The mid-May weather more than made up for the wet, cold winter, in Molly’s opinion. It was hard to believe that in one month, it’d be a year since she’d come to this small town. Just a tiny point on the map fifty miles outside of Portland. When she’d shown up with everything she owned in the back of her Jeep, she’d had no way of knowing that this town, these people, would become her home.
She listened to the laughter and music of their friends who hung out on their completed deck. Sam had surprised her with overhead patio lights that made her feel like she had her very own stars.
Katherine and Brandon, who’d resumed his position as sheriff, were chatting with Sam’s aunt and uncle. Chris and Sarah—who were currently looking for a place outside the heart of the city that would suit both of their needs—and an adorable Labrador pup were playing with Tigger while they chatted with Calli and Dean.
Molly had been right about the impact of Chris’s job on their relationship—it took its toll but only when Chris didn’t open up about it. Over lunch with Sarah, after Katherine’s party, she’d found out they’d both been holding back, each afraid of pushing the other too fast.
Fear often got in the way of a lot of things, Molly realized. Gratitude filled her chest, warming her with the realization that she’d pushed past her own fears and ended up surrounded by these people.
They’d decided to have the BBQ on a Sunday evening when most of the shops and businesses were closed.
“Brought you some lemonade,” Sam said, passing her a red cup with her name scratched onto it.
“Thank you. This is fun. I’ve never had a house party,” she said. She took a sip of the yummy, ice-cold drink.
Sam stared down at her in shock. “Ever?”
Laughing, she shook her head. “No. We moved all the time. I’ve had friends over but I’ve only ever had a couple of them, even as an adult.” She swept her arm out toward the yard. “Never anything like this. It’s…wonderful.”
Lifting his own drink, he tapped his cup against hers. “To the first of many. You can’t beat a backyard BBQ. We used to do this several times throughout the summer when I was growing up. Even in my early twenties, once I got back from college, we’d all get together for big events.”
“You’re lucky,” Molly murmured. She’d never felt like she was missing out on anything, growing up an only child and moving around a lot. She’d always been fine with her own company, something to read, and a notebook.
Now, she saw the benefit of having a tribe of people; of having an extended family and network of people who mattered. She couldn’t imagine her life without any of them.
“Want some gossip?” Sam asked.
“Always.”
“Jeffrey brought his Beamer in to get serviced and said that he’s thinking of sticking around.”
“Really?” Molly asked.
Magnolia’s son had taken over directing the play, picking up where his mother and Tiffany had left off. Tiffany was currently serving jail time as an accomplice to murder, but her fear of Tripp had impacted her sentencing. Tripp wouldn’t be getting out of jail in their lifetime. Vivien had left town almost immediately after the arrests were made, and they’d all been surprised when Jeffrey had remained in town after the play closed.
“Maybe he wants a fresh start,” Molly murmured. He and his sister certainly deserved it.
“Speaking of,” Sam said, tipping his cup in Bella’s direction.
She and Gavin were playing bocce on the lawn with Alan, his wife, Elizabeth, and John Granger. When John had shown up, they’d all hoped Corky would too, but John said he was content just hanging out in the barn with the cats.
Bella tipped her head back and laughed at something Gavin said. He was working out great at the paper and had formally accepted a full-time staff position earlier this month. They both claimed to be just friends, and though they probably were, there was no denying the spark between them.
“She deserves it, too.” Molly leaned into Sam.
“Agreed. Speaking of things we deserve,” he said, sliding his arm around her.
Tipping her head back she met his gaze and waited.
“Tigger mentioned this morning that he thinks he deserves a companion.” Sam’s lips pursed with humor.
“Is that so?” Molly chuckled.
“Yeah. He had all these reasons and I just couldn’t think of one argument against it. Told him I’d talk to you.”
“Did he have anything in mind?”
Sam’s smile grew. “Actually, I don’t know how he heard, but friends of the Grangers have almost ready-to-go Maltese puppies.”
Molly shook her head and pretended to think about things. “He must have his paw on the animal grapevine.”
Laughter lit up Sam’s eyes. “Guess so.” He took a deep breath. Let it out. “We could go look at them.”
“How soon?” Molly asked, grinning so wide her cheeks ached.
Sam’s subtle blush made her heart flutter. He met her gaze. “I told them we’d swing by tomorrow?”
Happiness washed over her and her loud laughter brought Tigger running. As Molly wrapped her arms around Sam’s neck, hugging him close, Tigger wedged between them and flopped on their feet. Looked like their family would be growing.