Healing Hearts (Hope River #3) - Margaret McHeyzer Page 0,26
and refuses to show emotion.”
“You’re really selling her,” I say with a cheeky smirk.
“But, the day she falls in love, she’ll fall so hard and so deeply, that she’ll give her heart and soul to the person who’s lucky enough to have her. And my wish is that person will be you. Because, my boy, you and Tabitha are so well matched, it’s like God himself created one whole and split you in half. You belong together.”
“Huh,” I say as I look out to the side of the property. “Well, hopefully Tabitha will see it.”
“Don’t stop fighting for her. She’s had enough of that in her life. People always fail her. You need to make sure you don’t. She’s bound to make your life hell, Charlie, because she’s terrified. Just be a bigger pain in the ass then her.” May smiles.
“I was actually considering moving out. It hurts too much to see her, and not be with her.”
“Well, you’re old enough to know what’s right for you. And Tabitha is old enough to make her own decisions too. The only thing I ask is that you not give up on her.”
I lean forward in the chair, and place my elbows on my knees, conflicted with what I’m feeling. “I can’t be around someone who doesn’t want me, Gran.”
“Oh, she wants you. She just won’t admit it yet,” May responds in a gentle, soothing tone. “Please, don’t give up on her.”
“You know…” I keep looking at the decking of the porch, unable to lift my gaze to glance at May. “Many years ago I fell in love, and I was left so hurt by it that I decided I wasn’t going to ever be in a serious relationship again. So, I screwed around… a lot.” It feels weird saying that to May, but she’s not like ordinary old people. She’s not judgmental or proper, she’s a woman who can see the many angles of one story and be accepting of all of them. “But the moment I met Tabitha.” I glimpse back toward the house, as I hook my thumb over my shoulder. “Right here. I knew she was someone I could be with. But she doesn’t want me.”
“My boy.” She reaches over again, and clasps my hand. “I’d prefer you to stay and keep being a thorn in her side, because that’s the only way she’s going to realize that you’re serious. You see, Tabitha has learned from her past that no one is dependable. And if you walk out now, you’ll only confirm to her what she’s been taught throughout her life.”
I shift in my seat to scan May and her aged features. “What do you mean?”
“When Tabitha is ready, she’ll tell you what that means. But please, be there for her.”
I had thought of asking Hope and River if I could build a room under their house, to stay there, just so I didn’t have to be reminded of what I couldn’t have with Tabitha. But May’s asking me to stay, and keep trying with Tabitha. May’s been nothing but kind to me, and to Hope. So I owe her that, at the very least. “Okay. I won’t move out, for now.” I smile at May.
“Thank you. All I’m asking is for some time.”
Time. What a loaded word. Some time ago, a girl broke my heart, and I never wanted to experience anything like that again. Now, I’d do anything for Tabitha to spend time with me.
Fuck. I’m so fucking screwed.
“Thanks for the talk, Gran. I’m going to go take a shower…” I point to the stable as I stand and stroll toward it.
“By the way, keep it in your pants. If she likes you enough to keep coming back for sex, then she’ll miss it, and she’ll be forced to talk to you to get it back.”
I spin, walking backward. May is certainly progressive. “I’ll keep that in mind,” I say.
May lifts her glass, and toasts me with a sly smirk. Man, she really is quite in tune with everything that happens in Hope River.
I open the door to the stable, walk into to the bedroom, and collapse on the bed. What a fucking day.
Charlie
Past
Jesus, this is nerve wracking. Tonight, I’m proposing to Rae. I’ve been in my room trying to figure out how to do this. We’re going out for dinner, then I’m taking her down by the beach to her favorite ice cream store. She absolutely loves their chocolate-mint double fudge scoop.