I heard everything she told me in the kitchen at Thanksgiving. I’ve thought about it almost nonstop. I understand where she’s coming from with her past work experiences, and I’m going to respect her wishes to not make things messy.
But the way she understands and cares about IES and what Graham and I have built and want to do going forward just makes me so fucking happy. Hell, even the way she wants me to be happy and wants me to be included in her family events, and how easy it was to share with her about my past, all make it impossible to even look at other women.
So, it seems that I’m destined to want a woman I can’t have.
Forever.
Because given the chance to spend time with the Riley family and the people in Sapphire Falls? I’m always going to say yes. Which means, I’ll be seeing Ginny… forever.
“I hope you’re ready to be put to work,” Graham says, leading the way further into the bakery.
“I have no idea what to do,” I warn him. “But I’m happy to do what I can.”
“You’ll find?—”
Suddenly, the crowd parts, and Margot comes running to Graham. Everyone turns to watch as she jumps into his arms. I find the whole place watching them with the same goofy smile I can feel on my face.
Graham squeezes her tightly, then she pulls back, cups his face in her hands, and gives him a big kiss.
“I’m so glad you guys are here,” she says, smiling at him with love that is so obvious and intense, I feel my chest tighten watching.
Graham had never mentioned Margot to me before his trip back to Sapphire Falls last summer, when they finally told eachother how they felt after years of friendship. But since that reunion, not a day has passed that he hasn’t talked about this woman. He has been suppressing feelings for her for a very long time, and now that he’s let them out, it’s like a dam has broken.
I am so happy for him. For them. Graham is a fantastic person, and the fact that Margot so clearly understands that and loves him has endeared her to me forever.
“Sorry we’re a little later than we expected.”
She nods and looks at me. “Hi, Everett. I take it that’s a sign that the meetings went well, though.”
“It is,” Graham affirms. “But we've both been anxious to get here.”
“Come on.” She links her fingers with Graham and starts to tug us both in the direction of the kitchen.
Again, people part, letting us pass, greeting Graham by name, but also offering me warm smiles.
“I have no idea what to do in a bakery,” I say. “Other than eat everything.”
Margot chuckles. “Absolutely no eating. We need every single cookie. But four extra hands will be very appreciated.”
We round the counter and move through the swinging doors into the kitchen.
“Be right back!” I hear Adrianne call.
The kitchen is just as busy as the front. Jefferson and Harlow are back here, along with a woman and a man I don’t know.
Adrianne steps in behind us.
“Everett, I feel bad pulling you into this. You can head to the house,” Adrianne says. “No one is there, though.” She adds with a wince. “Mason is out doing deliveries, and Carver and Kaelyn will be here soon.”
“I’m happy to help out,” I say. “You just need to tell me what to do. I’m good with directions.”
“He is,” Graham says. “It’ll take him longer, though. He’s a perfectionist.”
“I love perfectionists,” Adrianne says with a wide smile.
“Everett, this is Harlow’s sister, Mia, and her boyfriend, David,” Graham introduces. “Harlow and Mia’s mom, Peyton, owns the bakery with my mom.”
Ah, that was the other beautiful woman behind the front counter, I’m guessing.
