Page 43 of Falling for Ezra Thomas
Ezra
The town house isabsolute madness in the morning. One would think with one less brother in occupancy, it would quiet down a bit, but it only seems louder. And dirtier. Evidently, Beck was the one who kept things neat and tidy, and now that my twin is married to my best friend, the place has fallen into dormitory status inoneday.
In less than an hour, my whole life might change again. Lorelai is on her way over for a date—a real one, in person, not via a letter—and I’m already feeling anxious and excited at the same time. I’m about to ask a woman who only recently decided she loves me to link her life to mine forever. It’s no small thing, and I’m starting to wonder how Beck was so brave.
“Hey, Rafe, can I borrow a pair of socks?” Mav is already halfway up the stairs before Rafe sighs.
“Sure, why not? Does no one else around here know how to do laundry?” Rafe shakes his head and heads into the kitchen. Lev chuckles while Silas packs a lunch before heading out for theranch. I never would have pegged my brother as a rancher, but here he is, suntanned and muscled, spending his days learning under the watchful eye of Officer Baker.
I lean my head back and close my eyes for a moment, just a short snooze before facing my predicament head on. However, I no sooner shut my lids and Mav screams down the stairs. “Rafe! What is this?”
Rafe peeks out from the kitchen to glance up the stairs while the rest of us wait to see what drama our youngest brother is about to stir up.
“What is what?” Rafe asks and wipes his wet hands on his pants.
“Uh, this box with a giant diamond ring?”
“What?” Lev asks and his gaze bounces between Mav and Rafe.
“None of your business. Put it back where you got it, get socks, and get out of my stuff.” Rafe’s face reddens. He doesn’t get mad easily, but when he does the whole world knows about it. I fear Mav is about to incur the wrath of the quietest Thomas, but before I can intervene, Silas opens his big mouth.
“Was that for Luna?” He steps back when Rafe storms from the kitchen, grumbling.
“If it was anyone’s business, I would have told you. Let itdrop.”His glare says it all. He’s not going to elaborate, and there is nothing we can do to convince him otherwise.
I can’t help wondering how many secrets we all keep from one another. We’re still close as ever, but lately there seems to be more secrets popping up, creating drama. But also paving the way for happiness. It’s almost a double-edged sword. Rafe’s reaction says a lot about how he feels about Luna, but he won’t elaborate on any of it. It’s his right, but Luna’s absence has left a hole in our hearts for several months now. I pray that seeing herat Viv and Beck’s wedding, and the dance they shared, rekindles what they once had.
Fortunately for Mav, the doorbell rings, distracting Rafe from murdering him. I groan and stand up, knowing it’s for me. Despite how much stronger I am, I’m still exhausted from training.
On the other side of the door is the most gorgeous woman in the world.
“Hi, you,” Lorelai says, her grin spread ear to ear. I’m about to step aside to let her in when Rafe and Mav start arguing. Lorelai bites her lip and peeks around me. “Uh, wanna go for a walk instead?”
“Yeah, better do that if we want some quiet time.” I grab a jacket and shut the door behind us. She doesn’t even make it down the front stairs before I grab her around the waist and kiss her. She smiles into the kiss.
“I can’t get used to this,” she admits.
I shrug and grin. “It’s not like we did awholelot of kissing before I left.”
“I know but…it’s just…weird.”
I raise my eyebrows.
“Weird but I like it, my sweet soldier.”
“That’s what I thought. Gimme your hand, girlfriend of mine.” I snatch her hand and she giggles, forcing my heart into overdrive. I can’t believe I’m about to make another life-altering move, something that will once again change the trajectory of the future. Of course, it isn’t like this wasn’t the plan. I’ve known I want her since the moment I first kissed her, but this is more official. This isit.
“Any more news about Jacob?” she asks, inquiring about one of my newest, but closest friends.
“He sent me a message today. His girlfriend accepted his proposal.”
She squeals her delight. “Do you think you’ll end up in the same place? That would be so awesome. I’d love to meet Delilah.”
“There’s no telling, but it’s possible. Once I’m finished, they can send me anywhere, but the good thing is that we can have visitors. It’s not the same as basic training once I’m at my permanent station.” I know my tone is stilted and salesy, but I’m nervous. I don’t have any doubts she’ll marry me, but I worry what will happen when we leave Coldstone Creek and she misses her family and friends. But everything in my heart and soul tells me she’s the one, and that we can figure all the rest out together.
“Yeah, so, it’ll be up in the air a lot but at least I’ll have a permanent station soon,” I add.
Lorelai’s brow furrows. “You sound like you’re trying to make a pitch or convince me that you going to Ranger school is a good idea. We already talked about this, and I said I support you. I’m not going anywhere, Ez, even if they accept you and you get sent somewhere far away.”
