Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

Brynlee Layne wiped her hands on a dishtowel, looking around the bustling kitchen of the family farmhouse. The scents of roast chicken and freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the faint smell of gardenias from the porch. It was the perfect setting for a Sunday lunch, and yet, Brynlee couldn’t shake the feeling of being a bit out of place today.

Sunlight streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the familiar space. The Layne house, with its wraparound porch and inviting charm, had always been a haven of comfort and love. Today, as every Sunday, it was the center of their close-knit family gathering.

Charlene Layne, Brynlee's mother, was at the stove, finishing up the gravy. "Bryn, can you set the table, sweetheart?"

"Of course," Brynlee replied, grabbing the stack of plates from the counter.

Brynlee moved toward the dining room and set a plate in front of each chair—except one. The seat next to her own remained empty and probably always would. A sigh escaped before she could stop it, and she spun toward the window. Immediately he gaze landed on the group of people gathered on the back patio.

Next to the grill, her father, Garrett, was expertly flipping steaks on the grill. His laughter mingled with the chatter of the others gathered around him. Her gaze snagged on Ainsley and her fiancé, Sheriff Dare Jensen, and she couldn’t help but smile.

Dare had one arm wrapped around Ainsley’s waist, and she leaned into him, face tipped up, eyes full of love and devotion. It was obvious they adored one another. Ainsley deserved it after everything she’d been through recently. Her ex had been abusive and possessive, but she’d managed to escape, and now had found someone who truly loved and cared for her.

Brynlee had suspected something was going on for months before Ainsley returned to Brookhaven. She’d been quieter, more reserved, and Ainsley’s bright smile had been conspicuously absent for longer than Brynlee could remember. When she’d heard that Dare was looking to rent out the suite attached to his family home, Brynlee had casually mentioned it to her mother in passing, knowing that Charlene would try to convince Ainsley to move home.

Everything had worked out perfectly—almost. Ainsley’s ex-boyfriend, Joel Parsons, wasn’t at all thrilled that Ainsley had left him, and he’d stalked Ainsley for weeks for attacking both Ainsley and Kinley. Thankfully, the police had shown up in time to stop anything truly horrible from happening. The man was now dead and Ainsley was getting married to the man of her dreams soon.

Brynlee’s gaze slid to her middle sister, Kinley, and her boyfriend, Cam McCoy, who were absorbed in their own conversation. The love between the two was palpable. They’d been best friends for years and had finally decided to take the next step.

Of course, almost loving the love of your life tended to put things into perspective. Kinley had nearly drowned just a couple of weeks ago after a threat from the past resurfaced. Cam had been more protective of Kinley than ever, barely letting her out of his sight for a second. Brynlee had a feeling they’d be announcing their own engagement soon enough, but they were giving Ainsley and Dare their time to shine.

Brynlee's chest swelled with happiness for her sisters, even as a pang of loneliness moved through her heart. She loved her job as a massage therapist and took immense pride in her salon, but her personal life felt… incomplete.

The back door opened and laughter poured in through the open space, shattering Brynlee’s reverie. She quickly gathered the flatware and finished setting the table as everyone filed into the room and took their seats.

As everyone gathered around the large wooden table, Charlene brought in the final dish. "All right, everyone, dig in," she said, taking her seat next to Garrett.

Kinley dropped into a chair next to Cam and glanced across the table at Ainsley. “Everyone in town is talking about the wedding. Have you narrowed down your guest list yet?”

Ainsley shook her head and slid a quick look at Dare. “We were kind of thinking of keeping it small. Just family and friends.”

That didn’t surprise Brynlee at all. Her sister hated being the center of attention. “I think that’s smart, actually,” she put in. She smiled at Ainsley. “Have a small ceremony, then go enjoy your honeymoon.”

Ainsley bit her lip. “Won’t people be disappointed?” She threw a look at Kinley. “Are people really talking about it?”

Guilt flooded Kinley’s face. “Oh, I just meant… A couple people mentioned how happy they are for you.”

Ainsley didn’t look convinced. “But?—”

“It’s your wedding,” Brynlee interjected. “You could elope if you wanted.”

Charlene looked horrified. “Or… Like Brynlee said, you could just keep it small.”

Brynlee rolled her eyes with a smile, then turned her gaze to Ainsley. “Who cares what everyone else thinks? All that matters is what you want.”

“I keep trying to tell her the same thing,” Dare said. His arm wsa draped over the back of her chair, and he gave Ainsley’s shoulder a little squeeze. “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”

Brynlee loved that he understood her sister so well and always seemed to have exactly the right answer. Ainsley had been pressured enough over the years; she didn’t need anyone dictating this for her, too.

“I guess we’ll have to think about it,” Ainsley said slowly as she glanced at Dare. “But for now… I think we’re planning a ceremony by the lake.”

Charlene perked up at that. “Have you set a date?”

