Page 95 of Raised On It

Lyingon my bed with one arm and one leg wrapped around Lou is my sleeping beauty.

Lou, who always greets me when I come in the house, is wide-awake and looking at me as if asking me what was he supposed to do when she’s all wrapped up in him like this.

I get it, buddy. I wouldn’t get up to greet me if this was my other option.

After snapping a few pictures of her before waking her up, I cuddle up behind her, and she rolls over as soon as she feels me against her.

Giving her a key to my place was the single smartest thing I’ve ever done.

“Hey, baby. Good nap?”

“It was. You better watch out. Lou’s a pretty good cuddler.”

“Mase, I will never share you with another man, but Lou and I have already talked. We have an understanding.”

“Do you now?”

“Sure do. But that’s between a man and his dog. I’m afraid I can’t share those details with you. Just know that he knows where the line is drawn, and he knows not to cross it.”

“Okay, Mr. Montgomery. I will leave that between you and Lou.”

Her fingers trace my jawline, and she cups my face. “How you doing, sweetheart?”

“Better now that I’m here with you.”

CHAPTER 29

Mason

The Smith Family funeral home is standing room only today.

It seems Mel Brown was more than just the local barber to most of the town. As the man who cut the hair of all of the men in town from toddlers to the retired, he was as much of a therapist as he was a barber.

Every business on Main Street is closed for this afternoon’s service. All of Eastlyn is in mourning.

As the new girl in town and for such a short period, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have spent what limited time with him that I did. I was only in the shop once, but I get it. Mel’s is a living, breathing museum, and he loved each and every person in this town. And that love was returned tenfold if the turnout today is any indication.

There have been deaths in my parents' circle of friends, and yes, there is a big turnout to those services as well, but they don’tfeel like this. There is no sense of community or real care for the loved ones who have lost someone dear to them. It all still feels like a business transaction. Everyone is there, so they don’t miss an opportunity, and most of all because of how it looks. And if the O’Briens have one thing down, it’s appearances.

Over this past week, Miles has been just as busy as ever with work. In addition to taking care of Margie and Mel’s family, the arrangements for today, he made sure everyone knew that the shop was still open and trying to keep business flowing to his employees, Mac and Floyd.

This past week reminds me of what it must have been like during the blackout in Vegas. The first day I met Emmett and Amelia at the salon, and how they were talking about how Miles kept everyone calm and was the person in the group who took care of everyone. Just as he’s doing now when the people of Eastlyn, especially when one family in particular, need him most.

If only more of his Crew family were here to support him. With Parker and Audrey all the way on the other side of the country, Rachel and Reece in Africa, and Emmet and Josh now all living out of town, it’s only Miles and Amelia representing their handpicked little family of friends.

Through it all, he has spent more time with me during the week than usual. Not only have we spent all of our evenings together, but I’ve also hung out at the EBC office either writing or wandering about the brewery when he’s on calls or in meetings. He’s asked me to go with him to run errands, let Lou out, and do all things domestic with him. He's even had me go with him when he visited Mel’s family. Watching him with them causes my love for him to run deeper and deeper.

He isn’t putting on a show.

This is who he is.

All of his work this week to make sure today honored his friend in the right way was not for his gain.

He cares about them, and even in their time of sorrow, youcan see their appreciation for his generosity, even if he refuses to really acknowledge everything he’s done for them.

This week has been the first time I have seen Miles treated as more than just the good old local boy who made a name for himself. When people see him in action like he has been, rallying the town together to take care of their own, they look at him like this is his town and they are his citizens. Like he’s the King of Eastlyn. And with me at his side, I have unfairly been treated just as well. I have shook an unknown amount of hands and held babies. I’ve made phone calls and even a pie or two.

Friday night he even spoke during halftime at the high school football game. He helped the Eagles dedicate their season to Mel and spoke as though he were the school representative. It was touching and heartfelt, and my love for Miles and this town grew even stronger that night.