“Yeah,” I said. “That’s her.”
Hazel let out a happy squawk and kicked her legs, clearly pleased with herself—as if she’d done this. I guessed that wasn’t any more preposterous than our dead grandmother picking the rings out before she passed, well before she met any of our wives. Regardless, I gave little Hazel a grateful nod before reaching into my pocket to grab the little box I’d bought from the antique shop on the way here, then put the ring inside.
“You know when you’re gonna ask?” Rhett said.
“No clue,” I said. “Don’t have a plan…just thought I’d ask when the moment feels right.”
Hazel was getting sleepy now, her earlier squeals fading into soft whines. Rhett shifted her on his hip and stood,walking toward the door. I followed, casting one last glance at the jewelry box.
The panel was closed again.
Like it had never been open at all.
We headed back down the stairs, the creak of wood underfoot, the smell of toast and coffee filling my lungs. Willow was still in the kitchen, humming some old Dolly Parton song and scooping scrambled eggs onto plates. It sent a jolt through me when I realized the song was the same one that had been playing the first time I kissed Noelle…as if Willow somehow knew.
“You get what you came for?” she asked without turning around.
I glanced at Rhett. He just smirked.
“Yeah,” I said. “I did.”
She handed me a plate like she’d been expecting that answer. “Eat first. Then go get your girl.”
I grinned and took the plate, then we sat down to talk about other things…the weather, the trip this week, whether Whit would ever settle down.
And…I wasn’t worried.
Because I didn’t need a grand plan or a perfect line or a goddamn scavenger hunt across town. I didn’t even need to wait.
I just needed her.
And now I had everything I needed to tell her that.
CHAPTER 19
Noelle
I did notlike the woods—and Shane knew that.
Which was why I was a little pissed that he’d shown up only to haul me out on a camping trip.
It was early in the morning when we climbed into Beau’s truck with Shane and Milo, Delilah’s Jeep waiting in the driveway to carry Whit and Holden out to the campground with us. Everyone gathered in Beau’s kitchen to check over our gear—the guys in jeans and t-shirts, Delilah in an unreasonably fashionable ensemble that somehow also managed to be outdoorsy. Even Milo had a bandana on, sitting at the door like heknewthat was his camping bandana and couldn’t wait to get a taste of the wilderness.
“You packed the mics?” Shane asked, rooting around in his duffel.
“Got ‘em,” I said, flipping open my backpack to show him the portable recorder, headphones, and two clip mics safely nestled between rolls of socks and bug spray.
“You bring the spare batteries?”
“Shane.”
He held up his hands. “Just checking. You’re not exactly in your element out there.”
I gave him a withering look. “You mean in the wilderness where I could be eaten by bugs, bears, or terrifying antler monsters? No. I am not.”
Beau kissed the top of my head as he brushed past, heading toward the door. “You’ll be fine. We’ll stick close.”
Delilah snorted as she tossed a bag of trail mix into her backpack. “You two are disgusting. It’s six in the morning and I haven’t even had coffee and you’re already married.”
