Page 23 of Never Kiss Your Brother's Best Friend

Mia nods, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I love it. A shelter that's not just a temporary home for animals but a permanent fixture in the community. Count us in for the long haul, Em."

Zoe adds, "Like I said, I'll do my best to find the perfect location for the event. And I’ll help with the silent auction. Let's make this shelter a reality that Cedar Creek can be proud of."

Gratitude wells up in my chest. "Thank you both. Your support means everything to me."

As we wrap up the meeting, Mia insists on sending me home with a box of assorted cupcakes. She gets no complaints from me. Once the treats are safely stowed away in the car, I drive home, feeling more hopeful and excited than I have been in a long time.

The summer sun is starting to set as I drive down the highway, and I let out a sigh of contentment. The wind is blowing through the open window, and the warm breeze is soothing.

The whole fiasco with Dean turned into an amazing adventure with some old friends, and now I'm working on a huge project with Sterling. Sometimes the messiest of beginnings turn into the most beautiful endings.

Chapter ten

STERLING

The morning air is crisp as I step onto my back deck. I take in the tranquil lake shimmering under the sunlight. It’s the most beautiful sight to wake up to. I bought this place a few years ago. Homes for sale on the lake are rare, so I had Emma’s friend Zoe keeping an eye out for me.

When this one popped up, she let me know immediately, and I put in an offer the next day. It’s not big, but it has a rustic charm that I love. The home is nestled among pine trees on either side, with a small yard leading to the water, but it was the view that sealed it for me.

The first time I came out here, it was like an invitation to serenity. The wooden planks of the deck are weathered from years of sun and wind, but they called to me just the same.

I’ll never forget the day I moved in. I was standing out here taking in the beautiful surroundings when a flock of geese flew overhead in a perfect v-formation. They honked and honked, their cries filling the sky, and I always considered that my welcome to the neighborhood. I knew I was home.

I got a call from Peter last night. He’s back from his honeymoon and wants to go fishing. When it comes to fishing, you never have to ask me twice. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday. So, after breakfast I’m going to meet him down at the marina where I keep my boat.

With the flurry of activity before his wedding, we haven’t spent much time together lately, so it will be great to catch up. What better way to do that than to spend the day on the lake?

It’s pretty quiet at the marina as I make my way down the dock to my boat, and Peter’s voice easily cuts through the silence. “Hey, Sterling!” he calls as he jogs my way.

You’d think his hands would be full of fishing gear and equipment. But that’s a running joke with the two of us and I’ve come to accept it. He calls and asks me to go fishing, but he doesn’t have a boat, a fishing pole, or a tackle box. He only brings himself. I provide the rest. But it’s worth it. He’s great company.

Now, he does grab us drinks from the store when he gets here, so I’ll give him credit for that. “What’s up Pete?” I give him a fist bump when he reaches me. “How was the honeymoon?”

He beams like a cat who swallowed a canary but doesn’t answer me.

“Ooookkkkkayyy. No words necessary, I guess,” I say.

He nods. “It was quite enjoyable. Thanks for asking.”

“Got it! Enough said.” I pat him on the shoulder, then move past to put some finishing touches on the preparations for the day. He heads off to grab us some snacks.

When he returns, I untie the rope holding us in place and gently push off from the dock. We begin drifting. The water laps against the hull with a soothing rhythm and soon we’re heading out to the open water.

The trees surrounding the lake are gently swaying and the silhouettes of the rolling hills in the distance frame the “take me away” environment I look forward to when I come out here.

Cedar Lake has been a mainstay in our town for generations. My great-great grandfather actually helped build the dam back in the day. I’ve heard stories about what physically demanding and labor-intensive work it was.

It would be nice if the people who put in that effort could see how much the lake means to everyone now. How it provides jobs and recreation and the way families create lasting memories out here. I know I have lots of them, particularly with my buddies.

As we continue cruising to find the perfect fishing spot, Peter asks, “So, what’s been keeping you busy lately?”

I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how much to share. Peter knows Emma and I are friends, but it’s been so long since just the two of us have hung out. I’m not exactly sure what he’ll think of that.

“Well, you know that old warehouse building downtown?”

He nods, “Sure.”

I chose my words carefully, “I’ve been thinking of buying it for a while and moving my practice over there. Now, I’m also considering adding a shelter to one of the wings.”

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