Page 69 of Maximum
“You’remyfavorite,” Noah called out to her with a broad smile.
Placing his arm around my shoulder, Maximum moved closer to me but kept his eyes on the newlyweds. “What’s the plan with you two anyway? How long are you staying on the farm?”
“Why? Are you eager to get us out now that you’re moving in?”
“River, you silly goose.” Maximum shook his head. “I was hoping to see more of you, but you were the one talking about Noah’s looking to buy property for a project.”
“I’m starting a dog training facility. I want to specialize in service dogs.”
This wasn’t news to me, and I leaned in with interest. “Have you found anything?”
“Maybe. The thing is that we’re looking for two things. River wants her own art gallery and I need space for the dog training facility. The gallery needs to be in the city where there are customers, and my facility needs to be on a large plot of land outside the city where the dogs can run and play. We have some properties lined up that we’re going to visit next week.”
I smiled. “That’s exciting.”
“It is, and what’s more exciting is that I’ve finally chosen my new dog.”
“You did?”
“Yes. I want Bernie; he’s fond of me and I feel a bond to him.”
I nodded with satisfaction. “Good. I told you, didn’t I? He’ll be the perfect dog for you.”
Noah looked so happy. “I’ll pay for him of course.”
I snorted. “You bet you will. Now that I know your financial status, I won’t even offer you a discount.”
We laughed together.
“If we manage to find a place soon, would you still take Bernie while we’re in St. Croix?” Noah asked.
“No problem.”
“Good. I know Liv and Charles would look after him, but they would spoil him rotten and I don’t want my dog learning how to beg at the table or jump on the furniture before we’re back again.”
“What’s wrong with feeding the dog at the table or letting them snuggle on the couch?” River asked with a wink to her new husband.
Noah scratched his stubble. “Sounds like I need to train you a little as well.”
“Would you help me unload my car?” Maximum asked him. “I brought as much as I could fit in my Rover.”
Maximum got up from the table and it made River look up at him. “So, you really are moving in?”
With a confident smile, he walked to the door. “Yup, I’ve told Fleur that I don’t care where we live, I just don’t want a long-distance relationship.”
River’s gaze fell on me. “And you feel the same way?”
I think my whole face lit up when my heart answered for me. “I do. We’re not kids and I like the idea of all or nothing.”
“Fair enough, but Max what about your friends back home and rugby?” River asked him.
“It’s only a three-hour drive. It’s not like I’m moving to the US like Atlas. Besides, there’s a rugby team out here that I’ve played against several times. They’re a brutal lot.”
“Then you’ll fit right in.” River’s shoulder eased a bit as if she was finally accepting that we weren’t pranking her. “You’re going to love it here. I thought I’d miss London, but I’m more relaxed and at peace than ever before.”
“Ah, but is that because of nature or me?” Noah teased and got up to help Maximum unload the car. As he passed River, she kissed him. “I’d say it’s both.”
