Page 32 of Last Call

Fallon leaned close and kissed Riley’s cheek.

“What was that for?” Riley asked.

“You need to write that book,” Fallon said.

“What?”

“You look at the world in ways that amaze me—you look at yourself. It’s one reason I fell in love with you,” Fallon said. “I’m okay with accepting Jacob’s offer.”

“Fallon.”

“I’d like to talk to Andi first,” Fallon said. “I need to.”

“I understand.”

“And I’d also like us to sit down with Jacob together.”

“I agree.”

Fallon took a deep breath. “I’m not pushing you. I know this year has been a whirlwind of ups and downs.”

“That’s just life,” Riley said. “It’s unpredictable—in the worst and thebestways.”

“It is. I am sorry about earlier.”

“It’s okay.”

“No. It isn’t.”

“Maybe not. I understand,” Riley said. “There are moments when you drive me crazy. I love you, Fallon. You don’t know how to do anything halfway. You put your entire heart and soul into everything and everyone that matters to you. You lovehard.”Riley pulled Fallon close and kissed her. “It’s why I love you so much.”

“No rush,” Fallon said. “I’m not pressuring you.”

“I don’t feel pressured. Talk to Andi. And, Fallon?”

“Yeah?”

“I also think you should consider Andi’s suggestion about opening a ski school.”

Fallon groaned.

“Why are you so resistant to the idea?”

“It’s a lot of work,” Fallon said.

“Babe, you need a project.”

Riley pressed to fingers to Fallon’s lips when Fallon opened her mouth to protest.

“You’re bored, Fallon. Don’t tell me I’m wrong. I’m not. And don’t tell me that it’s the wrong time. There’s never arighttime—not for adding children or for starting a new business. Life isunpredictable.”

“Maybe. I don’t want anything to distract me from our family, Riley.”

“Fallon, there will always be distractions. It’s healthy for our kids to see us with lives and interests beyondthem. Youknowthat. Think about your father and Ida. I saw your eyes light up at the idea when Andi mentioned it.”

“You think I should turn Murphy’s over to Carol?”

“We both know Carol runs the pub,” Riley said. “No offense. She’s made a lot of improvements over the winter.”

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