Page 62 of The Lucky Heart (Jamison Valley 3)
“She’s been back for, what, a month or two? And she’s already here?”
“How is that a problem?”
She sighed. “It’s not for me. You know I’ll support you in whatever you decide, but your father is going to explode over this. He blames her for a lot, you leaving for the army, that rough patch we went through while you were gone. He’s not going to like seeing her here.”
“That’s ridiculous. It wasn’t her fault. I’ve told you both that a hundred times. I was considering the army before she—”
“—broke your heart?”
I scrubbed a hand over my face. “That was a long time ago, Mom.”
“I know but we remember what you were like that week after she left. I’ll never forget how lost and shattered you looked. Then you left and we didn’t know if you’d ever come home.” Her voice cracked and her eyes welled.
“I’m sorry, Mom.” I walked close and pulled her in for a hug. “I never meant to hurt you guys but I needed to get away.”
“I understand. It was just a scary time for us. A lot of sons didn’t come home back then and you’re all we have.”
“I know.” Mom and Dad had tried for more kids after I was born, but after two miscarriages, they’d stopped.
“Your dad loves you, Silas. He wants only the best for you. To him, she’s not it.”
I let her go and ran a hand through my hair. “Why?” How could he harbor such resentment toward Felicity? He didn’t even know her.
She shook her head. “He’s got his reasons.”
“Reasons,” I scoffed. “Are these the same reasons why he’s so damn determined to fight with me on everything too?”
“You know how he feels about change.”
“Yeah,” I muttered. “I know.” Dad was a stubborn old mule.
“Just be prepared. This ongoing battle is going to get a whole lot worse when he learns that you’re chasing her again.” She pointed to the door.
“If I can get over it, why can’t he? She was eighteen years old, Mom.”
“I’m not saying you’re wrong and he’s right. Just be sure she’s the one.”
“I am.” I’d never been so sure of anything else. Felicity was mine, even if she didn’t know it yet.
“Then I’ll do whatever I can to help.”
“I’d appreciate that.”
“Get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.” She kissed my cheek before walking out.
Mom was right. Son of a bitch. Dad would be relentless in his attacks against Felicity. He needed somewhere to point his finger and he’d pick her. But Lis was tough. She could take it.
At least I hoped so.
I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else than the Lucky Heart. This is where I wanted to raise my family and where I’d always pictured growing old. But if Dad drove Felicity away, he’d be seeing my back too.
Because no matter where she ran, I’d be racing right after her.
Whatever skijoring was, it was popular. The parking lot at the Jamison County Fairgrounds was packed. There were more cars than I’d ever seen here, including the busy nights I remembered from the county’s summer fair and carnival.
Though it had been akin to torture, I had done as Silas had asked and not looked up anything about skijoring this past week. I was assuming that the activity would be outdoors, so I had dressed in warm layers for the event even though the midmorning sun was shining brightly. Silas had warned me that the tournament would last through most of the day, so with my light gray beanie and matching mittens, I’d be prepared for the cooler temperatures of late afternoon.
Giving my hair one last primp in the rearview mirror, I swiped on another coat of lip gloss before making my way toward the arena. People were flowing toward the main entrance but I veered off to the left and into the lot designated for participants, where Silas had asked me to meet him.
