Risking It All

By Shannon Stults

She’s never been one to stay in the same place for long…

Darby Watkins hasn’t been back to Willow Creek in years, and with good reason. But when an accident causes damage at the local equestrian center, what’s meant to be a quick visit turns into an indefinite stay while she works to pay back the owner. And as if that weren’t bad enough, she is also forced to work with Caleb Forester, the childhood best friend she hasn’t seen or spoken to since she abruptly left him and the small town behind.

Darby is determined to get out of Willow Creek and back on the road as soon as possible, but as she and Caleb rebuild their old friendship, feelings start to grow beyond the familiar and into something new and real and infinitely more terrifying that she’s sure will only lead to heartbreak.

Now Darby must choose between moving on and taking a chance on the one person who could finally be worth staying put for.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• Release date: Feb 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781951786397

Book preview

Acknowledgements

Just a few quick mentions before I go. Promise to keep it short.

First and foremost, thank you to God for letting me get a taste of the dream I didn’t even know I had until a few years ago. It’s amazing and humbling to look back and see how all those little steps were leading me down this path and to becoming this person, but there is no doubt in my mind that You were the one guiding me to this exact moment all these years.

Thank you to my family for always being supportive and being (almost) as excited as I’ve been through each of these books. And to Laura for being my constant sounding board while I sort out plot holes and explore new ideas.

To Julie Sturgeon. Not just for being an amazing editor, which you are a million times over. You’ve made me a better writer, and there is no one’s opinion I trust more with these books. And to Shannon Cave and Beth Atwood for helping Risking It All become its best self.

To everyone at Tule. You hear stories in this business of how difficult getting published can be, but you guys have made this process an absolute joy. Hopefully our journey together doesn’t end here. But, in case it does, thank you for making this first publishing experience so smooth.

To the best agenting team out there, Amy Brewer and Patty Carothers. I’m always excited to hear what you think of each new book I send your way. Thank you for being so supportive and for all you’ve done to make this happen. This book would not exist if it weren’t for you.

Finally, thank you to all the readers who took a chance on my books, whether this is your first of mine or you’ve been with the citizens of Willow Creek from the start. You have no idea what it means to me getting to share these people and ideas that have living in my head the last few years. I hope you’ve come to love them as much as I have. I have no words to express how truly grateful I am to you.

With all the love in my heart, thank you.

Chapter One

Darby Watkins’s red curls ruffled in the wind of the open window as she drove down Main Street toward the center of town, her eyes drifting over the familiar line of historic homes and storefronts. She pulled her car into an empty spot just outside the small art gallery she’d visited occasionally during her annual summer stays with her aunt, uncle, and cousin as a kid.

Her stomach clenched as she surveyed the calm street, the nearly empty sidewalks, searching for any faces she might recognize or who might recognize her. But, truth be told, there was really only one face she was worried about.

Her fingers instinctively brushed the charm hanging from a chain around her neck—a five-sided pendant of thick, pressed silver with tip pointing downward. She undid the clasp and tucked the necklace safely away in the glovebox of her old, beat-up Buick LeSabre, just in case. It wasn’t the reason she was here, and the quicker she got what she needed and got the hell out of Dodge—or, in this case, the small Georgia town of Willow Creek—the better it would be for everyone.

A jingle of bells rang out in the cozy art gallery as the door eased to a close behind her. The light blue walls were covered in various paintings and photographs while sculptures of every shape and size filled several wall shelves and some stands strategically placed around the open floor space. On the left side by the front door was a small checkout counter, complete with register and computer monitor. Aside from the fresh paint and new shelves, the place felt very much the same as when her cousin used to drag her in here more than a decade ago.

Logan had been so disappointed when the owner of the little gallery had to leave town and ended up closing its doors. According to Darby’s cousin, the owner had returned a few years later and, with Lo’s help, reopened. Looking at it now, Darby could hardly tell it had ever been closed.

Feel free to take a look around, a female voice called from behind a cracked door leading to what Darby assumed was some sort of back room. I’ll be with you in just a second.

