She nods and reluctantly releases me from her hold.
We unpack our suitcases, stash our clothes in the closet and dresser, and toiletries in the en suite bathroom. With our belongings in their temporary home, we wander back to the open living room and kitchen at the heart of the cottage. As expected, Ma is in the kitchen unloading the cooler and organizing the space. Mom has already cozied up on the chair near the window with a book.
“Is it cool if we take the car and go explore downtown?” I ask Ma as I snag a banana from the counter.
Scooping the keys off the counter, she hands them over. “Only if you’ll do me a favor before you return.”
“Of course.”
She hands me a slip of paper and cash. “Stop at the market for a few things.”
My eyes drop down to the list and note thata few thingsequal twenty-plus items. Not that I expect less. I can’t argue, though. Nor would I want to. I owe these two incredible women everything and more. They rescued me from hell.
“Sure thing.”
Mom marks the page of her book and joins the conversation. “Oh, and let us know what shops and restaurants you find. Or if you want to have your birthday dinner at one of them.”
“Will do.”
Sam and I start for the door, get within two feet of our getaway, and Ma chimes in again. “Ooh. See if they have a farmers’ market too.” A dreamy look steals her expression. “I love farmers’ markets.”
I reach for the door handle and twist. “I’ll keep ya posted,” I say as I all but shove Sam out the door. “We’ll be back.”
Soon as we hit the deck and the door closes behind us, I sigh and Sam chuckles. I love my moms more than anything, but sometimes they make me delirious. I hope to not be as needy—or excited about groceries and produce—in my midthirties. Then again, life could be much worse.
Unlocking the car, I open the passenger door for Sam then dash around to the driver’s side, hop in and crank the engine.
I twist to face her after adjusting the mirrors. “Ready to explore?”
My favorite smile dons her face as she takes my hand. “I’m ready for everything.”
Me too, sweetheart. Me too.
TWO
SAMANTHA
His hand in mine,Jensen guides us through downtown Cannon Beach. From some online search history, I knew this was a small town. What I didn’t know was how cute and quaint it was here.
We coast down the street and take in the small town so completely opposite of the big city life we live in Southern California. I have always loved city life and sunny beaches. Boutiques and restaurants and endless things to do, all easily accessible in the city. But as I stare out the window and eye the passing storefronts, this charming town has my heart fluttering.
Jensen parallel parks on the street and cuts the engine. “Ready?” he asks after a squeeze of my hand.
I unbuckle my seat belt and bounce a little in my seat. “Yes.”
Over the next two hours, Jensen and I wander the main drag of downtown. We enter countless shops filled with homemade soaps, handmade jewelry, and everything from clothes to furniture. In each store, I search for the perfect keepsake to buy to remember this trip. As of yet, nothing sparks my eye.
Jensen points to an ice cream and candy shop. “That has your name written all over it.”
I hug his side and push up on my toes to kiss his cheek. “You know me too well.”
He twists to kiss my lips. “Not possible. I learn something new about you every day.”
Steering us into the shop, I spin and walk backward, facing Jensen. “Oh yeah?”
He nods.
“And what did you learn about me today?” Challenge with a hint of amusement layers my tone.