Here With You Read online

  At first, Brady had resented his attempt to push himself in their lives, but that was a typical knee-jerk reaction. Wade and Celeste had always been friends with his parents. It was only natural—and kind—that they’d offer to help.

  Even though Ty and Brady had grown up with each other, their parents forcing them together for play dates when they were toddlers, and hanging out during family get-togethers, they never had much in common other than age.

  When Ty came back from the war he stayed to himself, as Brady had always done. And he didn’t have any war stories to hide from. It was only the past year when they both came out of their hiding. Ty more than Brady.

  There wasn’t anything he didn’t like about Ty. They were two socially quiet guys who kept to themselves. When they did see each other through their mutual friends—mostly Alexis and Ben—they got along just fine.

  Wade cocked his head, waiting for a response. “I’m doing well. Season's about to come to a dead halt, so I’ll find myself with a few extra minutes to spare. Once the snow flies, I’ll be busy keeping up with the removal.”

  “That’s good. That’s good.” Wade sipped his beer again. “Is there a special girl in your life?” He hadn’t asked that question in over a year. Not since he went out on a date with Amber Bellows from Lincolnville. She worked on her father’s lobster boat. Something Brady deeply respected.

  Hard, physical labor, families working together, but other than common interests, he and Amber had nothing in common. Which sounded absurd. There wasn’t a spark. Any interest other than work related and small town talk. The same went for his sporadic dates with Julie.

  “No. I don’t have a lot of time to date.”

  “When you find the right woman, you’ll make time.” Wade winked and clinked his glass with Brady’s bottle.

  As soon as Wade vacated the stool, Ty filled it. “My dad talk your ear off?”

  “Not at all. He’s happy for you.”

  “My parents didn’t think they’d ever get grandchildren.”

  “Is Lily—”

  “No.” Ty chuckled. “I didn’t mean it like that. She’s not. I wouldn’t mind if she was. Maybe in a year or so though.”

  “Ty.” The furrow in Hope’s brow was deep with concern. “There’s a problem.”

  “Lily?” He shot out of his stool.

  “No. Yes. Chill.” She put a hand on his shoulder and pushed him back down. “The woman is so in love with you it’s almost sickening.” That earned a cheeky grin from Ty. “She’s concerned though. About the ring.”

  All the excitement and adoration that had been on Ty’s face a second ago dropped. Brady turned away from them not wanting to eavesdrop on their private conversation.

  “She doesn’t like it,” Brady heard Ty’s heavy sigh behind him.

  “Are you kidding? She freaking loves it. That’s the problem.”

  “Not following.”

  “She’s worried you spent too much on her. She knows you’ve been saving to finish the house.”

  “I told her I’d been saving for her ring.”

  “Yeah. She said that. She also said that you totally blew that budget.”

  “Actually, the opposite. Grace helped me out.”

  “Grace loaned you money?” Hope’s voice squeaked. “I thought she was barely making ends meet.”

  “I don’t know anything about her financial status. She has connections though. Friends who are in the fashion and jewelry business. She helped me find an antique ring. Something unique and special for Lily. I knew I couldn’t compete with Stewart Jewels.”

  Brady didn’t know much about Lily and didn’t get the jewels comment.

  “Ty, you have to know Lily loves you for you.”

  “I do. Still, I needed to impress her with the ring. Grace is a miracle worker. Not only did she help me find the perfect ring, but she also wheeled and dealed for me. I only spent half my ring budget.”

  “Really? That’s awesome.” Brady got a little jab in the back when Hope leaned in to hug Ty. “Why didn’t you tell me you and Grace were ring shopping?”

  “I should have told you. I know.” Ty and Hope had been best friends for years. For a while there, the entire town thought her daughter, Delaney, was his.

  “Yeah. I’m totally jealous you didn’t let me know you were planning on popping the question. It’s cool about Grace though. That’s sweet. Her helping you with the ring. She and Lily have become close too.”

  “I want Lily to have friends. To have the freedom she never had before.”

