Page 45 of All My Heart

“That's what I'm here for then.” I followed her into her cabin, setting the boxes on the counter.

Luna grabbed plates, and we ate at the island. “What are your plans for the rest of the evening?”

“Demolition? That's all I can do until we have new appliances and flooring.”

“Once you decide on what you want, I'm having everything delivered. They assured me they could get the truck up here.”

“Do you have the options ready for me?”

Luna nodded. “I do.”

We finished eating and washed our hands. Then Luna grabbed the tablet, scrolling through her suggestions for appliances, flooring, and paint colors. Everything looked good to me. I was just glad I didn't have to pick it out.

“I'll order these right away.”

I frowned. “Not tonight. I want to enjoy the lights.”

Luna put the leftover pizza in the fridge, then heated milk on the stove. “It's my night to make hot chocolate.”

Days working on the house and leisurely evenings spent on the porch were nice. I wasn't much for going out on the town or eating in restaurants. I preferred a quiet night at home, and Luna was the perfect addition.

We carried our hot chocolate outside, and Luna turned on the lights. Setting our mugs aside, we took in the view from the yard.

Luna clasped her hands together. “It's a shame no one will see these but us, but it's nice too. Our own personal paradise.”

“You think this is paradise?” I was surprised since she grew up on the beach.

Luna nodded. “It's exactly what I needed. Some time to myself without seeing my family. I still talk to them on the phone, but the distance is…nice. I didn't realize how much they took over my life. They have an opinion about everything, and I didn't want to face them after what happened.”

“It wasn't your fault.”

Her face pinched. “I know that. But it just feels like things don't work out for me. And I'm worried that's going to extend to my ideas for the design business.”

“Try imagining that everything is working out perfectly.”

Luna looked over at me, a little surprised. “I want to believe that.”

I wouldn't say it out loud. But meeting Luna at this time in my life felt a little like fate. The future was murkier. It made me think that fate was playing with me, but I could enjoy what we had now and not worry too much about what came after she went home.

Maybe Luna was only meant to be in my life for a short time. I didn't like the idea of that. But I wouldn't let myself long for more.

I was used to moving frequently and not creating ties to any particular person or place. It had been the same with my family. I'd created distance to make it easier on me. It would be best to do the same with Luna.

I couldn't forget she was leaving soon. I reached my hand out to her, and she took it with a smile. It was a nice evening on the porch. Luna had blankets and hot chocolate, and we turned on holiday music.

“Are you planning to see your family for the holidays?” Luna asked tentatively.

I sighed, setting the mug aside. “That's the plan.”

“Are you worried about it?”

“I left a long time ago and visited only occasionally. I told them I was visiting friends when I stayed here.” I held my breath for her response. I'd never told anyone I didn't see friends, but that I'd been so close to home and hadn't visited. I'd essentially lied about my plans to my family.

Luna frowned. “Why?”

“I just wanted time to myself. When you come home for the holidays, there're all these expectations, and I didn't think I could live up to them. It was an adjustment, and I worried I wouldn't be able to relax enough. That my family would think something was wrong.”

“I can understand that. But don't you think they would have understood if you explained it to them?”

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