Page 69 of Small Town Sizzle

It’s such a simple gesture, but my body reacts with warmth while tears prick at my eyes. For a moment, I’m taken back in time to my freshman year and a haunted hayride that I didn’t want to go on. Carson did the same thing, telling me that I wasn’t alone and that he would protect me.

It’s been a long time since a man offered to protect me, to stand beside me and support me in something, let alone something like this. I take a deep breath and look up at him with a smile.

The girls jump up and down, chanting, “Come on, Mom! Please, please, please!”

I sigh, torn between my fear and their excitement. Garrett squeezes my hand gently. I blink up at him, caught off guard still by his kindness. His gaze is steady, not teasing, just… kind. It’s been so long since a man was just nice to me, and it feels foreign. Will I ever get used to that?

“Okay,” I say finally, throwing my hands up in surrender. “But if I pass out, it’s on you.”

The girls cheer, and Garrett chuckles. “Deal. I may pass out with you, though.”

We join the line for the ride, and my stomach flips as I watch the people ahead of us shoot into the air. Jaz and Chantelle are practically vibrating with excitement, while I feel like I might throw up.

“Breathe,” Garrett says, his voice low and steady. “We’re going to be fine.”

When it’s our turn, I climb into the seat, gripping the safety bar so tightly my knuckles turn white. Garrett sits beside me, his hand resting lightly on mine.

“Hey,” he says, catching my eye. “You’ve got this.”

The ride starts to ascend, and I squeeze my eyes shut, my heart racing. I can’t continue to let fear hold me back. I’m doing this so that my daughter knows she can push through anything she’s scared of, too.

“Mom, look!” Jaz shouts, her voice filled with glee.

I crack one eye open and immediately feel my stomach drop. I focus on my breathing techniques and loosen my grip on the bar. I peek at Garrett, whose eyes are wide and his body tense.

I grin, seeing that I’m really not alone in pushing past my fears.

“Look at that view,” Garrett says softly.

I take a deep breath and follow his advice, focusing on the horizon instead of the drop below. He’s right—the view is incredible.

Before I can fully appreciate it, the ride drops, and I let out a scream, clutching Garrett’s hand like my life depends on it.

He laughs, his grip steady and reassuring. “You’re doing great.”

When the ride finally comes to a stop, I feel exhilarated, and the girls are beaming, their faces flushed with excitement.

“That was amazing!” Jaz exclaims. “Mom, I’m so glad you did it! I’m so proud of you.”

“Can we go again?” Chantelle asks, already bouncing in her seat.

“You guys can,” I say, my voice shaky. “I think I’ve had enough thrilling experience for the day.”

Garrett laughs, helping me out of the seat. “You did it, though. I’m proud of you.”

My insides go warm and gooey, and I have to take a breath to remain on my feet.Wow, I practically just melted. What’s that about?

I’m proud of myself, too. I forget often how resilient I am and how many times I’ve pushed through things that most people wouldn’t. Having Garrett beside me while we both overcame it is something so special to me, almost as if we became closer in that moment. I want to hug him, but I refrain, holding back the massive amount of emotions that are fighting to come to the surface.

“I’m proud of you, too. We did that together.”

He squeezes my hand again, and the small gesture makes me feel as if I’m floating on air.

We did that together.

I let the words replay in my head. For the first time in a very long time, those words don’t seem as scary as they used to. I could get used to Garrett helping me get out of my comfort zone.

As we walk away from the ride, Jaz and Chantelle chatter excitedly about the experience, while I try to calm my racing heart. Garrett falls into step beside me, his hand brushing against mine occasionally.