Page 100 of Over the Moon

Eloise was laughing at Cutler, as he was pouring on the charm, and I just took it all in. I knew there was a lot of unknowns right now. I knew everything would change when we left Rosewood River next week.

But for whatever reason, this moment right here, felt like a glimpse into our future.

I’d never say it aloud because it would freak Eloise out, and my brothers would give me shit for thinking this way.

But when I glanced over my shoulder, seeing her head tipped back in laughter, with the sun shining down above us, and Cutler riding beside her, I swear she looked like forever.

And I’ve never known what forever looked like, so that was quite a strong revelation.

Maybe I was just feeling this type of way because my brother was getting engaged tonight.

Maybe it was because I knew everything was about to change, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

Or maybe it was because I was in love with the one girl I couldn’t have.

But I’ve never shied away from a challenge. And I sure as shit wouldn’t start now.

I just needed to figure out a way to make it work.

“I can’t believe Uncle E is proposing, and we get to watch,” Cutler whispered to his mama, and she smiled down at him.

Man, my sister was made for motherhood. She’s been everything Nash and Cutler were missing, and seeing them become a family together was pretty amazing to watch.

Eloise was part of the family after months of being around us, and meeting my sister, Emerson, made it official. The Chadwick family not only approved, but they loved her. I hadn’t shared all the details of our relationship with everyone—obviously, my brothers and my sister knew we were more than friends. I assumed my parents and my aunt and uncle figured out that there was more going on here than we’d shared.

But they hadn’t pressed, because I think everyone understood that it was complicated.

Emilia arrived, and Eloise waved her over to where we were standing, and they both went on and on about how good the barn looked. Twinkle lights covered every beam overhead, and hay bales were placed all around the large barn, with bouquets of pink flowers and framed pictures of Easton and Henley sitting on every surface. Easton was going all out. There was a tablewith donuts and chocolate milk, because that was their thing, and he’d planned a big barbecue after he proposed that Easton was having catered in Bridger’s backyard.

Eloise smiled up at me. “This is stunning, isn’t it?”

“It is. He’s doing it right.” I winked at her.

I wanted to pull her into my arms, but we were careful about how we acted in public, so I stopped myself. Our hands brushed, and my pinky finger wrapped around hers.

My mom walked over, hugging all three of us as she clapped her hands together. “I can’t believe he’s proposing, and we get to be here for it.”

“Yeah, this is pretty cool,” I nodded.

“It sure is,” Mom said, before turning to look at Eloise. “You’ve only got one week left before you all head back to the city. I know you said you wanted me to teach you how to make my lasagna, so you just tell me what day works for you this week, and I’ll get everything set up.”

“Thank you. I would love that so much. I swear, I dream about it. It is the best lasagna I’ve ever had,” Eloise said, and she didn’t pull her hand away from where mine was connected to hers.

It meant something to me, the way she and my mom got along. The effort that Eloise made to get to know them. The way my family had welcomed her in as if she were already part of the family.

It spoke volumes.

“She has been talking about this lasagna for weeks,” Emilia said with a laugh.

“Well, that makes me awfully happy. I would love nothing more than to share this with you. I’m available every afternoon, so you just text me and let me know what day you want to come over.”

She nodded, just as the door flew open, and Lulu and Rafe walked in, with Henley’s father, mother, and stepfather behind them. My mom hurried over to greet them.

“It’s game time, people!” Lulu said, glancing around and smiling as if she was pleased with how good it all looked now that the sun was going down, and the lights were shining on the space from overhead. “They are on their way here.”

She filled us in on how it would play out. Easton had told Henley that he was taking her to dinner, when Bridger had phoned them that he had an issue at the barn and needed Easton’s help real quick.

“Those are Henley’s parents, right?” Eloise whispered to me.

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