The weight of her impulsive choices pressed on Eve’s shoulders. She clutched Katie’s homemade pendant so hard, the red clay dug into her palm.
I just need a plan.
Which required time.
Time is a luxury I don’t have.
The judge had been clear: marriage was the only way to justify and uphold her relocation.
Eve tried to make light of her situation. “I suppose forging a marriage certificate is a crime.”
Hayden’s black eyes were cool with disapproval. “Don’t even joke.”
“Too soon?” Eve regrouped, forming a last-ditch plea. “Do you have to make such a hasty decision about this? I’m not looking for love, Hayden. I’m looking for a platonic marriage. A short-term marriage. A marriage with someone I trust.” Someone like you. That had been her dream after Vi chose Charlie. Since he hadn’t bolted out the door, perhaps he was still an option. Smiling, she leaned forward to whisper, “Will you marry me?”
Hayden remained silent. Apparently unwilling to entertain the idea of saving her.
Honorable, given what I’m asking isn’t.
She had to admire him for that.
“There must be another way,” Eve murmured, stealing Hayden’s coffee cup and taking a sip. It was strong and black and offered nothing in the way of answers.
Hayden frowned. “You should move back to Missoula.”
Eve shook her head. “I’m not putting us back under Steven’s thumb.”
An ancient red-and-white truck Eve associated with Hayden’s grandparents passed by on Main Street, too quickly for Eve to identify the driver. But it brought back news she hadn’t recalled before.
“I’m sorry,” Eve said, sitting up taller. “I’ve been burdening you with my problems. I forgot my mother told me you came back to town because your grandfather died.” From an undiagnosed brain tumor. “And your grandmother… I saw her at the retirement home.” Where Irene was recovering from her stroke. “She didn’t remember me, but…”
Hayden stared out the window as if she’d struck a nerve.
“I’m sorry,” Eve said again, reaching across the table to take Hayden’s hand in hers. It was warm and calloused, a working man’s hand.
And it provided a jolt to the past, to her daydreams of marrying Hayden. Eighteen-year-old Eve would never have the nerve to touch him. Twenty-eight-year-old Eve did but knew better than to put any significance in him not jerking away.
“I’m sorry for your loss, Hayden, and for any trouble I’ve caused you today.”
“Evie…” Hayden stared down at her hand holding his. “I can’t fix this for you.”
And then, he swiped his coffee back.
Chapter Two
Something behind Hayden caught Evie’s eye.
She smiled.
It was a happy smile, a loving smile.
The same smile she gave me earlier when she ran into my arms.
That didn’t happen to Hayden every day. Women embracing him, that is. Now that he had time and perspective on that greeting… It had been…nice.
Hayden scoffed and took a sip of coffee, tracking Evie as she went to join a group of older women at a yellow picnic table near the front windows. He recognized one of the women as Evie’s mother. He hadn’t seen her since the rehearsal dinner for his canceled wedding. There were more lines on her face now, but Nellie’s short blond hair was still as bright as Evie’s.
Someone tugged on his hand.