Stud Muffin (Donner Bakery #2) - Jiffy Kate Page 0,70
the key on the counter in the kitchen and the last of my anger and resentment with it.
It’s time to let all of it go and move on with my life.
My dad helps me get the boxes moved into the apartment above the old hardware store. After the kiss and the phone call from my realtor telling me the house sold and the buyers wanted to move in ASAP, Cage offered to help, but with all of the mixed feelings coursing through my body, I couldn’t accept.
My internal walls crept up as I answered the phone and the realization of what I’d done hit me full force, along with Cage’s intense stare. I felt them fortifying, protecting me from the inside out. And I think Cage saw it, because when I got out of the truck, there was disappointment and regret written all over his face.
“Your mama said she’d come over and help you get everything settled,” my dad says, setting the last box down on the counter. “She would’ve come tonight, but she had a prayer meeting.”
I nod, stuffing my hands in the back pockets of my jeans as I look around at my new place. “It’s fine. I’d really like to do it myself… you know, fresh start, all me,” I say with a smile.
My dad meets my gaze and holds it. “You’re gonna be just fine,” he says, willing it to be so. My whole life, when things go topsy-turvy, he’s always been there to remind me that it’ll all work out—this too shall pass. Even through his tough love lessons over the past six months, he never failed to remind me that I was going to make it. Unlike my mama, my daddy never doubts me. He may not always understand me or my motives, but he always believes in me.
“Thanks, Dad,” I tell him, walking over and wrapping my arms around him. “Not just for your vote of confidence, but for all your help… for always being there.”
He sighs, his arms squeezing my shoulders. “You’re my baby girl. That’s my job.”
“But you won’t bail me out of jail anymore?” I ask, teasing.
He chuckles and releases my shoulders, pulling me back to look at me. “I don’t think I’m gonna need to,” he says, sincerity in his expression and tone. “I think that’s behind us…don’t you?”
It’s like he wants to say more, something about Asher or the past, but he doesn’t. My daddy is typically a man of few words, always practicing the belief that actions speak louder.
“Yeah,” I tell him, walking over to the large window overlooking the main road that cuts through downtown. “I think my inmate days are over.”
From here, I can see the bakery and the barber shop. I can’t see the building Cage lives in, because it’s on the same side of the road as mine, but it doesn’t stop me from thinking about him and wondering what he’s up to… probably already working his shift at the Pink Pony.
“Good,” he says, making his way across the room. “That’s what I like to hear.”
“Tell mama I’ll call her.”
He nods, reaching for the door. “Call if you need anything… and lock this door.”
“Daddy, this is Green Valley… what do you think is gonna happen?”
Turning around, he gives me a look… the look. “Tempest,” he warns.
“Fine, yes,” I tell him—appeasing him. “I’ll lock my door.”
Keeping his eyes on me for a few more moments, he grunts and opens the door. “If I come over here to check up on you and this door is unlocked, I might have Sheriff James put you in jail just to put my mind at ease.”
“Daddy.” Now it’s my turn to warn him. Sometimes, he forgets that I’m twenty-eight and not eight. I guess, to him, I’ll always be his little girl… and one of these days, if I ever get a chance, I hope to know what that feels like.
One of these days.
After he’s gone, I do walk over and lock the door. Sure, this is Green Valley, but I feel a bit more exposed and alone being in an apartment as opposed to my safe little neighborhood surrounded by familiar faces. But I’ve also never felt freer—freer to be myself and do what I want… when I want, how I want… who I want.
Stop it, Tempest.
Knock that shit off.
I’ve barely got one box unloaded before my phone rings.
“Hey, Mama,” I say, cradling the phone between my cheek and shoulder so I can continue to work.