Page 19 of Falling for Keeps

It’s almost birthday weekend! We need to start making plans. What kind of cakes do you want?

Dominic

Whatever Rosie wants

Emma

You’re different people. You’re allowed different cakes.

Dominic

Rosie probably wants chocolate, and I like that one too

Emma

Let us celebrate you Dom!!! It’s not every year you guys turn TWENTY-NINE.

Rosie

Ugh don’t remind me.

Emma

Do we need to watch 13 Going on 30?

Rosie

I’m already flirty and thriving and I don’t turn 30 until next year, thanks.

Dominic

Fine. The one with all the coconut on the outside

Emma

German chocolate? Done.

Rosie

All I really want is my inn to be magically finished and ready for guests. Renovations are no joke

Well, I’m not a miracle worker. I can’t even finish one bathroom.

Emma

Will you take tacos and a chocolate cake instead?

Rosie

Sounds like a reasonable trade-off.

I heart her text and make a mental note to look up a good book on managing time and stress. Maybe if I get Rosie the audio, she’ll be able to fit it into her busy life.

I push open the door to the hardware store and a bell jingles over my head. They act like it’s not a big deal birthday, but it’s the final year in their twenties. I had my thirtieth recently and I remember what a milestone it felt like—forcing me to assess everything I’ve accomplished so far in my life, which is, admittedly, plenty. But I also took a hard look at the things I still want to do, and the list felt five times as long.

Namely: tile the bathroom and install the new sink and paint the place to give it a total reboot.

I’m typing out a list of questions about what kind of birthday tacos they want when a deep, familiar voice stops my fingers in their tracks. Carson’s here, and by the sound of things, he’s not alone.