Page 37 of Falling for Ezra Thomas
“Oh, sorry. I think that made it worse,” she says. “Beck’s taking them outside.”
I swallow the lump in my throat because there’s so much I’m missing back home. Still, I know that I’m so close to achieving what I set out to do. Soon, I’ll see everyone again.
“I still have a favor to ask. Can you and Beck go ring shopping for me? I can’t really do it from here.”
“That’s a silly question. Of course, I can. I have to go pick up our wedding bands in a few days, so I’ll drag her with me. Surely, I can trick her into telling me what she likes. What’s the budget?”
“Uh…don’t put me into bankruptcy? I don’t know. Beck has access to my bank account to pay bills while I’m gone. Tell him I trust him to be reasonable.”
Vivien cackles and I have to agree with her. What was I thinking? “Scratch that.Youcheck the account and be reasonable. Something special, but not ostentatious. You know Lorelai.”
“Got it. Simple, elegant, don’t break the bank. I’ve got it under control. And Ez?”
“Hmm?” I hum, my mind already lost in the confusion of this process.
“I love you, I’m proud of you, and I’m really glad you’re going to be my brother-in-law.”
“Uh, hate to burst your bubble, but I wasalreadygoing to be your brother-in-law, Vivasaurus.”
“Oh shush. You know what I mean.”
“Yeah, I know. I’m nervous,” I admit.
“Don’t be. I know it’s different going from being friends to being married, but you and Lore have got this. You’re kind of perfect for each other, actually. I think my mother was right about everything.”
“What?” I ask, chuckling.
“Nothing. I guess Mom and Dad had bets on who we’d end up with, and she was right about both. Anyway, you have my blessing and I’ll help any way I can. Just…be safe and try not to get any more special ops opportunities thrown at you. I’m not sure I can handle any more.”
I laugh, pretty sure I’m not getting in any deeper, and agree. “I promise. Love you, Vivasaurus. And tell that other Thomas I love him too. I can’t wait to see you in a few weeks.”
“Love you too, Ez.”
After I hang up, I practically fall over with excitement and relief. Masterson leans against the wall, grinning ear to ear.
“Congrats, Thomas,” he says. “Now you just have to ask her. Officially, I mean.”
“Yeah. Just one more hurdle, but I’m definitelynotdoing that by letter.”
He laughs and flicks my cover from my head. “Probably a good plan. Let’s go see if we can get some cookies while everyone else is busy. I only have a few left.”
Masterson and I head back to our barracks in silence, but there’s a sort of understanding between us. We’re going to do this. Try, at least. But no matter what happens, we’re lifelong friends.
Chapter Twenty-One
Lorelai
The fact that it’sbeen a week and I still haven’t asked anyone’s opinion about the job offer I received from Dr. Esposito is pretty telling, at least in my book. I haven’t even written it in a letter to Ezra because I don’t want it to impact his decision in any way. Also because I’m pretty sure I don’t want the job, but I’m not sure what else to do with my life. I’ve considered going back to the cabin to think some more, but I’m too busy with the job at Sweet and Salty and Mrs. Thomas is depending on me with the recent early spring rush.
However, my shift today has been uneventful thanks to a City Council meeting that includes most of the people who frequent the bakery. With Mrs. Thomas at the meeting and Tress catering a luncheon in Filmore Valley, I’m left with Dominic and Miss Rose. After a thorough cleaning of the tables and chairs, sweeping and mopping the floors, wiping down counters, and dusting the decorations and picture frames, I’m officially bored.
And I’m not at all sad about it. This means I have time to sit and read the letter I got from Ezra on my way out this morning. I cozy up in the corner, glance out the window to ensure there aren’t any customers coming, and rip open the now familiar envelope.
Dear Lorelai,
Masterson, Olson, and I have been thinking about the suggestion to apply for Ranger school, and Olson and Masterson are all in. I wanted you to be the first to know that I am, too. I don’t know if I’ll be accepted or pass the training, but after a lot of prayer, I think it’s something I should try.
I realize that might not make everyone happy, but it’s like you said, I need to do what I think has been put in my path by God. I hope you know that it changes nothing between us. I love you, Lore. It feels nice to say that and write it to you and know it doesn’t scare you away.
