Page 42 of Won’t Let You Get Away

“How does steak and mashed potatoes sound?”

Bri groans in delight and squeezes my hand tighter.

“Don’t tease me, Noah. That sounds exactly like what I didn’t know I was craving.”

“I would never tease you…” I pause and shrug with a smirk. “About food, that is.”

The walk from the animal barn to my house only takes a few minutes, during which I inquire about Bri’s work at the winery. She practically shines as she shares updates and plans for the future. It’s clear that she is passionate about her job and excels at it.

I let Bri continue gushing about a potential investor she connected with while living in the city.

“If he signs a contract with Honeywell Winery, I’ll get to plan my first party here at the venue.” She beams as we step onto my porch and wait in front of the door.

“I didn’t know the winery held parties.”

“They don’t!” she gasps. “It’s such a waste of potential. My contact has a partner here in the city; the winery would be the perfect place to host their annual Christmas party. Apparently, they rotate which branch gets to host it, and this year it’s South Carolina’s turn.”

“Wow, that sounds far more exciting than the payroll switch,” I say, holding open my front door and gesturing for her to enter.

Bri steps inside slowly, surveying the living room to her right and the seldom used dining room to her left. The house is usually clean since I live alone, with only dishes from the previous night awaiting me the next day.

A few years ago, after my father’s health first began to decline, he transferred ownership of the house and farm to me and moved into a local senior care home. He said he wanted to help make the house feel like mine, although I haven’t changed much.

Connor and I updated the kitchen and bathrooms, which made it necessary to completely overhaul the electrical throughout the house. Besides acquiring new furniture and moving into the primary bedroom, I’ve left the house mostly as it has been my whole life.

“It’s so…” Bri ventures into the living room, a small smile on her face as she glances at me. “Cozy. I love it.”

Her compliment lightens something in my chest, and I find myself rubbing at the back of my neck in response.

Shrugging off my flannel shirt, I gesture towards the stairs and give her a brief layout. “There’s four bedrooms upstairs, although three are empty since it’s just me. There are two bathrooms up there and a half bath here,” I add, tapping on a door down the hallway. “And this is the kitchen.”

I guide her down the hallway into my kitchen. When we updated it, I purposely avoided a typical modern aesthetic, choosing dark green cabinets, wooden countertops, and black appliances. I wasn’t willing to risk having anything white in this room.

“Holy shit.” Bri exclaims behind me, and I can’t help but grin.

“Yup,” I reply, pulling out a low-backed stool at the island and motioning for her to sit.

She hops up and leans forward on her elbows. As I move around the kitchen gathering what I need for dinner, I feel her eyes following my every move.

“Sorry if I interrupted your evening.”

“You weren’t interrupting anything,” I assure her with a smile as I retrieve some potatoes for dinner. “If anything, you’re ensuring that I eat more than just a sandwich tonight.”

“Can I help with anything?” she asks, eyeing the ingredients spread out on the island and fidgeting with her fingers.

Turning towards the fridge, I grab a block of cheese and a knife, along with a cutting board.

“How about you cut some cheese to go with the crackers? We can snack on them while I cook.”

She nods, accepting everything from me and swiftly beginning her work. After stepping out to the grill to flip the steaks, I bring up her reasons for stopping by.

“Bri,” I say gently to capture her attention. She peeks up at me through her lashes, observing me from across the island with a furrowed brow. “If I didn’t make myself clear yesterday, I want you to know that I’m delighted with the news.”

She sits up straighter, yet her shoulders seem to relax.

“I’m thrilled and I want to be as involved as you’ll allow me. Even my brother has already sent me about fifty different links to things, asking if he can buy them for the baby.” I round the island, stepping up beside her while holding her gaze. “You shouldn’t have to worry about how to make things easier for me. You’re the one doing all the heavy lifting. Allow me to worry about you and the baby. I understand that moving here and seeing me again probably altered your plans of doing things alone, but I want to help with the baby in any way and at any time you’ll let me.”

She nods, tears welling in the corners of her eyes as she draws in an uneven breath, but I’m not finished yet.

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