Page 108 of Unbridled

“At least until you’re ready to let it go. Or it couldn’t hurt to keep it as an asset. You probably have equity in it already and that investment will continue to grow.” Apparently, Dayne had put on his official Chief Financial Officer’s hat.

“That could work, but what about my income?” That was a huge obstacle she couldn’t ignore.

Heath blew out a breath. “This week we tried to come up with a solution for that but without your input we struggled.”

Interesting.“Whatdidyou come up with?” She was pleased to hear they wanted her with them badly enough that they made an effort to find a way.

“We thought about the obvious first. Between Penn State University and Centre County, there’s a larger library system in State College, but neither Dayne nor I are thrilled you’d have to drive that distance during winter.”

“They would need openings, too,” she reminded them. “Those are few and far between.”

Heath sighed. “Right. We even checked for librarian openings in the surrounding school districts.”

“And you found nothing.” She didn’t want to admit that one night she had checked, too. Just in case.

“Another option we considered was you starting a small bookstore here in Fisher Falls,” Dayne added.

“I can’t imagine that decision would be financially sound.” Especially with the town’s population being so small. She eyed up Dayne since he was the numbers guy.

“It wouldn’t,” he admitted reluctantly.

“So, not really an option but good if I was looking for a hobby,” she surmised.

“Yes. However, after that, I began sending out inquiries to some of my former clients. I figured it couldn’t hurt to throw a wider net.”

Heath nudged her shoulder with his. “I put out some feelers, too.”

Before she could respond, Dayne announced, “Yesterday, I got an email from the library director at Stockford, an accredited online university. She said they might be lookingfor a virtual librarian for their academic library. Since all their classes are held online, they don’t have a physical location. You would never have to drive anywhere to do your job. It’s not a sure thing, but at least it’s a lead. If you’re interested, I can pass along the director’s information.”

Holy crap.

Avirtuallibrarian? Why hadn’t she looked into that before now? There had to be more positions similar to that since online education was growing every year. It was the wave of the future. “I definitely want her information.”

“Good. I was hoping you’d say that. If you land a position like that, your problem—ourproblem—would be solved. If you keep your house, what else would it take for you to shack up with us?” Dayne wiggled his eyebrows.

“I could think of one,” Heath answered. “There’s something else we haven’t discussed yet that’s as important, if notthemost important.”

Cara’s eyebrows raised. “What’s that?”

“How we truly feel about you.”

Her heart did a somersault. After six months she had a good idea, but not one of them had revealed their true feelings yet. At least not to her.

“Last weekend, we admitted we loved each other,” Heath started, then grinned. “I think Dayne had a panic attack doing so, but he survived.”

Dayne flapped a dismissive hand around and huffed, “No, I didn’t.”

She was sure Heath was telling the truth and Dayne wasn’t. Cara pinned her lips together to keep from laughing since this was supposed to be a serious moment. “That’s great.” She meant it, too.

“We also love you, sweetheart. Truly and completely with our hearts and souls. That’s what fueled the desire tolive together and to find a way for you to be with us. We love you and we want you here, too. You’re a big part of us and our lives wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Her mouth opened. She needed to tell them she felt the same. But first… “Are you only telling me this now so I’ll agree to move up here?”

“No,” Heath answered. “We’re telling you because we want you to know what’s deep within our hearts.”

“Of course we’re telling you now to help influence your decision!” Dayne spouted. He then shrugged. “But itistrue. We’re not lying about loving you. We both do and we can’t live without you.” He glanced over at Heath. “Or each other.”

“It’s fine if you don’t feel the same way yet. We have no doubt that, in time?—”

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