Page 79 of Moonstruck Kiss

“Yes. To be honest, I don’t know how we’ll be able to meet in the middle when there’s no middle ground to speak of,” she says worriedly.

Stopping, I turn to cup her face. “How about we take one step at a time? Let’s spend these two months not worrying about that particular complication. I know it’s vital, but how we feel at the end of this extension might help us decide. Truth is, I don’t want to face that problem yet. All I know is that I’m not ready to let you go at this time. Like I said earlier, I’d rather get a broken heart if it doesn’t work out than go home broken-hearted without even trying.”

Joey smiles. “That makes a lot of sense.”

I run my thumb against her lower lip. “I’m gonna kiss you now,girlfriend.”

She giggles. “That’s what my girlfriends call me sometimes.”

I scrunch my nose. “I’m just excited that you’re my girlfriend. Does that sound juvenile?”

“I don’t mind. I like that I’m your girlfriend.”

“Ilovethat you’re my girl, babe,” I murmur, capturing her mouth with mine.

Distant whistles reach my ear and I turn my head towards the direction of the sound. People at the restaurant are clapping—approving of me kissing Joey, I presume.

“Do we have to plead for our privacy?” I ask with a sigh.

“Give it time and they’ll get used to us enough that they won’t bother us anymore. The novelty will wear off.”

That time can’t come soon enough.

Mooners sure know how to party. What started as a lunchtime celebration is just now ending eight hours later. Guests are saying goodbye to each other intending to go home, unlike earlier when some left to attend to their work or business and then came back again.

It’s actually been a great day. I’m especially pleased for my parents because Moonstruck Tastes ended up having one of its most profitable days. Since the party was no longer for my and Ollie’s farewell, Mooners were kind enough to insist on paying for all their food and drinks. Cutie’s money, of course, wasn’t accepted.

I walk to Liss, who’s carrying a tired Ollie in her arms. My son was the most sought-after person at today’s party. I bet that even if Theo didn’t wear his disguise, Ollie would still beat him hands down in the popularity stakes.

“Hey, bud,” I say, kissing him on the cheek. “You’re tired, huh?” I’m surprised he’s lasted this long without having a nap. Then, again, he was allowed too many sweets.

Ollie shakes his head even though he’s struggling to keep his eyes open.

“He’s happy to sleep over at my place tonight,” Liss said, running a gentle hand along Ollie’s back. “Because we’ll be feeding the chickens in the morning, right, Ollie?”

He nods. “Can we get eggs again from the chickens?”

“Yes. I’m sure we’ll find a few tomorrow.”

“Yay,” he said with sleepy enthusiasm.

“Thank you,” I say to my sister.

“No worries. I won’t drop him off tomorrow at your cabin, in case… you know.” Liss gives me an exaggerated wink. “You can get him when you’re ready. He can help me pick flowers for the guest rooms and arrange them in vases. Just don’t be too late because I have to do some shopping for the lodge.”

“Okay.” I’ll miss this kind of flexible babysitting when we go back to Manhattan.

Someone dog-whistles. “Attention, everyone!” Cutie calls out. “I just want to say thank you to all of you for my unexpected birthday party, especially to the Quinns for letting me hijack the celebrations. I think I ate a week’s worth of food. Compliments to the chef and all the Moonstruck Tastes staff. They deserve our gratitude for graciously putting up with us for hours.”

I join everyone in loud clapping.

“So, goodnight, everyone,” Cutie continues. “Let’s all get out of here.”

Everyone complies and soon Joey and I are in one of the buggies, heading to my cabin.

“I think the bikes would have been faster,” I complain as we chug along the darkened path.

“But then I wouldn’t be able to do this.” She snuggles against my side.

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