That much was true. I loved the anonymity of city life. But it had grown lonely, almost empty, over the past couple of years. No place was perfect. But Anchor…it held my family, Bell, the business I wanted to make sure left a legacy for generations to come. When I thought of making a home here, it brought about a peace that I hadn’t thought I’d ever feel. “I’ll get used to it.” She nodded but said nothing.

Our waiter appeared at the table. “Can I tempt you with our dessert offerings for the evening?”

I opened my mouth to say yes, but Bell answered first. “I don’t think I could eat another bite.”

“Just the check. Thank you.” I studied Bell. Something was off. Her eyes were pinched as if she were trying to find the answer to some ridiculously long calculus problem in her head. Or maybe she simply didn’t feel well. “Are you all right?”

Her head snapped up, and she nodded. “I’ve just got a little headache. I think I’m overdue for a good night’s sleep.”

“Let’s get you home and into bed, then.” She smiled weakly at me. Somehow, I didn’t think a headache was the full story.

39

BELL

“I woke up, and you weren’t in bed.”

Ford’s words were more of a growl than a statement. I gave him my best smile and handed him an omelet that I’d started making the second I heard him stirring. “I woke up early and didn’t want to wake you.” More like I’d barely slept. I’d feigned sleep until I sensed Ford had dropped off next to me, and then I’d tossed and turned the whole night.

Ford took the plate I handed him as his gaze traveled over my face, searching. “You should’ve woken me.”

My lips twitched. “Okay, grumpy.”

He scowled at me. “I’m not grumpy. I just like waking up with you in my arms. I panicked when I woke up and you were gone.”

My heart clenched. Which was it? That he loved having me in his arms, or that he was simply worried something would happen to me? I couldn’t seem to grab hold of any sort of perspective when it came to Ford. I’d told him that I loved him, but he’d not once returned the sentiment. He’d said he was planning to stay, but something in me doubted he could handle what life would look like day after day. My stomach churned. What was the truth?

Ford slid onto a stool at the kitchen bar. “Anything you want to do before work?”

I twirled my cell phone between my fingers. “Actually, I’ve got a date with your mom.”

Ford paused with the bite of omelet halfway to his mouth. “Okay…”

“She thought you could go with your dad on his daily walk while we baked.”