Page 140 of Forbidden Hearts
“Thank you, I can’t wait to get started.”
We hang up, and then I do squeal because I am so damn excited. I send a text to Emmeline first.
I got the job!
Emmeline
I knew you would! That’s amazing! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you come in two weeks.
You’re sure it’s okay if we stay at the inn? I know it’s wedding season.
Emmeline
I do get some perks being the owner’s granddaughter.
Okay. I need to tell Asher. I’ll see you soon!
I get in the car and head to the station because I’d like to see my father as well. When I walk in, Joey is at the front desk.
“What did you do to get this job?” I ask.
“I’ve been on the shit list since the dance.”
I grin. “Really?”
“Yeah, Asher stuck me here until he doesn’t want to throat punch me, however long that is.”
“Ha! That’s what you get for ditching me and making him dance for twenty-four hours.”
He shakes his head, and I head back to where Dad and Asher sit. Asher has his head down, seemingly invested in whatever he’s reading, and it takes him a second to notice me.
“Sweetheart, are you okay?” He stands, coming to me, hands on both my elbows.
“I’m great. Is my dad here?”
“Sure am,” my father says as he comes around the corner. “Hi, Birdie.”
I kiss his cheek. “Daddy, I wanted to tell you both that I am proud to announce I am the project manager for Talking Hands. I will be in charge of coordinating all the ASL recordings from the content creators who are deaf and then working to make sure the app can translate appropriately!”
“I’m so proud of you,” Asher says, pulling me into his arms and kissing my forehead.
“Thank you.”
My dad grumbles. “Enough of that. Good job, honey. I knew you’d find something.”
I did. I found everything when it felt like I had nothing. While this wasn’t my plan, it’s working out in a way I never dreamed of, and I couldn’t be happier.
* * *
We head over on the quad to the Whitlock family fire night, and I’m a little nervous this time. I’m going officially as his girlfriend, which I’m still getting used to.
Also, Grady is back home, and it’s been forever since I’ve seen him. “Stop fidgeting,” Asher says against my ear as he helps me off the ATV.
“I’m trying.”
He chuckles softly, leading me toward the back of the house. We turn the corner and spot Brynn walking toward the fire with a tray of food for the barbeque, and Rowan is digging in the cooler.
Grady notices us first. “Asher!”
