Page 87 of Beauty and the Beard

We didn’t sext every night. Sometimes we did, and it was the hottest thing on this side of the moon. But we also showed each other what we’d been doing. I rearranged the closets for him andbrought in another wardrobe for his clothes. He joked I should just give him the closet and take all the drawers, since I only wear jeans and t-shirts. He makes a good point and I might consider it.

I cleaned out half the medicine cabinet and showed him all the space in the bathroom drawers he could have. He was pleased with even these simple things that made it more real. Proof that he was part of my world and I wanted him there.

And he showed me the start of his business plan with Roman. He sent me photos he’d taken and asked for my opinion on complicated things like composition and lighting. And we talked endlessly about stuff I’d usually find boring, but with Sasha it was anything but.

Connor wouldn’t believe my shift in interest to all things business. I always left that stuff to him, preferring to do something with my hands and leave the office work to him. Since I brought internet to the lodge and now see how easy it is to do my books with a program, I often apologize to Connor while doing it.

He always had great ideas, but I admit, I was stubborn most times and never listened. Connor was a gem that way, always putting up with my old school attitude.

I still miss him, but it’s different now. I can’t put words to it, but I smile more when I think of him. Connor would like to know I still laugh and smile at him, even though he’s not here. It’s been a long road for me to get to a place where his memory brings me more joy than sadness. There’re still sad days, but I roll with them as they come and I don’t let the grief swamp me when it shows up.

Making sure I have my keys, wallet and phone, I take the stairs down to the kitchen.

And stop dead in my tracks at the sight before me.

“Leaf! What do you think? He’ll like it, right?”

Millie beams at me over the table covered in maple creme filled cookies, Sasha’s guilty pleasure that she’s sent to him three times already.

“That’s a lot of cookies. It will take him months to eat those.”

“Well, they aren’t all for him. Go look out in the dining room.”

I don’t know what she’s getting at, but I go to the dining room and again, I’m speechless.

“What do you think? Is this too much?” Pete asks from on top of the ladder where he’s hanging tiny lights in the shape of stars.

“Uh… too much for what, exactly?”

“For Sasha. To welcome him and for you two to have a housewarming party.”

Baffled, I shake my head. “But I already live here.”

Perry sets a box of decorations down next to me.

“You didn’t read those romance books at all, did you?” He shakes his head, the disappointment clear.

“Well, not like cover to cover.”

“Just the sexy bits, then?”

“I…well…” Rubbing my neck, I shoot him a glare. “Maybe.”

Some of those books are very descriptive. I’m just a man. Alone. With a renewed sex drive. Sue me for appreciating word porn. I learned that term at the bookstore when I was eavesdropping and it’s very appropriate.

“Your man loves romance. I’ve been trying to tell you, but you don’t listen.”

He holds up a roll of white gauzy stuff to Pete. “Is the tulle too much? Do you think it will add to the romance or is it too 1980s wedding vibe?”

Tulle? What the fuck is tulle?

“Oh! Good idea! I think we can use it on that topiary thing.”

Topiary?

“So you guys have a welcome party for him? And you’re making it romantic?”

“We’re making it with things he loves.” Perry raises his eyebrow. “Because we read the books he likes. Catch up, brother.”

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