Page 100 of Beautiful Harmony

Connor laughed so hard that outside, two Black men wearing thick coats and holding hands stopped and peered into Grind My Beans. Connor waved, and they waved back before continuing.

“Never would have thought a tattooed badass would be aPrincess Bridefan,” Connor told Nix.

“It’s a classic,” Nix said.

Connor turned back to Lucas. “You love Emma. I want you to look me in the eye and tell me that you believe for even a second that someday you’ll get bored with her.”

Lucas stared at his best friend before shaking his head. “I won’t get bored with her. She’s incredible and perfect, and I can’t imagine my life without her.”

“So, go tell her that,” Connor said.

“I can’t.” Lucas looked around and lowered his voice. “Emma’s decided to sell Twisted Stitches and move to New Cassel. If I tell her how I really feel, she’ll either feel guilty for leaving or give up her dream for me.”

“Shit,” Connor said.

“Yeah. She’ll probably be gone by early next year,” Lucas said.

“So what?” Nix said. “If you love her, move to New Cassel with her.”

“My job is here,” Lucas said.

“Get a new job,” Nix said.

Lucas stared at him. “Holy fuck.”

“Exactly,” Nix said.

“I gotta quit my job,” Lucas said.

“Whoa, take it down a notch, buddy,” Nix said. “You don’t quit the job until you know the girl wants you to move to New Cassel.”

“Right,” Lucas said. “I’ll talk to Emma first.”

Connor studied him thoughtfully. “Part of the reason you moved to Harmony Falls was because you were tired of living in the city. Also, you love your job, Lucas. Love it.”

“I know, but being here without Emma isn’t an option either, and I love her more than my job,” Lucas said.

For the first time since Emma told him she was leaving, Lucas felt like he could take a deep breath, and the anxiety chewing at his stomach like a hungry rat had completely dissipated.

“I have to do this,” he said to Connor. “It’s the right decision.”

“Okay,” Connor said. “But I’m not sure you have to quit your job.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re basically Stark’s protégé,” Connor said. “Pretty sure he’ll give you whatever you ask for. Ask Stark if you can work a few days at the New Cassel office and a day or two here. Then you’re only commuting once or twice a week.”

“Shit, that just might work,” Lucas said.

He stood up abruptly, leaving his coffee on the table. “I gotta go. Stark is heading out of town this afternoon, and I want to talk to him before he leaves.”

“Good luck,” Connor said.

Lucas headed for the door as Nix hollered after him, “Have fun storming the castle!”

* * *

“Hey!”Rayna pushed past the employees’ only door. “You good with me coming back here?”

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