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She rolled her eyes. “When we were together, I had no idea what I wanted to do beyond study psychology.”
“You were smart even back then, resourceful and brave.” You had to be to survive unloving parents.
“Can you two leave your love nest long enough for s’mores?” Emmett grumbled as he walked past.
“I guess that’s our cue to join the others.” I stood and held out my hand to Marley.
She smiled and placed her hand in mine. “If we’re being teased by your brothers, then I must fit in.”
I pulled her to my side. “Of course, you do. My family loved Lila, and you and Aiden by extension.”
Her smile faltered, and I realized where I’d stumbled. I wanted her to feel like she belonged here with me.
“Come on, you two. We have your marshmallows ready to go,” Ireland said, handing us the prongs.
“Will we have a bonfire and marshmallows on movie nights for the community?” Lori asked everyone.
“Do we want to deal with the liability?” Sebastian asked, ever the one who thought about the legal ramifications.
“I don’t know. Do we?” Knox asked him.
“I’d say we go without the first time. Focus on the food and the movie itself. It might be a distraction,” Marley said, and my heart swelled with emotion.
She had amazing ideas and fit in with my family. It was hard to imagine that she couldn’t see that herself.
“It’s a distraction tonight. We were supposed to watch the movie,” Emmett said, and Ireland moved closer to him. His expression softened as she approached. He wrapped an arm around her waist, drawing him against his body. He dropped his head and whispered something into her ear.
Is that how I looked at Marley? Like she was my whole world? My breath caught in my throat. I wanted that. Someone who loved the farm like I did, who adored my family and wanted to live here. Emmett’s ex walked away because she hated the farm and spending so much time with the Monroes.
It had burned all of us on dating, but now that Emmett and Knox had found love, it made me think that it was more than possible for me to find the same. And to think I’d found it when I was eighteen.
I wanted to be patient with Marley, but at the same time, I didn’t want her to get away. I knew she was skittish. Quick to think she didn’t belong somewhere. But hopefully, if she spent more time here with my family, she’d understand that she was special, and she belonged.
We held our marshmallows over the fire while Addy and Ember took turns giving us tips.
“Move it over here. Just above the flame. You want to burn it evenly all the way around. Not burn it.”
“I love when mine is burnt.” Ember’s current marshmallow caught fire, and Sebastian jumped to her side to blow it out.
“It’s perfect,” Ember said as she moved over to Ireland to cover it in graham crackers and chocolate.
He tended to be a bit overprotective of her. I wondered if it was because he was a single father or if it was the uptightness that went along with his profession. My brothers and I had teased him over the years, but I wondered if it was a detriment when it came to his daughter. Maybe it would be good for him to find someone to loosen him up.
“The house will be done soon. What are your plans for moving in?” I asked him, wondering if it would affect my timeline. I’d do whatever it took to get him and Ember there quicker.
“I’d love to be in before Thanksgiving. Can you make it happen?”
“I don’t think it will be a problem. Ever since Cole started working for me, my crew has increased its turnaround time. He’s a good influence on everyone. He keeps everyone motivated and working hard.”
“You think you’ll go out on your own, then?” Mom asked.
“Most likely. Cade and Nolan want me to, and I have a team ready and willing. But I want to see how the renovation of the inn goes.” I was being overly cautious about it. It was scary when your dream was within reach. I had moments of panic and indecision, but then Nolan’s words about me being able to succeed motivated me to keep going.
“I’m proud of you. You built all the cabins, and they’re fabulous.”
“Thanks, Mom.” That’s what any good mom would say, but I tried not to take her for granted. We were lucky to still have her, especially after my father’s heart attack.
Seventeen
