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“No, it’s just an irritation. I’ve always just been known as Luke Williams’s kid. I’m proud as hell of my dad, don’t get me wrong. But you’re engaged to Keaton, Sid.”

“Obviously.” She frowns but then shrugs. “Okay, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that was a hot button for you. It won’t happen again. Come on, I’ll give you the grand tour.”

The house is well taken care of and honestly beautiful. My mom and sisters would be in love with it.

Especially the kitchen.

“This is fancy,” I say as I lean on the counter.

“I’ve seen way fancier. Like, at your parents’ house,” she says with a smile. “But yeah, I wanted a really nice kitchen. Wanna know a secret?”

“Of course.”

“I’ve never cooked a meal here. Not once. But Wendy uses it all the time.”

I cross my arms over my chest and grin at her. “Your secret’s safe with me. Can you cook?”

“Oh, sure. My mom’s a great cook, and I learned from her. But it’s just me, and Wendy usually leaves me meals in the fridge. I’m not here a lot, so buying groceries feels like a waste because most of the food ends up going bad before I can eat it.”

“I get it. Cooking for one is hard.”

“But now I get to cook for two.”

“I can help,” I offer. “I know my way around a kitchen. My dad’s an excellent cook, and food was always a big deal in our house.”

“I finally get to use my kitchen,” she says with an excited little dance. “But, for the record, you have a gorgeous kitchen, too. So, we’ll have a good time cooking no matter which city we’re in.”

“That’s a good point.”

I can see myself living here. I can always buy more shop space. Hell, there might be space in her backyard to build something, for all I know.

I’ll miss my family, but I’m not going to sell my home in Seattle. We’ll spend time both here and there.

It’s not what I ever expected for myself, and it’s not ideal, but I can make it work.

Sidney’s worth it.

Chapter 19

Sidney

He’s been…different since we left Dallas. We spent three days in Nashville, and we still laughed, made love, and enjoyed each other. He was super sweet to my friends, and he swore up and down that he loved my house.

He never said anything to make me think that something was wrong.

But I can feel it in my stomach.

Something’s off, but I don’t know what it is, and it’s driving me a little crazy.

I’ve asked him several times, but he insists he’s fine.

I don’t want to be one of those annoying women who nags and nags until their partner gets frustrated and blows up with I’m fine!

Keaton rented a car at the airport and turns into the driveway that leads to my parents’ house. It’s a beautiful day in northern Idaho, with bright blue skies and a slight breeze that carries the scent of early summer flowers.

It’s my favorite time of year.

“It smells good,” I announce as I step out of the car and turn to smile at Keaton.

“It’s a nice day,” he agrees, pulling our suitcases out of the back of the rented SUV.

Before I can say anything, the front door opens, and Mom and Maya come rushing out of the house.

“Get over here so I can hug you,” Mom says as she hurries toward me. She’s not wobbly on her feet at all. She looks just like she did ten years ago, healthy and vibrant, and it fills my heart with so much joy that tears spring to my eyes.

“Mom, you look fabulous.”

“I feel fabulous.” She wraps me up in her arms and holds on tight. “I’m so proud of you and excited for you.”

She pulls back and gestures to Keaton.

“Get over here, son-in-law.”

Keaton laughs and wraps his arms around both of us, and finally, Maya joins us, too.

“We’re a pile of people in the driveway,” I say at last, making everyone laugh. “We should go inside and get settled.”

“Absolutely,” Mom agrees and loops her arm through mine as we walk to the door.

“Where’s Dad?” I ask her.

“Oh, he was indisposed,” she says with a wink, implying he was in the bathroom. “He’ll be out in a few minutes. You two look happy and exhausted.”

“I’d say that’s accurate. It’s been a busy week or so.”

We walk inside, and I can’t believe my eyes.

Standing in the living room is my father, and both of Keaton’s parents, too.

“Oh, my God!”

There are more excited hugs and laughs, and when I glance over at Keaton, he looks happier than he has in days.

What is going on with him?

Is he having second thoughts?

I really need to have a talk with him.

“We had to come celebrate with you,” Natalie says with a smile. “I just couldn’t wait any longer to give you both a hug and get a look at that ring.”

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