Darby took a turn around the room, observing the multitude of pieces scattered seemingly at random across the walls. She wished, not for the first time, that she was the type of person who could truly appreciate art, recognizing aspects like style or color or brushstrokes. But it would appear it all went just as far over her head now as when she was a kid.

Hey, Darby called out to the formless voice in the back room as she tried in vain to make sense of an abstract painting of colorful blobs and swirls. Do you guys sell any statues here? I need to get a housewarming gift for my cousin.

Something shifted around on the other side of the cracked door. Uh, sure. We’ve got a few on display out there, and we have another coming soon from the same artist. Do you have anything particular in mind?

I was really hoping for a naked guy. You know, like one of those old Greek statues with the man’s junk all out there for everyone to see. I always found them a little underwhelming myself, but my cousin saw one when she was twelve and couldn’t stop giggling. It was pretty much all downhill for her from there.

The rustling in the back room went silent, and a second later the woman emerged. She was tall, had on dark jeans and a white silk blouse. She stared with narrowed eyes for only a second before they doubled in size and her jaw fell.

Darby!

She grinned. Hey, Lo.

Logan squealed, darting across the room to wrap her in a tight hug. I thought you just got settled in Fort Worth. What are you doing here? Her eyes ran over Darby’s mess of shoulder-length red hair, wrinkled tank top, and jean shorts. You didn’t drive here straight from Texas, did you?

Darby shook her head. I stopped at a hotel in Jackson last night, then drove the rest of the way this morning.

So what brings you all the way out here then?

Well, I was making my way to DC and thought I’d swing through town to see you.

Logan beamed. I’m so glad you did. I haven’t seen you in years. Not since you came to visit me in Austin for a couple weeks my sophomore year. You were, what, seventeen then? Lo stepped back and gave Darby another quick onceover. You look so grown up.

Darby wanted to point out that, at twenty-eight, Logan was only three years older than her, but she couldn’t deny that Lo seemed to have done a lot of growing up herself. The hair she’d kept short for most of her youth was now long and wavy down her back. Her face had thinned out some, a side effect Darby suspected was from shedding the last of the baby weight.

The bell at the front jingled as the door swung open, and an older woman with graying brown hair tied back in a braid and wearing an orange, floral maxi dress entered.

Louise, do you remember my cousin Darby? She used to stay with us every summer.

I seem to remember you lugging this poor girl in here a couple times against her will. She smiled at Darby as she took her place behind the small counter. Nice to see you again.

You too.

So how long are you in town for? Lo asked with continued enthusiasm. You’ve got to stick around at least for a couple days so we can hang out. Oh, and, of course, you have to meet Maddie!

I wish I could, but I’ve got a place lined up in DC, and I’m supposed to meet the landlord tomorrow morning.

Oh no, that’s too bad. I really wanted to spend some time with you and catch up.

Well, we have a bit more time before I have to get back on the road. Darby glanced at the woman behind the counter and lowered her voice. And I was hoping you and I could talk before I head out.

Of course. You want to run over to the café and get some coffee?

God, yes. Just the thought of caffeine was enough to ease some of the nervous tension she’d built up in her belly during the long drive. She was anxious enough being back in town and seeing her cousin for the first time in years, and that didn’t even include the real reason she’d come. Coffee would be amazing.

Okay if I step out for a few minutes, Louise?

Of course. Take all the time you need. She looked at Darby. It was good to see you.

You, too, Ms. Snyder.

Logan grabbed a purse from behind the counter and led the way to a cute little café just a few doors down on the main strip. They were immediately greeted by a woman, probably in her fifties, with dark skin, dark hair, and a bright white smile. Byrdie, as Darby recalled, told them to sit anywhere and, less than a minute later, was taking their drink orders.

Darby asked for a tall, black coffee, no cream or sugar, while Lo just asked for her usual. Darby found herself staring at the display of breads and muffins and other baked goods, her hands fidgeting in her lap as she tried to figure out how to work up to the question she’d traveled a thousand miles to ask.

So…how’s Maddie?

