“Julian,” she whispers, not expecting that from me. I didn’t expect to say it either.
Pulling her chin toward me, I kiss her lips lightly before I smile and add, “Since the minute you threatened me with those self-defense cat ears.”
She barks out an adorable laugh and covers her mouth. “And I did it twice.”
As she smiles, I run my fingers along the side of her cheek and feel like, of all the things I’ve chosen, this one, with her, is the most right of all of them.
The things she’s shared with me, the parts of her I know more about than any other person, are bigger to me than what I can put into words, but it’s all the pieces that make up loving someone—understanding and truths, respect and encouragement, lust and trust.
Lightning in the distance flashes. It’s too fast to see where it struck, but it was there. Like it’s punctuating this moment in my life.
She sets the notebook aside and settles against me, nuzzling into my neck, legs curled up and over mine. Her fingers playalong the leather cuff on my wrist as I hold her. It’s a quiet calm, with only the sound of rain pattering against the window and her warmth in my arms, that has me content and nearly dozing off when she whispers, “I feel it too.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Wyn
“I know they’re working,but I’m—” I cut off my words as my fingers glide through the wind of the open window on our way to The Whispering Fool.
We spent another day in Fiasco so I could talk business with Lincoln and Ace. For the last twenty-four hours, including on the plane ride home, I’ve been putting together an actionable business plan that I can hit the ground running with as soon as the bank opens on Monday morning. I have some money put aside, but a loan from the bank will allow for flexibility instead of having to rely on any investors. I didn’t want to wait to do this. I’ll need to put my notice in at the university, but I didn’t want to waste time, not after knowing exactly how time can be so messy.
The two other pieces of this puzzle are a gamble, but I want to try. I need to talk with Stevie and Jo. I know them better than almost everyone. My sisters wouldn’t want a business plan or logic; they do well with the unexpected and spontaneous.
“Excited to talk to them?” Julian smiles, lifting the back of my hand and bringing to his lips. I glance over and watch him kiss my hand as he listens and unknowingly makes me feel safe.
“Just a bit. I think they’re going to really consider it too,” I say, knee bouncing. “I mean, they’ll at least be supportive even if they don’t want to roll their sleeves up.”
WYN
I need to talk to both of you. Please tell me you can spare a few minutes. I promise it’s all good.
STEVIE
I love surprises. You married?
JO
You’re serious with that question?
STEVIE
Is it really a huge stretch? I mean, you’ve seen the guy...
WYN
My marital status has NOT changed
STEVIE
Did you buy those MIU MIU platforms I sent you a picture of the other day?
JO
I call dibs if that’s the big news
STEVIE
I hate you
