Page 34 of Call It Love (Sterling Mill #5)

Chase

Anna clapped her hands, getting everyone’s attention.

“Thanks to all of you for coming out to help today,” she began. Her voice carried just enough to be heard over the quiet chatter. Almost two dozen people showed up to help clean out the barn. Some were family and crew, but the rest were folks from town who volunteered their time.

I knew she was nervous someone might question her plan—the fallout from having been married to Mason. But they wouldn’t. I knew this group. They’d see what I saw—that she’d thought through every detail to make this go smoothly.

“We’ll start by moving the vehicles and larger machinery to the temporary carports in the field behind the barn. Shout out to Cameron Caldwell and Sterling Construction for loaning them to us.” She smiled and waved to my sister, who beamed back.

Seeing the two of them, as well as Bristol, repair their relationship, tugged at something in my chest.

“After that, the smaller stuff will go to the shed.” She gave them a sheepish smile. “Then comes the hard part. Hope you’re ready to get a little dirty so the barn can get a whole lot cleaner.”

Laughter rippled through the group. I hoped she saw they were here for her , not for me.

Anna definitely had a vision and knew exactly how she wanted this barn dance to come together.

She had a list of lists. She spent hours calling or visiting stores, tracking down donations and sponsors, then following up with a personal thank-you note to each of them.

The same town that once wasn’t sure how to receive her now welcomed her with open arms. They finally saw what I’d always known—she wasn’t like Mason at all.

She really wanted the best for this town and its citizens.

That bastard had spent years chipping away at her confidence, but I loved seeing it grow.

Every day, she stood taller and owned more and more of each moment.

This barn dance would be a hit no matter how simple it was.

But Anna wanted more than “good enough.” She wanted something that made Sterling Mill proud.

And hell, if that didn’t make me love her even more.

Everyone broke off into small groups, chatting and joking with each other as they grabbed gloves, wheelbarrows, or brooms. The rumble of tractor engines sputtering to life filled the air, and soon the barn was empty of the vehicles we used to work.

Anna moved from one task to another, checking in and answering questions without hovering. I could see her relaxing as everything came together.

Zach bumped my shoulder and tipped his head toward Anna, who was giving Emalee a high-five for conquering a cobweb the size of a dinner plate. “That’s really good to see.”

I dragged my eyes away from watching Anna to him, lifting my brow slightly at his words.

“Just saying it took guts for her to come back. I’m glad to see her finally owning her own space here.” He clapped me on the back. “And I’m happy for you, man. You look happier than I’ve seen since I’ve known you.”

“You’re not wrong,” I answered with what probably looked like a dopey grin. I didn’t care. “Definitely happier.”

Zach nodded once and wandered over to his wife and planted a kiss on her lips before sneaking a peek around and grabbing her hand, heading to a far corner.

Shaking my head, I started toward where Anna had been standing, only to find she’d disappeared. I glanced around, but didn’t see her.

Instead, I found Bristol nearby and made the mistake of asking her if she needed help lifting something, which earned me a sharp glare.

“I’m pregnant, not breakable.”

“Just checking.” I held my hands up in mock surrender. “You happen to see where Anna went?”

“Pretty sure I saw her heading toward the bunkhouse a few minutes ago.”

I thanked her and, taking my life into my hands once again, made her promise to take a break soon. She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.

Anna was no doubt fussing over the food she’d gotten up early to make to feed everyone.

She’d grown up learning to make from scratch what most people bought pre-made.

I’d learned that cooking for others was a pleasure for her, a way of showing she cared.

I no longer thought of her as an “employee” at all.

Not even close. I had something much more permanent in mind.

But I couldn’t see her giving up cooking either. After all the time Mason had controlled her, she was reclaiming the things she loved. Maybe even trying to make up for lost time.

Which reminded me of Jordan. She’d folded him under her wing in her quiet way.

She constantly looked for ways to care for him, feeding him, casually giving him a book or item of clothing she “just happened to find while cleaning,” treating him like someone who mattered.

