Alec takes the mugs, and I watch as he follows the path to reach Hunter and sits. They both place their hats on the seats next to them before they get to whatever it is they came to discuss, and for a moment, I’m stuck in place. Surveying my little slice of heaven here in The Thirsty Cow and grateful for every friendship I’ve forged through coffee and baking.
I’m not sure why I’m suddenly overly emotional. Actually, no, that’s a lie. I’ve been on edge waiting to hear from Rhett about the house. I want so badly to reach out and ask if he has news, but against my usual character…I held back. Rhett allowed me to see a little more of him that night. His Italian background and memories of cooking with his grandfather weren’t something I took lightly.
He has memories locked away that I can only hope he shares with me someday.
Rhett said he couldn’t promise me anything beyond casual connections, and it’s difficult for me to accept that a man as gentle as him doesn’t need more of me. I should be used to it by now. I always fall for the unavailable ones, but dammit…I asked the universe to deliver my dream man, and it did. I should have been more specific and asked for the dream man to be in love with me and enjoy a fall wedding.
“Do you need me to cover out here for a while, boss? You said you wanted to get some baking started for tomorrow.”
Morgan stands next to me with a tray loaded with dirty dishes, their eyebrow quirked in question.
“You know what? Yes. I’ll take that.” I motion for them to hand me the tray. “I’m going to try my hand at something new. Call me out if it gets busy.”
“You got it, boss.”
Once in the back kitchen, I load the dishes into the dishwasher and grab my recipe tablet. After scrolling for a bit, I pause over one.
Fuck it.
I’m told Italians love to make food.
Maybe if I make one bad enough, he’ll feel obligated to show me how to do it correctly. We’ll fall in love with icing sugar on our cheeks and have the most romantic kiss in the history of kisses.
Totally possible.
fourteen
Rhett
“I’m so happy we got this deal for you, Rhett.”
Arnie shakes my hand after I sign the final papers.
“I can’t believe this house will be mine. I can’t thank you enough for acting so quickly for me.”
“It’s my pleasure. I’m happy you could send a friend. I could’ve sent you videos, but it’s better from someone who knows what you like. They can be more objective, and it won’t feel like they just want a sale.”
I open my mouth, but he holds up a hand. “I’d never do that, but sometimes you take information better from someone not involved with it.”
He’s right. Arnie could’ve pointed out how the property in the front was big enough to have a barn and space for Wilbur. I would’ve likely nodded and not quite bought the idea.
But Diamond, sending me a breathless video pitching me the same idea? I bought that because his words hit me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. He stopped his Jeep in the dark and pointed his headlights to the place where he felt a barn would be possible. Then he walked the perimeter and confirmed the areashould be easy to fence, and he even knew someone who could help if I wanted, who wouldn’t cost a fortune.
I must have replayed that video a dozen times just to hear the excitement in his voice. Not for me. But for Wilbur to have a new home close to me. How am I supposed to ignore that?
“No, you were right, Arnie. He knew exactly what I was interested in. Thanks for the suggestion of sending a friend.”
“The owner has requested a quick closing. Have you chosen a lawyer to ask about their schedule?”
“Yeah, actually. Gabe Davis is a friend and is doing a favour. He said he could get it all done in 10-14 days as long as the searches weren’t a problem. My mortgage contact agreed as well. It will be tight, but they both sounded like it’s possible.”
Arnie beams. “That’s so wonderful! The seller is such an amazing man. He said to let you know he’s open for you to drop by if you want any information about the house at all. Like septic maintenance, house things, and care of the trees; stuff like that. Oh!” Arnie pauses and rummages in a briefcase before pulling out an envelope. “He actually put his contact information here and said to give it to you.”
“Oh…thank you. I might just do that. Are we done?”
“We are. Congratulations, Rhett. You just bought a house.”
“Yeah, I guess I did. Thank you again.”
