Page 46 of A Simple Regret

Not to mention the fact she feels the same way.

That’s what makes him a lucky bastard.

He nods toward my old Chevy. “I’m off Tuesday. Want me to stop by and give you a hand?”

Collin and I don’t get to spend as much time together, unless he’s working the bar and I stop by for a drink, or we’re at a dinner with our parents. “That’d be great.”

He nods and moves to the door. “I’d invite Cade, but we want it done right the first time.”

I bark out a laugh. “Agreed. But it would be all right to have someone to make fun of.”

He grins. “See you later, Cam.”

He leaves me alone with my thoughts, and it doesn’t matter how long I stand here. I still don’t have any idea what to do about Maren.

No, that’s not true.

It’s time to rip off the scab and have a conversation.

CHAPTER

TWELVE

Maren

It’s Monday afternoon, and there’s a knock at my front door. I know it’s not Dad, since he would go to the back entrance, and I assume if it were Camden, he’d do the same.

I haven’t heard from him since we parted ways post-sledding. I wanted to call him, to invite him over for pizza or something as a thank you for such a great time. But that’s not really appropriate. I need to follow his lead, and right now, that lead offers no communication.

So when I glance through the peephole and see Linda Miller standing there, to say I’m shocked would be an understatement. At first, fear rips through my entire being. Did something happen to Camden? I’m almost afraid to open the door, afraid to hear what she has to say.

But I do it anyway. Releasing the locks, I pull open the door and come face-to-face with Camden’s mom, a woman I haven’t seen in over seven years. “Hi.”

Her smile is familiar and friendly. “Hello, Maren. I’m so sorry to just drop by without calling first, but I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d take a chance you’d be home.”

I step back, opening the door widely. “Please, come in.”

She steps inside and promptly removes her slip-on boots, placing them beside the door, and then her coat, draping it over the arm of my chair. Then, she smiles once more, stepping forward and pulling me into a warm, familiar hug. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you,” I reply, returning the gesture and hanging on a few moments longer than normal.

When she pulls back, she looks me over from head to toe once more and gently shakes her head with a smile on her lips. “It’s so good to see you.”

Tears prickle my eyes and my throat is suddenly thick. “Good to see you too.” Clearing my throat, I add, “Would you like to sit?”

She nods, taking a seat on the couch. “If I’m not interrupting something.”

“Oh, no. I was just unpacking another box. This is a welcome reprieve,” I tell her, joining her on the couch.

“Well, we’ll consider it a good thing then that I just dropped by unannounced,” she states with a chuckle.

I can’t help but grin. “It is a good thing. It’s good to see you,” I state once more, knowing I’m repeating myself. But it’s true.

“How does it feel to be home?” she asks.

I glance around. “Well, it feels right, actually.” Clearing my throat, I add, “It was time. I wanted Theo to have a yard and I know how great it is to live in a small town.”

“Is he here?”