Page 12 of Three Months Yesterday

While I’ve finished renovating this place and I’m more than proud of it, I’m not entirely sure it’s meant for such an extended stay.

It’s got everything he’ll need, but the space is small—just over eight hundred square feet—and the bathroom is in the most inconvenient spot in relation to the bedroom.

The biggest problem with renovating a cottage built in the early 1800s that’d been left untouched for almost two centuries was the lack of modern amenities. Specifically, indoor plumbing and electricity.

I tried my hand at learning the trades myself, wanting to say I did everything on my own, but I quickly learned how big of a mistake that would be. The company I hired let me watch and even let me try a few things, but knowing people were going to be staying here, even if they weren’t official guests of the inn, I wanted to make sure everything was done right.

I can be proud of the space and everything I accomplished with it, but still admit its shortcomings.

Beckett will be more than fine here—definitely much better than staying in one of the rooms at the bed and breakfast for three months—but that doesn’t mean I’m not nervous about having a guest here—a paying one at that.

“I love you, sis.” Wyatt’s voice sounds behind me as he follows me up the stairs. “But are you sure you’re not being too picky?”

“Yes, Wyatt.” I roll my eyes, both appreciating his help and regretting accepting it. “Having standards for staff doesn’t mean I’m being picky.”

The truth is, while my workload really hasn’t changed in the last few months, I’ve been losing all my energy and motivation earlier and earlier every day. I used to get up and jump right into my day immediately with a three-mile run before breakfast and heading to work, not really flagging until I finished my tasks for the day. But now I need to rest more, and as a result I’m working later to stay on top of everything.

My family isn’t wrong, I desperately need to hire someone to help out around the inn, but small-town living isn’t for everyone and it’s hard finding people who want the slower pace of Stonebridge Hollow.

“I’m just worried about you, Mads. We all are.” Wyatt’s words are soft, his tone gentle, and when I turn to look at him, the furrow in his brows tells me exactly how worried he is.

Wyatt isn’t around as much as we’d all like him to be—jet-setting around the world will do that—but he stays in the loop as much as he can. Not only texting, but calling and FaceTiming too. And I can guess, based on the one-on-one conversations Wyatt and I have about Aiden, they’re probably having similar conversations about me.

I know my parents have been pressuring me to hire more staff, but Aiden hasn’t said a word. And if he and Wyatt are talking about being concerned for me, I’m a little surprised Wyatt is the first one I’m hearing it from.

Aiden is the biggest worrywart in the family—not that he doesn’t have valid reasons for that worry, he’s seen some pretty messed-up stuff—but he’s not one to keep those concerns in. He’ll be the first person to search you out and tell you exactly what he’s thinking, even if he knows it’s going to piss you off.

“I swear I’m working on hiring someone.” I take a few steps toward Wyatt, needing him to know how serious I am. “I doubt it’ll be before the new year, but I’m working on it.”

“And in the meantime? You’re on the edge of burnout, Mads. You can’t keep working like you are.”

“In the meantime…” I take another step closer, grabbing his hand in mine and squeezing tight. “I’ll lean more heavily on the staff we already have.”

“You promise?” Wyatt tightens his hold on my hand, reaffirming just how worried he is.

Maybe I haven’t been doing such a great job keeping my exhaustion a secret. My family’s around to help out at the property, but not on a daily basis. I honestly didn’t think anyone knew just how hard things were getting around here.

“Yes, I promise.”

“All right. Then I’ll leave you alone about it.” He tugs me in for a quick hug, but grips my upper arms as he pulls away, his eyes staying trained on mine. “For now.”

Twisting my wrist to check the time, I only get a quick glimpse before lifting my hand to cover the massive yawn that breaks free. It’s insane I’m this tired at five o’clock on a Friday.

Maybe it’s time for me to call the doctor.

“That’s a big yawn,” Sarah teases from her seat behind the front desk.

“I don’t know what’s up, but I’m exhausted.” I collapse against the desk, recognizing it’s the only thing keeping me from falling to the floor right now.

“You’ve been running around a lot today. Well, all week, really. I’m sure you just need a few days of relaxation. Are you working this weekend?”

The smile that stretches across my face is the furthest thing from genuine. I love Sarah but sometimes she’s the most oblivious person around.

“I’m always working,” I note, just as the front door opens.

Spinning around, I find the man I’ve been expecting, and unfortunately for me, I have the same reaction seeing him the second time as I did earlier this morning. Stunned silence.

“Sorry I missed your call earlier, I got caught up talking with…you know what? You probably don’t really care.” Beckett chuckles, his hand lifting to squeeze the back of his neck.