Page 25 of Three Months Yesterday

“I don’t know if I’d go that far,” I rush to say, wanting to make sure I actually get the words out before Mom can jump in with something else.

“Sweetie, there’s nothing wrong with liking history. It might not be hip with the cool kids, but you’ve never cared about being cool before.”

The words don’t hurt as much as the chuckle from my father and Wyatt. It’s another moment of words meant to comfort but missing the mark entirely.

I know there’s no malicious intent behind the words, it’s the same way my grandmother spoke to my mother. She truly doesn’t understand what she’s doing is hurtful.

Beckett shifts in the seat beside me and his leg brushes mine. I assume it’s an accident until I glance at him and see his eyes trained on me.

“I actually wanted to ask you about that. The cottage alone seems to have a story, and it’s hard to look around at the rest of the land and not see the long history of it.” His brows furrow and I don’t know if it’s out of pity, concern, or something else.

Part of me appreciates the instant support, but I offer him the out anyway. “It’s really okay,” I murmur. “You don’t have to indulge me on this one. I know history isn’t for everyone.”

“I’m not,” he rushes. “I’m genuinely curious. I grew up in a small town with similar historic roots. In the sense it’s close to a city that holds significant ties to the country’s history, and I loved learning about that in school. I guess I just haven’t lived in a place with those kinds of roots since.”

“Don’t you live in New York?” I ask, forgetting entirely about the reason for this conversation in the first place.

“I do.” He laughs. It’s genuine if the crinkles at his eyes are any indication and the sight of them makes me wonder how old he is.

It’s a silly thought, but that doesn’t stop it from crossing my mind.

“I’d say you live in a place filled with history. New York City was actually the first capital of the US and it’s where George Washington was first inaugurated.”

“Mads.” Mom places her hand over mine and I can guess the next words out of her mouth. “Maybe now isn’t the time.” She squeezes my hand gently before turning her attention back to Beckett. “I’ve never actually been to New York. Do you like living there?”

“I’d hope so.” Dad chuckles and the conversation around the table continues as if I hadn’t spoken at all.

There’s another nudge at my leg, and when I look to my left Beckett offers me a small smile. I’m not sure if it’s his intention, but the gentle touch and soft look give me a comfort I didn’t know I needed.

The click of a door shutting pulls my attention from the laughter around me. I don’t have to look to know who’s missing, but my gaze moves toward the front window all the same, catching a glimpse of Madison as she pulls a blanket around her on the porch swing.

She’s been quiet since her mom gently suggested she stop talking. Maybe not in those exact words, but that seemed to be the meaning behind them.

My first instinct was to step in and tell Ruby I wanted to hear more random facts about whatever Madison wanted to talk about, but I buried the thought.

Every family is different. The dynamics a mystery to people who haven’t been around it and I didn’t want to step into something I shouldn’t. If Madison’s silence and the looks Aiden was shooting her way were any indication, maybe I should’ve opened my mouth.

I want to get up and follow Madison out the front door. To talk to her more, but sneaking out without anyone noticing will be impossible. It’s moments like these where I wish I could disappear and blend in with the people around me.

A throat clearing drags my attention from the window and to the man seated beside me. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised that Aiden invited me for dinner after we ran into each other at the general store this afternoon, but I still don’t understand it.

I’d like to think Aiden and I could be friends, but the man has a hard exterior. One I noticed the first time I met him, but seeing him around his family—especially his son—I see it for exactly what it is, a shield to protect from the harsh realities of the world. I have no idea what he’s been through, but considering his line of work, I can imagine he’s seen some horrors people can’t even begin to imagine.

“The guest bathroom is in the front hall,” he says on a hush. “In case no one mentioned that to you.”

My eyes narrow slightly, questioning why he’s offering me an easy way to leave without anyone questioning it. I could’ve sworn after learning I have a stalker he’d want to keep me as far away from his sister as he possibly could.

The man is an enigma, constantly proving me wrong in all my assumptions about him.

I want to voice my question, but decide against it. The likelihood I’ll learn anything useful from Aiden is so small it’s not worth my energy. Not when there’s a woman outside who’s in pain.

Standing from my seat, I offer him a grateful nod. “Thanks. I’ll be right back.”

“Where are you going?” Jackson’s little voice sounds, but Aiden answers for me before I have a chance to open my mouth.

Striding from the room, I wait to hear the conversation continue between Wyatt and his parents before sneaking out the front door.

The silence of the night exposes me instantly. Madison’s eyes meet mine, her gaze both hesitant and curious.