Rachel, who’d dozed off, jumped. “What is it?”
Something wasn’t right. Sawyer’s skin had crawled in a similar manner when he’d been on his last assignment in Afghanistan. He’d sensed a problem before that fateful mission, but he’d ignored his gut and followed orders, which ended in deadly results. Kyle died and Derek now had prosthetics for legs. This wouldn’t and couldn’t happen to Rachel. He refused to ignore his instincts again.
He scanned their surroundings. The patches of trees bordering the town green gave someone places to hide. As he scanned the landscape, a sneaker-clad foot darted out of his sight, and he stiffened. There were residents all over the park right now. Maybe that was just a kid chasing a ball. But Sawyer couldn’t be sure and he refused to be complacent. “I don’t know. All of a sudden something doesn’t feel right.”
Rachel laid her hand on his thigh. “You’re on edge from having to shake all those hands and talk to everyone. We’ll get settled on a blanket, and you can have something to eat.”
“It’s not that. I’m worried…”
“What? About Shane?”
“Yeah. There’s a PFA in place but out in public, it’s hard to enforce and easy for him to blend into a crowd.”
She stroked Sawyer’s arm. His skin prickled from the touch, and eventually his breathing smoothed out and his heart rate calmed. “There… that’s better. He wouldn’t dare come near me here. Not with most of the sheriff’s and fire departments in attendance, not to mention my brothers.”
He sighed. “I guess.”
She leaned closer. “Don’t worry... I’m not. Not as long as I have you by my side.”
“Always. There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” He kissed her. She melted into him, and he curled his arms around her, pulling her closer to him.
“Uh-hum.” A throat cleared behind them.
Sawyer tilted his head back and squinted against the sun until Lucas’s body blocked the light. Lucas crossed his arms over his chest, his mouth in a straight line, but a smile tugged at the corners.
A blush crept up Rachel’s cheeks, but her smile widened.
Lucas cleared his throat again. “I guess I don’t need to ask how you guys are doing today.”
“Don’t go all big brother on me. We’re taking a break. Sawyer’s been shaking hands and kissing babies since we got here.” Here she was, defending Sawyer to her brother. He didn’t need defending. They had nothing to apologize for.
Sawyer stood. “We’re headed back to the picnic now.”
She threaded her fingers into his. “Are you coming, Lucas?”
A rustle sounded from the trees. Sawyer’s head snapped to the spot where he’d heard the noise, and Lucas spun around, concern pouring off of him in waves.
Rachel’s hand tensed in Sawyer’s. He forced his muscles to relax so he didn’t scare her, but he kept his gaze focused on the trees. Shane would be stupid to try something in front of the entire town. But that wouldn’t stop Sawyer from keeping an eye out.
Lucas slung his arm over Rachel’s shoulder. “It’s nothing.”
He might appear relaxed, but the look he shot Sawyer over her head said he was anything but.
Chapter Twenty-One
“HOW ARE THINGS going with you and Sawyer?” Brittany winked at Rachel before she leaned back on her elbows and stretched her feet across the blanket.
They’d settled on quilts under a tree while the guys fetched beers from the J.J.’s booth.
Rachel didn’t have to work behind the table today, although she should have considering how much she’d flaked on Joey in the past. This new Rachel was going to do what she said she would do and follow through when she said she would. She’d prove to Joey and everyone else that she was trustworthy again.
All day, her nerves had been on edge. She’d reassured Sawyer that Shane wouldn’t dare show his face here, not with Sawyer by her side. And he hadn’t stepped more than an arms-length away at all today. Still, Shane wasn’t one to give up a grudge. He’d said as much in his last words. I’ll get you for this, bitch. This isn’t over. Not by a long shot.
Sawyer and Lucas had been focused on a patch of trees near their bench earlier. Something had spooked Sawyer, although he’d insisted he was fine. Could Shane have been hiding in the trees?
“I hope that smile means what I think it means.”
