CHAPTER 42
Walker
May
“You don’t have to be strong anymore.”Tally’s words echo in my head from two nights ago, when it took everything in me not to blurt out the three little words that would change everything.
It became even harder yesterday—after surprising her at the bakery—when I watched her single-handedly bake the most beautiful cake I’ve ever seen.
“Don’t move,” I had whispered in her ear as I wrapped the gift I’d bought her around her waist.
She had been holding a whisk in one hand, covered in some type of frosting, but she dropped it the moment I finished tying her new apron in a bow.
“Jesse Walker! Did you buy me a present?” she’d squealed.
From the smile she gave me, you’d think I gave her diamonds rather than a canvas apron with the wordWILDFLOWERscrawled among different flowers.
I’ve never felt this way about anyone. I’ve wanted Tally from the moment I laid eyes on her. But after our first date a few weeks ago, when I’d walked her to the door of the house, stared into those beautiful golden eyes of hers, and took my time kissing her good night, I’ve been a total goner.
Now, as I stand with my sister, staring at Tally’s cake, I know without a doubt that I’m in love with her.
“That cake is …” Billie shakes her head as she stares at the seven-tier butter cream–frosted cake that boasts a cascade of wildflowers waterfalling down the side into a pool of daffodils at the base.
“Gorgeous, right?” I can’t hide the pride in my voice.
My sister’s eyes are wide when she turns to me. “Walker, everything, every single little thing that you’ve all done is incredible. The cottages, the venue, this cake …”
“Our girl did good, right?” Rosie says, appearing next to us. The ceremony is about to start, but the bride, Hannah, wanted to get a few pictures of the cake before sunset. She was thrilled when she found out one of the owners of the farm made it and that local flowers were used for decoration. She said it made it even more special, and the surprised smile on Tally’s face made all the stress of the last few weeks worth it.
Now Hannah asks Tally to get in a picture with her and her groom in front of the cake. After they’ve got the shot, Hannah turns to hug Tally before heading down to the wildflower field for the ceremony.
“Need help with anything else over here?” I ask Tally, who is fixing the last flower decorations.
She shakes her head. “Just going to get this back in the fridge until after the ceremony. You guys go ahead and make sure the ceremony goes off without a hitch.”
“I’ll help her,” Rosie promises.
“Me, too,” Penny agrees.
Tally meets my worried eyes. “It’s fine, Cowboy. I promisewe won’t get out our coffee cups yet.” She blows me a kiss and I chuckle as I guide Billie away from the trio of trouble.
“Oh my God,” my sister mumbles, pausing to stare at me.
“What?” I glance behind me, panicked at the thought that the girls already knocked down the cake. But they’re all just standing there, and the cake is intact. I shake my head and smile. They’ll probably still be talking when the ceremony is over.
“You just laughed.”
I glance back at my sister, my brow furrowed. “I did not.”
She nods her blond head exaggeratedly. “You did. Tally blew you a kiss, and you freaking laughed. And now you’re smiling!” She points at my face like I’m an exhibit in a criminal proceeding. “See! Right now!”
I groan as I slide my palm down my face. “So? Is that a crime?”
She shakes her head and her mouth opens and shuts like she doesn’t know what to say. “No. It’s just … you’re happy. Like truly happy.” Her gaze flits back to the girls. “Because of her.”
I swallow, nervous to admit it. Because if I tell her yes, I’m happy, that I want Tally to stay, she’ll think she has no reason to come work here.
I don’t know how to be a good brother to her, a good uncle to Quinn,andgo after what I want.
