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We stumble inside, laughing.

He starts to shut the door, but I stop him. “Leave it open.” I smile out at the rain. “It smells so good, and makes it cozy in here.”

He nods and reaches for the switch beside the door. The twinkle lights strung overhead come on. He’s added even more since the last dance rehearsal and the small, yellow bulbs give the space a warm, romantic glow.

But that’s not what makes me suck in a breath.

“You…finished it.”

“With help,” he says.

I can feel his eyes on me as I turn a full circle, taking in the barn.

The wood floor has been finished. The one cracked window and older wooden beams have been replaced. And everything has been painted. The walls are a warm peach color with cream around the windows and sage green overhead beams.

And Andi’s been here.

“You had Andi add flowers and vines,” I say, my voice wobbly.

“Actually, she insisted on doing it,” he says with a chuckle. “But there’s no way I would ever say no to that. To her.”

“Smart.” I face him fully and take a deep breath. “It’s so beautiful. Did you pick the colors?”

I know he did.

He nods. “Are they okay?”

“They’re perfect, Lawson. It really looks like…”

“Your dance studio?” he asks.

I nod, my eyes filling. “I love it so much.”

“I’m so glad.”

“Who all helped?”

“All the players. Including Beckett. Nora, Andi, Everly, Quinn. Even Astrid.”

I realize I’m not surprised. “How was there even room in here for everyone?”

“We made it work. It’s also how we got it all done in just a few hours. The outside has been repainted too. You’ll be able to see it in the light.”

“You’re amazing.”

“I think I only painted for about fifteen minutes. They all put in the work. Happily.”

“But you made this happen.”

“This is what you wanted.” He steps close and lifts a hand to my cheek. “That’s all I ever need to know.”

I press my face into his palm. “Stalking you was the best accident I’ve ever had.”

His brow knits. “Accident?”

“I…uh…” Well, he should probably know this. I give him a sheepish smile. “I started bringing the casseroles to Brewser. After he told me about the Parkinson’s.”

His frown smooths. Understanding dawns. Then a grin spreads over his face. “That makes so much more sense.”