She’s amazing and easily the most gorgeous three-year-old you’ve ever seen in your life, though apparently I’m sort of biased. Here, let me show you a picture. Lo pulled out her phone, swiped a few times, and held up a picture of a toddler with a thick head of dark hair. She was sitting in a tiny green dress on a plush, brown sofa, and even Darby could see that, aside from the dark brown eyes, this little girl was the spitting image of her mother. Next to Maddie sat a little boy with light red hair and dimples.

Did I miss something? I thought you only had the one kid.

Lo shook her head. That’s Carly’s little boy, Carter. He’ll be six in August.

Jesus. How is that even possible?

Byrdie dropped off their drink orders, giving Darby time to marvel at her cousin. The girl who’d once wanted nothing more than to be wild and free had settled down and gotten married. And she actually looked happy. So damn happy Darby almost couldn’t make sense of it. But then, marriage was always the one subject Darby never did understand.

I still remember you and Carly having sleepovers and staying up late talking about boys and first kisses and how you were going to get back at Cole Tucker.

I know. It’s crazy. Carly and Darren actually just had their second kid a few months ago. She swiped through her phone again before showing Darby a picture of a blonde baby girl with chubby cheeks and legs.

She’s so cute. What’s her name?

Lenora Catherine Whitehead.

Darby’s grin fell. God, really? She sounds like an old grandma.

Lo laughed. I see you’re still as blunt as ever.

She shrugged and sat back in her seat. It’s a New York thing. Her mother used to tell her that it was her greatest character flaw. Fortunately, her cousin was used to her lack of filter by now.

I’m pretty sure it’s just a Darby thing. Lo took a sip of her coffee. It sounds old because she’s named after Carly’s great-grandmother. We all call her Nora Kate for short.

Gotcha.

So DC, huh? That was fast. I thought you only just settled in Fort Worth a few weeks ago.

I did. It just didn’t suit me, so I decided it was time to move on.

That’s so cool. I remember when you used to talk about all the places you wanted to go, but to see you actually doing it…how many cities has it been now?

Fifteen.

Geez. Fifteen cities in seven years. And what about a job? What have you been doing for money?

Anything I can find, really. Waitressing, bartending, stuff like that. I even had this wake-up call gig I did in Seattle. You learn some weird stuff calling people at four in the morning.

Sounds like you’ve had some crazy adventures.

You’re not lying there. There’ve been some rough scrapes. Her stomach clenched, and she took a long sip from her cup, wishing they’d gone somewhere she could have ordered a coffee of the Irish variety. Actually, that’s part of why I wanted to come by.

Yeah?

Okay, this was it. What she’d come all this way for. Time for simple and straightforward.

I know I haven’t seen you in over seven years, but I need to borrow ten thousand dollars.

Maybe that was a little too straightforward.

So, Logan. You remember all those times I helped cover for you with your mom while you were off breaking the law with Cole Tucker? I’ve decided you now owe me…ten thousand dollars to be exact.

Lord, help her. There really was just no right way to do this.

There’s something I need to ask— The shrill ring of a phone cut her off.

Lo winced, fishing around in her bag. Sorry. Let me just… She pulled the phone out. Shit. I have to go. I need to get Maddie, Carter, and Nora over to my mom’s and head to the police station.

Is everything okay?

Oh, yeah, it’s fine. I’ve been helping out during the evenings for some extra income. She laughed. Turns out money gets tight with a new house and a baby. Especially on an art dealer and a firefighter’s salary. Who would have guessed?

She put her phone away and reached across the table to grab Darby’s hand. I’m so, so sorry. I wish we had more time before you had to leave.

Darby watched as Logan stood from her chair, something heavy settling in her stomach. She needed help, and Lo had been her only option. Now what was she supposed to do?

Well, maybe I could stay one night. That way you and I can really catch up. And Darby could come up with a new plan.

Lo beamed. You mean that? You’ll stay in town a bit?

Sure. Why not? Maybe we could get breakfast in the morning. One more day. She could figure out her next move and get out of town before anyone else even knew she was here. One night couldn’t hurt, right?

