“It’s more of an,I don’t know what to tell him,” I said.
“You tell him you’re getting married in the spring, and you tell him about me. It’s that simple.”
I raised my brows and glanced at him. “The spring?”
“Spring isn’t my first choice. But we might want to give your grandfather some time to get used to the idea.”
“I don’t think that will matter much. He’s going to be shocked as hell no matter what we decide.”
“If that’s the case, then let’s get married in November.”
“November?” I repeated. “We can’t do November. Wyn doesn’t have Thanksgiving off. And we can’t do anything around Christmas, because Hadley’s supposed to be giving birth on Christmas Day. And who knows if the baby will even stick to her schedule.”
“Babies usually come when they want to come. I know that from foaling.”
I snorted.
“You pick the day and tell me when to show up,” he said. “Whatever makes you happy.”
“Whatever makes me happy, huh?”
He looked over at me and smiled. “Yeah. From now on that’s going to be my only stipulation in life. As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”
I sighed in dreamy elation.
Brooks turned onto the private road to Elk Ridge and a few minutes later he parked the truck. He helped me out of the vehicle, and we headed up the porch. Without bothering to knock, I opened the front door and strode inside.
Hearty coffee and even heartier people greeted us when we entered the house.
Mr. Powell was sitting at the kitchen table with Jane, devouring poached eggs on toast. Muddy was at the stove; an apron tied around her waist as she handed Salem a plate of food.
Salem looked at me on her way to the table, her smile wobbly and unsure.
I leaned in and hugged her with one arm. “We’re good.”
“Who needs a coffee refill?” Muddy called out.
“Me,” Mr. Powell said.
“Poet, will you?—”
“Sure thing.” I took the pot and brought it to the table and filled Mr. Powell’s cup.
The front door opened, and Hadley and Declan strode in.
Finally, we were all sitting around the table, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t care that there was a roadblock to my goal. That was life. You climbed over it, dug underneath it, or went around it. I hadn’t figured out a solution yet, but I would.
“Uh, excuse me,” Salem stated, pointing at me. “What isthaton your finger?”
“Brooks and I got engaged last night,” I said nonchalantly. “Pass the OJ.”
The entire table fell silent and then Muddy began to cackle.
“Engaged? You’reengaged?” Salem demanded.
“Yep.”
Salem looked at Hadley and then at her husband, who didn’t appear at all surprised by the announcement. “You don’t look shocked.”
