Have Mercy - Christina Lee Page 0,92

the closet. People were generally kind, especially those who knew our family, but I still got plenty of probing looks, and frankly, I was tired of it. Tired of being reduced to my sexuality. On the other hand, I just wanted to get it over with, so I let them look all they wanted. If they left with a purchase from the store, all the better.

I kept a keen eye on Ainsley, who seemed in her element inside the makeshift enclosure as she led kids younger than her to the animals and taught them how to properly approach them. Those who didn’t know her history would’ve never noticed her anxiety around relative strangers—today she was owning it, and I was so proud of her.

My gaze swung toward the store entrance when I overheard a couple of townsfolk complimenting the design inside the space. It certainly was impressive, and we owed it all to the one guy who occupied my mind every hour of every day. We hadn’t spoken since he left, which was likely for the best, though I’d seen the photos of his sister’s wedding from Sienna. Julian in a tux on the beach was something to behold, and Sienna had watched my reaction closely, which made my cheeks flush even further. It probably only added to the string of clues she’d been putting together all along about me and Julian.

Sienna’s gaze met mine, and she grinned at me, no doubt also thrilled that the opening was going so well. She was planted behind the register, ringing up customers, while Brad was nearby, helping direct or answer questions. They had announced to their families that they were officially dating, and I was happy for them. I didn’t know what our lives might look like a year from now, but I’d keep the farm afloat however I could, even if it meant working it without Sienna. Regardless, the extra revenue from Firefly Goods would help our little family no matter what.

Ainsley also seemed to take the news pretty well. She’d had loads of questions for us, of course.

“Will you and Brad be getting married?” she’d asked over dinner one night.

“We’re only dating, for now. Nothing will change in our lives except for Brad coming around a bit more.” I could see the strain in Sienna’s eyes. “Is that okay?”

“Yes. Brad is nice.” Then Ainsley’s gaze had swung to me. “Will Daddy date too?”

“Probably not,” I’d replied without hesitation.

“But Daddy needs someone to make him smile too.” She’d looked thoughtfully at me, and I’d wondered if I’d done a poor job of keeping my sour mood at bay. “Julian made Daddy smile. Will he be visiting us again?”

I’d inhaled sharply through my nose. I knew she was only being an observant kid, but she didn’t know how right on the nose she was.

When Sienna glanced at me, her eyes had softened. “I hope so—or maybe Daddy should go visit Julian in the city.”

“Me, in New York City?” I’d marveled, petting Hamlet, who had inserted himself below my feet as if he knew I needed extra cuddles too. “I’d look like a fish out of water.”

“You would,” she mused. “Still. After the grand opening, maybe you can take time away from the farm and sort some things out.”

“You mean—” Was she saying what I thought she was?

She shrugged, then glanced at Ainsley. “People will adjust; isn’t that what you told me?”

“Yeah… Maybe.”

But she had planted a seed, and an idea began taking shape. Even though I hadn’t heard from Julian, I still looked up ticket prices to New York City for the following weekend. If my memory served me right, he’d be home from the beach by then.

If I showed up only to be rejected, then at least I’d know—and then I could try to move on. I’d gone ahead and ordered the ticket even if I’d be out hundreds of dollars. I’d never done anything impulsive like that, so it felt good. It felt right.

“Such a great turnout,” Maggie said, sidling up beside me. She was proud of Sienna, I could see it in her eyes. Proud of Ainsley too, even if it did take Maggie a minute to get over the idea of Ainsley showing horses like her grandmother. If Sienna hadn’t talked to Maggie about it, I would’ve had to, which might not have gone over as well. But Maggie had come around, like she always did.

“It is,” I replied, just as I caught a glimpse of my parents