Page 44 of Soulmates and Slapshots
“Anyway,” I say. “We’ve got a date to plan.”
“Absolutely. I’m all yours.”
And just like that, my cheeks are on fire again.
“There you are,” Aunt Dee’s voice rings out as she rushes toward us.
She pulls Weston and me into a group hug before we can react. “Thank you both so much for supporting Maple Falls. It means everything.”
Then she turns to Weston and flashes a sly grin. “And how about that bid from my niece, huh?”
Weston doesn’t even flinch. He looks at me and says, “I’m just honored she chose me. I would’ve done the same for her—and for Maple Falls.”
My heart skips, then pounds against my ribs. I can feel it echoing in my ears.
Aunt Dee grabs my hand. “I’m feeling hopeful again. Maybe now we can stop Alexander MacDonald’s team before they come in here with bulldozers.”
“We’re not going down without a fight,” I say, gripping her hand tighter.
She hugs us both again. “First we stop MacDonald, then we convince you to stay in Maple Falls permanently. I’m not sure which will be more difficult.”
Weston and I exchange a glance, but neither of us says a word. Because as much as I try to dismiss it, the ideadoesn’tsound impossible anymore. There’s just still so much to figure out. And no matter how I feel about Weston or this town, I want to be sure I’m making the right choice forme.
“So,” Weston says, clearly sensing the need to change the subject. “Where are we going on our date?”
“Good question.” I smile. “Any preferences? The options here are endless.”
He grins, lacing his fingers through mine. “I’ll be happy to go anywhere.”
My stomach flutters.
“Which brings me to my next question—are you free tonight?” he asks.
“Yes.”
“Perfect. I’d invite you over, but I’ve got a French guy crashing on my couch.”
“You can come to my place,” I offer without hesitation.
“Your aunt won’t mind?” he teases.
I laugh. “I can almost guarantee it.”
“Alright, I’ll head home and change. This suit’s okay, but I prefer something more comfortable.”
“You look very dapper,” I say honestly.
He leans in and presses a kiss to my forehead, and my insides practically melt. “See you soon.”
As I watch him walk away, my mind is racing. I might be living in a rom-com plotline, but it’s starting to feel more real. I’m getting so used to life here, but the idea of leaving is weighing on me so heavily.
I came to Maple Falls for a change. I just didn’t expect it to changeme.
Since leaving the lodge, my thoughts haven’t stopped spiraling. No matter how hard I try, I can’t quiet the nagging questions. What happens if Alexander MacDonald does win his claim? This place has become more than just a temporary stop for me.
One thing’s for sure—I can’t make any decisions until I know how things play out here. It’s like everything’s teetering on the edge and the whole town’s holding its breath. And while I don’t have all the answers yet, I have some big life changing decisions to make.I’mnot the same person I was a few months ago. If I do go back to New York, I can’t just slide into my old life like nothing happened. I’d need a complete reset.
My thoughts are interrupted by a knock at the door.
