“But would you want to?”
“I can’t think about this right now.”
He took her hand in his and rubbed it. An unfair move. He knew how she loved having her hands massaged.
It was nice. She should pull her hand back and insist he take her home, but she didn’t.
“You have somewhere you have to be too. Why are you asking an impossible question?”
“I’ll cancel my trip to stay if it means I can have a second chance with you.” His voice was soft. His eyes held hers.
“Andrew, this is crazy.” But her heart wanted it too. “You’ve been gone seven years. You haven’t even been back seven days.”
“I know what I’m feeling.” He lifted her hand to his heart. “I know it right here.”
A single tear slid down her cheek. She didn’t sweep it away, hoping he wouldn’t notice. “This is all happening too fast. I don’t know what I’m feeling.” But she did know. Only the price of another heartbreak was more than she could risk.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I know it’s fast. Sudden. Crazy, maybe, but I couldn’t leave without at least talking to you about what I know is in my heart. I’ll stay longer.”
“I’m leaving Tuesday,” she said. She couldn’t set her dreams aside for him. If she stayed she might lose both—the contest, which could mean the validation she’d wanted for so long, and him. “I don’t know what to say. It’s been too long. We’ve changed.” The words seemed harsh, even to her. She opened the car door and got out wishing she hadn’t said it. She mustered the strength to not take it back. “Thanks for helping Dad with the oven.” Her lips trembled.
“You’re welcome.”
After he dropped her off, she hurried to the refuge of her shop, went to her office, and closed the door. In a way, Andrew York was responsible for all of this. She’d been so hurt, so angry, that she’d set out to prove she could make her dreams come true without him. The only thing missing had been him. She rubbed her temples. And for seven years, good riddance Andrew York had been her motto. She closed her eyes, her chest aching, unsure if what her heart yearned for could ever be true.
Chapter Twenty
The whole time Andrew worked on the oven at Main Street café, he’d hoped Kelly might show up and say something. Maybe she’d invite him to go with her, or at least ask him to stay until she got back. That didn’t happen.
She didn’t say she didn’t have feelings too.
That has to mean something.
Monday came around a lot faster than he’d expected. He’d been worried when he scheduled the trip that he’d be chomping at the bit to get out of this little town, but that hadn’t been the case.
He packed his suitcase, knowing he should be excited about the opportunities this New York trip could present, but honestly he’d have chucked it all to stay and give it a go with Kelly, had she given him an inkling of hope.
He zipped up his bag and rolled it toward the front door. Mom and Dad were talking in the kitchen. He left his suitcase at the door.
“Good morning. What are you still doing home, Dad? I thought you’d already be at work,” he said.
“Couldn’t let you leave without saying goodbye.”
“I’d have stopped by to say goodbye. I promise.”
“Now you won’t have to,” Dad said. “Your mom’s making us a nice breakfast. A family meal before you head out. Your sister is on the way.”
“Sister is right here.” Dawn announced as she came into the kitchen. “On time, even.”
“Now this is a celebration,” Andrew teased.
Breakfast was good, and Andrew was finding it hard to say goodbye.
“I guess I’d better get on the road.”
Dad put his plate in the sink then gave Mom a kiss on the cheek. After over forty years of marriage, they still looked like they had that spark. Now that was special. He’d never thought much about how Mom and Dad got along. Dad was opinionated, and he had a lot of rules, but somehow the two of them had always seemed happy. There were never any arguments between them. She supported his dreams, and he supported hers, even putting up with all the horses when he didn’t even ride.
Will I ever have that? Would there ever be anyone other than Kelly who really got him? Someone who understood his hopes and dreams the way she had? Had he missed out on the only true chance of happiness that he’d be offered in this lifetime?
The corner of Mom’s mouth lifted, but her lips pulled tight, like she might cry. “I couldn’t be happier.” She clutched her heart. “This has been a long time coming—the two of you being civil again. I didn’t think I’d ever see the day. All of us together for a meal, and it isn’t even a holiday. See, sometimes things that seem impossible just take an open mind, and an open heart.” She patted Andrew on the back. “Think about that. Anything is possible.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry I let it go on so long.” He stepped over and gave her a hug.
“I can’t believe you’re already going,” she said. “It’s been so nice having you around.”
“I’m really glad I came back.” This trip had offered unexpected benefits. He looked over at his dad, his heart filled with pride. “I promise I won’t stay away so long again.”
“I hope not,” Dad said.
Andrew hugged Dawn, then grabbed his suitcase and stepped out onto the porch.
“And drive careful,” Dad said.
“Yes, sir. I was just checking on the weather,” Andrew said. “Looks like things have cleared out since you came through Pennsylvania.”
“Good. That was a mess. Text or call when you get to where you’re stopping.”
Mom jumped in. “Yes, please let us know you’re okay.”
“I can do that.” He hugged Mom, then Dad. “Thank you both for everything. I love
