Ithadbeen a nice service, with the sun just starting to set and everything glowing golden. Megan had been beautiful, as always.
Blake was glad to see her happy. They had a lot of things to work out, but he felt as though he’d gotten a lot out of the last few days. It was a shame it was all over.
Jude pulled the chair Blake had nodded to out, perching on the edge of it. “I’m actually about to take Kayla home, because she’s tired, so I’ll be quick. Firstly, Rusty, I love the way you play and my daughter wants to marry you.”
Rusty’s whole face lit up at the praise.
He may have done it for himself, but Blake knew how nice it was to have someone else notice your efforts. Rusty wasn’t immune to that.
“Tell her I’ll consider it,” he said, still grinning. “And thanks.”
“Secondly, I’m here to beg Blake one more time to come work with me. At least sit down and talk numbers and hours and responsibilities and stuff.”
“Actually…” Blake trailed off, glancing between Jude and Rusty. Rusty nodded encouragingly, his eyes intense.
Blake nodded back, taking a deep breath. This was a big plunge to take, but it was worth it.
The last few days hadn’t been perfect, but they’d been some of the happiest of his life. This place was his home. He wanted to stay.
“I was already planning on taking you up on that,” Blake said. “So I’m really glad you’re still interested.”
Jude broke into a broad smile, his eyes glittering in the low light of the candle lanterns set up on the tables. “You can start tomorrow. Or, y’know. When you’re ready, no pressure, I’m just excited. Can I hug you?”
Blake nodded, laughing as Jude got up and wrapped his arms around him, squeezing him tight. “This is gonna beawesome, I couldn’t think of anyone better than you for the job, I love your style so much.”
Jude’s joy was infectious, welling up in Blake’s chest and making it feel tight, but not at all in a bad way. He was excited, too. It was a big life change, but he was ready for one of those.
“Monday?” Blake suggested. “New week, new me? And it gives me time to figure out all the details of… moving here, and stuff.”
“Right, of course, Monday’s perfect.” Jude grinned. “Meet me in the bakery at… ten? Ten’s a good time to start.”
Blake chuckled. That wasmuchbetter than having to be up at six to get to work for eight-thirty or risk being yelled at for being late. Even though they didn’t technically open until nine.
Jude was definitely going to be a better boss, and Blake didn’t care about taking a pay cut. He wanted to live in Hope Springs and make art all day. That was what Jude was offering. He felt ridiculous now for ever thinking he wasn’t sure.
“Ten works for me,” he said. “And thank you so much for this. It means a lot that you thought of me.”
“You’re a good friend,” Jude said. “I’ve missed you, and I’m so glad to have you back.”
“Me too,” Blake agreed.
“I’ll leave you guys alone now.” Jude straightened up, squaring his shoulders. “Have a great night.”
“We will,” Blake said. He hadn’t forgotten that he’d promised Rusty whatever he wanted.
He’d barely stopped thinking about it.
Jude waved as he walked away, heading back to his family. Blake sighed a soft, happy little sigh, wishing he had that for himself.
One day. Maybe. He wasn’t dead yet.
“Proud of you,” Rusty said, sipping his glass of water. “For taking the leap, doing what you love.”
Blake’s ears burned. Rusty wasproudof him. That was… nice.
Really nice.
“Thanks. I’m glad you talked me into it.”
“Nah.” Rusty shook his head. “I just supported your decision. You’re the one who got over the fear to get what you really wanted.”
Blake nodded, absorbing that thought slowly. Hehaddone that. He had every right to be proud of himself, and he was.
Right now, though, his thoughts were on Rusty.
“I promised you a reward,” he said, standing and offering his hand. “And I don’t think anyone’s gonna miss us for an hour or two.”
Rusty’s eyes lit up, a slow smile spreading over his face. He took Blake’s hand, squeezing it tight. “Lead on.”
