Slow Simmer by Sheridan Jeane

Author:Sheridan Jeane [Jeane, Sheridan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781633030183
Publisher: Flowers and Fullerton

23

Mount Washington

Mara

Ford’s arm tightened around my waist, and he pulled me to a stop as he turned to face me. “Grief does that—makes us retreat.” His gaze pierced me, seeing straight into my pain. “I withdrew too, after my mom died,” he said. “It took a while, but I eventually made my way back from it.” He stroked my back. “You’ll make it back, too. You’ve worked hard to keep your brother’s dreams alive. Just don’t give up on your dreams. They’re equally important.”

“Ghost of a Chance was always our dream,” I said, the words coming automatically, almost defensively.

“Absolutely, but it’s not your only dream. You’re an amazing woman. Smart. Talented. Hardworking. You can do anything you set your mind to.” His thumb grazed my cheek as he brushed back my hair. “I know you can.”

A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. “I guess.”

“No more gloom and doom,” he said with a grin. “We’re going to focus on the positives.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “And what are those?”

“Well, for starters, you’re an amazing woman,” he said, his gaze warm and appreciative. “Smart. Talented. Hardworking. And, might I add, extremely good-looking.”

I laughed, feeling a warm blush rise to my cheeks. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

“Good to know,” he said with a wink. “But seriously, Mara, you’ve accomplished so much with Ghost of a Chance. It’s impressive. But don’t forget that you have other dreams too. You can do anything you set your mind to.”

I felt a surge of energy at his words, as if he’d ignited a spark within me. “You’re right,” I said. “I’ve been so focused on the store that I haven’t given much thought to anything else.”

“Time to change that,” he said firmly. “Let’s make a list of all the other things you want to do in life. You mentioned skydiving.” He pretended to shudder. “What about learning to play the guitar? Traveling to exotic locales?”

I grinned, feeling the weight of my worries lifting. “I like the sound of that.”

I needed to be present in the moment. Be here, now.

I owed it all to Ford. His charming personality, quick wit, and thoughtful insights had made this day possible. He had left me feeling seen, valued, and appreciated, and I hadn’t felt this connected to someone in a long time.

The better I got to know Ford, the more I valued him. He wasn’t someone who could fill in my missing pieces, but he was like a frame that enhanced the image or the oil that made the gears run smoothly. Being with him made me see myself more clearly, a better and more capable version of Mara.

We strolled until we came to a sloping lawn where people lingered, taking in the view of the city. “I was going to suggest we sit on the grass, but you’re wearing a dress. Should we find somewhere else to sit?” Ford asked.

In reply, I grabbed his hand and led him down the hillside to a flat area where we sat down.

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