Page 50 of No Man Left Behind

Elina’s eyes widened, but neither he nor Carl spoiled the surprise. Canuck was quite the experience.

Marcus held Finch’s leash and took Elina’s hand as they walked along the sidewalk. Well-behaved dogs were allowed in the diner as long as they stayed put. Finch had proven himself responsible, and he loved watching all the activity from his place beneath the booth. He also loved the dog treats Ginny baked.

No one called out to them or approached, so Marcus figured this was as good a time as any. “I know your time in the B&B is coming to an end soon. I’d like to offer a suggestion.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “I’ve been looking at rentals online, but they’re mostly for entire houses. I don’t want or need that. Do you know of a room I can rent somewhere?”

“Move in with me.”

Her steps faltered, and she stared at him. “Seriously?”

He nodded. “As serious as I can be. If you like, there’s a spare bedroom, although I’d rather have you share mine. I know it’s fast but it feels right. I’d like to share my space with you. I’d like to wake up with you next to me every morning.”

Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes sparkled. “I’d like that, too.”

“So you’ll move in?”

She nodded and threw her arms around him. “Yes.”

Unable to stop himself, Marcus pulled her even closer. He kissed her like it wasn’t early morning in full view of everyone in Phail. They were all in his business, anyway. It would take about ten minutes after Elina’s bags were in his house for the entire town to know. They’d probably all cheer and bring casseroles.

He managed to pull back from the kiss, but he pulled her in for a hug. “Just so you know, even if the B&B was empty, and there were lots of short-stay apartments available, I’d want you to move in. It feels right, Elina. Completely right.”

Her arms tightened around him, and she nodded into his chest. When she looked up, her smile was misty. “It really does.”

He considered dragging her back to his place right then, but Troy called to them from outside his store. “You guys heading to the diner, too?”

With a sigh, he kissed Elina. “We’ll celebrate later.”

She laughed, and they joined Piper and Troy for more shakshuka.

Once they’d ordered, Piper asked. “Is the station almost ready? What else do you need to get done? I’m sure we can rally the troops for whatever you need.”

He smiled and shook his head. “The troops have been rallied enough. I’ve had so much more help than I anticipated.”

Troy laughed. “Then you’re not as smart as I thought. The town needs you and appreciates you. We’re all happy to help.”

Marcus didn’t know what to say to that, so he answered Piper’s question about the progress. “All the rooms have been painted. Trim is up in most of them, with only a few rooms to do. Bathrooms are updated, but we’re waiting for the sinks to be delivered. And the washer and dryer.”

Elina nodded. She’d helped daily and knew the progress as well as he did. “We’ve probably only got a few hours of work left, and then Marcus can get his things moved in.”

Her words had her eyes widening, and she turned a grin his way. He squeezed her hand, knowing he had a dopey smile on his face. It couldn’t be helped.

Troy, always intuitive, squinted his eyes as he studied them. “Need help moving your things?”

Marcus nodded. “Probably tomorrow or the next day.”

Troy grinned. “I was actually asking Elina if she needed help moving into your place.”

Piper and Elina both gaped while Marcus shot his buddy a death glare. But he didn’t have to worry, Elina laughed. “Didn’t realize you were psychic.”

Troy laughed. “Just one of my many skills.”

Piper rolled her eyes. “I’m happy for you. Let us know when we can help with either move.”

And so the gossip train began.

Elina gawked at the sight in front of her as she exited Marcus’s car. Fenced areas covered the space in front of a large barn. More animals than she’d ever seen in one space filled them.

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