As I walked to the counter to pick it up, Whit appreciatively gazed around our new home. “I can’t believe we got all this done in two days.”
“I know, and I can’t believe Cade and I are finally going to be living close enough to have a normal relationship. It seems like it’s taken forever, but I guess it only took us a month to get here.”
She gave me an incredulous look.
“Okay,” I laughed. “More like ten years and a month.”
She grinned.
“He deserves something like this,” I mused as I unlocked my phone and opened my texts. “He’s constantly showing up for me, and surprising me in all these wonderful ways. I’m so ready to do something like that for him,” I finished, my heart fluttering with eager anticipation. I couldn’t wait to see his reaction.
Whit nodded. “What’s the text say?”
“It’s Owen,” I told her. “They’re on the way back.”
“What can I do?” Whit asked.
I met her eyes. “I’m gonna need your baking magic.”
46
CADE
These guys were like the brothers I never had, but after two days straight of camping, I was ready to be home and have a proper shower, and maybe even a nap.
I’d basically spent 95% of the trip mooning over Brooke, and I’m sure the guys got sick of it, especially Owen. I heard at least a couple instances of Owen mumbling, “Dude, that’s my sister.” What could I say? I was a man obsessed.
Fresh from the shower, I had barely settled Echo and me onto my large gray couch when the doorbell rang. Echo gave awoof, looking to me to deal with it. I groaned in protest, dragging myself up and to the door. I opened the door to see a gorgeous brunette holding a plate of cookies, a wide grin spread across her face.
“Hi, I’m your neighbor, Brooke. My roommate and I just moved in down the street. I brought you some cookies.”
“Did you bake them?” I asked, a grin splitting my face.
She bit her lip and shook her head.
“Well come on in, neighbor.”
I yanked her inside and pressed my lips to hers.
PART III
THE FIFTEEN-YEAR REUNION
47
BROOKE
Fun Fact #80: I met my soulmate at 8 years old.
The invitation came in the mail on a Thursday afternoon. I met Cade’s eyes over our mugs (mine tea, his coffee).
Fifteen years since graduation. How was it possible so many years had flown by?
Almost five years since I’d moved back to Vermont, into the charming yellow bungalow where my best friend still lived.
Four and a half years since I’d moved into Cade’s renovated home on Redbud Lane.
Three years since we’d gotten married, in a small backyard ceremony with Whit and Nic beside me and Bryan and Owen beside Cade. Our parents sat in chairs in the yard to watch the ceremony. Even Val flew out for the wedding, and Gloria sent her love in a card.
