Page 96 of One Southern Summer

She wasn’t Avery.

He’d suspected she wouldn’t attend, not after the harsh words they’d exchanged. Months had passed, the project had finished, and still she’d only communicated through Dale. Harper had picked up an order from the deli when he’d been there for lunch last week. They’d exchanged awkward small talk, both carefully sidestepping any mention of Avery.

He missed her so much that it physically hurt.

The air in the ballroom shifted as someone made an entrance. Murmurs of approval rippled over the people seated at round tables covered in white tablecloths. Heads swiveled toward the double doors, and Cole’s heart took flight. Maybe she’d changed her mind. He glanced toward the door as two coaches from Auburn University’s athletics program strode in with their wives on their arms.

Cole blew out a deflated breath.

“Why are you here alone? More importantly, where is my granddaughter?”

Cole turned at the sound of Maribelle Lansing’s familiar voice. “Hello, Mrs. Lansing. You’re looking lovely this evening.”

She stared up at him, clutching a designer handbag that coordinated perfectly with her pale blue pantsuit. “Thank you, darling. Now, answer my questions.”

He couldn’t help but smile. “I don’t know where Avery is. Perhaps spending time with her kids?”

Maribelle’s ruby red lips pursed. “Yes, perhaps. I had hoped you’d bring her as your date this evening.”

“Yeah, I don’t think so.” Cole palmed the back of his neck. “She and I aren’t on good terms right now.”

“Oh?” Maribelle’s thin brows arched toward her white curls. “What did you do?”

“I hardly acted alone, Mrs. Lansing. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you played a role in this too.”

“Is she still upset about the napkin and the money?” Maribelle fluffed her curls with her manicured fingertips. “I was just trying to give your relationship a little jump start.”

“It’s more than just the money.” Cole tried to keep his tone even. He certainly didn’t want to offend one of his donors. But she was complicit in this convoluted scheme and frankly, he was irritated that she didn’t claim responsibility. He might’ve lost Avery for good this time. Maribelle’s dismissive tone grated on his last nerve.

“Perhaps my methods were questionable.” Maribelle surveyed the ballroom.

You think?

“My intentions, however, have always been pure.”

Cole stifled a snort. She was a master at spinning the evidence in a positive light.

Her blue eyes were fierce when she leveled him with her gaze. “Avery is a beautiful woman with exceptional talent. She’s angry right now, but that will blow over. And when she is ready, you need to be on her doorstep, young man.”

“You bribed me, Mrs. Lansing. Avery isn’t going to get over that anytime soon.”

“No, I made a sizable contribution in support of a cause we both believe in.” She rose up to her full height of barely five feet tall. “You gave Avery an opportunity to do what she does best, make something beautiful out of nothing. While she might resent the circumstances that got her involved, the outcome is amazing. So many wonderful young women have an opportunity to turn their lives around because of you and Avery and everyone who is involved with Imari’s Place.”

Wow. Cole wanted to applaud. Maybe Maribelle should give his speech tonight.

“Don’t let her walk out of your life again, Cole Whitaker.”

Before he had a chance to respond, she was on the move, headed toward an older couple seated at a round table nearby.

He wanted to ask if she had a plan for how he might win Avery’s heart once and for all. Because he’d professed his love and she’d shredded him. He hadn’t forgotten the moment on the beach when he’d sensed the Lord prodding him toward deep emotional work. Several appointments with his counselor later and he felt like he’d made a smidge of progress when it came to releasing his guilt and shame over Kim’s death.

But this newfound peace hadn’t resolved his feelings for Avery. He’d meant it when he told her he’d loved her since forever. But maybe she’d been so deeply wounded that those words meant nothing to her now. It wasn’t going to be easy, but he’d have to find a way to move on.

Ah, sweet relief.

Avery slumped against the wall in the short hallway between the kids’ bedrooms and whispered a prayer of thanks. Hayes and Addison synchronized their bedtimes. They’d fallen asleep quickly and so far Addison hadn’t climbed out of bed asking for another story or a sip of water. That meant at least an hour or maybe even two of uninterrupted time to herself.

Eager not to waste a second, she padded barefoot down the stairs and into the cozy family room. Board books about construction equipment mingled with a family of unicorns on one end of the sofa. Avery smiled as she stacked the books neatly on the coffee table. Hayes and Addison had settled into their new house without complaint. Sometimes Avery missed having Mama, Greer and her sisters close by, but unpacking in their own space had felt liberating. A new season. The fresh start she’d craved ever since they’d left Raleigh.

---