Page 75 of Finally Moore

“I’ve been hoping you’d call,” I say, clearing my throat to tamp down the excitement in my voice.

“Look, I don’t know how to say this. But some things have come up, and if you have time, I’d love to talk to you about them.”

“Oh, sure, what’s going on?” While I can’t wait to get back to Scarlett and her family, I can tell by Amanda’s tone that this is urgent.

She lets out a deep sigh. “Okay, just let me get this out. After our date, as wonderful as it was, when I got home and saw my husband passed out on the couch, with our kids piled up on him, it hit me. Despite all our problems, I love him—our family—and I wasn’t ready for it to end. We had a real conversation the next day, even started counseling because I think me going on a date was eye-opening for him as well. Sorry… I’m rambling. I guess the point is I know we have a lot to work on, but the fact is itisworking, and with the new year coming, I wanted to tell you. Close this door, so we can both open new ones.”

“Really! That’s great.” I slap a relieved hand on my desk. I really didn’t want to hurt someone I thought I had a connection with at one time.

“I’m sorry, Scott. You’re amazing and—wait! You’re okay with this?”

“No, really. It’s perfect timing actually. I’m happy that you and your husband are working things out, but even if you weren’t, I found someone.”

Amanda chuckles into the phone. “Of course you did. God, I feel so stupid right now. I had this fear you were waiting around for me and… yeah, just I’m stupid.”

“No, you’re not, because I was. But then some things came up, one thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was engaged.”

“You’re engaged!” I can hear her excitement for me.

“Not really. It was pretend but that was the only fake part. The rest was very much real, and her family’s leaving today so we can finally get a moment to talk about what we’re feeling.”

“I told you someone would snatch you up. But I’m happy, not just for you but for myself. It really feels like everything worked out.”

“It did.”

“Well, Scott Moore, don’t let me keep you. Go get your girl.”

“I will, and, Amanda?”

“Yeah…?”

“Happy New Year.”

As I hang up the phone, it’s like the world is brighter. Not that I was feeling a certain way before, because I wasn’t in a relationship with the woman, but now I have no guilt about Amanda. It sounds like everything worked out for the both of us, and I’m glad she’s doing well for herself. Even if I didn’t have Scarlett, I’d be happy for Amanda and her family. Though I must admit finding someone myself makes the whole thing that much sweeter.

When I walk back out to the front of the store, it’s like there’s an extra pep in my step. I feel different. Lighter. Ready to move on without anything from the past creeping up to haunt us.

“Hey, sorry about that.” I go in for a kiss when I approach the table, but Scarlett avoids me.

Taking a seat, I can sense something’s wrong—well, between us that is. Everyone else seems happy and to be enjoying their meal. I can only imagine what’s going through Scarlett’s head right now, but I just need to awkwardly wait and pretend everything is fine until her family leaves and we can talk. I have a feeling there are a few things I need to clear up.

“It was such a pleasure meeting you, Scott. You and your family were absolutely lovely. Please thank them again for me. It was so nice of them to allow us to crash your Christmas Eve.” Ginny is surprisingly strong when she squeezes me in a tight hug.

“Anytime,” I tell her.

Kasey shakes my hand. “I’ll be in touch with you and Jax. Hopefully, by this time next year, we’ll be putting Tral Lake on the map.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Goodbye, Uncle Scott.” Brittany hugs me.

“See you soon, pip-squeak. Make sure you take good care of Mr. Moosey.”

Once the farewells are wrapped up and Scarlett’s family drives off, she bolts down the street. “Hey, wait up!” I chase after her. “Scar,” I call out as I run faster.

She stops in her tracks and turns around, but her gaze remains fixed on the sidewalk. “Thank you for your help this week. I appreciate it.”

“Can we talk?” I grip her shoulders, but she takes a step back.

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