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“Beckett.You work for Brett Hunter.”
“Yeah, I do. So?”
“And this project is going to wrap up in two years.”
He stared at her. And laughed. “So that’s it? That’s the drama?”
“Yes.He has jobs all over the world. You came here from Australia! Next time it’ll be … the Czech Republic or something. Canada. Who knows? Then what do we do?”
He couldn’t stop smiling. “Brett Hunter isn’t the only bloke with construction management work.”
“But—”
“But what? It’s not Olde England, and Hunter’s not my feudal lord. If he wants me someplace that works for me, brilliant. If not? The West is growing. You think there aren’t going to be big projects in Bozeman? In the Tetons? In Idaho?”
“But the kids—”
“I could have to travel during the week, yeah,” he said. “We’d get all the help you need for the times I’m gone. If you’re willing, that is. I know it’s a lot to ask. That’s what I did before, because Abby’s work was in Brissy. You can’t haul a scientific career around as easily as a construction management one. You’re right, though. We should talk about it. Do you think that’ll work for you?”
“Well, yes. Obviously. So really? That’s it?”
“That’s it. We could’ve had this discussion earlier. We could’ve had it on the day your friend enlightened you about my lack of long-term potential, and the kids and I wouldn’t have had to move. Think of all that unpacking you did. Grocery shopping. Setting up my kitchen. All unnecessary, and now we have an extra toaster.”
“What about your things, though?” she asked. “The kids’ furniture, obviously, we can just swap out, but I also want you to have the things that remind you of Abby. But I’m not sure how much of that I can really handle. Her bed, for instance. I just don’t— I think we need to … merge. Her dishes are beautiful. But the bed …”
“You know,” he said, “I don’t think that’s going to be too hard to work out. If that container had fallen into the sea on the way from Oz, the kids and I would’ve survived. Is this a way to say you’re not ready? I’m a pretty decisive bloke. I’m sure. If you’re not, we can ease into this. I gave you a pendant. We can leave it there for now.”
“No,” she said. “I want you all with me. I want you there so much. And I want to—” She took a breath, then let it out. “I’m ready to take the leap, for once in my life. I want to—Ihaveto swim like it’s in my muscles, because that’s how I feel. Like I don’t just believe I can, IknowI can. When I was in Samantha’s apartment, I was never sorry. I knew it was worth it, and I never … I never wavered. I knew I needed to help you, and I knew I would.”
He said, “You humble me.” No laughter anymore.
“So you’ll … take me? Bumps and bruises and all?” She tried to laugh and couldn’t, and his heart was so full, it hurt.
“Generally,” he said, “by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been rubbed off, and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. That’s fromThe Velveteen Rabbit.It was Janey’s favorite book. We must’ve read it to her a hundred times. Reckon we’re both Real, that’s all. And being Real and having somebody love you for it? That’s the best feeling there is. That’s what life’s about.”
“Then,” she said, “let’s do it.”
“Yeah?”
“Oh, yeah. Let’s be Real.”
“Then,” he said, “I’m going to ask you to marry me. You ready?”
She took a breath. “I’m ready.”
He squeezed her hand tighter and did his best. “I love you, Quinn Jeffries. And I want to live with you forever. I want to raise our kids with you. I want to fix your house and your problems, and I’ll probably even let you fix mine. I want to laugh with you, and make love with you, and fight with you, and try not to care too much when I don’t win. I want to get old with you. And I want you to wear that ring. So. Will you marry me?”
“Yes,” she said. And smiled.
“Good,” he said. “That’s my Christmas, then. Sorted.”
59
EPILOGUE
It was another hot day in August, and Beckett was talking about ice cream again.
“Yeah,” he told Troy, “there’s going to be an ice-cream truck.” He straightened the shoulders of his son’s white shirt.
