Page 20 of Micah

“It’s a good thing I love you.”

“Finally,” he says, releasing an exaggerated heavy sigh.

“That’s all you have to say?”

“No.”

I smile up at him expectantly.

“You haven’t even seen the rest of your studio. You have an office, a powder room, a prop room?—”

Micah doesn’t have to admit that he loves me too, because the evidence is woven into every detail of this magical space he’s created for me. It’s evident in the way he’s always been there for me, no matter what. That he refused to move back to his hometown without me, and encouraged me to take a chance on my own dreams.

“Do you believe me yet?” he asks, tracing his thumb along my jawline.

I don’t need him to say it, but yet I really want to hear those words. “You might have to be a little more specific.”

“It’s always beenyou, Avery.” He presses his forehead against mine, our lips a feather’s width apart. “I’ve always been in love withyou, and only you.”

EPILOGUE

MICAH

“You knowit’s dangerous letting those two have free rein of your backyard,” Caden says to me between sips of beer. He turns his back to the women, pretending as though he doesn’t notice Ruby. If he’d known my wife would be meeting with the landscaper today, he might have turned down my invitation for grilled burgers and beer.

“The deck is still mine, and Henry still has a solid strip of yard to himself.” The senior golden opens one eye at the mention of his name, but aside from a single tail swish, he doesn’t move from his deck spot in the sun.

“You’ll have to keep up on whatever end result those two come up with,” Caden says.

“Small price to pay for my wife’s happiness.”

For Avery’s birthday this year, I gifted her unlimited landscaping of our backyard, aside from the two sacred areas for us boys. It might cost me a small fortune before it’s done, but it’ll be worth it. Avery’s been daydreaming about an outdoor, garden-type space where she can shoot senior high school pictures, anniversary portraits, and family photos.

“You don’t miss your freedom?” Caden asks.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”

“It’s not?”

“Avery’s had my heart since the first day I met her in college. I’ve never wanted freedom. Not from her. Not once.” I catch Caden stealing a glance at Ruby again. “You should try it on for size.”

“I’m good. Need another beer?” he asks, holding up his empty.

“Sure.”

He sneaks another glance at the landscaper before slipping inside to grab a beer from the kitchen. I’m not the only one who’s figured out he’s got it bad for his buddy’s little sister. That they co-own the gym together does add in a layer of complication, though.

“Are you sure there’s not a budget?” Avery asks, approaching the deck. Ruby waves to her from the gate.

“No budget.”

“I could mortgage another house for what I have planned.” Avery sits on the top stair,

softly stroking Henry’s sun-kissed forehead. “I don’t want to overspend?—”

I cut the gas to the grill, close the lid, and join her on the deck stairs.

“I believe in you, Avery.” I drape an arm around her shoulders and tug her to my side, planting a kiss on her temple. “Whatever you want, whatever you need, we’ll figure it out.” Little does Avery know I’ve been saving for our future for years. I’ve also made some good investments. There’s more than enough money to fund surprise after surprise for this woman.

---