Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88889 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 444(@200wpm)___ 356(@250wpm)___ 296(@300wpm)
Chapter 16
Kelcie
With the snow covering the ground, it’s way too cold to sit down beneath the tree, and I remain standing in front of my family’s graves.
My cheeks are flushed, and my breaths turn white as they leave me.
Winter is officially here. It’s freezing, so I can’t visit for long.
A sad smile tugs at my mouth.
I feel guilty for finding happiness with Levi. I know it’s stupid and that you would want me to go on with my life.
Letting out a sigh, I glance over the cemetery.
He loves me.
A breath shudders from me as my eyes begin to sting.
And I love him.
I look at the three headstones again and lift my gloved hand to rest over my heart.
You’ll always be in here, but I think I have to put some distance between us. I’ll always love you. I’ll visit once a week, okay?
I can picture my parents and Sage jumping up to hug me while saying they understand. They would tell me to grab on to Levi and hold on as tight as I can.
That’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to start living again and build a future with the man I love.
I lift my hand to my mouth and press a kiss to my fingertips before blowing it at the three graves.
Turning around, I walk as quickly as I can, my throat closing up. A tear escapes, and I wipe it away. When another rolls down my cheek and they start falling faster, I keep brushing them away.
Exiting the cemetery, I suck in a deep breath and head for the main street that runs through the middle of town.
Yesterday, Levi showed me how much he loves me, and it felt like an unbreakable bond was formed between us.
So this morning, when I left his house to visit my family, I made the decision to start letting go of the past. I know it’s going to be difficult, but it’s something I have to do if I want a future with Levi.
When I pass the general store and I see the sign for Dixie’s Coffee, I lift my chin and go inside.
Mrs. Dixon glances at the door, and when she sees me, shock flutters over her face. “Kelcie! Oh my gosh, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes.” She hurries around the counter, and I brace for impact as she comes to hug me. “This makes my old heart so happy.” Pulling back, she holds me by my shoulders and looks me up and down. “You look so good. How are you doing?”
Smiling, I answer, “I’m doing very well, Mrs. Dixon. How have you been?”
“You know me, dear. I don’t complain.” She walks back behind the counter while asking, “What can I get you?”
I glance over the menu, then say, “A pumpkin spice latte, please.”
“It’s the perfect thing for such a cold day,” she agrees. She gets busy preparing the beverage. “I hear you’re dating the new guy in town.”
“He’s lived here four months, but yes, I’m dating Levi.”
She gives me a curious look. “Is it safe to assume the rumors about him aren’t true?”
I lean against the counter and rest my forearms on the black slab of marble. “Which rumors would those be?”
“Folks say he’s rude and to steer clear of him.”
“Levi is an introvert and the kindest person I know,” I defend my man. Frowning, I ask, “Are those rumors still making the rounds?”
Mrs. Dixon nods. “You know how it is. It will take months before the gossip mill finds something new to talk about.”
“True,” I sigh.
She places the steaming cup down in front of me. “It’s on the house, dear. I hope you won’t be a stranger and I’ll get to see more of your pretty face.”
“Thank you.” I pick up the cup and take a sip. “Mmmh. I’ll definitely pop in soon again.” Walking to the door, I give her a smile. “Have a good day, Mrs. Dixon.”
“You too, dear.”
Walking up the street, I enjoy my beverage until Mom’s old store comes into view. I notice it’s now a gadget repair shop, and there’s a stabbing sensation in my heart.
When I peek through the window, I’m sad to see everything has changed.
I quickly walk away, and as I near the corner, I hear Waverly shout, “Kelcie!” My head snaps in her direction, and I watch as she crosses the road. “When I saw you walking by the diner, I thought there’s no way you wouldn’t pop in to say hello.”
I give her a sheepish look. “I’m sorry.” I gesture at the repair store. “I got rattled by that.”
“Ugh. It’s such an eyesore. Come sit with me for a little bit.” I hold up my cup, and she rolls her eyes. “I’m the owner, silly. I don’t care what you’re drinking in the diner as long as I get to spend a few minutes with you.”