Mia poked her head into the kitchen. “Ophelia, I’m all set. It’s time for me to check out.”
The woman wiped her hands on a daffodil-yellow dishtowel and walked over. “Can I say you’re my very first guest that I actually don’t want to leave?”
Mia laughed. “I don’t believe you. I overheard you telling every guest they were your favorite.”
“All lies and propaganda. But you? My brother’s not the only one here who feels like he’s lost someone special.”
Emotion clouded her eyes. “Now, don’t start. I’m going to be visiting regularly. I’m going to be in detox for your scones.”
“No, you’re not! I have a present for you!” Ophelia glided over to the freezer and withdrew a large package of perfectly wrapped scones. “They’re already cut. Just pop them in the oven for fifteen minutes to warm, and you’re all set. There’s lemon and blueberry.”
“You are amazing.”
“Nah, all part of the job.”
Mia shook her head. “No, it’s not. I hope you know how special you are. How much you’re really worth.”
Ophelia jerked in surprise, color flooding her cheeks. Ophelia was the perfect hostess, and she ran the inn with both a firm and loving hand. Guests always felt special and pampered, and she worked tirelessly behind the scenes to give that effect. With her elegant grace, easy smile, and Irish beauty, she seemed like a woman who had everything.
But Mia sensed something deeper that seethed beneath the surface. Sometimes, when she caught Ophelia out of the spotlight of the guests, a sadness clung to her figure. Maybe it was the boy she once spoke of. Ophelia Bishop was simply a mystery she wished she had more time to explore.
“Back atcha, Mia Thrush.” The women hugged one last time. “Safe trip. Did you see Harper?”
“Yep, said goodbye at the barn. Did Chloe and Jonathan come down yet?”
“They’re putting their stuff in the car.”
“Thanks.”
Mia walked outside and found Chloe and Ethan waiting for her. Jonathan was talking on his cell by the car. Mia smiled at the girl, her heart aching. Though Chloe and Jonathan had fought over her father’s insistence she come back to New York, Chloe eventually surrendered with an adult grace and dignity that had shocked her father. She promised to give NYU one semester and wait for the election results. Then they’d agreed to renegotiate depending on how the future steered. Though the girl was obviously disheartened, a new steely strength shone from her blue eyes. The proud tilt of her chin showed a woman, not a girl, and one who had confidence. Mia cleared her throat as Chloe came over and gave her a big hug.
“I’m going to miss you,” the girl whispered.
“Me too. Do you absolutely swear to stop in and see me at the office? Or text me? Or Snapchat me? Or Instagram or Twitter or Facebook?”
Chloe laughed and drew back. “Yes, I swear.”
“Good.”
With one last squeeze, Chloe let her go. Then she turned to Ethan.
Mia watched them stare at each other, as if words were too little for what they were feeling. Like Phoenix, Ethan seemed to communicate with her on a whole other level. And when he opened his arms, Chloe stepped in and hugged him with a pure affection that brought tears to her eyes.
“Do good at NYU,” he whispered roughly. “I may not be on Snapchat, but I text.”
The girl laughed against his chest. “Will you send me pics of the newest horses? And Phoenix?”
“Yes. Maybe you can come up on break and spend some time here.”
The girl pulled back and nodded eagerly. “I’d love that.”
Jonathan motioned Chloe over and mouthed We gotta go.
Ethan regarded her with serious blue eyes. “You always have another home here, Chloe. Remember that.” With a small smile, he gently pushed her away toward her father. “Bye, sweetheart.”
“Bye, Mia. Ethan. Thanks. I had the best summer of my life.”
Mia leaned against Ethan and watched them drive away. “Why do goodbyes have to suck so bad?” she asked.
“It means you care.” He stroked her cheek, blue eyes filled with intimacy. They’d been starving for each other last night, making love over and over, trying to desperately delay the coming of dawn. His touch and scent were imprinted on every inch of her body. “I packed your car. Gave you some extra water bottles for the trip.”
“And Ophelia gave me scones.”
“Good. If I find out you’re not eating at least one baked good per week, I’ll be pissed.”
“Magnolia Bakery is close by. I’ll just stop putting blinders on when I pass it.”
“Good girl.”
They smiled at each other. A loud squawk filled the air, and Mia glanced over to see Hei Hei scrambling toward them, head feathers bobbing with excitement. Wheezy shot out after him, tongue lolling, and Mia met the animals halfway, crouching to her knees. The crazed chicken flew into her embrace, rubbing his feathers over her and pecking at her feet. Wheezy gave her a tongue bath, pushing his furry head against her. She laughed, blinded by the sheen of tears. Damn this chicken for making her love him. Damn this dog for making her crave such loyal companionship. Who would’ve thought they’d all become so close?
“Hei Hei, Wheezy, I just might miss you the most,” she murmured, stroking his beautiful feathers and patting the dog’s back. “Ethan promised to give you the special organic food I ordered and those treats you like. You have to stop eating the rocks like your namesake from Moana. It’s not good for you.”
Hei Hei screeched.
“Okay, I love you. I promise I’m coming back to visit. I promise.”
The chicken cocked his head, as if considering her words. Wheezy seemed to understand and slowly, bones creaking, lowered himself to the ground. She unfolded herself from the ground and walked toward the car, where Ethan waited.
“I’ll call you when I get home. I’ll check my calendar and let you know when I can drive back up.”
“Sounds good.”
“Guess this is it.” She bit down on her lower lip to keep it from trembling. “I love you.”
“Love you, too. There’s just one thing you have to promise me before you go.”
“Anything.”
He kissed her hard, with a fierce intensity that shook her to the core. Then he lifted his head with that sexy half smile curving his lips. “Win.”
She nodded, stepping back, gaze glued to his. “We will.”
“See you later, baby.”
She got into her car, drinking in his presence: Thighs braced apart. Fisted hands on hips. Head tilted up in a proud arrogance that was all male. Ginger hair blowing in the wind. Leashed power emanating in waves around him. And those beautiful pale-blue eyes locked on her through the window.
Hei Hei was right beside him. As if the chicken knew something terrible was happening, those crazy feathers fell limply to the side of his head instead of sticking straight up. He kept still and silent, his entire demeanor sad. A choked sob rose up from her throat. Dear God, it hurt so much. It was as if she was losing a piece of herself she’d just found.
With one last heart-wrenching smile, Mia reversed in the lot and drove away.
This time, she couldn’t look back.
She knew if she did, she’d never leave.