Just One Kiss (Fool's Gold #10)(77)

Lillie considered that. “I’d rather be like my mom than my dad.”

“Your dad left because of me and because of who he is,” Steve said. “Not because of you. He’s missing out on a great daughter. I know he’s going to be sorry one day, just like I’m sorry about what I did. But I’m very grateful I’ve had the chance to get to know you.”

“Me, too,” Justice said.

Lillie hugged him, then rose and hurried to her grandfather. She flung herself at him and he held on tight.

Justice stayed where he was, a part of what was happening and still separate.

This was something he would always remember. The warm spring morning, the bright blue sky and the half-decorated bike. But mostly what he would remember was the beautiful girl who gave her heart so easily and asked for so little in return. Ned was an ass**le. Worse, he’d hurt his daughter. But Justice had been given a chance to be a part of her life.

Was he willing to put the past behind him and move on? Was he ever going to be at peace when it came to his father, or should he accept that the ghosts were a part of who he was? Accept and finally reach for that which was most precious?

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

“GO,” Ava told her daughter. “You need to see the parade. Lillie had poor Steve and Justice working on her bike for hours yesterday. Be impressed.”

Patience laughed. “I promise I will be.” She’d seen the scattered remains of their “art” project on the lawn. Bits of flower and twist ties. “I never thought of Justice as the help-at-home type.”

“Steve said he was very good with a glue gun.” Her mother’s eyes twinkled. “An excellent quality in a man.”

Patience knew she didn’t need help falling for Justice. Just thinking about him was enough to get her heart beating faster. She’d started out determined to play it safe, which had gotten her exactly nowhere. Over time she’d learned that being around him made her feel safe, and at the same time she was stronger in his presence.

Felicia walked into the store. “What are you two doing here?” she asked. “The parade is about to start.”

“I was just leaving,” Patience said. “Lillie’s riding and I want to see it.”

Felicia looked at Ava. “She’s your granddaughter. You should go, too.”

“I’ll be there. We’re closing the store for the actual parade. Steve’s saving me a seat by the fire station.”

Felicia shook her head. She walked over to Patience and untied her apron.

“What are you doing?” Patience asked with a laugh.

“Taking over. Go, both of you. I’ll keep the store open until the parade, then close it.”

Patience was tempted. There weren’t any customers, and business would be light until the parade was over. “I don’t want to take advantage,” she began.

“I don’t mind, so you shouldn’t, either.”

Ava studied her. “Do you know how to work the equipment?”

Felicia smiled. “I think I can figure it out. I’m good with machines.”

“I heard the same about men’s shoulders,” Ava said, already slipping off her apron. “You don’t have to make your offer twice to me.” She grabbed Patience’s hand. “Come on. We both have handsome men waiting for us. We’d be fools to be late.”

Patience nodded at Felicia. “Thank you. I’ll be right out front and I’ll save you a spot.”

“I’ll be there.”

Patience and her mother went out onto the sidewalk in front of the store. The crowd was already three people thick in places. The area directly in front of Brew-haha had been roped off so Patience would be able to see Lillie as she went by.

“Did I tell you Lillie wouldn’t let me see her bike this morning?” Patience asked. “She wants it to be a surprise.”

“I’m sure Justice and Steve helped her do a lovely job.”

Patience saw the anticipation in her mother’s eyes as she searched the crowd.

“He said he’d be on the corner by the fire station,” Ava murmured. “Oh, there he is.”

Patience touched her arm. “Mom, I’m really happy for you.”

Ava turned back to her. “Thank you. I’m happy, too.”

“Steve’s a nice guy and you’ve waited a long time for one of those to show up.” She hesitated. “I’m glad you let him get to know you, and I’m glad he’s in Lillie’s life.”

“Thank you for saying that. Steve made a lot of mistakes. I’m not saying he didn’t, but he’s learned. I believe he wants to be different now.”

“He already is.”

They hugged, and then Ava excused herself. Isabel strolled up, a couple of cookies in her hand. She passed one over to Patience.

“Chocolate chip,” Isabel said, then took a bite.

Patience inhaled the sweet scent of chocolate and felt the warmth through the napkin. “Are these fresh out of the oven?”

Isabel nodded as she chewed. “Over there.” She pointed to the crowded park where dozens of vendors had set up booths. “It’s impossible to move by the booths, what with everyone buying food, but it’s worth it. This town.” She shook her head.