Stealing Hearts (Wild at Heart #1)(59)

“They definitely have their daddy’s athleticism.” I instruct the kids to take a water break, and they trot off to hydrate.

My old coach retired, which is why I was reluctant to train at All-Star Cheer, but Coach Spencer has been really welcoming. This is our second time visiting the gym this week. Amber was supposed to pick up the boys last weekend, but she told Rhett something came up. The kids seemed bummed, so I thought tumbling might improve their spirits.

Coach Spencer scratches his cheek. “Just wondering what your plans were this fall. I could use some help around here. With all of your experience, you could really elevate our program. I would just need to see you work with a few different age groups first to make sure we’re a good fit.”

I ask about his classes and camps, and I’m excited to hear that he has advanced high school-aged gymnasts I could train.

“I’d be happy to pop in to work with your kids. I’m just not sure I’m available in the late fall.” It pains me to say that. Do I really want to move to Boston? No, but if things don’t work out with Rhett, this is the last place I want to live. I’d be bumping into him all the time, and seeing him would rip out my heart. “When would you need an answer? I have another program that has precedence, but honestly, I love that you’re close by.”

“I’m not surprised you’re in demand. Let’s play it by ear, and please let me know about your availability.”

“You got it.”

We make plans for me to help with one of his advanced camps next week. I’m so excited, I’m practically floating.

I’ve missed this. Being involved with gymnastics and cheer has always made me so happy. It helped me find a place where I belonged when Irma made me feel like a stranger in my own house. It helped me find some peace after my father and Danny died. And it helped me fund college, where I made some of my best friends.

And while I love performing, it’s a thrill to help kids achieve these skills and gain confidence.

After our workout, I get the boys buckled into Rhett’s truck, and I start the engine. “I need to pop into Thread and Thimble for some sewing supplies, but then I was thinking of stopping at Dunkers. Would y’all like a donut?”

I’m met with cheers of agreement, and I smile. I’m finally starting to feel hopeful again about the future. My ankle is doing better, and I’m well on the road to being able to do high-level floor routines soon. Coaching would be the icing on the cake. Especially if it means I can stay in Wild Heart with Rhett.

And I’m absolutely in love with the tops I’m sewing for Abby. I’m making her a really cute vest and a light jacket, both of which she can wear with comfy t-shirts and jeans. She sent me two extra jerseys, and I’m using one to make a baby quilt for Janie.

We pull onto the main drag and head for the fabric store. I park on the street, get the kids out, and they each grab my hand as we head inside. After I get the thread I need to finish Abby’s outfits, we walk to the donut truck, which is around the corner, parked in front of the river. It’s a lovely day, and several locals and tourists are enjoying donuts and coffee as they sit at the park benches.

I text Baylee that we’re here, and to stop by if she has time. Her salon is just down the street, but she gets really slammed sometimes. As we wait in line, Gabriel tugs on my arm.

He gives me a bashful grin. “Today was fun. I really love tumbling.”

Austin nods. “Love it too.”

I hop on my toes. “I’m so glad. We’re just getting started. There’s so much more cool stuff to do.”

Misty Reynolds, the sheriff’s daughter, waves us forward when it’s our turn. “Hey, Paige. Boys, it’s good to see you.”

“Hi, Misty. It’s lovely to see you too.” We chitchat about her family for a few minutes. I get the boys their donuts and order a dozen cookies so I can take them to the guys at home, and I grab myself an iced latte.

Misty nods. “It’ll be a ten-minute wait on those cookies, but they’ll be fresh out of the oven.”

“Sounds great. We’re not in a rush.”

“Wonderful. Hey, are you and the Walker brothers coming to the Moonlight Mixer? My older sister wants to know.”

Beau and Jace are popular with the women in this town. Mav is too, but he’s in Charming for football training camp. “I’m trying to talk them into going.” The Moonlight Mixer is a yearly fundraiser to help local families in need. The highlight of the night is usually when the handsome single men ask the older gals from the nursing home to dance.

“Oh, fantastic. She’ll be so excited.”

After I get the kids seated with their donuts and cartons of milk, I head back to the donut truck to wait for our order, and I send off another text. I’ve been added to the super-selective Walker brothers texting group, so I use this opportunity to razz them.

Me: The ladies of Wild Heart have been inquiring whether the single Walker men will be attending the Moonlight Mixer. What should I tell them? Beau, Jace, will y’all be making an appearance?





Jace: Isn’t that more than a month away?





Me: It’s never too early for the ladies to plan who they want to dance with.





Beau: Will there be food?