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My jaw tightened. “That’s not reassuring.”
“You should always lead with the truth.” Mom wiped off the counters and then pointed out the window. “We’d better get out there. It looks like they’re ready to start the movie.”
They’d set up camp chairs and blankets around the side of the barn. The light from the projector was showing on the siding.
“Go with your heart,” Mom said right before I left the kitchen.
“That’s what Emmett said.”
“I gave him the same advice and look where he is, married to Ireland.”
I let out a chuckle. “He’s a lucky man.”
“He was stubborn and worried that he didn’t deserve Ireland. He pushed her away.”
“I remember.”
My mother pointed at me. “Don’t make the same mistakes.”
I couldn’t see myself pushing her away, but if I thought about Aiden, I had to admit it was possible. I’d done it before.
How could Marley ever trust me again? I was just one more person in a long line of people who’d hurt her.
We made our way across the lawn to the barn where everyone was gathered. Ember and Addy were holding hands and dancing in a circle.
“What did they pick?” I asked Marley.
She smiled and pointed at the barn where the title of a familiar movie from childhood appeared. “An oldie but a goodie.”
“I love this one.”
“This will be fun,” Marley said as we settled on some bean bag chairs.
This was what I lived for: My family was together, and Marley was here, too. What would it be like if we were serious about a relationship? If we got engaged or even married? Would our kids be with us at some point? Would all my brothers have their own kids, and we would just keep expanding?
I’d avoided connecting with anyone for so long, and I suspected it was because Marley held my heart.
The bonfire was ready if we wanted to roast marshmallows or make s’mores. Knox called the girls over to roast them before we started the movie.
“I don’t want to move. This is so nice,” Marley said to me quietly.
“So, you think people in the community will like it, too?” It was such a simple idea that didn’t require much work on our part.
She smiled. “I think they’ll love it. Families are looking for events like this, and it’s a nice option for date night too.“
“It was a good idea.”
“When it comes to these kinds of things. I have a knack for business but also the community you create while building one.”
I grinned at her. “You’re brilliant.”
She smiled softly and shook her head. “No one’s ever called me that before.”
“You went to school for psychology to understand your train wreck parents, and you run a successful business. Your ideas for the farm have Ireland champing at the bit to execute them. I’d say you’re brilliant.”
She dipped her head slightly. “Well, thank you. It’s nice to hear that someone thinks that of me.”
“I always knew you’d do great things.”
