Page 93 of Manors & Mischief

The Adam’s apple in his throat bobs. He’s still so handsome. Scruffy. I want to shake the stubbornness out of him, but that’s also part of who he is, and by the same token, I don’t know that I want to change anything about him.

“I have a proposal of my own,” I say finally.

“I’m listening,” he says.

I take a deep breath. “What you said to me was wrong. It hurt in ways that are hard to describe because I am worth fighting for, and I know you know that. I know it wasn’t your intention, that in some weird, dark place inside of you, you thought it would be best for me if you did what you did.

“Here’s what I’m going to say though. I’m going to stay in Harvest Falls. I’m going to run the manor like I have been. I’m going to turn it into the tourist stop everyone wants to see. The haunted house, the ball, and whatever else my creative brain thinks of. Now, you can do it with me, or I’m going to do it without you. It doesn’t matter. Well, that’s sort of a lie. I’d prefer to do it with you, but I’m also not going to let it stop me if you don’t join me. I have dreams. I have goals. I just need to know right now if you want to be a part of them.”

The corners of his lips tease up. “Why am I not surprised that I’m greeted with this?”

“Because you know me?”

“I know you,” he says. “And…” He takes a deep breath and lets it out. “I was so stupid before. My mother says I should grovel and beg, and I believe that is something that you usually have to get on your knees for, but I hope you’ll forgive me if I don’t, but the sentiment is still the same. I was wrong.”

“I know.”

He chuckles. “Just let me get this out, Sweetheart. You were right. I was in a dark, weird place, and I couldn’t see through my own pain, but what hurt even more was seeing your face when I told you that you had to leave. Now, you know me, I’m dumb. I still wanted to think I was right, but I had a few people who talked some sense into me.” He peers at the floor and then back up. “Ember, I promise that next time I find myself in that weird, dark place, that I will ask for your help instead of shoving you away. I promise I’ll treat you with the respect you deserve, and listen to your thoughts and feelings instead of making decisions for you.”

“And you promise to believe you’re not cursed.”

“Man, you really are a strong woman trying to tell me what to say during my own grovel session.”

“You looked like you needed help.”

“I promise that I believe I’m not cursed because how could I be with a woman like you in my life. I love you, Ember O’Malley, and I promise I won’t forget it.”

I break into a smile, the hands crossed over my chest loosening. Behind me, a couple people start to applaud and I almost come out of my skin. When I see who it is, I sigh. I should’ve known it was Bea and Trav. Trav even gives Devon a thumbs up.

I shake my head, but soon, I find myself wrapping my arms around him. “Does this mean that you’re going to help?”

“This means I’m here for you forever.”

I lift onto my toes to whisper in his ear, “I think I kind of love you too.”

He squeezes me and one of his crutches clatters to the floor. He doesn’t let go though. I step in, giving him the stability he needs, but he gives it right back to me. Again, we just fit. We’re like two people meant to be together. Halves that make a whole.

I step back, bending to retrieve his crutch on the floor, and then I make him sit on the couch. “I’ll take tickets at the door tonight,” he says. “I figure it’s about the only thing I can do.”

“Do you want to tell me why Randy Shue is here?” Bea asks. “If your mom sees him, she’s going to freak.”

“I called him here,” Devon answers. “I told him there was some work available for him in Harvest Falls if he wanted it. I need to show him the few things in the ballroom that still need doing since I might be laid up for a while. Mom will have to get over it unless someone else wants to pick up a hammer around here.”

“Not me,” Bea and Trav say at the same time.

“I don’t know,” I say. “You might have rubbed off on me.”

Devon peers over at me cautiously. “The last time I saw you wield a tool, I thought you were going to hurt yourself.” Then he leans over and whispers, “But you looked good doing it.”

With us, right there, and the residents of Harvest Falls who start trickling in through the door, their excitement at an all-time high, I’m home. I have no doubt what Devon said is true. I’ve found my person, and he’s found his. The next time he gets like that, it might be dark and scary, but he won’t push me away again. We can work on it together.

When the first wave heads inside the haunted house, and Trav shuts the doors, leaving us alone in the foyer, I turn toward him. “You know that day you took me to the well?”

He nods.

“I think my dreams are coming true.”

“So are mine.”