Page 77 of Lodged

“Oh, okay, so are you going to also take credit for Ruin meeting Mr. Hotshot here and falling in love?” I chuckle, and River tries really hard not to, but a small smile forms on his lips.

“If you’re going to blame yourself for the bad stuff, you need to take credit for the good stuff, too.”

“I agree with Miles.” River shoots me a glare. “To a certain degree,” I explain. “You did your best helping Ruin get a car; it wasn’t your fault the brakes broke or that the truck hit her car. As much as we want to be in control all the time, we simply can’t.”

He releases a deep breath as he slowly nods.

“Now that we have cleared the air, I need to ask for a favor.”

“We were doing so well.” Miles shakes his head, and I chuckle.

“I’ve decided to move permanently to Azalea Creek, and I need a place I can call home. Nothing too permanent as I want to build Ruin’s dream house on a piece of land I just bought, but if you know of any good places in the meantime for me to get, I’d be grateful.”

River stays quiet, assessing me. I’m not sure when he’s going to be able to trust me, but I’m in no rush. As long as Ruin is safe and happy, I have all the time in the world for him to come around.

“You’ve come to speak with the right person. I have a small construction business, The Twisted Orchard.” Once Miles says the name of his business, I chuckle. It suits him.

“I’m about to finish remodeling a farmhouse not too far from downtown. I can take you there tomorrow so you can take a look.”

I give him a grateful smile. “I appreciate it, Miles. Let me know what time, and I’ll meet you there.” We clink our glasses and take a sip of our fresh drinks.

“Since you’re in construction, I need something else from you. How long would it take you to build a fairground if there were no budget restrictions?”

Miles sputters his drink, and the bartender gives him a pointed look.

“I’m sorry,” Miles says as he hurries to grab a bunch of napkins to clean the bar. “Are you a millionaire or something?” Miles asks after he has cleaned up.

“Something like that.” I shrug as I sip my drink. I don’t like speaking about my finances, but in this case, it’s almost a must since I have to explain how I can afford to pay for a fairground to be built in record time.

“I’ll be damned. Ruin hit the jackpot.”

I chuckle at him as River gets up from his barstool and smacks his brother on the back of his head.

“What do you have in mind, Gio?” River asks as he crosses his arms in front of his chest.

“Well, I know how important the Apple Festival is to Ruin, and I kinda want to recreate our first date. Before the accident.” I add, and they both nod.

“You really love her, don’t you?” River asks quietly.

“With everything I am,” I answer honestly.

“In this family, we help each other. Don’t worry, Gio. We’ll make it happen.”

I nod and smile at him as Miles lifts his glass and shouts, “Yes!” before downing his beer.

River shakes his head at his brother’s antics, but I’m just relieved her family understands how much she means to me. I think River just gave me his blessing.

Chapter 34

Ruin MacAllister

Iwake up sweating and disturbed, and my heart is beating fast. I look at the time on my alarm clock on the nightstand, and it’s only three in the morning. I sigh as I try to catch my breath—I’ve had more vivid dreams lately. Some of them, I can see myself and people I know, like Rain and Gio, and others where I’m just watching from the outside. I can’t tell if this is the way my memories are coming back or if I’m just dreaming.

In tonight’s dream, I was with Gio in New York. It was Christmas time, and we were exploring the city. It felt so real—the way he held my hand, the way he smelled.

I take a little notebook from my nightstand and write as many details as I can remember. These might all be dreams, but if they are my memories coming back, I want to have them on paper. In case I forget again. I smile as I replay the dream I just had. Gio and I were at a hotel that could oversee Central Park—it was magical.

Stretching my back, I stifle a yawn and try to go back to sleep; I promised Gio I’d help him move into his new place since tomorrow is my day off. I need to rest as much as I can.

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