Page 108 of Resisting the Fall

I drew in a slow breath, then nodded again.

She studied me for a minute longer, then gave a small exhale before kissing the side of my head. “I’ll see you tonight. Love you.”

“Love you,” I managed.

The front door opened, but I didn’t hear it close. Then Mom came walking back into the kitchen, a smile on her face. “This was tucked under the mat on the porch,” she said, handing me a letter. “Maybe it’ll cheer you up?”

The handwriting was Ben’s, and I quickly tore it open and unfolded the letter.

Only it wasn’t a letter.

“What does it say?” Mom asked, peering over my shoulder.

“It’s a Motion for Dismissal signed by Ben.” I shook my head, anger flooding through me. He’d done it again!

Mom sent me a nervous glance. “What is that?”

“A form to cancel our divorce case in Vermont so we can refile in New York without the reconciliation order.”

“That’s what you initially wanted?” Mom asked, trying to grasp the significance. “But you don’t anymore?”

“What I want is apparently irrelevant.” At least it was to Ben. I jumped up from my barstool. “Do you have time to take me into town?”

She glanced at her watch, then gave a tight nod.

Not wanting to make her late, I ran into the office and threw on the first outfit I saw, not even caring that it was what I’d worn yesterday. Then I quickly ran a brush through my hair before pulling it into a ponytail. Not ten minutes later, Mom was letting me off at Dust & Timber. Ben’s truck wasn’t in the parking lot, but I’d wait him out if I had to.

“If you need a car,” Mom said through the window, “you could always borrow Carson’s. I’m sure Emma wouldn’t mind giving him a ride home.”

Our shared smile was brief, and I waved goodbye before hurrying inside.

Whitney was with a customer, but when she saw me, she excused herself and headed my way. There was clear concern in her expression that either had to do with my current appearance, that I wore the same pink sweater and jeans from yesterday, or the determination exuding from me. “Maven, can I help you with something?”

“Do you know when Ben will be back?”

“He’s out of the office today. I think he was helping with an installation this morning. Though the rest of the crew just got back, and he wasn’t with them. Do you want me to try calling him?”

“That’s okay. Could I see if Boone knows where he went?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you.”

Unfortunately, Ben hadn’t told Boone his afternoon plans either, though Boone suggested I try the house. Considering Ben’s truck would be outside if he meant the fifth wheel, I assumed he’d meant the Walkers’ farmhouse.

When I entered Carson’s dental office, I reminded myself to take a deep breath. I didn’t need to scare away Carson’s new clients by playing the part of a crazed woman out seeking her soon-to-be-ex-husband. After telling the receptionist I needed to have a quick word with my brother, I took a seat in the waiting room, trying not to look at the darling new play structure Ben had helped Carson build. I was too upset with Ben to think about his good qualities at the moment.

“Maven?” The dental assistant gave a smile. “If you’ll follow me, Dr. Price can see you now.”

She led me back to my brother’s office, and when I stepped inside, he gave me a quick once-over. “You okay?”

I clearly should have looked in a mirror before leaving the house. “I need to borrow your car.”

He opened the drawer and tossed me the keys. “Am I getting it back before the end of the day, or do I need to find a ride home?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe you could ask Emma?”

He tried not to smile but was entirely unsuccessful.