  “What are you two up to over here?” Another jolt to Brady’s back and he swiveled in his seat, his back no longer to the growing group. “My fiancée may not like to dance, but I know you do.” Lily kissed Ty on the lips and tugged at Hope’s hand. “Let’s dance.”

  Cameron filled the spot where Hope once was. “Hope reading you the riot act over here? She told me to play interference with Lily while she talked with you.”

  “We’re good.” Ty sipped his beer with a smug smile.

  “Tell me I never looked this whipped when Hope and I first got together.”

  Ty spit his beer out and bent over laughing. “Dude, you still have it bad.”

  “You can be objective, right?” Cameron pointed at Brady with his water bottle.

  “I can try.”

  “Who’s more whipped? Ty or me?”

  Knowing either way he answered wouldn’t earn him any brownie points, Brady scanned the dance floor and the tables, filled with families, couples, young and old, and jerked his head toward the back left corner.

  “Ben.”

  Both men followed his gaze and bust out laughing.

  “I like this guy. Bartender, get this man another beer.” Cameron slapped a bill on the counter and covered it with his empty water bottle. “And another water for me.”

  “You driving?”

  “Yeah. Figured Hope would want to celebrate with Lily.”

  “What about you celebrating with me?” Ty pouted.

  “That’s what bachelor parties are for.”

  The three men tipped up their bottles in a cheer.

  Even though Brady wasn’t part of the conversation, he felt a familiar connection with these men.

  Friends. He was quickly gaining them.

  As well as a new admiration for the not-so-selfish fashion boutique owner who flowed like a turquoise Caribbean wave out on the dance floor.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  EVEN THOUGH HER DRESS was light and flowy, Grace felt like she was wearing a heavy sweatshirt. She loved dancing. And dancing with girlfriends was even better. Girlfriends who wouldn’t judge her for her looks, her clothing, her upbringing.

  Straight-up real people. This was kind of cool. Of course, they didn’t know about her secret. Once they did, once the rumor mill—which was based on truth in her case—made its way across the pond, she’d be ostracized by the women who had higher morals and values than her.

  In Lily’s case, it hadn’t been rumors that spread across the pond; it had been a case of being in the know. It took a few months for Grace to realize why Lily had looked so familiar. Once she did, not knowing about Lily being in the witness protection plan, she’d posted a picture of them together, unbeknownst to her, revealing Lily’s whereabouts.

  Even with her alias, Lily could've been detected by her ex-husband’s criminal connections. Grace would never forgive herself for potentially putting Lily’s life in jeopardy. Thankfully Lily had a huge, forgiving heart and had befriended Grace. Grace would do anything to try to right her wrong, including helping Ty find the perfect engagement ring.

  During one of their monthly book club meetings, Lily had talked to the girls about Ty’s insecurity about her past wealth. Lily, or rather her given name, Veronica Stewart, was heir to a billion dollar jewel industry. Stewart jewels were right up there with Tiffany.

  Lily had given it all up in order to protect her identity and had told them how little she cared about money.
Grace couldn’t imagine trying to compete with that. The least she could do was help the guy out. It would make Lily happy, which in turn, eased Grace’s guilt. A little.

  The “Cotton Eye Joe” ended and Grace let out a loud woot! “I need some water. Lily, what can I get you?”

  “Oh. Water sounds good.” Lily wiped the back of her hand across her forehead.

  “Wine it is. You’re celebrating.”

  “I knew you two were destined to be with each other,” Priscilla, the eccentric waitress from the Sunrise Diner said as she traipsed across the dance floor to give Lily a warm, motherly hug. “I hear Ty has finally asked you to marry him.”

  “Finally.” Lily beamed. “It took him long enough.”

  Their friendship hadn’t turned into anything romantic until this summer, but, according to Lily, when you knew, you knew. And, yeah, their love was pretty freaking evident.

  “I’m happy for you, sweetie. You two come to breakfast tomorrow. My treat.”

  “Aw, thanks, Priscilla.”

  The band asked for requests, and Mia yelled out a song by Sugarland.

