Page 56 of More Than a Blind Date

After a wave at the few still sitting around and chatting, we walk up to our room.

Sharing a room doesn’t feel as awkward as it did the last time, but back then, I barely knew her. It’s been nearly six months, and we’ve spent a lot of hours together.

She hoists her suitcase onto the foot of the bed. “You can have the bathroom first. I’ll take longer.”

“I could’ve lifted that for you.”

She smirks. “I’m capable.”

With one tiny sentence, she has me thinking about kissing her.

I grab shorts and a tee. I’m guessing she’ll blast the heat, and I’ll lose the shirt sometime during the night, but her comfort is more important. Then I pick up my toiletry bag. “I won’t be long.”

When I step back into the room, she’s in flannel pajamas, and her hair is in a knot on the top of her head. And the suitcase is no longer on the bed.

“Choose whatever side you want. I’m not picky.” She disappears into the bathroom.

I slide under the covers and stare at the ceiling.

Twenty minutes later, she crawls in bed and rolls to her side so that she’s facing me. “I did a quick mask thing. That’s why it took so long. I’ve been upping my skincare game so that I look good for the wedding.”

“You’re beautiful, Zuzu. Mask or no mask.” And now I have Mason’s voice in my head. The kid would be happy that I’ve been honest with Rose about finding her pretty.

She sighs. “Are you sleepy or can we chat for a bit?”

I extend my arm, inviting her to cuddle up. “I’m awake. What’s on your mind?”

She snuggles against my side. “Dad is avoiding any talk about the new location, and that has me nervous. Leaving the family business would hurt. A lot. I’m trying to think of what I can do to salvage things.”

“You really love that place.”

“When I was little, I’d do my homework in the back of the shop and listen to my parents talk to customers about flowers. Then when I was a bit older, I’d answer questions for customers.That was my first job. I’ve never worked anywhere else. It’s a part of me. Know what I mean?”

“I do. Emotional ties are not easily broken.”

If she stays, she’ll never be free of her mom’s manipulation. But since she loves the flower shop, I’ll support her any way I can. Even if it’s just holding her when she cries.

“I’ve talked about my dreams and what I want. What about you?”

“Working a ranch is what I love. I have great friends, some of which are covering for me this weekend and helping Colt. I see my aunt more than I ever did before, and I think my mom would approve of that. Family was a big deal to my mom.”

“I wish my family was as awesome as Tandy.”

I chuckle. “At least your parents don’t ask your friends to pose with their shirts off.”

“She didn’t!” Rose giggles. “How funny.”

“Not all the guys would agree with you.”

Still cuddled against me, she draws hearts on my T-shirt. “That night at the restaurant when I dropped the ring, what made you say yes?”

I’ve noodled that question a lot. “In that moment, I was the one who could wipe the worry off your face. Plus, I didn’t want you asking someone who would end up taking advantage of you.”

For the next hour in a room lit only by the splinter of moonlight spilling around the edge of the blinds, Rose and I talk. And when she falls quiet and her breathing changes, I kiss the top of her head.

The fencing I ordered should be in when I get back, and I’ll work extra hours this week to get the fields and the garden shed ready. After the wedding, I’ll take Rose out there and tell her how I feel. That I haven’t been pretending for a long time, and I can’t imagine spending my life without her.

The ladies haveall gathered in a meeting room to have a pajama party, and the guys are seated in the bar, enjoying cocktails. Some are playing cards. Others are throwing darts. I’m tucked in a corner, watching the fun and enjoying my drink. And because I’m lucky, Richard sits down at my table.

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