That would be perfect. Logan wrapped her arms around Darby. You’re welcome to stay with me and Cole, but we’re keeping Carter and Nora Kate for the night. So I can’t promise you’ll get much sleep. If you want to stay somewhere quieter, my friend Harper runs the cutest bed-and-breakfast just down the road. You should check it out. Just tell her I sent you.

Darby forced a smile on her face. Sounds great. Thanks.

I’ll call you in the morning about breakfast. She hugged Darby again before grabbing her bag and bolting out the door.

Chapter Two

Darby groaned before letting her face fall into her hands. She was supposed to be driving toward DC, not sitting in Wade’s Bar and Grill along with half the residents of Willow Creek while trying to figure out her next move. Her plan had been simple enough. Go in, sit Lo down, and ask her for a small favor.

Okay, so ten thousand dollars was hardly a small favor, but she didn’t have anyone else to ask. She rarely ever spoke to her dad, and her mom was the one person she’d never go to for something like this, no matter how desperate. Next to them, her cousin was the closest family she had. She hated asking anyone for help, most of all the cousin she hadn’t seen in several years.

Then Logan admitted to her own money issues, and Darby’s plan flew out the window. How could she ask Lo for help now? How could she put even more on her cousin’s shoulders?

No, she’d find another way to get the money. Not that she had much of a choice. After packing up what few possessions she had, paying off the rest of her lease, and hightailing it out of Fort Worth, she had maybe two hundred dollars to her name. She’d considered selling her car, but that hunk of junk would barely get her anything, and then she’d be stuck without any sort of escape. And that Darby feared even more than owing ten thousand dollars.

God, she’d really done it this time.

You want something, doll?

Darby’s hands fell away, and she looked up to find a middle-aged woman watching her from the other side of the bar. Her skin was tan and leathery, her bright red hair pulled back in a large jaw clip. She had on a thin, magenta tank top that showed off her slender frame and prominent collarbone.

What?

To drink. You want somethin’ to drink? Or were you planning on sulkin’ at my bar sober?

Oh, right. Darby pulled her wallet from her purse, assessing how much cash she actually had. She grimaced. Can I get some of your cheapest wine?

The bartender gave her a pitying smile. Can’t say I hear that one too often. You got your ID?

Darby pulled it from the sleeve of her wallet and handed it over.

The woman let out a low whistle. You’re a long way from home, Darby Watkins. New York, huh? Should’ve had you pegged for a city girl by the wine, though the accent threw me off a bit. She handed the ID back over. What you doin’ in Willow Creek?

Visiting some family.

The woman grabbed a wineglass and a bottle from behind the bar. She popped the cork and filled the glass with red, setting the bottle to the side. She placed the drink in front of Darby and leaned against the bar. I thought you looked familiar. You’re the chief’s niece, right? You used to stay with him and hang out with Caleb Forester all summer.

Darby cringed. She hadn’t heard that name in years, and he was the last person she wanted to be thinking about right now.

How long you in town for?

Not long, she said, taking a sip from her glass and trying not to react to the sour taste. She wasn’t much of a drinker, but even she could tell why this was the cheapest Wade’s had to offer. Just long enough to get what I came for.

The bartender nodded. Well, good luck to you. If you need anything else, you just holler for Lilly. I’ll be around.

Thanks, Lilly.

Darby took only a few sips of her sour wine. Coming to Wade’s had been a bad idea. She was supposed to be gone by now, all her problems solved. Instead, she was still stuck in Willow Creek. Still thousands of dollars in debt. Still with no idea how to fix it.

I’m so screwed, she muttered to herself.

Well, not quite yet. But if you want, I’d be happy to get you there.

Darby nearly jumped off her stool. A man now occupied the seat next to her. She wasn’t sure how long he’d been sitting there, but judging from the lazy grin he directed her way, she suspected he’d been at Wade’s for at least a few drinks. He swayed on his stool, and his eyes drooped noticeably.

Make that a dozen drinks.

Excuse me?

I’m just saying, if screwed is what you want to be, I’m more than willing to be the one to do it for you.

