Page 63 of Someone to Hold

Walt turns, delighted to have the attention of Skylark’s resident football legend. They talk about the upcoming season, and Ian’s younger brother, Felix, also a football legend, being traded toDenver. I don’t really follow professional sports, but I do know that people around here are delighted to have both Barlowe brothers calling Colorado home. A few minutes later, Ian steers Walt down the aisle and away from my booth.

I let out a slow breath and subtly shift to block Sadie’s view of Chase, who’s now helping another customer. He glances toward me for a moment, and I notice how his shoulders relax as the tension releases from his body.

It’s not like I needed to protect him. Chase is more than capable of handling himself. But there was something about seeing him cornered that tugged at a place deep in my chest.

Sadie watches the two of us with quiet curiosity, but doesn’t comment. She’s known me long enough to read between the lines, and seems willing to wait until I’m ready to spill.

Still, I find myself avoiding her gaze. “So,” I say, trying to sound casual, “do you, um…have plans tonight?”

She quirks a brow. “Why? Are you thinking of sending the twins my way?”

“I haven’t told them yet, but I was hoping you’d say yes to a sleep over.” Chase is now talking to a middle-aged couple who’ve approached the booth. “I don’t want to take advantage of you guys.”

“You never take advantage, and we love having Luke and Laurel. Riva’s with her mom in Aspen this weekend. Ian always misses her, even when it’s just a couple of days, so they’ll be a welcome distraction. They can come home with us after the market. We’ll stop by the store, grab the ingredients to make pizza and you can bring PJs and stuff over later.”

“You’re the best, Sads.” I reach over the table to hug my friend as something soft unfurls in my chest. This town and the people in it who have become my family are why I can’t imagine leaving Skylark. “I’m surprised Ian hasn’t convinced you to pop out a whole football squad.”

Her smile dims slightly. “We have plans,” she says quietly. “They’re just not working out yet.”

“Oh, honey.” I wrap my hand around hers. “That was a dumb thing for me to say. I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“It’s okay. We haven’t shared it with anyone.”

“It’s going to happen,” I say, knowing full well I have no business making that promise. But I can’t help it.

She turns her hand in mine and squeezes. “I think so, too. Until it does, I love being a dog mom and honorary aunt.”

“You’re the best.” I pause and then add, “I truly believe, Sadie. With all my heart.”

Her eyes glisten just a bit. “Thanks, Mols. It feels like you and Chase have things under control here, so I’m going to head back over to the Humane Society booth.”

“I’m sure Luke is still there with Piper.”

“He’s got a way with animals,” Sadie tells me, and I know there’s no greater compliment from her.

“Thanks again for tonight.”

“Anytime.” Sadie slips away just as I turn to face two new customers, a woman who looks a few years older than me and her mother.

The daughter’s gaze snaps to Chase, which shouldn’t surprise me. I’m used to women needing a moment to process him—that thick hair, the Clint Eastwood jawline, and the cowboy swagger that’s as natural to him as breathing.

“Chase,” the woman breathes, like she actually knows him.

His eyes go wide as he glances up, and it looks like he wants to bolt. “Hey, Mariah.”

“Chase Calhoun, where have you been hiding?” her mother exclaims.

“Hello, Mrs. Crawford.”

“Gone from taming bulls to selling flowers, huh?” Mrs. Crawford teases. There’s something about theexchange that I don’t understand. The words are straightforward but the sudden tension pulsing in the air is anything but.

Chase gestures toward me. “Have you met Molly McAllister?”

Both women pause for a beat.

“Teddy’s widow,” the mom says, her voice dipping slightly.

“Hi, Molly.” Mariah gives me an almost apologetic smile. “Teddy, Chase, and I went to high school together.”