Talk turned to potential dates, and Brynlee smiled, happy for her sister but feeling a little left out. Both Ainsley and Kinley had found love, the kind of deep, unwavering love that their parents had. Brynlee longed for that connection, for someone to share her life with.

The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared memories. They talked about the quirks of small-town life, the upcoming wedding, and the latest happenings in Brookhaven.

"Dare, how's the sheriff's office these days?" Garrett asked, his tone light but curious.

"Busy as always," Dare replied.

Brynlee listened, contributing here and there, but her mind often wandered. She loved her family dearly and cherished these moments, yet she couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. Her professional life was thriving, and she found great fulfillment in helping others through her work. But in the quiet moments, she wished for someone to share it all with.

“Bryn, could you pass the rolls, please?” Charlene’s voice pulled Brynlee from her thoughts.

“Sure, Mom,” Brynlee replied, her voice bright despite the tug of discontent she felt. She picked up the basket of rolls and walked over to the table, placing it in the center where everyone could reach.

“Thanks, Brynlee,” Dare said with a smile as he reached for a roll. “Everything looks amazing.”

“I’m glad you think so,” Brynlee said, forcing a smile. She took her seat next to Kinley, trying to immerse herself in the cheerful chatter about Ainsley’s upcoming wedding.

The conversation continued, filled with enthusiasm for the wedding plans and light-hearted jokes. Brynlee tried to join in, but her responses felt hollow compared to the genuine excitement around her. It wasn’t that she didn’t care about her sister’s happiness—she did, deeply. It was just that seeing everyone so wrapped up in their own bliss made the stab of loneliness feel that much sharper.

“So, Bryn,” Charlene began, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, “how’s the salon going? I’ve heard you’ve been quite busy lately.”

“It’s going really well,” Brynlee said, straightening a bit in her chair. This was something she could get excited about. “We’ve got a steady flow of clients, and everything’s been going great so far.”

“That’s wonderful,” Charlene said, beaming with pride. “I always knew you’d make a great massage therapist.”

“I love what I do,” Brynlee agreed, her smile more genuine now. “The salon is my happy place.”

“I can’t imagine running a business like that,” Kinley said. “It’s exciting but I don’t know how you juggle everything.”

Brynlee smiles. “I really do enjoy it, so it makes it that much easier.”

“I’ve heard a lot of great things,” Cam said. “You’ve had a few of the guys in, haven’t you?”

Brynlee nodded. Several of the deputies had scheduled appointments with her, and she was glad she could help relieve them of their stress.

Despite the warmth of the compliments, Brynlee couldn’t shake the feeling of being on the outside looking in. She was content with her professional life—she took pride in her work and felt fulfilled by it. But in the personal realm, it was a different story. Watching her sisters bask in the glow of their relationships, and hearing their plans for the future, made her own sense of longing even more pronounced.

As the conversation turned back to wedding plans, Brynlee’s thoughts drifted. She imagined what it might be like to have someone by her side who looked at her the way Dare looked at Ainsley, or the way Cam looked at Kinley. She craved that deep, unwavering connection, that kind of love that seemed to come so effortlessly to her sisters.

Charlene’s voice brought her back to the present. “So, Brynlee, have you met anyone interesting lately?”

Brynlee hesitated, her fork pausing mid-air. “Not really. I’ve been so focused on work that I haven’t had much time to think about dating.”

“That’s understandable,” Kinley said sympathetically. “But you never know when you might meet someone special.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Brynlee said, forcing another smile. “I guess I just haven’t found the right person yet.”

The conversation continued around her, and Brynlee tried to stay engaged. Despite the warm embrace of her family’s love and support, she couldn’t shake the lingering feeling of being on the periphery of the happiness that surrounded her. She longed for the kind of love her parents and sisters had, a love that seemed so elusive in her own life.

As dessert was served and the laughter grew louder, Brynlee took a deep breath, reminding herself that even though her journey was different, it didn’t mean it was any less meaningful. She would find her path, her love, in her own time. For now, she took solace in the warmth of her family and the hope that someday, her own story would be just as joyful and fulfilling as the ones unfolding around her.

As the meal wound down, Charlene raised her glass. "To Ainsley and Dare," she said, her eyes misty with emotion. "May your wedding day be as beautiful as your love for each other."

"To Ainsley and Dare," everyone echoed, raising their glasses.

Brynlee clinked her glass with the others, smiling brightly. "Here's to a lifetime of happiness," she added, her voice steady despite the flutter in her heart.

The afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the room. Brynlee watched her family, their faces filled with joy and love. She knew she was incredibly blessed, and she held onto the hope that one day, she would find the kind of love her parents and sisters had.

For now, she would cherish these moments, finding solace in the warmth of her family's embrace and the love that surrounded her. And maybe, just maybe, the future held the promise of her own happily ever after.