Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22864 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
When Rachel, the Mayor’s wife, invited me out for drinks with the rest of the women under forty in town, I hesitated to ask Fletcher for permission to go out. When I finally mustered up the courage, he told me that I didn’t need to ask his permission for anything. I smiled at him and kissed him. On the lips. It caught me by surprise, but I know he was surprised too. It took him just a second to groan and deepen the kiss. When he pulled away, we were both panting for breath. I didn’ know a kiss could be so life altering, so soul shattering, but with him, it was. Even now, I can still feel his lips on mine.
Now I’m sitting at The Saloon with a bunch of women who are interested in getting to know me. At Ladies Night. It’s just us and a really old guy sitting at the bar. He looks so sad, I want to go over and give him a hug. He’s been nursing one beer since we’ve been here, and it doesn’t look like he’s leaving anytime soon. I get up to go over to him and do just that, when Rachel stops me, shaking her head sadly.
“That’s Mr. Picard. He used to be a lawyer here in town, but retired a few years ago when his grandson, Greyson, took over the practice. Lucy, his wife, passed away last week. They just celebrated their sixty-fifth anniversary last month.”
“Was she sick?” I ask, feeling tears well up in my eyes.
“No and that’s the worst part. She was killed in an accident in Charleston. She had gone Christmas shopping with her sister, Miss Virginia, from the library, and neither one of them made it home. A drunk college kid was driving the wrong way and they all died. She was healthy as a horse. Probably had many years left.”
“That’s so sad,” I say.
“He hasn’t spoken to anyone but Tobias since the day of the funeral and that’s just to order his beer. After a few hours, he walks home.”
“He must have loved her very much. He’s lost without her,” I murmur. I can’t help but wonder if Fletcher will ever feel that way about me.
“Definitely,” Hannah says. I love that these women are all sisters and while similar they are also completely unique.
“So, how are liking Hollow’s Hollow?” Miriam, the sheriff's wife, asks before taking a drink of her soda. No one else at this table is drinking because they are in various stages of pregnancy. Me? I’m on my second margarita. While I don’t normally drink at all, I was nervous about tonight.
“I love it here,” I answer honestly. I really do. The town, the people, my husband, especially my husband. It’s hard to believe that it’s only been two weeks since I’ve been married but I love that man. He’s done more for me and my self-esteem in two weeks than Gary did in three years.
“We’re glad you’re here. Lloyd knew this town needed new blood and after the old ad got put back out there, he decided it was fate.”
“I love that. I didn’t know mail order brides were still a thing, but I’m glad I saw the ad. I needed to get away from my old life,” I say.
“You running from something?” Lavinia, the pastor’s wife, asks me, patting the back of my hand.
“Yes,” I reply, biting my bottom lip, wondering how much to reveal to these ladies. Suddenly, I hear a slurping sound and I realize it’s me finishing my second drink. I was as The Saloon owner, Tobias, whisks my glass away and puts another into my hand, making me smile. “My ex was not a nice man,” I begin, deciding to tell them the truth. For some reason, I know these women would never betray me. Once I finish, six pairs of inquisitive eyes stare back at me.
“And this makes it hard for you to trust your husband?” Sadie, Carter’s sister-in-law, asks me.
“No. That’s the thing, I do trust him but I think he senses there’s something wrong with me.”
“There is nothing wrong with you, girl. Your ex took things from you that you didn't want to give him. It’s not your fault. Look, I know Fletcher and I know he’s a good man. He would never hurt you,” Ada says.
“I know he wouldn’t, but when I try to take it to the next level, he stops me. I don’t want him to stop me.”
“Girl, you want to bang your husband don’t you?” Rachel asks.
“I do. I really, really do,” I say, without hesitation.
“Then make a move he can’t refuse,” Lavinia says, smiling.
“Like what?” I whisper when I realize I have no moves.
For the next ten minutes and a fourth margarita, I listen to them give me the most scandalous ideas, until the front door opens and a burst of cold-ass air blows in.