Hidden Miles (The Miles Family Book 4)

by Claire Kingsley

  “Doesn’t matter,” Cooper said.

  “I don’t understand what’s going on here,” Hannah said.

  “It’s tradition,” Cooper said, as if that answered everything.

  “This is going to be so fun,” Amelia said from the doorway. “Do you guys need help?”

  “Nah, Cookie, we got it,” Cooper said.

  This whole scene felt like chaos. Chase was already pulling the sheets off and even Roland came in to help.

  Hannah looked concerned, or maybe she was just confused. I grabbed her arm and pulled her aside.

  “Sorry. They’re just… I don’t know. My family’s fucking weird.”

  “Are they really going to burn your mattress?”

  I sighed. “Yeah.”

  “I thought they did that to get rid of the bad vibes from past sexual partners or something.”

  “Usually, yeah…” I trailed off, not sure how to explain it. Because the truth was, I kind of understood. And as crazy and irrational as it was, a part of me wanted them to do it. “I guess in this case, it means something a little different.”

  She slipped her hand in mine—in my left, and I didn’t pull away. “It’s tradition?”

  “Yeah,” I said.

  “Okay, yes, this one is a little weird.” She watched as Cooper, Chase, and Roland guided my mattress out of the bedroom and to the front door. “But I guess we should just go with it.”

  We bundled up against the cold and walked out to the fire pit. Cooper and Chase set to work building the fire and before long, flames danced against the dark sky.

  I stood behind Hannah, wrapping my arms around her shoulders, and rested my cheek against her head. Flames licked the edges of the mattress as the fire spread. The heat coming off the blaze was enough to warm us, even in the freezing cold night.

  “It’s pretty,” she said.

  “Cooper knows how to build a good fire.”

  It was cathartic, somehow, seeing it burn. It wasn’t that I needed to get rid of the traces—real or imagined—of ex-girlfriends or past sexual partners. I hadn’t been with anyone except for Hannah since I’d been injured. But it still felt right to do this. Because I knew one thing with absolute certainty. Hannah was it for me.

  And maybe it was time I let her know.

  “I love you,” I said softly into her ear.

  She twisted in my grasp so she could look me in the eyes. “Did you just…”

  “Yes.” I brushed her hair back from her face and cupped her cheeks. The glow of the fire reflected in her eyes. “I love you, Hannah.”

  “I love you too, Leo.”

  She popped up on her tiptoes, much like she’d done the first time I brought her here. But this time, I didn’t even think about turning away. She pressed her lips to mine and I wrapped her in my arms.

  Cooper whistled. Or maybe it was Chase. But I ignored them. Ignored everything, and kissed my girl in the firelight.

  Twenty-Four

  Hannah

  My cup of tea sent a little tendril of steam into the air. I sat at Shannon’s big dining table with my tea and laptop, waiting for her to come back.

  I’d finished a few projects and finally had time to get started on Salishan’s new branding package. I was hoping Shannon might have some things from the winery’s past that I could use as inspiration. This place had such a beautiful history, having been in Shannon’s family for three generations. Maybe stationary, old ads, or wine labels. Something that would spark new ideas.

  Shannon came down the stairs carrying an old file box and set it on the table. “I’m not sure exactly what’s in here, but you’re welcome to go through it. There’s more in the attic.”

  It was marked Salishan Cellars in faded marker on the outside. I took off the lid and the scent of old paper wafted out. It looked like a jumble of things. Envelopes, papers, smaller boxes.

  I pulled out a card, the paper slightly yellowed with age. It was an invitation to a wine tasting—twenty-five years ago.

  “I remember this,” Shannon said. “We held it outside and had a great turnout. My mom was watching the boys, but Cooper got out of the house. Leo found him. He just calmly took Grandma’s hand and led her to where Cooper was playing in the dirt.”

  I loved that her memory of this event was shaped by her children. “I bet it helped to have your parents here when your kids were little.”

  “It was perfect. I miss them.” She took a deep breath and set the invitation down. “Anyway, there should be more things like this, with our old logo on them. Is that what you’re looking for?”

