Page 61 of Falling for the Guy Next Door

“How is your mom?” Layla asked.

“She’s improved a lot. The drastic change is hard to believe. And she’s smiling again. My mom was always one of those people who found humor in everything, but the pain she was suffering—it brought her really low. This specialist was a genius. He knew exactly what her problem was, and he took care of it. Now she’ll have some months of physical therapy, but he doesn’t see why she couldn’t get back to her normal life by the end of the year. She was already making big plans for Christmas baking. She makes these chocolate-dipped brown sugar shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth.”

“That’s sounds yummy. And your sister?”

“Becky is making plans to go back to college. She’ll still work part-time, and I’ll help with the rest of the bills. Which brings me to something else.” We sat on the couch, and Rocky planted himself at my feet. “I’ve spoken to Audrey. She’s letting me lease this place through the winter for a good price. While I was in Texas, I had a few video chats with a man named Aaron Sumner. He’s a master carpenter who lives in Fairview, and he’s looking for an apprentice. I’ve always wanted to learn carpentry and to learn it from someone like him is a one in a million opportunity. I start after this construction job is finished. He’ll pay me, not quite as well as the construction company, but I’ve got enough coming in from music downloads to fill in the gaps.”

Layla sat up excitedly. “So, you’re staying?”

“You didn’t think I’d be able to walk away from you, did you?” I took her hand in mine.

“Well, I was hoping to make it impossible for you.”

“And you have. Rocky feels the same way.”

Layla laughed. “The two of you were talking behind my back, eh?”

“We have our guy chats, and you’re one of our favorite topics. What happened with Dustin’s hearing?”

“He’s going to do some jail time and pay for all the damages, and Aria insisted I ask for a restraining order. I still can’t believe it got that far.” Layla scooted closer to me and rested her head against my shoulder. “I’m glad you’re back, and I’m really glad you’re staying.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Layla. For the longest time I felt like something was missing in my life, and it turned out she was right here in Whisper Cove just waiting for me to find her.”

“I’m really glad you found me, Nash.”

Epilogue

Layla

One year later

Margaret Greyson muttered a string of words not fit for a lady, or, for that matter, a wedding day, as she trekked across the sand in her shiny green high heels. It wasn’t as if it was a surprise to find that the ceremony was taking place on the beach. Isla had even added a note to her guests about dressing for sand and sun. Apparently, her future mother-in-law thought sand and sun meant high heels and a snug designer dress. She was also decked out in enough diamonds to make the gulls eye her jewelry as if it was rock candy.

“This whole wedding is worth it just for this moment.” Luke’s sister, Rachel had come up next to me. “My mom hiking across hot sand in ten-thousand-dollar heels.”

I looked over at her. “Ten thousand? Dollars? One pair of shoes?”

Rachel smiled. “Trust me, those are her cheapest pair. I suppose I should help her, although it is more fun watching this.” Rachel headed toward her mother. Luke’s dad, Marcus, had stayed behind in the cottage to make a few phone calls. Apparently, even his son’s wedding day wasn’t off limits for business.

Nash came up behind me and whispered in my ear. “Have I mentioned how hot you look in that bridesmaid’s dress?”

His breath tickled my neck. I giggled as I spun around. “Uh, about a dozen times, but that doesn’t mean you should stop saying it. Thank you for helping Dex set up that arch. It looks beautiful.” A wrought iron arch had been wrapped in pink roses and vines, and behind it was a small, portable dais for the ceremony. Luke’s grandmother, Hazel, had applied online to be ordained, so she could perform the ceremony. She’d been sitting on one of the chairs practicing her speech since she arrived. She was dressed adorably in a teal blue dress with white pearls and earrings to go along with the beach theme. Our dad, Harold, and his wife, Helen, were sitting a few chairs down. It had been a while since we’d seen either of them. Dad had gotten older, and he was having problems with his knees; at least, that was the main topic of conversation I had with him. He was almost a stranger in our lives, and as Nonna always loved to say—that was his loss. At least they’d made the trip for the wedding.

Rhett and Jack had formed an almost instant bond when Jack had joined the family group, and the two of them were standing in the shade of the hillside, talking.

Dex walked over. It had taken some effort, but Aria finally found a suit big enough to fit his massive build. The coat was stretched tight, but he looked incredibly handsome. “I’ve had word from big sis that you’re wanted back up at the house,” he told me. “And Nash, you can give me a hand grabbing a few more chairs.” Dex had taken Nash under his wing as the newest member of our large group.

“Yep, I’m coming.” Nash turned to kiss me.

Since there were guests going in and out of our home, Nash lent us the cottage next door, which he now owned, so Isla could get ready without disruption. I’d been sent down earlier to make sure everything on the beach was going smoothly. Other than Margaret Greyson’s grumpy tirade, everything was moving along.

I walked up the path to Nash’s house. Rocky met me as I stepped inside. “This is all a lot of chaos, isn’t it, Rocky? Thanks for watching over my sisters.”

A flurry of laughter floated out from the spare bedroom where Isla had set up her makeup and hair stations. Isla had decided to allow her golden hair to be down, but she had pinned up the sides with sparkly clips. She’d opted for simple makeup, appropriate for a beach wedding. And her dress was simple white silk with a lace bodice and long flowing train. The emerald choker and earrings Hazel had given her as a pre-wedding gift sparkled on her neck and ears. She looked nothing short of stunning.

Ella sat on the edge of the guest bed frantically typing on her laptop. She’d come up to a deadline, and the wedding had caused her to get behind on work. Ava was behind Isla’s dress, trying to straighten out the folds. Aria stood in front of Isla with her hand on her chin and a scrutinizing gaze. The beautiful diamond engagement ring from Dex sparkled on her finger. “I think you need a little more blush,” she said. Margaret had offered to send her professional makeup and hair team for the wedding, but Isla had turned down the offer, knowing full well they wouldn’t be able to achieve the pretty, natural and coastal look she envisioned.

“No more commentary, Aria, seriously,” Isla said curtly. The stress was getting to her. Up until a week ago, she’d handled her wedding plans seamlessly, even managing to keep Margaret happy by accommodating some of her requests, but last week, it suddenly hit my sister that she was truly getting married. Not that she had even the slightest doubt that she was going to live happily ever after with her prince, but because we’d all grown up so close in our small town, her marriage to Luke Greyson was going to change all that. She’d have her own house to run, and our wonderful little cottage would just be a place she came to visit.

---