Page 103 of The Meeting
Chase was about to follow Kailynn when something caught his attention. He strayed off to the side and looked at the volcanic jewelry on display. A silver pendant stood out among the rest. It had a small Helenite stone at the top that acted as the loop for the chain, with a large stone dropping below the smaller stone in a teardrop shape. He picked it up and looked at the information card next to it. It had been created out of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980.
Kailynn was just finishing up her purchase when Chase caught Mr. Pritchard’s eyes. Seeming to know exactly what Chase was thinking, he steered Kailynn over to look at some other items he said were fun to see.
Chase took the necklace off the display and brought it up to the counter, stealthily sliding it across with his credit card before joining Kailynn.
Mr. Pritchard walked back to the register and took care of the purchase before walking over to them again to show Kailynn something else.
“Kailynn, you must see our local goods.”
Chase slipped back to the counter and signed the receipt, writing a large ‘Thank You’ on the top. Then he slipped the necklace and his receipt into his pocket before finding Kailynn again. She was looking at a selection of wooden bowls that had been hand-carved.
Mr. Pritchard liked to carry items created by locals, and he had a designated section for it. It had always been one of Chase’s favorite sections. Most of the names listed were of people he didn’t know well—younger people who had moved into the area. Many of the older people who created their own products had since passed away.
When Chase was younger, his mom used to have a section for knitted blankets she wanted to sell. Knitting was no longer a hobby she engaged it much anymore. Now she contributed apple pies, but they rarely stayed on the shelf for more than a few hours.
Chase’s family always brought back several cases of wine from his grandparents’ vineyard for the store to carry as well. The wine disappeared faster than the pies. He couldn’t help but search the shelves for items from his family, but as suspected, nothing was there.
Kailynn and Chase walked through the rest of the store before they both said their goodbyes and left.
* * *
Kailynn and Chasepulled up to Derek’s ranch just as Chase’s parents did. Kailynn tried her hardest to suppress a sigh as she saw Jane step out of the truck and wait for them. This trip had already seemed excessively long because of the previous day’s festivities. Kailynn selfishly hoped she could have Chase to herself for the rest of the day, but she knew that wasn’t the reason they were there. She only needed to get through the day since they were leaving tomorrow.
He needed to see his family, and she didn’t want to be the one to hold him back—no matter how much she just wanted to avoid the drama.
They hopped down from Derek’s truck and walked toward Jane, who waited for them. Rob had disappeared toward the barn.
“We were hoping you two would join us this evening for an early dinner and campfire,” Jane said.
Chase glanced at Kailynn almost as if he were looking for permission. In that one look, she knew he understood how badly his family affected her. Part of her had wondered if he were oblivious to it, since most of it had to do with him and his ex-wife, and not with Kailynn. But it wore her down, and he clearly knew it.
Kailynn turned toward Jane. “We would love to.”
Chase visibly relaxed next to her, and she knew she had made the right decision to set their differences aside. Jane hadn’t meant her any harm, and she needed to keep her mind open to that.
Jane pressed her hands together under her chin and tears sprang to her eyes. “I’m so happy to hear that.”
“Oh Mama, don’t cry,” Chase said.
“I was just worried I upset Kailynn forever, and I don’t want there to be any problems between us. I still want you to come visit.”
All of Kailynn’s anxiety vanished.
“It’s okay. I understand there being questions,” Kailynn said.
“Oh, thank you,” Jane said, pulling Kailynn into a hug. “Rob knocked some sense into me. I didn’t realize how poorly I treated you by talking to Chase about Allison in front of you. I won’t do that again. I want you here, and I’m so happy you came.”
“I’m happy to be here! This place is beautiful.”
Kailynn glanced over at Chase. He stood back, watching the exchange with a smile on his face.
They spent the rest of the afternoon on the ranch helping Derek with various tasks. She mainly brushed the different horses while Chase helped Derek muck the stalls.
John came and went from the barn as well. Occasionally he would throw a smile in Kailynn’s direction, but seemed to try to keep things brief when he was in Chase’s presence. She suspected Derek had told John that she knew, which is why he was more comfortable around her. But he always seemed to walk on eggshells around Chase. Chase seemed oblivious.
Chase stood up when he finished the last stall and stretched his arms over his head.
“We should probably get in the shower before heading out for dinner.”
