Page 102 of One Southern Summer

The platter of sugar cookies and hot cocoa on the kitchen counter could wait. A miniature tree decorated for the holidays stood on the side table, its lights twinkling in the gray afternoon.

“Nana is really in her element, isn’t she?” Avery craned her neck to assess the crowd gathering inside.

Cole looked for Maribelle through the porch door. She stood just inside, leaning on her walker. Keith hovered at her elbow, chatting with Avery’s mama.

“There’s a sight to behold,” Cole said quietly. “Did you ever think you’d see your parents in the same room again?”

She shook her head. “I’m still amazed that my dad is here and we’re all mature enough to attend the same party.”

“How are your sisters doing since he’s come back?”

“They’re working through some things. Julene especially. She was only two when my dad left. Greer has been more of a dad to her. I’m praying that they can establish a good relationship.”

“Are you happy he’s back?”

“Of course.” She gave him her full attention. “You know what else I’m happy about?”

Her playful tone made hope take flight. “Tell me.”

“That you’re here and we can finally have a conversation.” She tugged at a loose thread on the blanket’s edge. “Your job offer sounds intriguing.”

“I’m glad you think so. I was scared to death.”

Still am, actually.

Avery studied him. “You were? I couldn’t tell. You seemed so confident. That delivery was quite smooth.”

“I was worried sick wondering whether you’d even take my questions.”

Her expression sobered. “Before we talk more about the offer, I need to apologize. I’m so sorry that it’s taken me this long to speak to you.”

“Avery, you have nothing to be sorry for.”

“That’s very gracious and so not true.” She uncrossed then crossed her legs again, one boot tapping against the other. “I regret many things about how I’ve reacted since I found out Nana meddled in my life. There’s something I should’ve said when you came to see me on the dock that day.”

Oh. “Say more.”

She dragged her gaze to meet his. “You apologized and poured your heart out. I should’ve offered forgiveness right then.”

Relief flooded in. “You were hurt and upset and needed time. Betrayals aren’t easy to bounce back from. I get that.”

“I shouldn’t have punished you because Pax and Trey had hurt me. That wasn’t right. Or fair. I am so sorry.”

In a bold move, he stood from his seat in the rocker and knelt beside her. He pressed his finger to her chin and tipped it up. “Look at me. All of that is behind us now. We did what we set out to do. The ladies are all moved in, the factory is open and people are watching the documentary. By the way, the instant you proposed your vision I knew you were going to nail this thing.”

She tenderly brushed her lips against his then pulled back. “Thank you for believing in me.”

“I love you, Avery. I’ll always believe in you.”

“I love you too.” She shifted slightly, angling her body toward him. “Because of you and your invitation to help expand Imari’s Place, because of your love for me...” Her voice wavered. “I can finally let go of my obsession over other people’s opinions.”

He caressed her cheek with the pad of his thumb. “Mission accomplished.”

She leaned into his touch. All he wanted to do was kiss her.

“You are the most beautiful, most creative and most intelligent woman I have ever known. I don’t want you to worry anymore about what other people think. You outshine their criticism with your creativity and your compassion every single time. I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you.” She closed the distance between them, her breath warm on his skin. “You are a gift from above, Cole Whitaker. I will thank God for you every day.”

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