This is part of having a big family, though. We may fight and disagree most of the time, but we can move mountains when we stick together. I just hope my big brother realizes it or it might bite him in the ass.
“You wanna get out of here?” Beau whispers in my ear.
“Absolutely.” I pull us out of the huddle. “I’m taking the rest of the day off.”
“You literally just came back yesterday.”
“Consider it payback for being an asshole.” I wave behind me as I pull Beau with me toward the door. I can practically hear my brother’s eyes roll, but he doesn’t try to stop me.
We have a lot of making up to do, and I want him to tell me all about his plan to leave the firm he works for. Despite all the ups and downs, he’s still my best friend, even if he’s also my boyfriend, and I’ll support him the way he’s always supported me.
epilogue
. . .
one year later
“Why am I wearing a blindfold?”Piper shifts uncomfortable as I drive away from her house.
“Because I have a surprise for you.” This is something I’ve been working on for the past month. It’s a good thing we live in a small town and Starlit Fields makes large donations to the school district. Otherwise…I never would have been able to pull this off.
“Did you finally get an office space so you can stop working out of your living room?” Her voice is filled with excitement and it’s contagious.
I left the firm six months ago. Now I help small businesses make their mark on social media and small-scale events to get their name out there. It’s turned more into coaching. While I don’t make quite as much as I did at the firm, I’m happy. This is my passion and I couldn’t have done it without Piper’s encouragement and support.
“Not yet.” I chuckle. “But I have an idea for that coming soon.”
“Well, are you going to tell me about it?”
“Not yet.”
“Fine.” She crosses her arms over her chest.
I know she’s trying to go for angry, but it’s adorable. Mostly because I can see the small lift of her lip while she tries to hide a smile.
She sighs and reaches for the radio. She misses the button and accidentally hits the air condition knob.
“Would you stop fidgeting? We’re almost there.”
“This is a good surprise, right?” She moves her hands to play with her hair at the ends of her braid. “Last time there was a surprise it caused a whole thing. I don’t want to argue with anyone today.”
“It’s a good surprise. Have a little faith in me.”
“I actually have a lot of faith in you. Don’t ruin it.”
I come to a stop down the road from Starlit Fields Winery. The place our story began. After turning off the car, I unbuckle my seatbelt. “Stay right there. I’m coming to lead you out of the car.”
“Okay,” she holds her hands up. “I won’t move.”
That lasts all of ten seconds. By the time I make it to her door, she’s unbuckled her seatbelt and is reaching for the handle to open it. “You are so impatient.”
“You wouldn’t have me any other way.”
She’s right. It’s one of the things I love about her.
I glance at the yellow school bus pulled to the side of the road in front of us. Our family fills as many of the seats as they can except for one. Parker is trying to get everyone to be quiet. Paula waves the bouquet in her hands. I’m putting it all on the line right now and I hope like hell everything plays out the way I’m hoping.
Our steps to the bus are slow. She’s wearing wedges and I keep trying to lead her while not throwing her off balance. Oncewe’re to the doors, I stop. “I’m going to carry you for a bit. Wrap your arms around my neck and don’t let go.”
