Read Online You're Still the One by Darcy Burke - Free Book Online Page B

done agreeing to move to Ribbon Ridge? She’d expected a little weirdness, but not this total assault of nostalgia. Or maybe it was more than that. Maybe it was regret.
    Would she do things differently now? She wasn’t sure.
    She’d already wanted to leave Ribbon Ridge before she’d even learned she was pregnant. Then she’d felt trapped, her future completely decided for her. When she’d miscarried, that weight had been lifted. Suddenly the dreams she’d had—of running her own brewery and spreading her wings—had become possible again, and she hadn’t been able to get out fast enough. She’d felt like she’d dodged a bullet, but now she had to wonder if she hadn’t lost something else entirely.
    Sara stood next to Dylan, who had his arm around her waist and had pulled her tight against him so he could kiss her temple. “If you guys are going to hang out, you have to help,” she said.
    Dylan loosened his hold on her. “Put us to work.”
    She did just that and when Liam and Derek returned, they had double the hands completing the tasks.
    Hayden stood near the doorway as all the other men went to help their significant others. His choices were to help Bex or his mother tie bows. Bex sensed his uncertainty. He likely knew his mother didn’t need help—or more accurately that Sara wouldn’t allow him to help her. Which meant he could help Bex, and she didn’t think he wanted to do that, so she rescued him by saying, “Hayden, you could help Sara and Dylan with the basket assembly.”
    â€œGood idea.”
    Bex stood, intent on grabbing a glass of water from the kitchen. She passed Hayden on her way and got a whiff of his shower gel for her trouble. She closed her eyes briefly, recalling the scent of Hayden. That smell aroused so many memories, so much joy.
    She swallowed and reminded herself they were as dead as disco. Why then, did she feel like a junior high kid with her first crush? Because she’d either never gotten over Hayden Archer or her feelings had been rekindled in a huge way. Whatever the reason, she was completely screwed.

Chapter Six
    M ONDAY NIGHT H AYDEN walked into the arctic interior of The Arch and Vine in downtown Ribbon Ridge. His internal clock was still a bit off from the time change, but he’d gotten over his jet lag. With every day at home, he felt a little more connected and a little less sure about his decision to take the job in France. Maybe that was why he hadn’t yet notified Antoine.
    Coming here wasn’t helping that cause either. His family’s flagship pub was like a second home. It was cozy and comfortable, welcoming like an old friend. Especially when there was an actual old friend behind the bar.
    George Wilson, the bartender and an old friend of their father’s, came out from behind the bar situated in the center of the pub. “Hayden Archer, I heard you were home. Took you long enough to come see me.” He grinned, and his eyes, framed by a pair of wire-rimmed glasses, lit up like a Christmas tree.
    Hayden gave him a bear hug. “Good to see you, George. I’ve been busy acclimating. And sleeping.” He’d gone to bed early Saturday night and had pretty much slept straight through yesterday, with the exception of the family dinner.
    They stepped apart, and George sized him up. “I’m sorry to say it looks like France agrees with you.” He frowned. “I hope that doesn’t mean you’re staying there.”
    Hayden chuckled. George had never made a secret of his desire for every Archer kid to stay in Ribbon Ridge. He’d understood why Hayden had left, but he’d also made it clear he expected Hayden to come right back home when he was finished with his internship.
    â€œNot forever, but yes, I’m taking a job as assistant winemaker.” Hayden winced at the disappointment in the lines on George’s face. “Don’t