Page 136 of Stolen Moments

“I don’t follow.”

Eli explains this time. “You fucked up. Now, she doesn’t know whether or not she can trust you or if you will run away again. She thinks you can’t put her first, that she can’t rely on you, so you have tobe therefor her. For everything, no matter what. Take her lunch at the office.”

“Drop off dinner. Walk her dog,” Jace adds. “But don’t fuck her, you idiot. You have to prove to her that she’s your number one priority, not just a fuck.”

My fists clench at his callous comment, even though I’m to blame for it. I look at all my brothers. “Seriously? This will work?”

They shrug, but Jace answers honestly, “What have you got to lose at this point? It’s either this or walk away.”

“I don’t want to walk away again.”

“Good. Then it’s settled. Get your girl. Then, once you have her and your ring is on her finger, you can fuck her in any restaurant bathroom you want. Just like big bro over there,” Cameron says with a shit-eating grin.

Jace growls at him.

“You really make me proud, bro.” Cam holds out his fist to Jace, who bumps it.

“Thanks. I think?”

Eli chuckles. “Cam, you’re an idiot. But this time, I think you have the right idea. With the Biden thing, not the bathroom. While I am impressed, Jace, the bathroom is gross.” Eli mock shivers.

Jace smirks. “Yeah, come see me when you find the girl that knocks you on your ass. Your tune will change when you can’t keep your hands off of her.” He turns to me, his voice taking a serious tone. “You want to fight for her, but I don’t know if you’ve thought this all through. I need you to really think. Are you all in? Because her life is here, Mase. Her business is here, and while her brother is in California, she’s made this place her home. I don’t foresee Emery moving to L.A.. So are you willing to make the sacrifice and move here for her? Is that really something you can do, considering your job?”

Can I do that? I don’t know. What I do know is that Emery is worth it. I would sacrifice it all to be with her.

With the company’s self-imposed sabbatical, I don’t have to figure that out until after the New Year. Besides, I know my colleagues—my friends. They will support me in any way they can. They’re also tired of me being a grumpy dick.

“Yes.” My answer is strong and steady, and feels right.

Jace’s face splits into a grin. “Looks like another Miller will be moving to Oregon.”

Eli and Cameron groan while Jace and I laugh.

Fuck, it feels good to laugh.

The hope I thought was dead and gone comes roaring back to life. Now, I just have to get the girl back—mind, heart, body, and soul.

Because I want it all.

Chapter forty-four

Emery

Forest meets paradise atthe Setting Sun Inn, and it is breathtaking. I take another satisfied look around the banquet room in awe. The onsite coordinator did an amazing job bringing my sketches to life. I hope it’s the vision Rylann had in mind.

Fairy lights blanket the ceiling like a sheet of stars above white linen-covered tables. Candles surrounded by evergreen centerpieces—with white and yellow plumeria leis woven through—adorn each table, filling the room with a rustic pine and sweet flower scent.

It’s been a long day helping decorate, but it’s been the best part of it. I’ve been lost in the hands-on creative aspect of things, and it’s triggered this passion for planning more events like this. I thought corporate events and conferences would be enough to quell my secret passion for event planning, but it’s done the opposite. I’ve been wanting something bigger, and this wedding has been that.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my job. I love working with Rylann and Scarlett. But this? This is the next level.

The decorations and small details are going to live on in every memory the happy couple and their family have of this day. It’s a pretty freaking special feeling being a part of something so much bigger than me.

Maybe I can do this more onthe side, for fun?

A glance at my watch tells me it’s time to get ready. I make my way to the bridal suite, which is actually a single room on the first floor Rylann reserved, that houses my suitcase and dress. Rylann handed me the extra key in case I changed my mind about staying the night. It was really sweet of her, but I declined. I think it’s best if I head home after the festivities.

Graham offered to drive me home after midnight, and I took him up on his offer. With Mason here and how weird things are between us, it seems wrong to stick around.

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