Page 48 of Promise You Forever

“Stop trying to find things where there’s nothing to be found.” I set a can of pumpkin on the counter. “Are you going to help me make these pies?”

“No, I’m actually just planning on watching.” She smiles sweetly at me. “I’ll be your entertainment while you bake.”

She tosses out side dish ideas while I roll out the dough and mix the filling. I veto most of her suggestions because they’re all very California-esque, vegan, or gluten free. That’s not going to work with this crowd, and she’s neither vegan nor gluten free herself.

“We should go skiing Friday,” I say as I put the pie in the oven. “There’s already been so much snow. I’d love to get a few runs in over the holiday weekend.”

“Yes.” She sets her phone down on the counter. “How did Dad take the news about you resigning?”

“He seemed to understand. He also offered to up my salary and allow me to work remotely indefinitely.”

“No. You need to focus on this.” She twirls a finger in the air. “I love the idea of turning this into a working resort. Rich people can pay you to pretend to be working class. It’s like the circle of life or something.”

“I think I’m most excited about turning one of the barns into an event space. How incredible would it be to have people getting married here regularly?”

“It is so beautiful. A perfect place for couples wanting a rugged, rustic, mountain aesthetic.”

“Exactly. I can just imagine the boho decor and lace.” I look out the window dreamily. “It’s going to be a lot of work but so rewarding.”

“I think your grandparents would love the idea.”

“Yeah, I spoke with Gramps yesterday, and he asked a few questions about the ranch.”

“How’s he doing?”

“So far, so good. There’s been a few unhappy phone calls where he doesn’t remember it was his idea to move. A fewheartbreaking calls when he’s asked to speak to Grams. But, generally, he seems happy. I went and saw him last weekend.”

It was a good break, not seeing Luke for a couple days gave us both time to breathe. There have been a few moments where we’ve nearly kissed again. I have to be so careful to not let his lips near mine because as soon as they touch, I lose all ability to think clearly.

Even knowing that, it’s still a challenge. He’s always there for me, be it a question about the ranch or just company when I’m sad. But by far the hardest thing to resist is the sight of him holding Coop in his arms. I’ve always thought about having kids in an abstract kind of way, but seeing him hold a baby in those strong arms, I damn near fold every single time.

“Have you thought about a time when you’re planning on coming back to LA to pack everything up?”

“Trying to get rid of me already?” I tease.

“I already bought a couple pairs of handcuffs to try to keep you with me.”

“Whoa.” Colt strolls into the kitchen with a grin. “I didn’t take you two for those kind of roommates. If you ever want a third,” he trails off with a wink.

“You couldn’t handle us, cowboy.” Amber doesn’t miss a beat as she pops a grape in her mouth.

“I’ve tamed wilder horses than you, Cali Girl.”

The two of them lock eyes for a second, and I swear the air thickens. I’ve never been happier to see Luke walk through the door. But even he seems to notice, his keen eye focusing on the tension ebbing between his best friend and mine. When Luke’s eyes catch mine, he raises his eyebrows a bit to which I just shrug. This is a new development. Maybe it’s just a one off.

“I was just coming by to see what time dinner is tomorrow?” Colt turns his attention to me. “And if I need to bring anything?”

“I’m hoping to eat at five, so show up any time before then. I think we have everything covered, so don’t worry about bringing anything.”

“Bring a case of beer,” Luke says. “We’re out.”

“Done.” Colt gives him a salute and starts walking toward the door.

“None of that fancy shit, either,” Luke calls after him.

“What’s that?” Colt cups a hand around his ear. “An IPA from a local microbrewery? Sounds great.”

“Fuck,” Luke mutters as the door closes behind Colt. “I shouldn’t have said anything. Now we’ll end up with god knows what.”

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