since that’s where Brittany and Trevor had run off to.
But as she tilted her ear toward him, waiting for Burke to say what he wanted to say, an odd stroke of dread skittered through her.
“Can I talk to you alone for a minute?”
Chapter 19
Burke’s deep, raspy voice sent goosebumps over her arms. As did his request to be alone with her.
“Of course.” Justine wanted to turn to him when she answered, or at least after the response left her lips, but her gaze was fixed on the small family before her. The way Toby huddled over a few of his grandkids, his daughter and son-in-law at his side, helping as the little ones balanced sticks over the flames before they got too tall. Puffy white marshmallows stood in contrast to the twilight gray and glowing fire, matching the bright smiles in the distance.
Joy. Family. Love.
She looped a hand around Burke’s arm, hoping to fight back the thick wave of despair threatening to take over. Threatening to push her to tears at the immense and sudden ache from it all.
“There’s a place back here we can go,” she said, motioning to the small hill behind the lodge. The trailhead was there, the one that led to a view of Piney Falls’ very own falls.
Burke snatched his discarded flannel from the chair and tied it around his waist. He grabbed the blanket next and draped it over his arm before resting a hand at her lower back. “Ready.”
Neither spoke as they rounded the lodge, moved onto the trail, and began trekking their way through the well-worn path. It’d be very dark soon, but that wouldn’t make it hard to get back; Justine knew the path too well.
The acoustic live show had started up, the soft strums of a distant guitar adding to the chaos in her head. The kiss they’d shared on the blanket during her favorite song. The confusion she’d felt over Burke’s attempt to kiss her in the kitchen, no audience in sight. The deep and growing feelings she had for him pressing in on her as Burke readied to tell her something she could only guess at.
Sorry, but I’m not going to be able to come back after all. Or perhaps he’d say, I figured we were just having a good time; you’re not actually falling for me, are you?
A sick pit turned inside her stomach. It’s fine, Justine. If he leaves, you’ll be no worse off than you were before he came.
She’d been perfectly happy before he came along, that was true enough. But now she’d gotten a taste of what it could be like to have her person. A man she wanted to confide in, cuddle up to, and maybe even start a family with. He’d actually said he wanted that, hadn’t he?
Dry pinecones crunched beneath her shoes as they neared the clearing—a span surrounded by pine trees. This place was where visitors often pulled out sandwiches, spread out blankets, and tipped back cool drinks while observing the falls and listening to the rush of water. It’s where teens gathered and listened to music while climbing on the surrounding tree swings.
“Here it is,” she said, waving toward the barely visible spectacle. “You’re looking at the falls of Piney Falls. This late in the year it’s more like a trickle, but come spring it’ll go back to a more impressive, but still modest, waterfall.”
Burke squinted.
“This is where Piney Falls got its name?”
“It’s kind of hard to see it this late, but…” Justine could make out the familiar shapes, hollows, and rocks herself—she could only imagine what Burke was able to make of it.
“Let me shine a little light on it,” Burke mumbled, tugging his phone from his pocket. He gave the screen a few taps, causing white light to shine through the shadows from the small device.
Justine’s heart thundered out of beat as he scrutinized the spot trickling water. He took a few steps forward, aiming the light toward the surrounding area.
“It’s kind of funny because this land isn’t actually owned by the city. It’s belonged to the Ingles family since the town was established. Each time it gets passed down through the estate, the town gets a little restless. Worrying that the new heir will sell it off to the highest bidder before giving us a chance to buy.”
Burke turned to her. “What was the name of the owner?” he asked, a fresh sense of interest in his voice.
“Ingles. I think Billy’s grandson was willed the property