Like she understood him better than most. And he definitely gravitated towards her, too.

Speaking of the teen, I scanned the barn and the surrounding yard. Nothing.

I grabbed Bodie, who was rolling a bale of chicken wire out of the barn. “You seen Jordan?”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen him for a couple of days. Thought maybe you gave him some time off.”

My gut tightened.

I’d left before sunrise yesterday morning to consult on a large-scale construction project a couple of hours away.

It had been worth my time, as it had the potential to be a highly lucrative contract, and I wanted to give them my personal attention.

I didn’t get back until late. If Jordan hadn’t shown, I wouldn’t have noticed.

Concern settled in my chest.

Just as I predicted, I found Anna in the bunkhouse, getting food laid out.

I greeted her with a quick kiss. “Have you seen Jordan?”

Her brow furrowed. “No. But it’s the weekend, so he usually isn’t here. Why?”

“He mentioned he wanted to help you,” I said casually. “No big deal. Just thought I’d ask.” Maybe I was worrying about nothing. “Did you happen to talk to him yesterday? ”

“No, but I was on the phone all morning. I left a note for Jordan telling him about the breakfast plate I left for him in the bunkhouse. It was gone when I set out self-serve cold cuts and bread for lunch. The plate and all of the food were gone when I went out this morning to make more for the cleanup crew. I assumed Jordan had gotten it.”

I didn’t want to worry her, so I kissed her forehead and kept my tone light. “I’m sure he did. And hey, everything looks great at the barn. You did a hell of a job organizing it.”

Her smile warmed. “Thank you. I can’t believe how many people came out to help.”

I was relieved that the change in topic worked. “This town is good at showing up when it matters. The money your efforts will raise is going to make it easier for them to keep showing up.”

She waved me off with a playful shoo of her hands. “Now, get out of my way so I can feed all of those people.”

I chuckled and gave her one more quick kiss because I couldn’t help myself before stepping out of the way. But my concern for Jordan remained.

Where was he?

The kid wasn’t the most talkative, but he’d been steady. He seemed more settled than when I first met him. And even in his somewhat surly way, if he agreed to do something, he kept his word, especially if it involved Anna. Like her project today.

I reached for my phone to text him, only to remember he didn’t have a phone. A rarity these days, but given how his family didn’t seem to provide more than the absolute necessities, it wasn’t a surprise they didn’t give him a phone. Which meant if something was wrong, we wouldn’t know.

I pulled out my phone again, this time scrolling for Reid’s number, knowing he was on duty today .

He picked up on the second ring. “Hey, man. Before you say anything, I already feel guilty for not being there. I promise I’ll pull extra duty helping to clean up after the dance. Or setting up. Just name it.”

I let out a small laugh despite the tension I was feeling. “We’ll definitely take you up on one of those. Probably both. But that’s not why I’m calling.”

His tone shifted immediately. “What’s wrong? Is it Bristol?”

“No. She’s perfectly fine. Attitude is in place and everything.”

“Oh, good.” I heard the relief in his voice. “Then what’s up?”

“You seen Jordan lately?”

“Why? Has he done something wrong?”

I hated the suspicion in his voice. “Nah. Not here, at least. But no one has seen him yesterday or today. He said he’d be here. He doesn’t have a phone, so I can’t check on him. Just wondered if you know…well, if he’s gotten into any trouble or anything.”

Reid was quiet for a few seconds. “I haven’t heard about any trouble. Maybe he’s just skipping out on you? He’s about worked off what he owes.”

“I don’t think that’s it. I don’t know what to call it other than a gut feeling, and I hope I’m wrong, but something feels off. Again.”

“Want me to swing by his house and check on him?”

I rubbed the back of my neck. I hated to ask for the favor, but I couldn’t ignore my gut. “If you don’t mind. I can’t leave right now, or I would go. But if something is going on, you’ve got the badge to back you up.”

