Harlequin Special Edition November 2023 Box Set 2 of 2 by Senate Melissa & Mann Catherine & Thompson Nancy Robards

Author:Senate, Melissa & Mann, Catherine & Thompson, Nancy Robards
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2023-10-24T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

Timothy’s head hurt.

He slumped against the side of Mr. Ian’s truck and traced the lettering with his finger, waiting for everyone else to get ready to go to the craft festival. His mom had said to hurry up and he’d done what she asked like a good boy. He still felt bad about cutting his own hair, but he’d meant well, had been trying to help out Gideon. And he’d been extra good about doing what his mom said ever since—like getting ready to go.

So where was everybody else?

He tucked his fingers up under his stocking hat and scratched his forehead where it still ached. Sure, his brother was the one who fell, but triplets felt each other’s pain. Even the doctor had told him so once when they’d gone to the emergency room because Caleb had the stomach flu, and the other two were puking even though they weren’t sick.

But Timothy had that shared hurt happen more often than his brothers. He didn’t know why. He just knew that’s how it was.

Yesterday, he’d realized something was wrong before his mom got the call. His head had been burning and he wasn’t sure which brother was in trouble.

So, he understood that Gideon was aching. And that Caleb was sad. But as he stood there tracing the green letters that spelled out “Tree Farm,” it felt unfair that he had to be both hurt and sad. He was used to it, though. His mom said that’s why he was such a “peacemaker” and that it was okay not to worry so much about everybody else. That was a mom’s job.

He’d nodded because he’d known that was what she wanted him to do, not because he really agreed. He figured she didn’t need to hear he worried about her too, especially about her being alone. He didn’t remember much about his dad and sometimes he thought what he did recall came from watching videos instead of really remembering. Like how seeing a family boat trip and picnic in a home movie filled up his mind until he tricked himself into believing it was a real memory. He’d been thinking about it more lately, being at Mr. Ian’s house and seeing how his mom had help.

A movement by the new tire swing caught his attention. Mrs. Florence held the rope, swaying, staring off into space. Was she waiting for everyone too? She had on one of those capes she liked and fuzzy snow boots.

Timothy trekked through the light dusting of fresh snow over to Mrs. Florence. “Where is everybody?”

Blinking fast, she looked toward him, then smiled. “Dear boy, if you’re expecting me to keep track of everyone, then we’re in a sad state.”

Timothy frowned. “What does that mean?”

“I’m just teasing.” She laid a hand on his short hair and ruffled it. “I only meant that I am forgetful and that I get lost more and more often.”

“Oh, okay.” He kicked his toe through some sludge by the minivan. “We’re supposed to be leaving for the Top Dog Dude Ranch.

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