Page 76 of Choosing You

“Why’d you feel left out?”

“Okay, this is something I swear I am working on, and I don’t want you to think any less of me because of it.”

“Um…”

“You talked to my dad and my brothers, so you obviously know how much theyloveto talk about cars, right?”

Another nod.

“Well, I hate cars. Like…” She groaned. “I can say with great honesty that I am openly hostile about them.”

Shit. That wasn’t something he could change. That’s what he did for a living; it was his passion. He was about to say that, but she was one step ahead of him.

“I would never make you choose between me and cars, Will. What I came to realize was…my dad and my brothers…that was their thing. They worked on cars, went to car shows, watched things on TV about it. He had that connection with them, and I felt left out. Subconsciously, I started hating cars when what I was really feeling was disappointment because…”

“Because your dad didn’t have something like that with you.”

Her shoulders sagged. “Exactly. I know now that the two are completely separate, but it’s not like a switch I can just turn off. Going to the car museum with you yesterday was actually very fascinating and I didn’t hate it.”

Taking her hand, he kissed it. “Baby steps.”

She agreed. “Baby steps.” After another sip of coffee, she went on. “That was one obstacle I had to get over. The other was the whole small-town thing. I’m so used to this life—the big city thing. Moving to Sweetbriar Ridge? That move kind of scares me.”

“O-kay…”

“But really, what’s the point of having all these conveniences, if I have no one to go out with? I mean, sure, I can make new friends, but I think I’m just afraid of change.”

Again, he had no idea what to say because it sounded like she was having second thoughts.

“Having you and Hailey there with me is going to make it easier, but I just hope you can be patient with me. You’re at such an amazing time in your career and you’re achieving one of your dreams that I don’t want to drag you down.”

Leaning in, he cupped her face. “Beautiful girl, don’t you get it? All that success hasn’t meant a damn thing to me because you’re not there to share it with. We talk on the phone and text, but it’s not the same. I want to come home at the end of the day and see your face. I want to talk to you until we both fall asleep, and then wake up and have you be the first thing I see each day.”

“I love you so much, Will. It scares me because even though my head kept telling me this wouldn’t work, my heart wouldn’t let you go.”

Relief washed over him. “That’s because we’re meant to be.” He shook his head and laughed. “It still seems so crazy. I still have a hard time believing that we have what we have because of the town’s festivals and a kissing booth.”

“Well, I—for one—am extremely grateful for the festivals and the kissing booth.” Pausing for a moment, she studied him and then grinned. “You’re not scheduled to work anymore festivals, are you? I don’t think I could handle knowing my man was kissing half the women in town!”

He couldn’t help but chuckle again. “Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it, but I think my kissing booth days are over. There’s only one girl I want to kiss, and I’ve got her.”

There was a very satisfied grin on her face as she took a forkful of her breakfast.

The next festival wasn’t until Halloween, which was still a little over six weeks away. Just the thought of being able to share it with her—in its entirety this time—was kind of exciting. Meet in the Streets was fun, but it was on a much smaller scale than the town’s typical festivals. “So…how much do you know about our festivals—other than the kissing booth? Did you do any of the other things that went on?”

“Not really. That first one I went to, Ashlynn sort of dragged me there with the sole intention of watching me kiss someone. I’d told her about my quirky little hobby, and she wanted to see it for herself.”

“That’s a little weird.”

And there’s my confirmation that she was the one who knew all along!

“Tell me about it. She’s the fun cousin and probably the only one I would have done something like that with. All the rides and games and food always looked so good, but after I got hooked on kissing you, I didn’t want to risk running into you out and about at the festivals.”

That was kind of funny to him. “Well, let me tell you, you are in for a treat. The Halloween one is possibly my favorite. People dress up, there’s a haunted house, hayrides, pumpkin patches…I’m telling you, it’s a blast. Then there’s the fall festival up at Summit Ridge, which is like our Halloween festival, but on steroids, and no costumes. After that, it’s the Christmas festival and, even though it’s always super cold out, it’s kind of magical. There are horse-drawn sleighs, hot cocoa booths, more cookies than any town should be allowed, and, of course, Santa. And it’s even better when it snows!”

“So you love these festivals. Is that what you’re saying?”

“The whole town does!” he replied, grinning. “Ask any of your cousins, and they’ll tell you that they are the freaking best! They typically run Friday through Sunday—at least, most of them do. Businesses shut down and it is a town-wide party. And the Halloween one? People are encouraged to spend most of the weekend in costume—not just the kids, but the adults too. It’s awesome!”

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