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“I think she was hoping all her siblings would visit.”
“Are things better between the Monroes and the Calloways?” There was tension between the families because they ran competing Christmas tree farms. Recently, Daphne met and dated Knox’s cousin, Cole. When everyone found out about it, they weren’t happy. I’d advised Cole to follow his heart, the family’s issues with each other be damned. I was pleased to know he’d listened and mended his relationship with Daphne.
I had no idea what would have happened between me and Fiona if I’d stayed or if I’d married her. For all I knew, we wouldn’t have lasted. She would have resented the life of a military wife, moving constantly and never being able to finish her education or find a steady job. She could have divorced me within a few years.
She deserved more than I had to offer.
I was never good enough for Fiona Calloway. She’d grown up in an idyllic situation, living on a Christmas tree farm with her parents and six siblings. From what I could tell, they all looked out for each other. The only thing that marred her perfect family was when her mother died.
“I wouldn’t say that. Everyone is getting used to the idea of a Monroe with a Calloway. My family doesn’t like change.”
“I can’t say I do either.” What I loved about the military life was the predictability. My commanding officers might have yelled at me, but I’d work hard to improve and eventually gain their praise. I could never please my parents.
“Cole bought his own place. He took her out to the new house tonight to show it to her.”
“I’m happy for them.” I’d started rooting for Cole after we’d talked that one night. It was after everyone found out about their relationship and he’d wanted to give up. He wasn’t willing to lose his family for Daphne. But it was clear he was in love with her.
“Cole said he talked to you about the situation with Daphne.”
“I told him not to let go of the best thing that ever happened to him.”
Knox nodded. “He deserves to be happy. I’m glad he’s found his way.”
“Me too.” I just wished I’d found mine. I’d gotten respect in the military. When Gram died and Marley was alone renovating the inn, I’d wanted to be there for her. It felt like I should come home, that it was time.
“How are things here at the inn?” Knox gestured toward the empty stool next to him.
I sat on it. “It’s been hard. Marley’s been helping out a lot. I just wish she felt like she could rely on me.”
“You’ll get there.”
“I know Heath wants me to contribute more with his business. I’ve just been too caught up in everything here. There’s the reservations, guests’ needs, repairs, maintenance. It’s a lot.”
“I can give you a deal on landscaping. You should really hire some of this stuff out.”
“We have cleaners. That’s about all we can afford for now.” Marley had offered to infuse her money into the business, but I wouldn’t let her. I wanted to make it work on its own.
Knox nodded. “I’m here if you need me.”
“I appreciate that.” The good thing about my relationship with Fiona was that not many people knew about it. I think her father suspected, but he never said anything to her. Maybe even her brothers now that we were over, but I wasn’t positive.
Knox drank his water. “I need to get Addy and Izzy home. It’s getting late.”
“Thanks for coming. This party is important to Marley. She loves getting everyone together.” I couldn’t say I had those same desires. I preferred to avoid people, which was why running the inn was difficult for me.
Knox stood. “Always a pleasure to be here. It’s nice to have the inn open again.”
When I grew up here, I was embarrassed to be a Matthews. My parents’ reputation marred the one Gram had created with the inn. I was known as the kid who lived in a trailer on my grandmother’s property. I loved Gram, but the situation didn’t do my reputation at school any favors. Thankfully I’m not that kid anymore.
I was a grown man, and I was slowly finding my way. I just wished I could dismiss this thing with Fiona as easily. There was something about her coming home unexpectedly. There was a story there, and it wasn’t my business to find out what it was. But I wanted to.
* * *
I stayed up long after the guests had gone home from the party. Even though there was a cleaning crew that came in the morning, I threw out all the trash, returned the glasses and dishes to the kitchen, and turned out the lights before finally going to bed. My suite was on the third floor, and it was more of an apartment than a room.
When Grandma ran the inn, she slept in a small room on the first floor next to the kitchen. But Marley wanted more privacy for the innkeepers and designed an apartment on the third floor.
I went to sleep thinking about Fiona and all the ways she’d changed. She was curvier, no longer the slight girl she’d been back then. But her fierceness had only increased. I didn’t like my odds to convince her to talk to me about the past.
