Page 48 of Forgetting Rafe Thomas
“Late October for peak leaf change,” she adds. “And honestly, I’d be happy for it to be just family and really close friends.”
“Sounds perfect to me. We should probably invite Alexandra and Hayden.” I chuckle once more at the thought of those two getting married, and pull Luna closer. I spy Griffin and Natasha dancing from the corner of my eye, but it’s so stilted that I’m almost positive there is zero chemistry between them.
Good.
No worries then.
Luna stands on her toes and pulls me down a little to whisper in my ear. “I’m pretty sure the janitor’s closet is unlocked.”
I gasp. “Luna Parsons!”
She stops swaying with me to put her hands on her hips. “Do not pretend you were not looking for the nearest escape for us to do just that, Mr. Thomas.”
I smirk. Busted.
“Maybe, but you know something? Hearing you call me Mr. Thomas doesn’t hit quite the same as seeing you smile when I call you Mrs. Thomas.” She beams and shakes her head.
“Yes, but I’m not Mrs. Thomas yet.”
“Technicalities. You will be in October. It’s mere months away.”
She slips back into my arms again and we’re swaying to the music. My brain is still hitched on finding that closet when she squeezes me tighter. “Thank you for never giving up on me. It was a close one, but I’m a lucky girl that you didn’t let this go so easily.”
“I love you. Have from day one, and I think you should be thanking God because I was an idiot, too. I hope we keepon track and learn to listen and talk to one another. These miscommunications are for the birds.”
Luna laughs and presses a kiss to my cheek. “Yeah, I agree. Now, tell me, how do I convince my bestie not to fall for your brother, because if the look on her face right now means anything, she’s hooked.”
I thought my talk with Griffin had gotten through to him, but when I glance over at him dancing with Luna’s friend, worry sets in. I look back down at Luna and grimace.
“Yeah, I was afraid of that. I guess I’ll tackle that one in the morning. For now, let’s just enjoy some time together before we have to split for another week.”
I gather my girl in my arms again and try not to steal glances at my brother, who deserves a happy ending as much as any of us after some of the things he’s endured. Still, I’m not crazy about this situation, not even a little. Unfortunately, he’s a big boy and I can only do so much to sway him from any bad decisions he chooses to make. With a deep sigh, I turn my focus back to Luna and pray my brother isn’t setting himself or Natasha up for heartbreak.
Epilogue
Luna
“All I’m saying is,it’s the perfect time for a little updating. You can put your own spin on the place,” Mav says before stuffing his face full of carrot sticks. Bleh. How anyone can eat such rabbit fodder when the heavenly scent of baked goods emanates from the kitchen is beyond me, but to each his own, I guess.
“I get it, but I like it the way it is. I’m not saying a fresh coat of paint and some new lounge chairs are out of the question, but I want to keep the magical charm this place has going for it.” I shove another tray of scones into the display case while Miss Rose hums and preps the coffee machines.
It’s been two weeks since I officially left Chatswain City and moved back home to Coldstone Creek. Staying with my parents has been nice enough for now, but I can’t wait until October comes and I can move intomyfarmhouse with my husband.
“What about upstairs?”
“I haven’t thought about it, really. I’m focused on the transition right now and learning everything there is to know about running this place as well as your family does,” I admit.
“Incoming!” Rafe calls before he pushes the kitchen door open and hauls in a whole tray full of chocolate chip cookies. He’s got flour all over himself, but he made this batch all on his own. I’m a proud fiancée.
“Oh, those didn’t burn,” Miss Rose says and pats him on the shoulder. It’s a compliment from the spitfire we all know and love, especially since she doesn’t dole them out to other people where baked goods are concerned. She told me my blueberry scones were not only scant on the blueberry, but desperately needed lemon to balance their sweetness. She was right…but still.
“Did your mom ever finalize the engagement party date with your parents?” I ask, still trying to make room for all the upcoming events in my head. There’s my big move, taking over the bakery, engagement party planning, wedding planning, and I keep forgetting that I need to mark Natasha’s trip on my calendar. I’m supposed to water her plants while she’s at a conference this November. It’s a long, long way off, but if I don’t write it down, I won’t remember it for even another day.
“I think so. Did you set your appointment to look at dresses?” Rafe asks. He truly has no idea what he’s asking about, but he’s making effort to be involved, keep up communication, and ensure we’re on the same page.
“I did.” I wipe my hands on my apron and try to steal a cookie.
Miss Rose swats my hand with a spatula. “Ah, ah, no eating the inventory.”
