Page 5 of Over the Moon

“No. I just drove straight here. But I can’t wait to go explore a little.”

“Oh, there’s so many cute shops and great places to eat. You’ll have to stop by my flower shop.”

“You own a flower shop?” I asked.

“I do. It’s called Vintage Rose, and there’s a boutique attached owned by a friend of mine.”

“That sounds like my cup of tea,” I said. “I’ll definitely stop by.”

“I just live in the main house on my own, so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to come on over.”

I was renting the little guest cottage behind her home. It was a charming white ranch house with black shutters, and the guesthouse was just a smaller version with the same aesthetic.

“I love the flower boxes you have on both houses. It’s so charming,” I said.

“Well, decorating is my love language,” she chuckled. “I think it adds some nice curb appeal with that splash of color.”

“It’s amazing. And the décor in here is absolute perfection.” I moved through the space, admiring all the details. White shiplap on the walls, a small white couch with pink floral throw pillows, and a crystal chandelier above. It looked like something out of a magazine.

“Thank you. My dad thought it was too girly, but I’m just fine if women are drawn to the place,” she shrugged.

“I don’t think you are going to ever have a hard time renting this place out.” I stopped in the kitchen and gaped at how cute the turquoise-colored oven with bronze knobs was. There was a matching vintage refrigerator. It was the perfect pop of color with the white quartz countertops, white cabinets, and white subway tile backsplash. “This kitchen is dreamy.”

“Ohhhh,” she squealed. “This makes me so happy. You’re really the first person to see the place all done, outside of my family, and they don’t get very excited about home décor.”

“Well, you killed it.” I paused and looked at her. Emilia was definitely someone I would be friends with. We appeared to be about the same age, and I loved her style. She was petite with long dark hair and striking bright blue eyes. She was sweet and just gave off those friend vibes. “So, what do people our age do for fun around here?”

“Well, there’s the river, which is in peak season right now. We’ve got great rafting, but it’s also just a fun place to hang out on the weekends even if you don’t want to take a death ride down the river. And then you’ve got Booze & Brews, which is where all the locals hang out on the weekends. Honey Biscuit Café has the best food in town—just avoid the mac and cheese because it’s rich and can be a little tough on your stomach,” she chuckled. “Anyway, probably TMI with that, but if you ever want to hang out, just let me know. I’d be happy to show you around.”

“I’d love that. I don’t know anyone here,” I said.

“Well, you know Clark Chadwick, so you’ll be in with the Chadwick family in no time. They’re a tight bunch.” Her cheeks pinked the slightest bit, which made me wonder if she was dating one of them.

“I don’t know Clark at all. I’ve met him twice, and I wouldn’t exactly say we hit it off. So, this job might be a little challenging.”

Her eyes widened at my admission, and I prayed to God she wasn’t dating one of the Chadwicks and I didn’t just stick my foot in my mouth.

“He’s actually really nice. They don’t care much for me, so we’re friendly, but just in passing.”

“Oh, tell me more,” I said, as I hopped up to sit on the counter.

Her head tipped back in laughter. “It’s nothing exciting. My family owns theRosewood River Review. I don’t think the Chadwicks are fans of the newspaper.”

“Really? Clark Chadwick is on the front page of almost every newspaper in the country right now, yet he has a problem with his small-town newspaper?”

“There is this anonymous column in the newspaper, and it’s called theTaylor Tea. You know, they dish the tea.” She shrugged, and her smile was forced as if she wasn’t too pleased about it. “And the Chadwicks are a hot topic in this town. They are never fully named, but a lot of the articles appear to be about them.”

“And they have a problem with it?”

“Apparently so. Or maybe they just don’t like me… I don’t know.” She waved her hands, and her cheeks flushed once again. “The oldest brother, Bridger, just seems to despise me. The others sort of fake it, but Easton’s and Rafe’s girlfriends, Henley and Lulu, are really nice, and they come by the flower shop often. So at least they don’t seem offended by me.”

“I can’t imagine anyone being offended by you,” I said, and I meant it, because I had no doubt that Emilia Taylor was as genuine as they come. “And the oldest brother being that worked up about your parents owning a newspaper is ridiculous. Newspapers have been around since long before we were born. What is his deal?”

I was already annoyed with Clark Chadwick, but now they all sounded like a bunch of jackasses.

She shook her head, and her eyes were wide. “No, they’re great. Really. Everyone loves the Chadwicks.”

I certainly wasn’t impressed.

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