Page 64 of Christmas Home

He chuckled. “Tell me something I didn’t already know.”

“Am I an idiot? He’s so much younger and so good-looking.”

“And you are just as good-looking and smart, and not that much older.”

“I struggle with self-esteem issues, and apparently so does he.”

Corey put his hand over mine. “I think most people do, and that’s not a reason to not pursue a relationship with someone you care about. Now, if you want my opinion, you should go to the café this morning around nine and spend a few minutes with him. Then you need to set up a time you and he can work through some of this, just the two of you.”

I nodded. “You’re right, as usual. Thanks, Corey.”

He got up and patted my back. “I’m going to head back to Nashville and meet with Cliff and Randy to let them know it’s a go. I’d like them to begin buying supplies before the spring building rush begins. Oh, and I’ve talked with Amos and Todd. They said we can use their storage since they’re general contractors. The fact that the hardware store and their storage are attached to the property we’re building seems perfect, huh?”

“It does. Okay, thanks, Corey.”

I checked and had just enough time to shower and get to the café before Clyde’s break. I was on the verge of walking out when Corey looked up at me from his phone. “Um, sorry, but Jake just texted. Roth and Chris want to know if you’re free this afternoon to tour the house.”

I swallowed hard but nodded. “Yeah, I can do it this afternoon.”

“Then I’ll stay another day,” Corey said, much to my relief. I could use some support if I was going to do this, especially if I had a panic attack.

“Um, Corey, would you mind letting them know I might not be able to do a whole tour? It might be too much.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll go talk to Chris while you’re visiting Clyde.”

I nodded. “Thanks. I’d hate to make a scene.”

He gave me an understanding smile as I slipped out the door.

When I showed up at the café, Mrs. Cole beamed. “Ruther, it’s so nice to see you, and I heard the best news about last night. Do you want your usual? I’ll go let Clyde know you’re here.”

She didn’t wait for an answer, just disappeared into the back. I chuckled despite the harrowing news that I would be touring my nightmare this afternoon. I was staring at the salt shaker, lost in my thoughts, when I heard Clyde clear his throat next to me.

His face fell when I looked up. He sat down and, in a whisper, said, “You’re telling me you don’t want me, aren’t you? That’s okay, I understand.” Tears pooled in his eyes, and I quickly took his hand.

“Oh, no, Clyde, I’m here to tell you I love you too. I want you. Hell, I need you, Clyde. It’s just…well, it’s bad timing, is all. I was stupid enough to tell Jake I wanted to tour my old home. He texted Corey right before I came here to inform me Chris and Roth can do it this afternoon.”

Clyde looked stricken, then quickly got up and went to the back. I didn’t know what he was doing until a few moments later, he came out carrying one of Mrs. Cole's famous cinnamon rolls topped with enough butter to bake a cake.

“Mrs. Cole has given me the afternoon off in case you want me to come with you.” He grabbed a cup and filled it with coffee. “Now, tell me how you’re feeling.”

I laughed as I looked at the roll. “If I eat this, I’m going to feel sick. Here, at least eat half of it.”

Clyde smiled but didn’t dig in. “Ruther, are you okay?” he asked, and I had to push back my own tears.

“I’m fucking freaked out,” I whispered so as not to upset the other people with my cussing—something they didn’t tolerate here like they did in New York.

“You’d have to be, Ruther. Um, why now?” he asked.

“Because I love this town, and I love you, by the way. I think that got buried before. Your letter. I love you too. I love you so much.”

He reached over and squeezed my hand, then quickly came over to my side of the booth and snuggled in next to me.

“I’ve been such an idiot, Ruther. I want you to know it wasn’t ever you. Well, maybe it was you, but more like you being too good for the likes of me.”

“Stop that,” I said as I put my arm around him, pulling him into my side. “No one is too good for you, Clyde. Certainly not me.”

He chuckled and wiped away tears, which I hoped were happy tears.

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