He kissed me, quick and soft, then pulled away flustered. "I'm at work."
"Then let's continue the tour."
We visited the bookstore next. Juniper Bluff Books was cozy with reading nooks and overstuffed chairs. Micah was helping a customer select books but he waved when he saw us.
We wandered the aisles and I found myself relaxing. This town felt possible. Like I could actually build a life here.
"What are you thinking?" Jason asked, watching my face.
"That I could see myself here. Is that crazy?"
"No." His smile was soft, hopeful. "I was hoping you'd feel that way."
***
Friday afternoon, I was writing at The Perch when Garrett sat down across from me with two cups of coffee.
The lunch rush had cleared. Christmas music played softly. Through the windows, snow was starting to fall.
"Can I ask you something?" Garrett said.
"Sure."
"What are your actual plans? Are you staying? Going back to New York?"
I closed my laptop. "Honest answer? I don't know yet. I want to stay. But I can't just live in Jason's cottage indefinitely—that's not fair to him. I need my own space."
"So get your own space." Garrett said it like it was obvious. "There's a cabin on the edge of Finn's property that’s been vacant for months. Finn's looking for a tenant."
"A cabin?"
"Small place. Two bedrooms, one could be an office. Quiet. Good for writing. I’m sure Finn would show it to you if you're interested."
My heart started racing. A cabin. My own space. Actual roots in Juniper Bluff.
"I'm interested," I said slowly. "Very interested."
"Good." Garrett stood. "Because Jason's been happier this week than I've seen him in months. Don't break that unless you absolutely have to."
"I won't."
"I believe you." He handed me both coffee cups. "The second one's for Jason. He should be off work by now. Go tell him you're staying."
***
That night, I told Jason about the cabin.
We were lying in bed and I'd been working up the courage for an hour. The room was dark except for Christmas lights in the window.
"Garrett told me about a cabin for rent at Finn’s."
Jason went very still beside me. "Oh yeah?"
"I'm thinking about looking at it. If you think—I mean, if it wouldn't be weird—"
"You want to stay?" Jason pushed up on one elbow, looking down at me. "Actually stay? Not just visit?"
"I want to try. If you want me to."
