Page 71 of All My Heart

“She did a great job with the place.”

The barn had a large wreath on one end that was lit up. “Charlotte added a sign at the entrance that said The Calloways in large print with Pine Valley Farms smaller underneath. It was a branding change that Dad had approved. She wanted our family to be identified with the farm.”

“Interesting. Maybe I should talk to this Charlotte about marketing my new business.”

“It wouldn't hurt, and I think she's looking to expand her business. She's been working at a local inn and doing this on the side.”

We got out, and I met Luna at the hood of the truck. “Are you ready to meet my crazy family?”

Luna let out a laugh. “I guess?”

“They'll love you,” I said, pulling her close because I couldn't imagine how anyone couldn't love her. The truth of those words settled into my chest. I loved her, but she was leaving soon. We hadn't discussed the exact date, but I remembered her saying something about airline tickets to go home for the holidays.

I didn't have much time left with her, and I was balancing it with my family.

I didn't bother knocking on the door; I just went inside. It was loud as soon as we walked in. I should have been used to it after being in the military for so long. But the last few weeks had been quiet.

I braced myself for the million questions I was going to get about why I was bringing a woman home.

Daphne appeared in front of me, her son, Colson, on her hip. He was sucking his thumb, never taking his gaze off me. He hadn't decided whether he liked me yet. “It's so good to see you again,” she said to me, and then to Luna, “And who's this?”

“This is Luna. She's renting the cabin next to mine.” I winced slightly, realizing I hadn't introduced her as what she was to me—a girlfriend? My lover?

Luna tried to shake her hand, but Daphne pulled her in for a hug instead. “If this one is bringing you by, you must be special.” Daphne threw an arm around her shoulder and led her into the kitchen.

Teddy appeared with a beer. “You're brave to bring her.”

I grabbed the beer and took a long swig. “She's the brave one for coming.”

“You two okay? I know she's leaving soon.”

I licked the foam on my lip. “I guess. It is what it is.” Even though it physically hurt to think about it.

Teddy's brow furrowed. “You're just going to let her go?”

I shrugged. “What else can I do? I offered to flip houses with her, but she turned me down.”

Teddy laughed. “You offered to go into business with her, and she said no? What a romantic gesture.”

I punched him in the shoulder. “Shut up. Asshole.”

Teddy rubbed his shoulder. “You sure know how to woo the ladies.”

Wes appeared at his side. “What are we giving him a hard time for?”

Teddy smirked and threw a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the kitchen. “For bringing Luna to a family dinner.”

Wes raised a brow. “She mean something to you?”

I swallowed over the lump in my throat. “She's just here on vacation. She lives in Florida.”

Wes whistled low. “That sucks.”

“We know what it was going in.”

Wes grinned. “Just like we knew my marriage to Sutton was fake.”

I'd heard after the fact that their marriage had started out fake, but I wasn't surprised by any of it. They'd been friends for years, and when her grandmother issued the ultimatum—get married or lose the estate—Wes stepped up and offered to marry her. They'd fallen in love. “That's not my situation.”

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