Page 51 of Beneath the Quiet

“What about you?”

He shakes his head. “The farm animals are here for the business, so I don’t see them as pets like Katie does. But Little Miss is my princess.”

My heart melts when he leans from his chair and reaches down. I move my head to watch, and when the feline bumps her head against his fingers, I swear my belly does a little somersault.

“Dad.”

He straightens up and sits back. “It’s true. I thought I could resist her, but since she sleeps in my bed most nights, I think it’s safe to say that she’s mine.” He takes a bite of his sandwich. “As long as she keeps the mice outside and doesn’t bring them inside as a present for me, we’ll be fine.”

The fact that Aidan calls his cat she instead of it sends a sweep of warmth through my body. I don’t think I can handle another dose of male cuteness, and I lift my hands, already wrapped around my own lunch. Being with Aidan and his daughter shouldn’t be this easy, yet I’m already enjoying myself in their company. My gaze flickers between them as they share knowing grins.

I wonder what happened to Mrs. Lynch.

I don’t want to pry, though. Even if they choose not to divulge anything about her, I’m sure some villager will share the story with me at some point. In any case, it doesn’t matter. I’m just grateful that they’ve chosen to be my friends. That Aidan wants me to settle down in the village touches me in a way that’s foreign yet familiar at the same time.

A long-forgotten hope that I buried in the ground so many years ago.

A dream that I squished with the soles of my feet to protect myself from getting hurt.

It’s funny how all it takes for me to realise how much of the little girl inside me–the one with those hopes and dreams–still lives on, never completely forgotten.

But sitting here also makes me realise how alone I’ve been.

“Do you have to get back to work today?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m off duty and all yours.”

Katie smiles at me. “I’m glad. Are you done with lunch? Then I’ll show you around.”

I nod and wipe my hands. “Sounds good.”

The three of us get up, chairs scraping, and I reach for our plates. I don’t get far, as Aidan takes a step towards me, stopping me from clearing the table.

I raise my eyes in question.

“I’ll take care of this. You go along with Katie, and I’ll be out in a bit.”

I study his face, especially the shadow of sadness in his gaze. “Are you sure?”

“Very.”

“Aidan...”

I don’t manage to get the words out before he interrupts.

“Please.”

I realise then that he needs me to go. That he wants to be alone.

I nod slowly. “Okay, then.”

He tilts his head and runs his hand across his neck. “Thank you. I won’t be long.”

I rest my hand on his upper arm before I turn my back on him, needing him to know that I understand. Even if I don’t know what’s going on with him, I recognise sorrow when I see it. For now, though, I’ll leave him be.

I raise my head and smile at Katie. She stares at her dad, frown in place, and I get the sense that she sees much more than she should.

“Come on, Katie.” I hesitate for a second but then reach out my hand for her to take. “Show me your beautiful farm.”