Page 94 of Choosing You

“Devin, seriously,” Sloane began, “Thank you for all your help. We couldn’t have coordinated all the helpers without you. My family’s helping too, but…”

“It takes a village. I get it. And you’re not just moving in; you’re having to move stuff out of Will’s house at the same time. There’s going to be a lot going on to get it all done the right way.”

“I know. It makes me nervous just thinking about it,” she said.

“Don’t be nervous,” Will assured her. “Even if it all doesn’t get done tomorrow, it’s going to get done. Don’t worry. We’ve got it under control.”

“Yes, we do. Welcome to Sweetbriar Ridge, Sloane,” Devin said before he spun MacKenzie in his arms as they danced away.

“That was wrong,” Will said, pulling Sloane close against him.

“What? What was wrong?”

“What he just said. It was wrong.”

She was thoroughly confused, which she told him.

Leaning down, Will kissed her—softly, then a little deeper. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against hers.

“Welcome home, Sloane.”

And then she understood. Sighing happily, she hugged him tightly. “It’s good to finally be home.”

They danced a little while longer, and when they stepped off the dance floor, he heard her sigh again. “You okay?”

“What? Oh, yeah. I’m fine.”

“Sloane?”

“Hmm?”

“Come on. What were you just thinking?”

“I’m thinking that…nothing is ever going to compare to this weekend,” she said, but she was smiling. “I worked so hard to surprise you—which I totally did—and then there was this amazing festival and we were surrounded by friends and family the entire time! And tomorrow, everyone’s helping us finish the move and get settled and…like what’s going to happen come Tuesday? It’s going to be such a huge letdown to just wake up and have life be boring again.”

For a minute, he wasn’t sure if he should be offended or not. “Wow. Way to give up so easily,” he teased, nudging her shoulder. “Life will never get boring now that we’re together. We’re both too adventurous and playful to let that happen. Plus, you’re going to be starting a new career…”

“Um, pretty much the same career, new place,” she corrected.

“It’s new because it’s here and you’re going to be working with Levi, who is way cooler than your previous boss.”

“I suppose.”

“We’re going to be fixing up the house to make it work for us, and if it doesn’t, then we’ll find one that does!”

“Really? I didn’t expect you to have to sell your house, Will! That’s crazy!”

“My landlords are my parents, so this was always just going to be a starter home. Besides, I want a home that works for both of us. Not just me. And I want it to be a place that has both our stamps on it. You know my house is pretty basic, but your apartment back in Florida was full of life and color. I want that here.”

“Me too!” she said a little too quickly and then caught herself. “I mean…I love your house, but I was hoping you’d be okay with me adding a little more of my own touch to it.”

“Are you kidding? I was hoping you would!”

She hugged him again before they walked around a bit more. Things were winding down and he was a little eager to wrap things up and go home.

He had a feeling he was going to be feeling that way for a very long time.

“Ooh, look! My parents and Hailey are waving us over. Do you mind if we go and sit with them for a little while?”

---