Darby looked this guy up and down. He was attractive, one of those muscular, chiseled guys who knew he could get any girl he wanted. Sort of a Chris Hemsworth type, including the blond hair down to his shoulders and the piercing blue eyes. If it weren’t for his current inability to sit up straight or speak without slurring, Darby probably would have been all over him in a heartbeat.

He grinned at her as she studied him. Like whatcha see? Why don’t we get you a few more drinks, and then we can head back to my place?

Darby patted his shoulder before gently pushing him back into his own space. As tempting as that is, I don’t really do the drunk sex thing. I prefer a guy to be able to look back and remember the best night of his life.

His grin doubled, and he let out a boom of laughter. Oh, I like you, and that’s saying something. I don’t think I’ve seen you around here before.

It’s been a few years. I’ve moved around a lot.

Yeah, where?

All over.

He ran a finger up her bare arm. I like a woman who’s seen the world.

She laughed, swatting his hand away. And I like a guy who’s sober. So you might as well take that thing in your pants somewhere else. You’re not getting any from me tonight.

He frowned, but his eyes were bright with mischief. Then can I at least buy you a drink?

Darby looked at her barely touched wine. Only if it’s better than this.

He clapped his hands together, turning back to face the bar. Lilly, a drink for my beautiful friend here. Only your finest for… He glanced at her sideways, waiting.

Darby.

He grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it. Lovely to meet you, Darby. You can call me Drew.

Because that’s your name?

His drunken smile only grew.

Lilly grabbed a glass from behind the bar along with a bottle Darby recognized. Lilly poured a modest glass of red and set it before her. Here you go, doll. On him.

Thanks, Lilly.

Yes, thank you, Lilly. And another Jack and Coke for me, good lady.

This time when Darby took a sip, she relished the rich flavors sparking her taste buds to life.

Drew took a sip from his drink as soon as Lilly slid it toward him. So tell me, Darby, he said, slurring only a little. What brings you here to the bar all alone?

I thought that was obvious. So I can get hit on by drunk men convinced I want to sleep with them.

Sounds like fate’s at work. Because that’s exactly why I came here tonight too.

"So you can get hit on by drunk men?"

He laughed. Lilly, I think this is a day for the history books, he called to the bartender. I’m pretty sure I just fell in love.

Mazel tov.

He peered at Darby, wagging a finger at her. Admit it. You find me at least a little charming, otherwise you wouldn’t still be here.

Maybe a little. But mostly because indulging you is easier than focusing on my own issues. The free drink didn’t hurt either.

Drew set his elbow on the bar and rested his head against his fist. Tell me about them.

What’s the point when you’re not going to remember a word of it in the morning?

Some would say that’s all the more reason.

Darby shook her head. Maybe next time, she said, knowing perfectly well there would be no next time.

It’s a date then. He grabbed his Jack and Coke and downed the whole thing. He slammed it back down on the counter. One more, Lilly.

Don’t you think it’s time to go home, Drew? Lilly asked. Why don’t I call for a ride?

His smile morphed instantly into a pout, his head lolling from side to side. But I don’t want to go yet. Darby and I are having such a nice time.

I should get going too. Darby pulled some cash from her wallet and left it on the bar, hoping it covered her glass of cheap wine. How about I give you a lift back to your place to make up for that drink you bought me?

Drew ran a hand through his blond hair. Not quite done with me yet? He waggled his eyebrows then stood on shaky legs. All right, let’s get out of here.

Ten minutes later, Darby was driving down country roads and listening while Drew gave her slurred and muddled directions. She knew this part of town well enough from her childhood summers. She’d passed her aunt and uncle’s house not too long ago and would be coming up on the equestrian center in another couple minutes.

Despite knowing the roads, she still drove cautiously. Deer liked to jump out of nowhere in the dark.

You’re more than welcome to stay the night with me, Drew said from the passenger seat. His head was heavy against the headrest, and he stared at Darby with a lascivious grin.

She shook her head, releasing an amused huff. Even after several rejections, he still hadn’t lost that hopeful gleam in his eye. Probably had something to do with the multiple Jack and Cokes. I would, she lied, but I’ve already got a room booked at the B&B. At least she hoped she’d still be able to get a room by