  “Oh, good call.” Lily moved with the music and sang along with the band. The woman was a perpetual ball of positive energy.

  “I’m too old for this, but you girls keep at it.” Priscilla turned to Grace. “I haven’t seen you since puberty first introduced itself to you. And look at you, lit up like a Christmas tree.”

  “Excuse me?” The music got louder, making it hard to hear Priscilla very well.

  “Red. Full of adventure. Travel. Food.” Priscilla smirked. “Your love life.”

  A lump formed in Grace’s throat, making it difficult to swallow. No. There was no way she could know about...

  Priscilla stroked Grace’s arm. “There’s a layer of green underneath, trying to work its way out. Let it, dear. Good things will happen. Very, very good things. ” She sashayed off the dance floor with a knowing smile on her face. What she actually knew, Grace hadn’t a clue.

  Maybe Priscilla was on to something. She claimed to read people’s auras and Lily’s, she’d said, was purple. Full of life, love, spunk, and secrets. When Grace got home tonight she’d Google the crap out of green and see what the hell the crazy lady was talking about.

  Grace had stayed clear of the diner. It wasn’t her... cup of tea. Breakfast consisted of copious amounts of coffee. She didn’t need food until lunch. And greasy food was not her idea of a good meal.

  Besides, she’d been living at home, and her mother was an excellent cook. The only times Grace went out was with the girls, and The Sunrise Diner was not on their list of girls’ night out hot spots.

  So either wacko lady was full of crap or she knew her shit. Needing a drink now more than ever, she weaved her way through the dancers and found her way to the bar.

  “Can I have a glass of Lobster Red and a glass of water, please?”

  “Coming right up.”

  While the bartender did his thing, Grace dropped to the only empty barstool, bumping her shoulder against the solid back of the man next to her.

  Brady.

  “Um. Sorry.”

  He did a slow one-eighty until his knees knocked into hers.

  “Wow. You clean up well.” Oh. Did she say that out loud? It was true. His cheeks, normally dusted with a fine layer of scruff after working in the fields, or trees, or wherever, was gone. His upper lip lifted in a slight smirk, and a dimple she’d never seen before appeared.

  And, shit. Brady’s eyes were gray. And green. And there could have been a swirl of blue mixed in as well. She’d never noticed before. She’d never been this close to him. The temptation to lean over and touch that cute little-indented spot on his cheek was overwhelming.

  Oh. Was that her kidney? Stomach? Intestine? She didn’t know what it was, but some organ in her core tingled and shifted.

  “You look...” Brady paused and gulped a mouthful of air before continuing, “pretty.”

  His face strained, as if the compliment was difficult to formulate, so she tamped down that extra little flutter that occurred when he said pretty. Not nice or beautiful or stunning. Pretty. Like a ten-year-old.

  Which was what he thought of her. A spoiled little kid. His dislike for her was sketched in his face. She should hit him up for a game of poker. She’d know every time he had a crap hand. His brows would furrow, he’d purse his lips, and he’d pause before tossing in his chips. Just like he did every time he spoke her.

  “Yeah. Thanks,” she did her best to sound flippant.

  “I’m surprised you’re still here.” Alexis appeared next to her. “Hey, Brady. Good season for you guys this year, huh? I can’t wait to sample the blueberry wine. We’ll have to come up with a cool name for it. Something that blends our farms.”

  “That’s kind of you. I’m sure whatever you and Ben come up with will be great. As will the wine. Speaking of, can I get you a drink?”

  It was junior high all over again. Grace trying to get in with the older crowd, but all the guys wanted to hang out with her older sister. Alexis played football right up until her senior year. The guys who wanted to hang out with Grace only wanted to get into her pants.

  And even then, she was always “Alexis’ little sister,” never known for being an individual. Not until Alexis buried herself with work on the winery was Grace able to make a name for herself.

  A reputation Brady obviously hadn’t forgotten about.

  “I’m surprised you’re not outside by the bonfire. Carter, Jimmy, Kev, and Max are all out there. I didn’t think this was your kind of scene,” Alexis said to her, sipping the wine Brady just purchased for her.

