I was there, but would she be okay with the rest of my plans? “I’m moving here so I can manage the opening.”

She smiled. “So, you’ll be here for a few months?”

My heart thumped wildly in my chest. Did she want more? Had I made a huge miscalculation? “Actually, I’m moving here permanently.”

She moved closer to me, resting a hand on my chest. “I didn’t realize that was your plan.”

Her reaction gave me the confidence I needed to tell her my truth. “I didn’t like being away from you. I want to get to know you and Maddie. I want to be in your lives. I can’t do that in Annapolis. My home is here with you.”

I’d never been so open or vulnerable with anyone.

She let out a breath, and something told me that she’d been holding it longer than our conversation. She’d been drawn so tight, raising Maddie on her own with only minimal support from her ex. She had her family, but having someone in her corner was something she needed. Even if she hadn’t realized it until now.

I cupped her cheek, and she leaned into it. “I missed you.”

Then her arms snaked around my neck and tugged me close. I buried my head in the crook of her neck, breathing her in.

Finally, she said, “I’ve missed you, too.”

We held each other for a long time in the lobby. Eventually, Riley pulled back and interlaced her fingers with mine. “Want to see the movie?”

“I’d love to.” I followed her inside, sitting in the back row of the small theater with Riley. Logan and Ashley were at the end of the row.

It was dark, and other than Ashley and Logan, I had no idea who else was there. I was just content to enjoy the moment with Riley and her family. I held onto her hand, rubbing my thumb absentmindedly over the back of it. It was intimate, leaving me feeling like I was right where I was supposed to be.

At the end of the movie, the lights came on. The girls immediately started talking and laughing. Maddie was in the midst of her friends, so she didn’t see me. I was nervous about her seeing me.

The kids greeted their parents outside. I hung back, not wanting to take away from her party. When the last girl left, Ashley and Logan hugged Maddie, and she thanked them for the gift—apparently an e-reader device.

“Did you see who else is here?” Riley asked with a smile.

Maddie did a slow turn. “You came to my party?”

Her tone was a mix of surprise and happiness.

I decided to get with honesty. “I didn’t want to miss it.”

She moved closer to me, smiling shyly. “Thank you for coming.”

“I almost forgot. I have something for you in my truck.”

---