Baby Stetson (Love and Music in Texas #1) Read Free Page A

about being adopted. If Avery could learn real facts about her life, it would be easier.
    She knew nothing about her biological parents. Not a single thing.
    That was the part that hurt the most. Not knowing.
    It gave her no desire to celebrate a birthday.
    “That still doesn’t mean anything.” Avery wrapped an arm around her mother, coaxing her to look up. “What’s got you so upset?”
    “It’s just one of those feelings.” Mom wiped her tears away and tried to give Avery a half hearted smile. “I’m sorry. I do this so often lately, don’t I? I’m just getting set in my old, silly ways.”
    Avery hugged her tight. “Don’t say that. I love you. I love you and Daddy both, and I don’t know where I’d be without you.” Sure she did. She wouldn’t be as loved. Despite her nagging thoughts in the back of her mind, Avery always knew she was wanted by the Callimers. That was the most important feeling of all.
    “We couldn’t give you much. I wanted so much more for you, Avery. You were a blessing that came to us by surprise, and I cherish every minute of it. I was always afraid your birth parents would realize what they’d lost and come back for you. That fear has only been amplified in the last few years.”
    Avery’s heart fluttered. “Don’t you realize how much you have given me, though? You took me in, you fought for me when you didn’t have to. You raised me, scolded me when I was bad. You are the reason I am who I am now. How could you ever think you haven’t done enough? Oh, Mom, where is this coming from? You’re scaring me.” Goosebumps broke out on her arms. Avery rubbed them, hoping to ease the chill she suddenly had. She’d never heard her mother talk like this. It was eerie and strange, to say the least. And this is why I could never express that void. Mom already worried about not giving her enough. What would that hidden feeling make her feel?
    Her mother’s eyes brimmed with tears again. “Are you sure? Wouldn’t you have been better off with younger parents, siblings, not running an inn with strangers coming in and out of your daily routine?”
    Avery shook her head. “Growing up was wonderful with you. I don’t understand why you’re feeling and talking this way. If I have ever given you the impression that I wasn’t thankful for everything you’ve given me...” She trailed her voice off. Despite everything, Avery had been happy. She had a place to go home to. She had discipline, someone to set her straight when she went astray. What could she say to help her mom right now? “Mom, this anxiety is no good for you. Come on, why not get ready for bed and we’ll go have some girl time tomorrow evening?” She smiled, in hopes that her mom would agree and they could get some rest. From the dark circles under the aging woman’s eyes, Avery guessed that she needed it. Badly. Then they could forget about the letter that probably didn’t mean a thing anyway and be done with it. Avery folded it into the back pocket of her jeans and stood, holding a hand out to help her mother up. When she stood, Avery hugged her for a long time before they parted. Avery gave her a peck on the cheek and smiled. “Good night. Get some sleep. I’ll see you and Daddy in the morning. I’ll help with breakfast at the inn tomorrow, and then I have to meet up with Jameson for lunch.” Her mom would be heartbroken at the thought of Avery and Jameson no longer a couple. She hadn’t yet told her the things Jameson had confided to her months ago. It had been another thing too easy to throw in the avoidance pile. No wonder everyone was on edge. It seemed like they all had something to hide.
    After her mother had gone upstairs and Avery heard her bedroom door close with the usual squeak, she made sure the front door was locked up, turned off the lamp beside the rocking chair, and went up to her own room. The letter was burning a hole in her pocket. Once in the privacy of her own room, Avery sat down at