  “Yeah, this is great. Anything that evokes the history of Salishan.”

  “I’ll bring down one more box and let you have at it,” she said. “I have some work to do, but you’re welcome to stay here as long as you want.”

  “Thanks.”

  I spent the next couple of hours looking through the boxes. I found old fliers, a stack of unused wine labels, more invitations to winery events, and clippings from the local newspaper.

  Among the newspaper articles was one showing a photo of a man in a military uniform. It was faded with age, the paper brittle to the touch. The caption read, war hero Thomas Rousseau honored for his service. Judging by the date, this must have been Shannon’s father, Leo’s grandfather.

  I wondered if his grandfather’s military service had inspired Leo to join the Army. And how different his life would be now if he hadn’t. I’d seen those old photos of Leo—wearing a big smile, his face whole. Did he regret his choice?

  It was hard to imagine that he didn’t have regrets. But I also couldn’t imagine him as anyone other than the man he was now.

  The front door opened, and Zoe came in. “Hey. What are you up to?”

  I looked down at the mess spread out in front of me. “Messing up Shannon’s house, apparently. I’ve been looking through old Salishan stuff, for inspiration.”

  “Wow, look at all this,” Zoe said. She picked up an old flier. “This is pretty.”

  “It is. I love the classic look of the old materials.”

  “I do too. I can’t wait to see what you come up with.”

  “Thanks.”

  She pulled out the chair and sat down next to me. “Did you guys replace the bed yet?”

  “Yes, and after a week on a blow-up mattress, it’s basically the most comfortable thing ever.”

  She laughed. “I’m still surprised Leo let them do it. But sometimes it’s best to let the goofball boys do their thing. It’s always fun, at least.”

  “I think Leo secretly liked it.”

  “Probably. Thank you, by the way,” she said.

  “For what?”

  “Whatever it is you’re doing to Leo that has him so happy.” She winked. “Between the whole thing with Lawrence finally simmering down and Leo actually smiling once in a while, I think everyone is more relaxed. It’s nice.”

  “It’s my pleasure. Literally.”

  She nudged me with her elbow. “Get it, girl.”

  Shannon came in and shut the door behind her.

  “Oh good, you’re still here,” she said with a smile. “Hey, Zoe. The event must be over?”

  “It is,” Zoe said. “I think it went well, considering the client kept trying to make menu changes up until this morning. But they all left happy.”

  “That’s good to hear,” Shannon said. “Is Huddy with Roland?”

  Zoe opened a photo on her phone and held it up. “Sound asleep on Daddy’s chest.”

  “Aw, so sweet,” Shannon said.

  It was adorable—a crooked selfie of Roland with their son sound asleep, his face squished against his chest.

  “Well, if you’re both free, I was thinking we could all have a little girl time,” Shannon said. “I have some snacks in the kitchen. And wine, of course. Nothing fancy. Brynn and Amelia are on their way over.”

  “I’m in,” Zoe said. “Let me just text Roland to let him know.”

  A sudden rush of em
otion poured through me. Girl time with Shannon and she wanted me to be a part of it? I tucked my hair behind my ear, trying to act casual. Like I wasn’t simmering with excitement at being included. “Yeah, I’d love to.”

  “Great,” Shannon said. “Let’s get this stuff put away. No more work today.”

  I helped Shannon clean up the table and we put the boxes aside, then I texted Leo to let him know where I was. Brynn and Amelia arrived, and we all took to the kitchen to get snacks ready. Shannon’s nothing fancy included artisan cheeses, a variety of crackers, fig spread, and a mini olive bar. And, of course, wine.

  Oh, the wine. It was no surprise that wine was a staple on the table in this family. Even Chase and Cooper—who, on the surface, didn’t seem like wine connoisseurs—knew and appreciated good wine. Family meals always included the perfect wine pairing, and it was fascinating to hear Shannon talk about what went into each variety.

  We all gathered around the table to snack and drink. Brynn talked about her latest classes and Amelia gave Shannon an update on the improvements at the horse ranch. Zoe had us laughing our asses off with some of her worst bridezilla stories.

