“I think the same thing applies to the conversations with your mom. If you go into it believing that it’ll all fall apart, then it will.” She peered into the open front end of the truck. “You’ve made a lot of progress, but it seems to me there’s more you could do. I’m sure another set of hands would help. I think you should ask your mom.”
His brows lifted. “My mom?”
Her gaze drifted around the garage. “She left this place exactly as it was when your dad died. And yesterday, when we talked about the fact that you’d fixed my car, she said you were just like your dad. You could fix anything.”
Grant twisted the thought through his mind. His mother hadn’t touched the garage. But she also hadn’t thrown a fit when he opened it and started using the tools. “She was saving it for me.”
“Maybe somehow, deep inside, she knew you would need it.”
“I did. Working on the truck has helped me feel closer to my dad.”
She nodded. “We all have different struggles. When the world was falling down around me, you taught me a valuable lesson. To reach out and ask for help. It’s simple, but I feel guilty for imposing on others.” She smiled softly. “I suspect your mom and I have that in common.”
She walked over to the bench and picked up her purse, slinging the giant bag over her shoulder. “Maybe it’s time you try a different approach. Let her be your mom, Grant. Ask her for help and then tell her the truth about how you feel.”
He winced and tightened his hold on the wrench. “I’m not good at that. Telling people how I feel.”
“I know. But you’re getting better.”
Sara approached, her heels tapping against the sealed concrete. She bent down and brushed a kiss across his cheek before backing up to snag his gaze. “And stop avoiding me, okay? I can’t flirt with a friend who won’t answer the phone.”
He smiled, a weight lifting from his shoulders. Whatever else happened, he and Sara were okay. “You got it. And Sara…thanks.”
She winked. “Just returning the favor, Edwards. Just returning the favor. Kinda nice to rescue you for a change.”
13 Sara
Sara shifted on the hard bleachers and took a drink of water. Down on the field, little league practice was underway. Ben bounced in the dugout, waiting for his turn at bat.
“I can’t believe you didn’t bring cupcakes to practice this time.” Rachel glared at her own bottle of water. “I was hoping for a dessert. It makes practice more enjoyable.”
“Next time. I promise.”
“Yeah, yeah. Well, then, you’re going to have to entertain me another way. How are things going with Grant? I want all the juicy details.”
“There are no juicy details.”
“Liar.” Her sister smiled to take the sting out of the word. “At least tell me you’re having lots of fun and flirting.”
Sara nodded. They were having fun and flirting, but there was also something deeper happening. It was hard to believe that Grant had only arrived in town a week and a half ago. It felt like their friendship had shifted dramatically. Deepened.
Of course, she hadn’t told her sister about Grant’s mom. That wasn’t her secret to share. She’d talked to Grant on the phone again last night, and the conversation had been lighthearted and easy. It was a rare thing to find someone to be serious with and then also have a laugh with too.
If Sara was being completely honest with herself, she’d have to acknowledge there were feelings there. More than attraction and more than friendship. Somehow, Grant had slipped under her defenses and into her heart. But she didn’t want to think about it. He wasn’t staying in Hidden Hollows. In the next few days, he’d pack a bag and life would go back to the way it was before he showed up.
Except…except Sara knew she would never be the same. He’d changed her.
But again, she didn’t want to think about it.
Sara picked at the water bottle label with her fingernail. “Hey, Rachel, were you able to get any more volunteers from the hospital? I’m still looking for a few to help us break down after the event is over on Saturday.”
“Oh yeah, thanks for the reminder.” Rachel reached for her phone. “I did talk to a few people. Want me to message the list over to you?”
“That’d be great.”
“Everyone in town is excited about The Dixie Kings performance. I heard several people talking at Coop’s Coffee yesterday. Word is spreading that the city council is threatening to pull the library funding. Folks are upset and filing complaints.”
Sara nodded and continued picking at the label. “The mayor called me about it yesterday. She’s still working to convince the city council, and the complaints back her up. Let’s hope it’s enough.”
Ben burst out of the dugout and raced across the field. Sara smiled to see his excitement. He was so cute in his uniform and helmet. Coach Burns set the ball on the peg, and Ben stepped up to the plate. His face screwed up in concentration. He swung, and the ball flew.
Sara leapt to her feet, cheering along with Rachel. A man on the other side of the field also whooped as Ben ran the plates. Sara immediately recognized the broad shoulders, ball cap, and aviator glasses. It was Grant.
“Isn’t that Grant?” Rachel asked, pointing to him.
“It is. I’ll be right back.”
Was everything with his mom okay? Sara ran down the bleacher steps, her shoes banging against the metal. She hit the grass and started jogging to meet Grant halfway. Her heart was in her throat.
A broad smile broke out on his face, putting her fears to rest. This must be good news. Her steps faltered. Good night, the man was gorgeous.
Grant covered the distance between them in swift strides. He scooped Sara up in a giant hug and swung her around. “Your idea worked!”
She laughed, a thrill racing through her
