“Can’t wait,” he says with a grin.
The front door bangs open, and we both jump to our feet.
“Let me get that,” Koa says, taking the suitcase from Lula.
She smiles up at him, and I suddenly realize that I want Daisy to look at me that way.
It hits me then that I’m in love with her.
I didn’t expect to fall in love while looking for a roommate.I’ve never felt this way about anyone.Never thought that love at first sight was real until I met Daisy and she knocked me on my ass.She makes me feel whole and alive in a way no one ever has before.She’s it for me.I can feel it in my bones.
“I’ll put it in my car,” I tell Koa, taking the suitcase from him.“You guys get the rest of your things.”
“Thanks.”
They go back inside as I carry the suitcase to my rental car and put it in the trunk.I check my watch and calculate how long it will take to drive Koa and Lula to the airport and get back to Wolf Valley.If traffic is good, I should be able to bring Daisy lunch to the hair salon.Then we’ll be able to spend more time together today.
Lula and Koa come out with the last bag, fingers intertwined, smiling at each other like they’re in their own private world.
I feel it then, the certainty.
I want that with Daisy.
We pile into the car, and the drive to the airport goes fast.Koa teases Lula as she talks about Wolf Valley book club gossip.I chime in now and then, but in the back of my mind, all I can think about is getting back to Daisy.Back to that cozy old house, and to the dog who already acts like I belong there.
When we reach the airport, I hug Lula tightly.“Text me when you land.”
“I will.And Ledger?”
“Yeah?”
Her eyes soften.“Don’t be stubborn like a certain best friend of yours was.If you love her, don’t wait.”
I nod, throat tight.“I won’t.”
Koa hugs me too, clapping my back.
“See you soon.”
“Yeah.And hey, thanks for everything.”
He smiles.“Always.”
I watch them disappear through the sliding glass doors, then get back in the car and drive straight back to my girl.
Back in Wolf Valley, I swing by Nosh Diner and order Daisy’s favorite sandwich with a side of fries.
The server grins and asks, “For Daisy?”like it’s the most obvious thing in the world.
“How’d you guess?”
She smiles.“News travels fast around here.”
“Good to know.”
I grab the food and head out.Parking in front of the salon, I knock lightly before stepping in.
Daisy is mid-trim, chatting with her client, laughter dancing in her voice.She turns when she hears me, and her whole face lights up like a sunrise.
