“Thanks, sis.” Caro started back out the door to grab her bag with her toiletries in it only to find Bennett was already unloading.
“Is everything coming out?” he asked.
“Yes, I think I overpacked.” She looked over at her sister. “I booked extra time off of work, just in case we wanted a longer visit.”
Ellie’s smile grew wider, and Caro was relieved. The truth was, she couldn’t stand the thought of going back to their home. Knowing that Peter had already moved out was just a reminder that she was starting from scratch all over again.
“What’s that smell?” Bennett almost growled. “Strawberries?”
A squeal emerged from Ellie as she ran to the car. “Did you make me my marshies?”
Caro laughed. She always tried to bring Ellie’s favoritetreat when she came for a visit—homemade strawberry marshmallows. But she had them in an airtight container and was surprised that he could smell them in the car.
Ellie crowed when she found the Tupperware and lifted it above her head in victory, Bennett trailing after her, his nose in the air like a puppy scenting a treat.
“Mine!”
“Babe, you should share!” Bennett made a playful swipe trying to get the container. “They smell so good.”
“Caro makes the most amazing sweets, I’ve been trying to get her to open her own shop for years.” Ellie quickly opened the container and popped two into her mouth. “Ermogod, so good.”
Caro just snagged the one bag she needed to take off her makeup and brush her teeth, then with a smile, she trudged back into the house and up to the bathtub that was calling her name, leaving the pair to giggle in the driveway behind her. It was nice to see her sister so happy.
Chapter Five
Caro woke to the sound of birds chirping. The window she opened last night let in a crisp morning breeze filled with the scent of trees and sunshine. She sat up and stretched, letting the stress she’d felt on her way here melt away under the warmth of the sunshine spilling across the covers. When she stood and walked over to the window to look out at the yard, she was even more impressed with the home. The large backyard was meticulously groomed with various flowerbeds around the perimeter, a lovely little greenhouse was tucked away in one corner, and three huge raised garden beds were off to the other side.
A patio stood off the back of the house, which had an outdoor kitchen and plenty of space for seating. Bennett’s parents must have loved to entertain because it was hard to imagine anyone moving away from this place. She also noticed several well-worn paths along the rear of the yard that led into the trees, and she looked forward to some nice hikes while she was here.
A light knock against the open door had her turning to find her sister poking her head in with a smile.
“Morning, how did you sleep?” Ellie asked.
“So good,” she replied. “I think I was more exhausted than I thought. I don’t remember waking up at all once my head hit the pillow.”
“Why don’t you hit the shower and then we can pop into town for coffee and breakfast? I have something I want to show you once we’re topped up.”
“Sounds good. Give me twenty minutes, and I’ll be ready to go.”
****
Summer was in full swing in Hillard, and the town was ascharming as it was remote. As they walked along the sidewalk, everyone they passed said hello, almost all using Ellie’s name and inquiring to meet Caro. Planters bursting with colorful flowers lined all along the walkways, and there were several interesting shops that Caro would definitely want to check out while she was here and do a little shopping. Overall, Hillard appeared to be a wonderful little town, and she could see why her sister had fallen in love with it. There was just something about this place that made her feel at home.
“So how did you meet Bennett?” Caro asked, smiling at the toddler who passed by with his mother. Dang, the kids were cute here.
“It was the first day here, actually.” Her sister laughed. “I had done all the rental stuff via email, so when I showed up in town and he met me at the house—I was surprised, to say the least. He offered to help me unload the moving truck when it arrived later that day, and honestly? We haven’t spent a day apart since. He talks about us getting married and starting a life together like it’s completely normal.”
Caro stopped and stared at her sister, who up until this point hadn’t even introduced a boyfriend to the family.
“And you’re not freaking out about it?” she asked.
Ellie just smiled at her. “I know, right? I was skeptical the first time he said anything, but he just felt so sincere, and my heart kind of just melted.”
“I can’t believe Bennett has already told you he wants something long-term with you. That’s pretty quick to know what you want, isn’t it?” Caro asked her sister cautiously.
Ellie laughed. “Well, the guys around here don’t beat around the bush, that’s for sure. When they’ve made their minds up about something, they tell you. It’s actually quite refreshing to not have to constantly be wondering what they’re feeling or thinking.”
“Wow.” Caro thought about it, and she could see how much easier that would make a relationship. “Peter was certainly never like that.”