Page 38 of Welcome Home to Ivy Falls

Beck said he wanted to talk more about me moving out, but Diego’s arrival felt like a subtle push to make a decision. I imagined walking past the building on my way to the P&P or the café, regret crowding my chest because I hadn’t jumped at the opportunity to make it my home when I had the chance.

‘You’re right. Ever since you showed it to me, I’ve been thinking how perfect it is. I’ll take it.’

‘Great! Come by the office later this afternoon and we’ll sort out the paperwork.’

‘Can you… not say anything to my brother for the moment. I want to tell him on my own.’

‘Sure. I’m happy you’re doing this and,’ he gave me a confident nod, ‘I’m proud you’re taking this step.’

‘It took a while, but I’m glad I’m here.’

His smile widened as we shook hands.

My own place.

A chance to start the next chapter.

Excitement zinged through my veins but quickly faded. Now I had to go home and tell Beck what I’d done.

He’d have a hard time letting me go, but no matter how much he wanted me to stay, I was ready to finally be on my own. It was a step I had to take, and I needed him to believe in me this one last time.

My work schedule meant I could return to the house on Huckleberry Lane by the late afternoon. It allowed me a few peaceful hours to clean up and start dinner before Torran and Beck came racing in the door from work.

I pulled the veggie lasagna out of the oven and sat at the table like a prisoner waiting to hear their final verdict. The speech I’d composed raced through my head on a constant loop.

It wasn’t like Beck could keep me here, but he’d done a lot for me. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt him. That was why I’d created a list of all the reasons why it was a good idea for me to move out.

A few minutes later the front door opened and Torran and Beck’s laughter filled the house. The sound of her boots shuffling, some soft murmuring, said she and Beck were sharing one more kiss.

This was another reason why I couldn’t stay here. They shouldn’t have to hide in the foyer when they wanted to be affectionate.

When they finally stumbled into the dining room, their eyes went wide.

Okay, so maybe I’d overdone it, setting the table with the good dishes and a bouquet I’d picked up at Minnie’s Market.

‘What’s all this?’ Beck said.

‘Dinner,’ I said casually.

He and Torran swapped a measured look before they sat at the table. I tried not to smile at the way Beck wiped at his mouth knowing his lips were still kiss-swollen.

I began spooning food onto plates when Torran said, ‘We have some news. It looks like we’ve come to a compromise with Hearth and Home about the wedding.’

‘Oh, what did you all decide?’

‘They can take video of us getting ready, but filming of any kind will not happen during the ceremony or the reception,’ Torran said.

‘And they can post stills on the network and the show’s social media that same day, but nothing more,’ Beck said, helping himself to a piece of garlic bread.

‘That’s great. Problem solved,’ I said.

‘Sort of,’ Torran hedged. Shadows smudged the creases under her eyes, and she wore a thick blanket of weariness that wasn’t normal. This negotiation had taken a lot out of her. ‘We were hoping you’d help out that day with the crew and all. Keep them confined to certain spaces. Make sure they don’t try to sneak a video camera in during the ceremony,’ she said.

‘Would they do that?’

‘Hopefully not,’ Beck answered. ‘But Lauren can get overzealous.’

‘So you want me to play bad cop on your wedding day?’