Page 115 of Just Act Natural

He pulls me closer to him. “I talked to my parents. I told them I love working for our business, but I want my life to be here with you. There’s a lot of logistics to work out, but they like the idea of expanding into a new state.”

I make a sound of disgust. “They didn’t say anything about you being happy?”

His grin hits me straight in my overloaded heart. “I love how quickly you jump to my defense. They’re thrilled that I found you and want to build a life here. They asked me to bring you to Texas soon so they can meet you.”

“I’d love to.” I smooth my empty hand over his chest. “These are big changes for you. Are you sure about this?”

He slides one hand into my hair to cup my head, looking into my eyes so intensely my stomach dips. “For the first time in a long time, I’m not doing the next thing I think I should do, or the next thing that’s expected of me. I’m following my heart.Youare my happiness, Lila. In every possible way.”

“Really?”

“Genuinely.”

EPILOGUE

GRANT

Seven monthslater

Irwin Outdoors in Sunshine, Oregon is officially open for business.

Our grand opening weekend went better than I’d dreamed it would. I’ve been around for some of our store openings in Texas, but this one felt more significant. Maybe because I helped remodel the space from the ground up. Maybe because Sunshine’s residents rallied around to welcome us into the community. Or maybe it’s because opening this store has been an important step on the path to making my happiness here a reality.

As great as the high of seeing the old department store fully transformed into an Irwin’s crowded with customers was, nothing compares to tonight. I might never come down from this.

In fact, I hope I don’t.

Moonlight Lodge’s converted barn glows with old-fashioned string lights and the happy faces of all of our closest friends. My entire family flew in from Texas to see the new store, and they mingle with Lila’s relatives in the rustic-chic space.

I catch sight of her across the room talking with Eliza and Dean, and my breath stops in my lungs. I’ll never get over how utterly perfect she is. Not because she doesn’t have flaws or never has a bad moment, but because she’s so completely herself. And that, to me, is perfection.

She meets my gaze and grins so wide I have to mirror her joy. We’re not being very subtle, but I don’t think anyone expects what’s coming next.

A hand wraps around my arm, and I look down to see Grandma Gloria beaming up at me.

I lean down to kiss her cheek. “You look radiant tonight, Grandma.”

“You always were a sweet talker.” She makes a show of looking over at Lila, and her smile widens. “Whatever you’re planning for tonight, I approve.”

I freeze, hoping my face looks neutral and innocent. “What do you think I’m planning?”

Her gaze turns arch, like she’s sifted through my secrets and knows them all by heart. “I couldn’t say. But this lovely party in this beautiful space? How you’re watching your pretty fiancée like you’re waiting for a signal? The way your happiness shines brighter than all the stars in the sky? Makes me think you’re up to something more than just celebrating a store.”

I lower my head closer to hers. “How do you see right through me?”

“I’ve had practice. I’ve watched you your whole life.” She pats my cheek. “I’m happy for you, honey. I couldn’t be prouder of the man you are and the life you’re creating for yourself.”

Gratitude, love, and admiration clamor around in my chest. I wrap her in a huge hug. “Thank you, Grandma.”

She pulls back and gives a stout nod. “Make me some great-grandbabies soon, won’t you?”

I swear, this woman’s seen every last hope and dream in my head.

“Dean’s news isn’t enough for you?” I tease. They announced their pregnancy at Christmas. He’s had his arm around Eliza since they arrived in Oregon. It’s like he thinks she and that baby are his good luck charms.

They probably are.

Grandma Gloria just smiles. “There’s always room for more.”

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