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Autumn had seen it in his gaze, felt it in the way he touched her. She hadn’t wanted Ethan to say the words. Yet when he had said that he felt more than friendly toward her, fear hadn’t won. It doused the surge of relief and excitement—both unexpected—but didn’t drown and kill them. She walked back into the lobby. Ethan’s footsteps followed her and then he was by her side again as they reentered the ballroom.
Thankfully, a country song played, so she dashed forward to join the line dancing. Ethan joined her, just like he used to. She gave him a sidelong glance. Could they be more than friends and not ruin their friendship? Could she ever get past what had happened between her parents?
She shook her head, not wanting to answer either of those questions in this moment. Instead, she stomped her feet and moved her arms in the motions of the dance. Her chest lightened from a weight she hadn’t realized had been there as she stepped in time beside Ethan in this room filled with almost everyone she cared about in the world.
Smiling, she grabbed Ethan’s hand and pulled him closer. She wanted him close. He had always been there for her. Always wasn’t the best term in her mind, but when it came to Ethan, it was true. And she didn’t want to lose that, or him.
There was no thinking about that now, though, with the music pulsing, the feet pounding, her heart thumping, and laughter and singing ringing out around them. She gave into the moment and joined in.
***
SEVERAL HOURS LATER, Autumn sat in Ethan’s car, the heater contributing to her eyes closing. The reception had been a fun party, and she’d been able to compartmentalize her earlier conversation with Ethan to enjoy the festivities. Now she was too sleepy to contemplate what had been opened between them. Then her phone rang, or sang, “I Wonder.” Mom. She shouldn’t answer it. But if she didn’t, Ethan would ask why. That would open another topic she wasn’t ready for. Ethan knew her and her mom, but he didn’t know the extent to which Autumn felt estranged and hurt by her. Besides, it was late, and something might actually be wrong.
She swiped the call button. “Hello.”
“Baby. Whatcha doin’? Any cute men at the wedding?” Her mother’s voice slurred—she was either drunk or high. Autumn’s back tightened and the pleasant sleepiness turned to a wary red alert.
“Is everything okay?”
“Sure. Except my girl isn’t hitched yet.” Rattling noises accompanied her mother’s guffaw.
Autumn’s neck heated and the tension seeped into her jaw. “I can’t talk now.”
“You never have time for me.”
Her hand itched to grasp Ethan’s. She could handle this on her own—she had been for years—but having his support would be a huge relief.
“It’s late. I’ve got to get to sleep.” Autumn glanced at Ethan. His forehead etched with worry lines and his frown deepened.
“You don’t need sleep. You need to be in bed with a hot man—”
“Gotta go. Take care.” She ended the call and shut off her phone.
Taking in a gulping breath, she tried to ease the gripping sensations along her back, neck, and jaw. She pressed her eyes shut to hide the tears forming. She needed to break off contact with her mother. It was time.
“Want to talk about it?” Ethan asked. He pulled up next to her building and parked.
She steeled herself and made another brave decision. Taking his hand in hers, she squeezed his palm to hers.
“Did you hear what she said?” Her mother could be loud.
“Kind of. Sorry.”
She shook her head. “She’s been like that for as long as I can remember.”
“That sounds hard. I’m sorry.”
“I was...ashamed. But she isn’t me. It’s not my fault.”
“You felt ashamed. I understand. And you’re right, you didn’t do anything wrong. You deserved better. You deserve the best.”
“I have the best friend right here.” She tried to smile, but it felt more like a weak lift of her lips. They squeezed into their handhold at the same time. “It’s time to let her go, to not engage with her anymore.”
“I support you one hundred percent. Can I do anything?”
“Keep being my friend.”
“Always.” He placed his other hand on hers.
They used to stack hands this way, and she’d try to best him. Not this time. She closed her eyes and let the moment be. Let the warmth and strength of his hands, of his constant love and support of her, sink into her soul.
They sat like this until she had breathed in and out the goodness, the wholeness she had, which sometimes felt broken after talking to her mother. Pastor Bob had been helpful up to a point when she was younger, counseling her. So had Mrs. G, whose childhood best friend had experienced a similar relationship with her mother. It was time to let go.
She patted Ethan’s hand and their clasp broke. “Thanks, Eth.”
“Anytime. Thanks for letting me be here with you.”
She placed her hand on his cheek. His short beard and the lines of his jaw tingled through her. But those were pleasures for another day. Huh, she’d thought of that differently. There would be another day to learn about Ethan in this new way. She let her hands drop into her lap.
“I’m gonna go. See you tomorrow?” She moved toward the door.
“Sure you don’t want company?” Ethan’s brows raised in a hopeful expression.
“I’m sure. I have to face this myself.”
“You don’t have to.” He touched her fingertips.
“I know. Just for tonight, it’s my choice.”
“I’ll keep my phone on just in case.”
She nodded, not wanting to say anything or she’d bawl, and she was too tired for that display of emotion.
