Page 80 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

He rubbed at the space between his nose and mouth. “Did you hear about what happened out there? The wedding crasher?”

“Yeah.” She still avoided looking at him, cleaning the counter even though it was spotless. “I heard you helped save the guy.”

“No. I mean, I had some rope …” He trailed off.

Viola supposed her refusal to face him had irritated him so sufficiently that he decided not to continue his story.Good. I hope he leaves.

She swallowed hard, trying to convince herself that she wanted him to walk away, even though her heart wanted him to stay.

He took three steps closer. “I, uh, thought I should update you—I mean, in case you were wondering—on my plans. My business plans, I mean. And my personal plans, I guess.”

The delivery of his words was dizzying. She narrowed her eyes and finally looked at him. “What are you saying? I can’t follow.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I thought maybe you’d like to know that I decided to remain in Silverwood after all.”

“But you said you’re moving to Billings. Selling the chateau.”

He searched her face. “I changed my mind.”

“And what brought about this change?”

He grimaced. “Let’s say I didn’t have all the necessary information to base my decision on.”

“And now you do?”

“I think so.”

Viola scoffed. “Jonas, you’re confusing me. That doesn’t sound like you: making important business decisions and then suddenly changing your mind. And why, exactly, are you telling me this anyway?”

“Because the information I was missing was the fact that you are single and not engaged to that waiter.”

Viola blinked, shaking her head. She opened her mouth to speak, but her thoughts hadn’t yet caught up with her vocal cords.

“S-Single?” she repeated. “What, uh …”

Christelle wiped her hands on a towel. “Why don’t I give you two a minute?”

As soon as Christelle left the kitchen, Viola gaped at Jonas. He bit the inside of his cheek and stepped nearer to her.

Viola crossed her arms. “So, you thought that I was engaged to Oliver?”

“I walked into the dining hall before, and I saw him holding an open ring box to you, and then you hugged him, and then I couldn’t breathe anymore.”

A small grin tugged at her lips. “And that upset you so much that you decided to sell your business and move to Billings?”

He averted his gaze for a second. When he looked up at her again, his eyes were intense. “Yes.”

“So you were jealous.”

“I … was.”

Her skin tingled, and she felt slightly lightheaded. “I see.” She uncrossed her arms and closed the distance between them. “You’re staying in Silverwood?”

“Turns out I have good reason to stay here. I mean, if I’m wanted.”

Her smile grew. “Well, then, it’s a good thing I’m not engaged to Oliver.”

Jonas reached up and ran his thumb down the side of her face. “It’s a very good thing.”

---