Rachel slapped her hand over her mouth. She hadn’t answered Brittany’s question in words, but she couldn’t hide her growing feelings for Sawyer. “Things are good.”
Brittany leaned in closer. “How good?”
“Really good.” Heat rose on Rachel’s cheeks. “I, um… I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s—”
“Hey, girls.” Sarah flopped on the blanket beside them.
“Hey, chickie. Where’s Lily?” Brittany grabbed a bunch of grapes from the cooler and offered them to Sarah and Rachel.
Rachel’s bond with Brittany went back to that first day they’d met, in the bar, where they realized they shared a common sisterhood in overcoming abuse. But Rachel didn’t have much in common with Sarah, as Rachel’d been with Shane when Sarah had entered Lucas’s life. But it was never too late, and Rachel wanted to get to know this woman who had captured Lucas’s heart.
Sarah pointed at her daughter, standing in a group of girls across the green. “She ran off with some new friends. I can’t believe she’s going to kindergarten. My baby’s growing up.”
Brittany nudged Sarah’s shoulder. “I guess that means it’s time for you and Lucas to—how should I say this—be gettin’ busy.”
“Oh, trust me, we’re plenty busy. Soon, maybe, but not yet.” Sarah popped a grape in her mouth, like talking about the possibility of kids was an everyday conversation for her. Meanwhile, Rachel still hadn’t come down from the high of making love with Sawyer.
“I was talking to Rachel here.” Brittany tipped her thumb toward Rachel. “She was about to tell me all about Sawyer’s—”
“You’ll get nothing out of me.” Had Rachel given something away? She couldn’t cut off the conversation fast enough. She wasn’t ashamed about her relationship with Sawyer, but some things were best left private.
Brittany nudged Rachel. “So you are holding out on us, aren’t you?”
Rachel giggled and shifted on the blanket. “Sarah, I think I’ll slide over closer to you. It’s dangerous over here.”
Sarah nudged Rachel’s shoulder “It won’t work. I want to hear about you and Sawyer as much as Brittany does.”
They all laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Joey blocked the sun as he stepped up to the blankets, Lucas and Sawyer right behind him.
They all dissolved into giggles again.
“Do you ladies need us to leave so you can—” Lucas pulled a huge drink from his beer. “—finish talking about us?”
Brittany motioned to Rachel and Sarah, and the three of them pretended to converse for a minute, throwing a few glances at the men.
Sawyer quirked a single eyebrow at Rachel. That little gesture said so much, asked her how she was, and reassured her he was near.
“Nope, we’re done.” Brittany smirked and held her hand out to Joey.
He flopped down next to Brittany, his feet sprawled on the blanket. She laughed and shoved them away as he nuzzled her neck. Lucas shared his beer with Sarah, who waved her hands in the air as they talked. By falling in love, her brothers brought new friends into Rachel’s life. Maybe sisters. Something she’d never had before.
Sawyer whispered in Rachel’s ear. “What were you girls gossiping about?”
“Wouldn’t you want to know?” She threw him a playful smile.
Lucas leaned close and lowered his voice. “So, Rachel, Sawyer tells me you’re having Mom and Dad over for dinner this week.”
Rachel’s stomach churned. She hadn’t talked to her parents since the big confrontation. Each time she picked up the phone to call, the words just wouldn’t come. She’d created an unint
entional chasm in her family. Now she was in limbo because she still had to tell her brothers. Michael first, who was her best chance at finding out what happened to her biological father.
“I’m thinking about inviting them. We’ll see.”
Lucas quirked his head and opened his mouth but snapped it shut when his eyes landed on her. She couldn’t discuss her parents without bringing up her birth certificate, and she wasn’t ready to tell her brothers yet. It would be hard enough to ask Michael to track down her biological father; she couldn’t deal with Joey and Lucas at the same time.
The microphone in the gazebo screeched, and she slapped her hands over her ears.
“Sorry, folks. This here microphone is as old as me, I think.” Clyde Monroe, in his ever-present overalls, tapped the microphone a couple of times until the sound quieted.