“You got it. I’ll head there right now.”

“Let me know what you find, would ya?”

“You bet.”

I hung up and stood still for a moment. I didn’t know what Reid might find. Maybe nothing. Maybe the kid just needed some space.

I hoped that was all.

Everyone headed home, tired and dirty, but the barn had been cleaned out of every cobweb and nest. The windows were scrubbed by those willing to climb the ladders, and the floor was hosed off. It was for sure the cleanest it had been since it had been built long before I was born.

The sun was about to dip below the ridge, casting long shadows across the yard.

Crickets were beginning their nightly music.

The smell of lemon oil and pine lingered on my shirt, somewhat masking the dust and sweat, but all I could focus on was the weight of Anna leaning against me on the porch swing.

Her head rested on my shoulder, eyes half-lidded. “I don’t remember the last time I was this tired,” she said, punctuating it with a yawn. “But I think that barn is ready for decorating.”

My fingers idly played with the ends of her hair, where my arm draped around her shoulders. “You did all that.”

A smile played on her lips. “I had a lot of help.”

“From a lot of people who want to support your idea. To support you.”

She tilted her head up, smiling at me. “Thank you, Chase. I know it’s a ton of work you didn’t ask for. To have your life upended by all the people here.”

“Are you having fun?”

“I am. ”

“Then it’s all worth it.”

I leaned forward to kiss her, but the sound of a car engine killed the moment.

In a few seconds, the Sheriff’s SUV pulled in front of the porch.

Reid got out, and one look at his face told me this wasn’t a social visit.

His jaw was tight, and his eyes were stormy under the brim of his hat as he got out of the vehicle.

Anna joined me as I moved to stand at the top of the porch steps.

“They didn’t even know he was gone,” Reid clipped.

“Who?” I asked.

“Jordan’s aunt and uncle,” he snapped. “His legal guardians. If you can even call them that.”

Anna let out a quiet gasp. “What’s going on?” Her usually soft voice was sharp. “Has something happened to Jordan?”

“What do you mean they didn’t know?” I asked, my voice vibrating with anger.

“I mean,” Reid answered, his voice low and simmering, “they haven’t seen him since Thursday afternoon. They claimed they thought he was working or ‘out somewhere.’ Didn’t check his room, didn’t ask around, didn’t call anyone.” He shook his head. “Just assumed he was fine.”

“He’s missing?” Anna’s voice was shaky. She turned to me. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

I sighed and ran a hand around my neck. “I didn’t want to worry you until I heard from Reid.”

As her gaze swung back to him, Reid’s expression carefully changed to neutral. “He’s probably just mad about something. He’ll come home when he gets hungry. I’ve got deputies checking around town. I’ve also contacted the social worker to let her know.”

“What do we do in the meantime? ”

Reid’s gaze bounced between us. “You stay alert and keep your eyes out. Maybe ask around to people you know. If he shows up here, let me know right away. He’s not in trouble. But if you can think of any place he might have gone, let me know.”

I nodded once, my jaw tight. “We’ll help however we can.”

“I know. That’s why I came here first.”

He gave us one last look, then turned and got back into his patrol car and left. The silence he left behind felt stifling.

Her worry flared quickly, the guilt following close behind. “Chase, I should’ve noticed he wasn’t here yesterday. I’ve been so caught up in this barn dance—getting everything ready, chasing down donations—I’m letting it get in the way of what I’m supposed to be doing. I’m so sorry.”

“Hey.” I reached out, brushing my fingers under her chin until she looked at me. “Don’t do that. Don’t turn this into something it’s not. You left food, you left a note—he’s a teenager, not a toddler. And the barn dance? It matters. To this town and the people it’s going to help.”

“But if I’d paid more attention, I would’ve realized?—”

“Anna.” My voice softened. “He’s not invisible to us anymore. We’re going to find him, okay?”

Her shoulders dropped a fraction, but I could still see the tension in her eyes.

I pulled her close, feeling that same tension inside of me.