“Pick you up at ten.”
“Thanks.” Who knew you could pack so much emotion into one everyday word?
She slid from the car, waving to Ethan to show he didn’t need to get out. He waited until she was inside before he drove away. She walked upstairs to sleep and dream of new beginnings.
***
AUTUMN WOKE LATE, FOR her, at eight-thirty. She got ready quickly—she’d already chosen her outfit, a sage green dress in simple lines—and bundled on her coat and purple scarf. The shop was closed today for the wedding and Easter holiday.
She wanted to talk to Mrs. G, so she decided to have breakfast at Gallagher’s. Walking out into the icy street, she smiled at the warmish breeze that arrived just in time for spring. Soon, she sat in the warm interior of the café, Mrs. G surprising her by sitting down with her.
“I haven’t eaten since five-thirty, so I’ll join you. You seem...lighter somehow. Want to talk?” Mrs. G sipped her coffee.
“I was hoping you’d say that.” Autumn explained what had happened last night with her mother, and how she’d sent her a letter and then blocked her number and email.
Mrs. G. nodded and empathized, which was what Autumn needed. “It’s a hard choice, and I’m proud of you for taking care of yourself. We’re all here for you.”
“We sure are,” Lorna chimed in as she appeared to take their order. She rubbed Autumn’s shoulder in a show of solidarity. Lorna knew all about family problems.
“Thanks.” Again, it was all she could manage, and it was enough.
“Is it okay if Ethan joins us?” Mrs. G tilted her head, her bright blue eyes sparkling.
“Sure. I think there’s more new beginnings than spring about to happen.” Autumn saw the satisfied smile brush across the older woman’s round face. “What have you been up to?”
“This and that.” Mrs. G winked at Lorna, who cackled.
“Speak of the angel himself,” Lorna said, patting Ethan on the back as he walked over.
Autumn shifted, a jolt of something new moving her on seeing her oldest friend. Tall, his beard neatly trimmed, that content smile on, he eased off his coat and placed it on the chair next to Mrs. G’s. His cream knit sweater showed his lean frame, and she wanted to cozy into him.
After he sat, they ordered, corned beef hash all around. It was a standard café special at this time of year. They chatted about the weather, the weddings, and food. Their meals arrived, and they spoke more while savoring the crispy-creamy meaty goodness, washed down with strong coffee and good company.
“I have a confession, Autumn,” Mrs. G said, patting her lips with her napkin. “I’ve been encouraging Ethan here in his heart’s desire.”
Autumn’s cheeks heated as Ethan’s showed the same sensation in his coloring. “You’ve encouraged all of us that way.”
“I’m glad you understand.”
Autumn grinned. “I understand there’s no stopping you.”
Mrs. G grinned back. “Not for many years, I hope.”
“From your lips...” Ethan kissed Mrs. G’s cheek.
“I think you should set your sights on Flint,” Autumn said.
Ethan shot her a raised eyebrow. “Flint? He won’t want meddling.”
“Serves him right.” He’d teased Ethan and Autumn for years about being friends, and her red hair. He needed shaking up only Mrs. G and Mrs. D could give. He wouldn’t retaliate against the town matriarchs.
“We’re already on it.” Mrs. G’s grin turned sly. “I’ve got to check in with the staff before I head out. See you soon?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Ethan said, rising and holding Mrs. G’s chair.
She patted his cheek and waved to Autumn. Ethan came around and waited for her, holding her coat for her before donning his. They said goodbye to Lorna and strolled out into the chilly morning.
“Do we have time for a quick walk?” Autumn asked. She didn’t want to make him late for his brother’s wedding, but she liked to move after a big meal, and she wanted a chance to talk to Ethan alone.
“Sure.” He glanced at her and she smiled.
Warmth and certainty rolled through her. They could explore something new together, just like they always had. Only this time it was Ethan who had suggested the adventure.
She grasped his strong hand in hers and pulled him across, down Main Street to the river front. They stood on the boardwalk and faced each other.
“I’ve decided some things in the last twenty-four hours. Like, I’ve said goodbye to my mother. That part of my life is over. But this part, with you, is beginning again.” She touched his cheek. Ethan put his forehead on hers and her smile stayed on him. She held his coat, bringing him closer.
“Part of the ongoing story, yeah?” His grin sent gladness through her, tingling and sparking a flame she wanted to step into.
“Autumn and Ethan, part two,” she said.
“We’ll write it together?”
“Yeah, together. I think the first line should be, they kissed.”
He nodded, and she could see in his tender gaze that he was too choked up to speak. Her friend, the kind boy, was now a man, still kind and still her friend. His lips brushed hers and the sparks shot off, as full of color and promise as the shoots of flowers and grass under foot. They wrapped their arms around each other as their kiss deepened, making this the sweetest Easter, better than any basket of candy or egg hunt.
She didn’t need to hunt for her best friend or her true love. He was right here in her arms. Right next to her, just like he’d always been and always would be.