She liked Clyde because he never treated her like she was less than her brothers. When she and Dad went into his store, the sweet old man always smiled and chucked her upside the chin. Just like one of the boys. “Anyways, for those of you who don’t know me, I’m Clyde. I own the hardware store and I’m mayor of this here town. Some of you are visiting for the day, and I wanna say welcome. Take a walk around the shops, say hey. We have a great little town.”
Clyde was right about that. Rachel scanned the smiling faces, happy couples, and laughing children around the green. She may have lost a bit of herself and missed out on a lot of things when she dated Shane, but no more.
“For those of you who live here, you don’t need to hear my voice anymore. I did want to remind all of you that we got us an election coming up this fall. Our sheriff wants to go fishing, and I don’t blame him. So both boys, er, I guess men, running for sheriff are around here today. Make sure you say hey. We want every one of you coming out and voting, you hear? Anyways, that’s all. You can get back to your families and lunches now.”
Joey whistled through his teeth while most of the other people clapped.
Rachel tilted her head back so only Sawyer could hear her. “Did you know he planned to do that?”
“What, tell everyone to come and interrupt us… no!” He laughed as his arms tightened around her. Would this be their life together if he was elected sheriff? Never a moment to themselves… always on call for the entire town?
Across the green, Lily and two other girls turned cartwheels, the three of them collapsing into giggles every second or third one. Rachel had been that little girl once. Laughing with friends, talking about their favorite shows or new outfits.
In another part of the park, several couples pushed little ones in strollers. Would that be her one day? Maybe, but not for a long time. Her life had gotten pretty far off-track in the past few years, and she had a lot to do before she could consider taking that step. But one day maybe she’d have a dark-haired, brown-eyed boy who resembled the handsome man sitting behind her.
As they waited, a band set up in the corner of the huge gazebo. She laced her fingers through Sawyer’s and leaned on his shoulder as the group struck up a tune. A gentle, easy song that lulled her into a sense of comfort sitting here with Sawyer.
Once in a while, a couple stepped into the gazebo to dance, and she smiled at the long-standing Oak Grove tradition for a man and his sweetheart to dance in the gazebo. Many couples in Oak Grove swore the custom guaranteed a long, happy life together. Yes, the practice was silly, even corny, but what girl hadn’t crossed her fingers that the legend was true?
The band finished one song and started another. Sawyer stood and extended his hand. “May I have this dance?”
He pulled Rachel to her feet.
“With everyone watching?”
“What better time? I want everyone to know the most beautiful girl in town is with me.”
This was a big step for him. He was typically inclined to hang in back, watching the people around him. But if he was willing to put himself out there that way, the least she could do is join him.
She slipped into his arms, but he shook his head. “Nuh-uh.” He led her across the green to the gazebo and then spun her into his arms.
Sawyer’s heart beat heavy beneath their clasped hands. She slid her fingers into his hair and played with the long strands. His eyes locked on hers as they swayed slowly. Did he love her? They hadn’t been together long enough for him to love her, had they?
For her, time didn’t matter because her heart knew what it wanted. And she wanted Sawyer… for as long as he’d have her.
“What?” A look of concern crossed Sawyer’s face.
She swallowed. She would tell him… when they were alone and she could show him how much she loved him. “Nothing. Later.”
He settled her head on his chest, her cheek against his steady heartbeat. Several other couples danced around them to the romantic strains of a country love song.
The song faded out and she reluctantly pulled away. After a quick kiss, she led him down the stairs but took her time instead of rushing back to her family.
There was barely any room on the blanket when they got back, as Michael had taken her seat and was talking to Joey.
Michael jumped up and hugged her. “Looking good, little sis.”
“Thanks. I didn’t think you were going to make it today.” Michael’s arrival was perfect timing. She hadn’t had a chance to text him to arrange to talk. Maybe they could slip away for a few minutes.
“I got a break. A short one. I thought I’d come by Sawyer’s when we’re done here.”
