Page 80 of The Heart of Moonlight Falls

No, Sebastian supposed he didn’t. James seemed to wholeheartedly love all the time he and Sebastian spent together. Maybe even more now than he had months ago, which Sebastian hadn’t thought possible.

They drove through town and headed north. When James pulled up to the Storm House gate, the place was already buzzing with activity. The iron bars were propped open, the lock and chain having been discarded.

James drove onto the property and parked next to Hazel’s new van. A group of workers were busy refinishing the outside of the house. A radio played on the porch, just loud enough to be heard over a whirring sander.

James and Hazel had been busy with the wiring while Sebastian helped Princeton organize the contents of the house. Some of the items they’d come across the museum curator wanted to keep and put on display. Sebastian was fine with that and let Princeton take the lead on deciding what to do with all the junk. They would have a large estate sale once they’d gone through it all, the proceeds going to the new museum. Anything that couldn’t be sold or donated was being thrown out.

“It feels good bringing new life into this place,” Sebastian said as he and James exited the truck.

“I bet.” James opened the back and grabbed a box of tools.

A car rolled up the driveway behind them and came to a stop. Eleanor climbed out. “Sebastian, James, good to see you both.”

James gave her a nod. “Wasn’t expecting to find you here.”

“I’m looking for Princeton.” She took a moment to study Sebastian. “Though I’m glad I ran into you.”

“Me?” Sebastian had spent the least amount of time with Eleanor out of everyone in their group. He wasn’t sure what she’d need him for.

“Yes. I’ve been thinking. I know you’re busy with the museum and the library at the moment, but once this place is finished, I figured you might have some time on your hands.” She gestured to the house.

Sebastian shrugged. “It’s going to be a while before that happens. Princeton and I haven’t even gotten to the upstairs.” Sebastian was donating the Storm House library contents to the museum, though they’d have to fish out all the X-rated material first.

“I don’t doubt that.” Eleanor smiled. “I just wanted to say, in case you were ever interested, the city council would love to have you.”

Butterflies danced in Sebastian’s stomach. “Really?”

“Of course. I don’t know whether you’re inclined to that sort of work, but I’d say the town would be happy to have you looking out for them. We’ll have to elect someone soon to replace William, but his term was up next year anyway, so there’ll be another vote then. Just some food for thought. I completely understand if you prefer working at the library.”

“I’ll think about it,” Sebastian promised, possibilities blooming in the back of his mind.

“Great. Now, I better find Princeton.” Eleanor walked up the porch steps and entered the house.

Eleanor’s suggestion filled Sebastian with exhilaration. He’d love to be a part of Moonlight Falls, not just as a resident but as someone working for the town, putting his time and effort into this place.

“What do you think of that?” Sebastian asked James.

“I think you look excited.”

Sebastian’s cheeks heated. “I kinda like the idea.”

“Me too.” James squeezed his hand before lacing their fingers together, James’s pinky and ring finger cradling the remaining knuckle of Sebastian’s amputated finger. “You should go for it.”

Sebastian buzzed as he considered it. “I might wait for the election next year. See how everything else goes first. But I’d love being a real part of this town.”

James gazed at him with deep affection. “You already are, sweetheart.”

29

JAMES

Two years later.

James stepped out of the shower and grabbed a towel. He was surprised Sebastian hadn’t followed him into the bathroom once he’d turned the water on. Sebastian loved showering with him, and ever since they’d moved in together, Sebastian joined him in the steam-filled, spaciously built tile shower every weekend morning.

It was the most luxurious shower James had ever been in. Sebastian really knew how to spoil him. James loved the home Sebastian had created and all the little comforts Sebastian had indulged in.

There had been no question James would move into Sebastian’s home when they were ready. He’d loved his grandmother’s house, but it had always been her house, not his. Eli felt the same and had moved into Parker’s place when they had made that step last year.

---