Her eyes catch mine. “We know our boy eats a lot. Figured I’d help you out. This stuff here will keep him happy for alongtime.”
“He’s not exactly a boy now, Mags,” Red says, his gaze like gooey caramel.
“He’s always goin’ to be our boy, Redmond. It doesn't matter if he’s eight, eighteen, or eighty.”
“I’m standin’ right here, guys,” Wyatt replies dryly.
“Not sure I’ll be here to see him turn eighty, but I love the sentiment,” Red says, taking Mags’s hand and pulling her into him just like his son did. He dips his head and lays a big fat one on her upturned lips. “Love the way you love our boy.”
“Love you too, husband. Now, stop tryin’ to steal what you’re gettin’ later anyway and let me say goodbye to our guests.” Mags looks our way and winks.
Blair and I chuckle at Wyatt’s gagging noises.
“Onthatnote,” Wy says, “guess we better hit the road.”
We bid everyone farewell and when I give Mags a hug, she turns her head so she’s right by my ear. “Happiness looks good on you, Sutt. Just remember, this journey is a marathon and not a sprint. Enjoy the ride as much as the destination. Yeah?”
I nod and step back, glancing over at Blair before grinning back at Mags. “That’s exactly what I plan to do.”
Chapter 26
Blair
Now that my future is clear and I know I’m staying in Timber Falls, I send Uncle George a message to check if he’s still awake.
A few minutes later, my phone rings.
“Hey, Blair Bear. Everythin’ OK?” he asks, sounding half asleep.
“I didn’t mean to wake you. You didn’t have to call menow.”
He clicks his tongue. “You messaged me late at night askin’ if I’m awake. If I see a message like that–especially from you–I’m callin’. Now, I ask again. Is everythin’ OK?”
“Yeah. We’re just on our way back home from Spring Haven. I wanted you to be thesecondperson to know–well, third if you count Wy–that I’ve decided what I’m doing when my contract at the hospital ends.”
“This’ll be the only time I’m happy tonotbe the first” He chuckles. “I’m guessin’ this is good news. Especially since you called Timber Falls your home…”
I look across the truck, admiring Sutton’s profile as he drives with one arm on the wheel.Why does he look so hot just doing nothing? What is this magic voodoo?
“Depends on whether you’re going to tell me why you never told me that you and Tabitha are together?”
George hums in my ear. “I didn’t want anythin’ to sway your decision to accept my offer–andnow–to accept Tabby’s one too. I knew you needed a change of scenery, and Iwasdue long service leave. None ofthatwas a lie.” I melt on the spot at hearing my uncle call my boss Tabby.
“But you going to Florida wasn’t just because you were missing warmer temperatures, was it?” I shoot back.
“Not exactly,” he says, sounding a bit sheepish. “All’s well that ends well though. Surprise! I’m retirin’.”
“I’m happy for you. I hope you know that,” I say.
“Does that mean youaretakin’ the job? You’re stayin’ in Timber Falls?”
I grin. “Yes, I’m staying. I want to be wherever Sutton is. Tabitha’s job offer is just the icing on the cake. I haven’t told her that yet though, so now it’syourturn to keep a secret, at least until tomorrow when I meet with her.”
“Don’t you worry aboutthat, Blair bear. Your secret’s safe with me,” he replies. “I’m so damn proud of you. I hope you know that.”
“I know. You’ve never shied away from tellin’ me that.”
“Because you’ve never once failed to impress me. Tabby’s offer has nothin’ to do with me and everythin’ to do with you, your work ethic, and your ideas,” he continues. “My only hope is that you don’t see this move as you sacrificin’ anythin’. Sometimes life can lead you to crossroads that you need to work your way through in order to get to the life you truly want. This job, the Coopers–Sutton–all of it, I think you’re finally where you belong.”