That was a better idea than talking here at the park. Michael deserved to hear this news in private. Rachel had enjoyed her few days of peace without worrying about her birth certificate, but the unknowns weighed on her. Michael could help her find those answers without having to involve her parents. “Sounds good.”
Under his breath, he muttered, “You and Sawyer, huh?”
She nodded.
“I’m happy for you.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Now sit down so we can finish this picnic. I’m starving.”
“Hey, that’s my line,” Joey shouted from his spot behind Brittany.
Rachel plopped on the blanket beside Sawyer and grabbed a sandwich, her smile now a permanent fixture.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“SO, WHAT’S UP?” Michael sat beside her on the couch in Sawyer’s living room.
Sawyer was at J.J.’s, having joined Joey for a beer after the picnic. He would have remained with Rachel for the upcoming revelation if she’d asked, but they’d agreed it would be best if Rachel talked to Michael alone. That was a marked difference from Shane who would have insisted on being present in case she said anything negative about him. His words pounded in her head. “Grow up, little girl. Crying over some stupid-ass piece of paper. Who gives a shit, anyway?”
Enough about Shane. He’d taken up too much negative space already. This conversation was about her and Michael… and finding her biological father.
This would be hard on Michael, but he needed the details if he was going to uncover the truth about this man who’d turned her life upside down.
Michael tilted his head and studied her. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m okay.” She slipped her hand over his. Please let him keep his head like he had so many times before. “There’s been a lot going on.”
“I agree. But you’re doing great. I was proud when I saw you and Sawyer dancing. You looked like your old self.” The warmth of his words and his gentle smile soothed her prickled nerves.
“I’m pretty happy she’s back, too, but…” Her stomach churned.
“But what?”
“What I need to talk to you about, what I need to tell you…” The words stuck in her throat. She was about to shatter everything he knew about their family. “You… you can’t tell anyone.”
“That goes without saying, obviously.” Michael crossed his leg. He quirked a single eyebrow and pursed his lips. Great, he’d gone into lawyer mode. Good for his objectivit
y, bad for her nerves. His gaze bored into her.
“I mean, you can’t talk to Joey or Lucas about this.”
“Oh.” He rubbed his hand over his mouth and its day-old scruff, which was so unlike her polished and perfectly groomed attorney brother.
“This is about the family?” He spoke in his no-nonsense lawyer voice.
“Yes… and no.”
“Why don’t you start at the beginning? Then we’ll decide how to proceed.”
She picked at her fingers and then shoved her hands beneath her legs. “A few years ago, I was digging in some boxes in the attic, and I found my birth certificate.”
He nodded.
“It…um…wasn’t the one Mom gave me when I got my driver’s license or started taking classes. This one had… I mean my father…” Telling Michael meant not only exposing her shame but could ruin his relationship with Mom and Dad. No, this was Michael. He’d be okay. He was strong and used to working his way through sticky situations. He would come to understand what had happened, just like she had.
He leaned forward. “What, honey?”
She could do this. Just spit it out. “Someone else is my biological father,” she huffed out and collapsed back.
Michael’s sucked in his cheeks. He rose from the couch and shuffled to the fireplace. His hands clawed at the mantel as he hung his head.
Rachel held her breath. Please say something. Anything. Yell at me, get angry, something.
Michael pivoted and folded his arms. “There has to be some kind of mistake. A misprint, something. A law partner last year—”
Tears stung Rachel’s eyes. She’d practiced this conversation over and over, but saying the words out loud was like a fist in her gut. “It’s not a mistake.”
“What do you mean it’s not a mistake? Have you talked to Mom and Dad?”
“Yes.”
“And they confirmed the birth certificate is yours?”
“Yes.”
He settled on the couch beside her. His lips flattened into a straight line. Of course this had upset him. “I don’t understand. How is Dad not your biological father?”
One Last Chance: A Small-Town Romance (Oak Grove series Book 3) Page 20