  Shannon mostly listened, a wine glass perched in her hand and a smile on her face. She seemed to have such an easy companionship with the young women in her life. It made me even more honored to be included.

  She finished her wine and stood. “I’ll open another bottle. Any preferences?”

  “Do you have a bottle of Poetic?” Brynn asked. “It’s my favorite.”

  “I’m sure I do.” Shannon went into the kitchen and came back a minute later with an open bottle of red. “Oh, the divorce recorded today.”

  For a second, the room went silent. Amelia clapped her hand over her mouth and Brynn stared at her mom, wide-eyed.

  Shannon started pouring the wine, like she hadn’t said anything important. “I have a few bottles of white already chilled if anyone prefers.”

  “What the eff, Shannon?” Zoe asked. “You just drop that bomb on us and think you can change the subject?”

  Shannon set the bottle down and took her seat. “Well, it’s not like this is a surprise. We all knew it was coming.”

  Zoe shook her head slowly. “What am I going to do with you? We need to celebrate.”

  “I thought that’s what we were doing,” Shannon said, gesturing to the remnants of our impromptu feast.

  “Mom, this is not enough,” Brynn said. “You’ve been waiting for this for ages. You’re finally free.”

  “Preach, sister,” Zoe said. “It’s about time.”

  “What else should we do?” Shannon asked. “I don’t have any dessert made, but—”

  “Slumber party,” Brynn said.

  “Yes!” Amelia almost jumped out of her seat.

  “Mom, you don’t need to do a thing,” Brynn said. “I’ll call Chase and he can bring us ice cream or something.”

  “And we can do facials and pedicures,” Amelia said.

  “And watch the sappiest chick flick we can find,” Brynn said.

  “You should call your husband and ask for movie recommendations,” Zoe said, winking at Brynn. “You know he loves chick flicks.”

  Brynn shrugged. “It’s true. He does.”

  “What do you think?” Zoe asked, looking at me. “You down for a little Miles-women slumber party?”

  Was I ever. “I love this plan.”

  Shannon laughed and raised her glass. “You girls are the best.”

  “To Shannon,” Zoe said, lifting her wine glass. “May she continue to rediscover her fire in this new chapter of her life.”

  We all lifted our glasses and clinked, with a resounding chorus of cheers.

  Brynn and Amelia went to work gathering blankets and pillows in the living room, making a veritable nest of softness. The girls all made phone calls to their significant others, asking them to bring supplies for the night. I texted Leo again.

  Me: so this turned into a slumber party at your mom’s…

  Leo: well that’s adorable

  Me: I know, right? Would you mind bringing me some jammies?

  Leo: of course, be over in a little bit

  One by one, the men arrived. Chase brought more food—including ice cream—along with a bag of stuff for Brynn. Cooper burst in, dropped Amelia’s bag on the floor, and flopped on the couch, like he was planning on staying himself. Roland came later—he had to wait for Hudson to wake up—with an overnight bag for Zoe.

  Leo came quietly into the chaos, pausing by the front door, his eyes sweeping the room. Our gazes met and he smiled. It felt like the world stopped every time he did that.

  I glanced to the side and noticed Shannon watching Leo. She touched her fingers to her lips, looking back and forth between the two of us. Leo didn’t seem to notice; his eyes stayed locked on me. I bit my bottom lip, feeling like my heart might burst.

  Leo brought me my bag and set it down. “I wasn’t sure what you needed, so I grabbed a bunch of stuff.”

  “Thanks.” I stood and he slipped his hand around my waist. “I’m sure it’s fine.”

  He leaned closer and spoke softly in my ear. “I’m going to miss you tonight.”

  There was nothing better than the feeling of falling asleep next to Leo. “I’ll miss you too.”

  Shannon got up and went to the front door. There must have been a knock, but I hadn’t heard it. I’d been too absorbed in the feel of Leo’s beard against my forehead.

  “Hi, Benjamin,” Shannon said.

  She opened the door and Ben walked in, looking a bit bewildered at the crowd.

  He held up a paper shopping bag. “I had some extra zucchini. I thought you might want some.”

