Some Bright Someday (Maple Valley #2) - Melissa Tagg Page 0,46

Lucas had insisted on helping today.

Lucas . . . he was another part of her routine. Joining them for meals here and there, happily putting up with Violet’s constant requests for bedtime stories, even managing to pull Colie into conversation a time or two. Last night Noah had joined them for dinner in the den. He’d seemed friendly enough, if not overly talkative.

And for the first time last night, when Violet had climbed into Jenessa’s bed sometime around midnight as she’d done all week—never mind that she’d been tucked into her own hours earlier—Jenessa had barely stirred.

She’d gone from almost ready to give up on Tuesday evening when she’d burned supper to somewhat well-adjusted in just a few days’ time. She’d even managed to accomplish most of what Carmen required.

Gratitude—the real thing—coursed through her. Nothing forced about it or the prayer humming under the surface. Thank you, God.

Leigh was still talking. “I was having my monthly meeting with the mayor a couple of weeks ago and we were talking about Founder’s Day. I’m the one who brought up the old galas your mom used to host and that planted the idea in his head. It’s my fault you got guilted into hosting it so last minute.”

Leigh wrung her hands together, her wedding band glistening in the sun. She’d just married recently—her groom a cowboy from Texas who’d helped restore the little movie theater downtown.

Jenessa swigged the last of her cider. “It’s okay. Really. I’ve had a few days to acclimate to the whole thing, and I’m not as opposed to the idea as I was at first.”

“Well, I promise you won’t have to take care of any of the event details. As I said the other day, I’ll have everything from the catering to the decorations covered.”

“I just hope the weather’s okay.” And that Lucas would have the time he needed to get the backyard in shape. He hadn’t seemed at all bothered by the deadline. The man really was a knight in shining armor.

Up in the band shell, the mayor had just auctioned off the team’s star quarterback. She’d probably better start paying attention before she lost her chance to bid.

“I’ve already looked into renting some outdoor space heaters if we need them,” Leigh added. “And get this, I found out Bear McKinley and Logan Walker are going to be back in town that weekend. I’m hoping I can convince them to team up for some live music.”

Logan Walker was going to be in town? She pretty much owed the person she was today to that man. He’d sold her the newspaper three years ago when she’d needed a fresh start. Running the paper might not fill her with contentment at the moment, but back then, it’d felt meant-to-be.

She really was so much like Aunt Lauren. Spontaneously pouncing on anything that looked like an exciting opportunity. How many times through the years had she wondered what whim had pulled her aunt away from Belville Park?

I would’ve understood. If she just would’ve said goodbye. Kept in touch.

Sam strode back into view, a wad of bills in his hands.

“You’re a lifesaver, Chief Ross.”

He lifted his eyes to the sky, frown in place. “Avoid Josh Turner. Jonas from the bank hired him to clean out his gutters last year and the kid only got half of them done in six hours.”

“Got it. No Josh.”

“And I stopped Corbin Delmar for speeding last week. Second time this month. So take him off your list.”

She chuckled. “Just because he’s got a lead foot doesn’t mean he couldn’t put in a good day’s worth of—” The ring of her phone cut her off. “Sorry, I better answer this.” She directed the apology at both Sam and Leigh. Could be Lucas about the kids or—she glanced at the screen—the school?

She moved a few feet away, concern scraping through her as she lifted the phone.

“Ms. Belville, this is Principal Willard. Can you get down here as soon as possible? There’s been a fight.”

“All right, one more ride in the wheelbarrow, then Noah and I have to get back to work.”

A golden harvest sun combed through the trees around the cottage, stippling the grass, even flecking the air with splotches of color. Violet’s giggles rang out over the wind that tangled through her curls.

“Keep your arms around your brother, okay?”

“Yes, Mr. Luuu—” His name was lost to her squeal as he pushed her over the bumpy ground, the muscles in his legs, his arms, his back—all of them sore