Page 60 of Choosing You

“We were supposed to be celebrating you, and we never did!” She pouted. “I’m sorry!”

Chuckling, he tucked her back to his side and kissed the top of her head. “We celebrated just fine. I told you; I can’t tell anyone about the expansion and partnership yet, but in my mind, I was celebrating. Plus, you and I celebrated plenty, and tonight was really about your family and opening The Ridge. It would have been wrong to pull the focus away from that.”

“Maybe. But the minute you and Devin announce it, we are going to celebrate all over town! Loudly!”

It was adorable how he was kind of blushing, and she wished everyone knew right now just how big of a deal he was.

Without a word, Sloane jumped up from the couch and walked to the kitchen. She was surprised that Will didn’t follow her, but she was quick. Finding the things she wanted, she strolled back into the living room.

“Nice,” he said, laughing.

“I think it makes a statement.” With a grin, she handed him a can of soda and a wine glass and then went about pouring her own soda into her glass. “It’s fizzy, cold, and non-alcoholic. The perfect end to the night.”

“Caffeine?” he teased.

“Okay, maybe not perfect, but I was going more for the fizz since you didn’t have any champagne.” She sat back down beside him and raised her glass. “To you, Will, and to your dreams coming true.”

They touched glasses, and Sloane giggled at the sound before they drank. She’d barely had a sip when Will took the glass from her hand and placed it on the coffee table. Rising, he held out his hand to her.

“As much as I love the sentiment, I’m kind of partial to other forms of celebrating with you.”

Now it was her turn to blush. Placing her hand in his, she stood and allowed him to tug her close. “Last night’s celebration was rather spectacular,” she said softly. “The champagne, the fire roaring in the fireplace, and the strawberries and fresh cream all made for a very romantic setting.”

He pulled her even closer. “Is that what you want, beautiful girl? All the romantic stuff? I don’t have a fireplace or champagne, and I can’t remember the last time there was fresh fruit in the house, but, what I do have are arms that love holding you, a big, warm bed that I can’t wait to lay you down on, and the promise to worship and love every inch of you all night long.”

“Will,” she whispered. “That was the most romantic thing ever.”

Without a word, he took her hand, and, with his eyes on her, led her to the bedroom.

As soon as he closed the door, she was in his arms and he was kissing her, and she had to silently ask herself just whose dream was coming true.

The festival had been a blast and Sunday night came way too soon. She had booked the latest flight she could, but still ended up hating it when it was time to leave.

Will had offered to drive with her to the airport in her rental car and then take an Uber home, but she thought it was crazy. Besides, she ended up having her mother with her, so it wasn’t like they would have gotten any real time alone. The drive to the airport was mainly filled with conversation about the bar, all the new babies, and the festival.

And her mother did most of the talking.

They dropped the car off and got through security at the airport, but it wasn’t until they were waiting to board that the conversation got a little personal.

“So, you and Will seem very happy together,” her mother began.

“Thanks! We are.”

“Of course, it seemed a little soon to be staying at his place instead of with your family, but…that’s just me.”

Okay, here we go…

“Mom, you know the story. I’ve been kissing Will for three years. He’s not exactly a stranger. Plus, our entire family in Sweetbriar Ridge vouched for him. He’s a great guy and this whole long-distance thing sucks. If we had to be all traditional about everything, it would take another three years before we slept together.”

Beside her, Bridget frowned. “I know I’m usually a very open and hip kind of mom, but sometimes it’s weird talking about sex with my kids.”

“Hailey and Max slept together after knowing each other less than forty-eight hours. If you consider that, I’m downright prudish.”

The side-eye she got told her that her comment wasn’t appreciated.

“All I’m saying, Mom, is that it’s not so horrible. Plus, with you and Dad being in town, plus Finn, Ben, and Kyle, Hailey didn’t need anyone else staying with her. She just had a baby, for crying out loud. Cut her a break.”

“Ben and Kyle stayed with your Uncle Ronan. I wanted to be there to help Hailey with my sweet little Layla. I don’t get to see her nearly enough. But hopefully, if things go as planned, your father and I are going to be splitting our time between Sweetbriar Ridge and Florida.” She smiled giddily. “It’s going to be wonderful!”

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