  “Thank you,” Shannon said, taking the bag from him. “You might as well come in.”

  Ben smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

  Leo sat and pulled me into his lap, tucking his arm—his left arm, no less—around me. Ben came in and took a seat—it was clear he was comfortable—and I wondered if our girls’ night sleepover was still going to happen, now that everyone was here.

  Zoe had Hudson in her arms, and she narrowed her eyes as Shannon came back from the kitchen. Her gaze moved to Ben, then back to Shannon again.

  “So, Shannon,” she said, her voice pitched in a tone of mock innocence. “Have anything to share with the family?”

  “Oh.” Shannon smoothed down her shirt, her eyes flicking to Ben, then quickly away. “The divorce recorded today. It’s final.”

  The room erupted with cheers. Cooper sprang up and grabbed his mom in a hug, twirling her around. Chase smiled and clapped, then hugged Brynn. Roland stood next to Zoe, his hands on her shoulders, a smile on his face. Leo’s arm tightened around me.

  Ben stared at Shannon, his expression unreadable.

  “Okay, boys,” Zoe said. “Girls’ night. Time to go.”

  Chase scowled at her. Cooper put his mom down and shot Zoe a glare.

  Zoe handed Hudson off to Roland. “I’m serious. We have girl stuff to do.”

  Roland kissed her, then nodded to Chase. He stuck his lip out in a pout, but kissed Brynn goodbye.

  Cooper dove onto the couch and put his head in Amelia’s lap.

  “You too, Coop,” Zoe said. “Let’s go, buddy.”

  “Why can’t I stay?” Cooper asked.

  “Because you’re a boy,” Zoe said.

  Amelia laughed and ran her fingers through Cooper’s hair. “It’s just one night.”

  He buried his face in her lap.

  Zoe shook her head. “He’s such a baby.”

  I didn’t point out that Leo had made no move to go. He kept his arm threaded around my waist.

  Ben hadn’t moved either. He looked shell-shocked, his eyes focused on nothing.

  Chase patted him on the shoulder. “Let’s go, man. We’ll go get a beer.”

  “Right,” Ben said, blinking hard a few times.

  “Come on, Coop,” Chase said. “Guys’ night wi
th Ben. Let’s go.”

  Cooper groaned and peeled himself off Amelia’s lap. “Fine.”

  Chase glanced at Leo. “You too, Leo. Come get a beer with us.”

  I felt the tension in Leo’s body at Chase’s suggestion. It was still hard for him to leave the winery. I tilted my face so I could whisper in his ear. “You can do this. Just text me if you get anxious.”

  He took a deep breath, leaning his face into my hair. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too.”

  He squeezed me with both arms, then let go. I got up, but he wasn’t finished. He pulled me into his arms and held me for a long moment.

  It didn’t escape my notice that none of the guys said anything as they waited by the front door for Leo. No jabs for him to hurry, like they knew he needed this.

  I leaned my face against his chest and squeezed him tight. He kissed the top of my head before finally pulling away.

  “Have fun tonight.”

  “I will.”

  Cooper hesitated by the front door while the other men left, as if still deciding whether or not he was going to go. He darted back in to kiss Amelia one last time before finally following the rest of them.

  With the men gone, we all migrated to the living room pillow-and-blanket nest Brynn and Amelia had built. I settled into a spot on the floor amid soft pillows and pulled a cozy throw blanket into my lap. Shannon came around with more wine for everyone, then took a seat on the floor with us.

  “Amelia, I don’t know how you do it,” Zoe said.

  “What?” Amelia asked, situating some pillows around her.

  “Cooper.”

  Amelia looked genuinely puzzled. “What about Cooper?”

  I’d gotten the impression that Amelia didn’t see Cooper as being anything other than completely normal. Which was probably why they were perfect for each other.

  “Never mind,” Zoe said with a smile. She swirled her wine a few times. “So, Shannon. How does it feel to be officially single again?”

  “It’s a relief,” Shannon said, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “I’m so glad we didn’t have to go to court.”

  “Me too,” Brynn said. “That would have been awful for everyone.”