Page 68 of Small Town Sizzle

“I’m certain you’re the only person who orders their shake with Oreos and marshmallow crème,” I giggle.

The girls are already chattering away, linking arms as they dart toward the Ferris wheel. Garrett and I follow, staying a few paces behind.

“They’re cute together,” Garrett remarks, watching the girls.

“They really are. They’ve been besties since kindergarten, I think,” I admit.

“I never really understood how rare and amazing that was until I moved away.”

“Yeah, we are very lucky to live in this small town. I used to think I would leave it in the rearview as soon as I could, but I came back and won’t ever leave again. I especially don’t know how I would have a full-time job and be raising kids on my own without the village this town has given me.”

“Yeah, I could see that,” Garrett replies softly.

I smile back at him, taking in his appearance. He looks completely comfortable packing around Chantelle’s stuff like it’s not a big deal. He keeps a close eye on both the girls while also being present with me.

“I didn’t picture you as a Johnny Cash fan. Did you run out of clothes or something?” I tease.

“No,” he chuckles. “Huge fan of all music. Dad, Ethan, and I used to sit out in the garage ’til all hours of the night listening to eight tracks, records, the radio, whatever we were in the mood for. My dad loved old country, Cash, Waylon, Hank, David Allen Coe.”

“Oh, I love that,” I say softly.

We spend the next hour following the girls from ride to ride, Garrett and I falling into an easy rhythm. It’s surprisingly comfortable, and I find myself relaxing around him in a way I hadn’t expected.

At one point, the girls spot the sky drop ride, a towering contraption that shoots people high into the air before plummeting them back down. Jaz gasps, her eyes going wide with excitement.

“Mom! Can we go on that?” she asks.

I freeze, staring up at the towering structure. “Uh… I don’t know about that one. It looks a little… intense.”

“Come on, Mom!” she begs, tugging on my arm.

Chantelle joins in. “It’ll be so much fun! Please?”

“I don’t know, girls. I’m not great with heights.”

I’m terrified of heights, actually. I didn’t used to be, but after I had Jazlyn, things I used to love doing started terrifying me. Those irrational and intrusive thoughts would push through at the worst moments. It’s something that I’ve never really shared with anyone else.

“Don’t worry, Maya,” Garrett says. “It’s safer than it looks. The girls will love it.”

“You’re not helping,” I mumble. “Jaz has eaten so much food, she’ll end up puking.”

“I’ll be fine,” Jaz interjects.

Garrett looks at me carefully as I stare back at the contraption, shaking my head.

“You girls can go; I think I’ll sit this one out.”

“You know, I can go with you. I’m scared of heights myself, but I think it would be good for me to do this and get past that, you know?” Garrett says to me in a low voice. “If you ever tell my brother that I admitted to being scared of heights, I’ll disown you.”

I don’t answer. I cross my arms in front of my chest and look up at the ride. I find it hard to believe this man is scared of anything, but I’m grateful that he is showing me empathy.

“We don’t have to do it, though,” he says cautiously. “I’m perfectly happy staying on solid ground next to you, too.”

I gaze back at him, taking in the sincerity on his face. When I look over, Chantelle and Jaz are both watching expectantly.

I hate not being able to do these things with Jaz. What am I teaching her if I can’t get past my fears to do something that could be fun? Garrett is right.

“You won’t be alone. I’ll ride with you,” he offers as he reaches down and laces his fingers through mine.