  The insult stung. Jimmy, Kev, and Max were twenty-one-year-old farmhands, and even though Carter was her age, he acted ten years younger. It was obvious her sister didn’t want her hanging around with her friends. The more sophisticated crowd.

  “I was dancing and told Lily I’d get her a drink.”

  “Doesn’t look like she wants it anymore.”

  Grace looked over her shoulder and saw Lily wrapped in Ty’s arms in the middle of the dance floor. Alexis had embarrassed her twice in less than a minute. She knew when and where she wasn’t wanted and was getting faster at reading the signs.

  Alexis hadn’t said too much when Grace had joined the book club and was quiet when Grace tagged along with a few of the girls’ night out events. She hadn’t meant to invade her sister’s space, but no matter what she did, it seemed to be the wrong move.

  Alexis made it quite clear she was disappointed and embarrassed that Grace took off for Europe, barely earning a degree in liberal arts. What good would that do? She’d never measure up, no matter how hard she tried, so why even try anymore.

  Grace handed Alexis the wine glass. “Can you give this to Lily? I’m going to go join the crew outside.” She took her water with her and with a forced smile. “Maybe Marshall Blue for your new label?” She said goodnight to Brady then Alexis and walked out of the function hall with as much dignity as she could scrape up off the floor.

  “MARSHALL BLUE. I LIKE it.” His mom would get a kick out of having their name on a wine label. Especially one associated with Coastal Vines.

  “What am I missing here?” Alexis took a sip of her wine and set it on the bar.

  “Not sure what you’re talking about.”

  “Bullshit. I’ve been watching you watch her. She’s not right for you, Brady. And frankly, I’m surprised you’re giving her a second glance.”

  Brady ran his hand through his hair and shook his head. “Not sure what you’re talking about,” he said again.

  “Grace comes floating into town without a worry on her back and gallivants her way into everyone’s life as if she’s been here for the past six years working side by side with us all.”

  “I thought you wanted your sister to come home.” Brady took a pull of his beer, confused as ever. He’d been good friends with Alexis since they were in kindergarten. They were more like siblin
gs with farming and living off the land in common.

  Alexis was as sweet and kind and hardworking as they came. And loyal to her family. She’d expressed her annoyance with Grace’s absence many times, but Brady didn’t think it was the extra pair of hands she wanted. Alexis was independent and knew Grace had no desire to get her hands dirty.

  “I thought so too.”

  What she wanted, he knew, was her sister. There were years of some serious resentment built up inside his little friend. She may barely come to his chest, but Alexis was a spitfire. One to be reckoned with.

  Grace had the height, the natural beauty, the sense of style. And with that, came a lack of respect, not only from her sister, but Brady took a long look at himself and realized from him too.

  He’d been judging her based on past behavior. Since she’d returned to Maine, she’d helped her family with vineyard tours and pouring samples to guests. If rumors were true, she’d worked a few months at a retail shop in Camden. And now she was a store owner.

  Hope, Lily, Jenna, and Mia had all taken her in as part of their group. If Grace was as snobby as the reputation that preceded her, Brady doubted the women would have accepted her into their social circle.

  Unless they were doing it as a favor to Alexis. But Alexis didn’t seem too happy with her sister’s involvement in her life.

  “And you’ve avoided my question.”

  “Not sure what the question was,” he stalled. The band ended its dance number and announced it would be taking a five-minute break.

  The dance floor emptied, and Brady glanced about the room hoping someone would come tear Alexis off him. Not that she’d pinned him with questions, but he could feel them coming his way.

  “You’re thinking below the waist. Typical guy. I know my sister is pretty, but seriously, Brady. She’s so wrong for you.”

  There was no way Alexis could have read his thoughts earlier. No way she knew how his mind had wandered somewhere it shouldn’t have gone, thinking about Grace in different circumstances.

  “Your sister and I have barely spoken to each other. It’s been business-related only. If anything, you should be having this talk with Carter.”