Page 83 of Cinnamon Roll Set Up

He glances to Eden, and his shoulders sag. “I’m doing the thing, aren’t I?”

She runs a hand over his arm. “A little bit.” She turns to Miles. “We’re just really excited to know…well, that we already know you. Booker because he’s a big fan, and me because I’d love to have you speak at the library sometime.”

“I hadn’t thought about, uh…speaking engagements.” Looks like humility’s winning out again.

“It’d be very casual. We have several writer and readergroups I’m sure would love to hear from you. And we’d be happy to host a meet and greet to feature your books.”

“Well…” My man is lost in a sea of uncertainty.

He’s always willing to step up and help out everyone else, but he doesn’t know how to handle it when someone wants to give some of that attention and support back. He deserves to be celebrated—for his creativity, for his success, forhimself.

I slip my hand into his. He looks down at me, and I try to convey all the encouragement and affection I can into my smile. I can be his champion, too.

“No pressure,” Booker adds, adjusting his wiggling baby. “We’re just psyched that you’re part of the family.”

Eden nudges him with her elbow, eyes wide. Her correction is probably more obvious than his blunder.

“Ah, I mean the Magnolia Ridge family,” Booker says.

Nice save, coach.

“I’d like that,” Miles finally says. “We should talk more about it.”

Eden’s soft smile reappears. “That’s great news. We’re not staying long tonight because of these little ones, but I’ll talk to my director at the library and get in touch with you soon.”

Booker leans closer. “If you’re up for it, we started a sci-fi enthusiasts club at the high school a couple of years ago. We mostly talk Star Trek and Star Wars, but it’d be a big thrill for them if you have a chance to join us some night.”

“Really? They know my books?”

Booker’s got a teacherly “duh” face on. “Everybody’s looking forward to book three. We need to know what happens to Aster in the end.”

“You’re going to love it. Best of the trilogy.” I can’t resist sharing a tiny bit of book gossip, however vague. And maybe I want to brag that I’ve already been allowed to read it.

Perks of being Miles Forrester’s…best friend. Slash girlfriend.

“Yeah? So it’s a happy ending?” Booker jokingly narrows his eyes on me. “Sad? Ends on a mystery that will never be solved?”

I put on my most solemn face. “No spoilers.”

“All right, keep your secrets.” He turns back to Miles. “You can think about it and get in touch. We’d love to have you anytime.”

“I will. Thank you.” Miles looks like he’s not quite sure what he’s agreeing to, but he’s willing to try. That’s the most important part.

“Now, you’ll have to excuse me. I’ve got to go change my little man.” Booker and Eden wander away, heading for the farmhouse across from the barn.

“It’s our turn now.” Eliza’s got her husband by the hand and leads him closer as if they’ve been waiting in line all day. “This is Dean. Helovesyour books.”

“El,” he says softly.

“You do,” she counters. “You’ve read them both like four times.”

“Three.” He turns to Miles. “My wife is enthusiastic.”

He gazes down at her as if her enthusiasm is his very favorite thing.

“Three reads is a lot to me,” Miles says.

“I can’t believe I bought them from the man who actually wrote them.”

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