Page 142 of Take This Heart
Her fingers press over her lips and she doesn’t say anything for a long time, just looks at every detail.
Finally, she chokes out, “Milo…” Her voice is barely a whisper. “This is exactly what I pictured. How did you do this? This is more than what we’ve talked about…”
“I’ve listened,” I say. “You tell me in little ways the things you love all the time. What you dream about. I paid attention.”
There’s no stopping the tears now. She looks at me and the tears streak down her cheeks. “I can’t believe you did all this.”
“I talked to your dad and he agreed. Out of you and your brothers, yours should be the first house we build. He said it without hesitation.”
He also agreed to my other question without hesitation, but I’ll save that for another day. I want to give her a little more time to be sure this is what she really wants. That I’m who she really wants. There has been a lot of change in her life over the past six months.
She dries her face and inhales a shaky breath. “I want you to be there with me. When we build it. When we live in it. Every part. I want—” Her voice breaks. “I want us to do it together.”
I pull her into my arms. She presses her face to my chest.
“I’m yours forever, remember?” I say into her hair.
“I love you, Milo. So much.”
“My heart is yours, every part.”
We kiss until we’re breathless.
“Can we go to your place tonight? I don’t want to be quiet.” She smiles against my mouth.
“How soon can we go?”
She laughs and jogs to the Range Rover, hopping in and slamming the door.
I laugh and follow.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
SPARKS IN THE DARK
GOLDIE
The sound of hammers and chain saws fills the air. I don’t mind. Every bang means we’re getting closer.
I’m on my knees arranging a fall display for outside the restaurant. I’ve made an arch out of branches and now I’m threading flowers and lights through it. Camden asked if I could make it look festive out here, but without the color orange. He has something against orange, which is really inconvenient when it comes to fall decor. I think I’m pulling it off by using every other earth tone—cream, brown, mustard, deep reds—and even pale pinks and peaches, with pampas grass and even a few dried hydrangeas that are the perfect sepia shade.
I hear the sound of tires behind me and turn, hoping it’s Milo. I have a surprise that I’ve been waiting to give him and he’s been in Minneapolis today. He left early this morning and it’s probably too soon for him to be back, but that doesn’tstop me from wishing. Kevin lets out a low growl and I pet him absentmindedly to calm him.
My stomach sinks when I see Bruce Granger walking toward me.
He glances at my work like he’s smelling something rank, which isn’t true. Meandthese flowers smell fucking delicious and I know for a fact this arch is looking pretty damn fabulous too.
I dust my hands on my jeans and stand, looking at him suspiciously.
He doesn’t make me wait long.
“I’ve heard from a couple of folks. People who’ve lived here long before you were born. They’re worried.”
“I’ve not heard from any of those folks, so I’m doubtful there really are any who are worried. If they are, we’ll change their minds once they taste the food and see what we’re creating here.”
“You think you’re doing something noble,” he sneers, “but you’re actually destroying what makes this place beautiful.”
“This is a tired song, Bruce. And one I don’t have time for. The restaurant’s opening in five days and we passed our inspection. You’re not at the center of this and that kills you.”
