Page 40 of Someone to Hold

“I’ll need a couple of days to work up the numbers, but if you allow me to use the photos from your reception on my website and promotional material, I’m prepared to give you a discount.”

Off rates I don’t even have, but they don’t seem to realize that.

“Of course,” the bride agrees without hesitation.

“Sweetie, you haven’t seen the space,” her mother says, placing a hand on the girl’s arm.

“I have pictures.” I pull out my phone and queue up the album with the photos of the farm. “I’ve always loved taking photos of the flowers and barn through theseasons.”

A flutter of pride bubbles up as I hand over my phone, like I’m showing these women a secret place in my heart. It feels as if some part of me took the photos because I knew this was meant to be.

“It’s spectacular,” Mariel whispers, and her mother’s features soften.

“It does have the kind of rustic look you want.”

“Daddy would have loved it, Mom.” Her voice catches.

The two women explained earlier that they chose Colorado because Mariel’s late father had always dreamed of living in the mountains. Just as the family was preparing to move, when Mariel was still a girl, he was diagnosed with ALS, and they stayed in Lincoln. Having the wedding here is her way to make it feel like he’s part of the celebration.

“You’re welcome to come check it out. The barn isn’t quite reception-ready at this point, but you could get a feel for the space.”

“I already know it’s perfect. Thank you for such a generous offer.”

I nod. “I think it’s going to work out for both of us.”

“We need to head to Denver to catch our flight,” her mom says.

“Take your time deciding,” I tell the bride.

Mariel shakes her head, smiling. “I don’t need to look at any other venues. I know this is the right place.”

When they leave, I sit at the table for a few more minutes, pretending to take notes on our conversation. In reality, my hand is trembling too much to put pen to paper.

I just pitched a new business idea and made the farm feel special to someone else. A step toward becoming more than the person I want to become.

Baby steps count.

When my breathing returns to normal, I glance at my watch. Avah is picking me up in five minutes, and I can’t helpbut wonder when, and if, things will go back to normal with Chase. Do we even have a normal to return to?

He was as into the kiss as I was, I remind myself as I pack up my bag and wave to Sally, the coffee shop’s owner.

I refuse to let my doubts creep in and ruin that moment with him. Because it was spectacular.

So what if it doesn’t lead to more. At least I have confirmation that a mom whose perky breast days are behind her can get her groove back.

I hate that I let the issues with Teddy, and the distance that expanded between us, make me think less of myself. But, sheesh, old habits are hard to break.

I text Avah that I’m ready and walk out into the sunshine. I’m getting better with the crutches, even though I still feel like I could fall at any moment.

And I almost do when somebody runs into me.

“Oh, hey, Molly. Sorry about that.” The tall man with a crop of thick brown hair and hipster vibes adjusts the messenger bag slung over one shoulder. His tone is equal parts distracted and friendly. “They say you shouldn’t text and drive, but I guess you shouldn’t text and walk down a sidewalk either.”

I smile at Bryson Elias, who happens to be my mother-in-law’s realtor. His father owns the company, but Bryson is doing more and more with the business.

Maybe this is another stroke of serendipity.

“I’m glad I ran into you,” I tell him, offering a smile. “Or that you ran into me. I wanted to talk about the farm and Linda’s plan for putting it on the market after her trip.”