AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t want to do anything against your wishes, but I have to be honest. I’m in love with Marley. She’s it for me. I’d like you to be okay with it, but I’m fine if you’re not. Because she’s my number one priority now.”
Aiden let out a breath. “I don’t like it.”
“I didn’t think you would,” I said, the fear and guilt sliding away.
“I get that you love each other, so I’m not going to stand in the way.” He looked at me. “But if you hurt her…”
“If I hurt her, you can take me out. But I don’t plan on doing that.” I finally sipped the tea, wondering if I could get a flight to California this afternoon. “What are your plans?”
“Marley’s agreed to not sell the inn so we can make a go of it.”
“Who’s going to run it?”
“I said I would help. I can fix stuff and make sure things are running smoothly. We should probably hire someone for the front counter, though. I might not be the most congenial.”
“Ya think?” I teased, pleased to have my best friend back and not have Marley between us. It gave me hope for the future. “We’re happy that Matthews Inn will be up and running again soon. The renovations should be completed around Christmas. You can probably open anytime in the new year.”
He tipped his head to the side. “What are you doing in the gardens? Does Marley know about it?”
“She originally wanted to do something more elaborate and then backed off that idea.”
“You’re not screwing over my baby sister, are you?” Aiden asked without any real bite.
“Of course not. It’s a surprise for her, and I’d appreciate it if you don’t mention it. We’re eating the cost of it because we’re hoping to use it as an advertisement for my business. I can partner with Knox to do hardscapes and landscaping. We don’t get opportunities for projects like this often.”
“I won’t say anything. But if she doesn’t like it, all bets are off.”
I grinned. “It’s exactly what she asked for.”
“I have to be honest. This is going to be weird. I don’t know how I’ll handle you and my sister together, but I’ll do my best.”
“That’s all I can ask for.”
An easy expression came over Aiden’s face. “If the offer still stands, I’d like to help you with your business, too.”
“The offer always stands. I’d love to have you.” I clasped his shoulder and gave him a hug. “It’s good to have you back.” Then I headed for the door.
“Where are you in a rush to?” Aiden asked as he followed me.
I shot him a grin. “I have a flight to catch.”
Aiden chuckled. “Good luck.” Then he shook his head. “I never thought I’d be telling my best friend good luck with my sister.”
“A lot of things changed since you left. Are you sure you’re ready to live here full time?”
“Yeah. It’s time. I want to create a home and maybe even have a family.”
I paused by the door. “No shit? You got someone in mind?”
He snorted. “No. I’m not ready for it. Not yet. But someday. I’m not getting any younger.”
“It’s the best feeling in the world.” We said our goodbyes, and I pulled out my phone to search for flights. Then I rushed home to pack and get to the airport. I texted my family after I went through security that I was going to get Marley.
I got a flurry of good luck messages from the women, and a you got this sentiment from the guys. I wasn’t going to convince her to come back. I wanted to tell her how I felt and leave the ball in her court. I’d do whatever she wanted, even if it meant moving to California. I wanted her to be happy. The rest would fall into place.
Ireland texted me a link with the caption:
You have to see this.
