Page 96 of When Sparks Fly

“For his sake, I do hope you picked better in the rancher than you did in the prospect. You probably got your fighting side from me, so it may not turn out well for him if you didn’t.” He winks and then climbs onto his bike and starts it up. Revving it once, he turns to go and I offer a small wave from the top of the steps.

This day keeps getting wilder and wilder. Did he just threaten Sutton?

Determined to shut down my brain for a while, I message Izzy and Leah with a plan to celebrate.

Me:

You two available to dress up Nana’s backyard?

Leah:

Fuck yeah!

Izzy:

Anything for Nana.

Me:

Meet me as soon as you can!

I can’t wait to tell my friends the news.

Knowing what’s coming, I trade out my dress for jeans and a light sweater, securing my handgun into the hidden holster. After the events of Halloween, I won’t be unprotected again.

Bouncing on the balls of my feet at the top of the porch stairs, I’m thankful when Izzy and Leah pull in at the same time, a few minutes later. Izzy’s blue Nissan Armada goes next to my Jeep, and Leah’s red Acura sedan falls in line after her.

Unable to contain myself any longer, I rush down the stairs, sweeping them both into my arms in a much-needed group hug. The three of us stand there squeezing each other happily, even if they have no idea why.

“Spill it,” Leah says when we release each other.

My grin rivals the Cheshire Cat. “We’re going shopping!” I’m burying the lead and they can tell.

“Why?” Izzy’s hands go to her hips.

“Because I’m moving here!” Energy rushes from me and it’s all I can do to refrain from jumping up and down. It’s like making the decision to stay has lifted a giant weight from my chest.

Leah is squealing before Izzy has a chance to process. “So Margarita Mondaysaregoing to be a thing?”

I laugh. “How about monthly?”

“Oh my God! We get to see you whenever we want?” Izzy wraps me in her arms again.

Closing my eyes, I relish the feel of her embrace. Weeks ago, touch was foreign to me. Something that caused overstimulation. And maybe in some ways, it always will. But right now, with my best friends, celebrating big changes in my life, I feel home.

“So what now?” Back is the analytical Izzy when she releases me.

“Now,” I say, looking between them, “we dress up Nana’s backyard. I want to celebrate. Later, I’ll tell Sutton and see where he stands with things.”

Izzy frowns.

Leah laughs. “What does that even mean? He’s in love with you.”

My heart skips a beat. Over the weeks, Sutton and I have started building something. I know I’m in love with him, and after his declaration yesterday I think we’re on the same page. I’ll feel better once we have an open conversation.

“We’ll see.”

My friends exchange a look.

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