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Cinnamon's footsteps moved away until quiet filled the space around him. She was right. He wasn't that man anymore. He had no need to feel guilty, even if he did waste twelve years of his life without her by his side.
Who knows? Maybe he needed that time to see how much he needed and wanted her in his world. Ever since they confessed their feelings for one another, they seemed to pick up where they left off, but with a maturity they didn’t have before.
But, oh, if only Mom and Dad were alive to see them today. Kaleb wished they were still there, encouraging him, chastising him, loving him, and pushing him to be a better man. They'd be so proud of Grady and Scarlet, too.
Would they be proud of him and the job he did bringing them into adulthood? Kaleb hoped so. He had no doubt Dad would squeeze his shoulder and tell him to do his best. While Mom would wrap her arms around him and whisper to give himself grace when he messed up.
Footsteps sounded across the wooden hallway and into the carpeted living room. Kaleb opened his eyes, instantly landing on the woman he'd loved most of his life.
"Thank you." He accepted the can of soda and set it on the end table.
"You're welcome."
Kaleb sat up and pushed in the bottom part of the recliner. "Cinnamon, I know we haven't been back together for very long."
She chuckled and raised her glass of water to her lips. "True."
"What I do know is that I don't want to spend my life without you." When her eyes widened, he held up his hand. "I'm not proposing right now. But would you be opposed to it happening sooner rather than later?"
Cinnamon's hands shook around her glass. "You don't think it's too soon?"
Kaleb shook his head. "Not at all. I've always known you were the one I wanted to marry."
A slow smile spread across her face. "Then, no, Kaleb, I am not opposed to marrying you any time you wish."
Kaleb stopped himself from jumping up and whooping. Instead, he slid off the chair and onto his knees. He cupped her cheek with his good hand and gently lowered his lips to hers. Yes, he could get used to this for the rest of his life.
Chapter Eighteen
A knock sounded on the door. Cinnamon hurried to answer it before the person on the opposite side rang the bell, waking most of the household in the process.
The morning had gone so smoothly for her thus far, getting breakfast started and prepping ingredients for lunch. It would be a shame to have grumpy Lindens stomping around because they didn't get enough sleep. Cinnamon knew Grady, Scarlet, and Kaleb had stayed up later than usual the previous night, going over plans for the big event.
Most everyone in town looked forward to Red, White, and Ewe. Even if they didn't have children, the good folks of Winter Springs swarmed on the farm and celebrated the nation's birthday together. From mutton riding and races to arts and crafts, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The Lindens always had good food, which she contributed to this year, followed by a grand finale fireworks display that anyone could see for miles around.
The Lindens buzzed with excitement, as did Cinnamon. She'd finally been able to be a part of the planning, for the first time in a dozen years. Nothing made her happier than helping the family that meant so much to her.
Cinnamon reached the door, surprised at the person on the other side. "Mayson," she ushered him inside, "what're you doing here?"
Mayson held up four cups with lids on them. "I thought I'd see how the patient's doing."
Cinnamon motioned for him to follow her into the living room, where their voices wouldn't carry up the stairs. Even though they’d all agreed to Kaleb moving into an empty cabin when they first starting dating, since the accident, all of them felt more comfortable having him in the house. She'd taken over the small place instead.
Exhaustion haunted Mayson's eyes. His dark hair still held moisture, probably from a shower that morning. He extended his arm, handing her a cup. "I thought it'd be good to see how you all are doing."
"First, how are you?" Cinnamon accepted the coffee. He knew her well enough to know she preferred mochas over regular coffee any day. Sheinhaled,the scent of chocolate mixed with espresso making her mouth water.
"It's been a long week. I can tell you that much." Dark circles surrounded his eyes. "It's been a whirlwind, working with the police department. I've had to deal with the insurance, getting my employees trauma counseling."
"How are they doing?"
"Some are doing alright while a few are struggling." Mayson's head drooped. "It breaks my heart to know this happened to them because they were working for me."
"Don't do that to yourself, Mays." Cinnamon scooted onto a chair closer to the sofa and squeezed his hand. "It isn't your fault those men decided to rob you. You didn't put an advertisement in the newspaper, asking for it to happen."
Mayson's low chuckle seemed forced. "No, I didn't, you're correct. Still, I can't help but feel bad."
"I understand why you do, but you kept everyone safe in the shop." She squeezed his hand and slid further onto her chair. "You did what you could."
