Page 136 of Small Town Firsts
“Let’s wait until tomorrow. Today is going to be too crazy.” Ronan came over to us and patted Annette’s shoulder.
“Agreed.”
“You okay, kiddo?” he asked Annette.
“No.” She pulled away from me and swiped at her eyes. “I will be, but not right now.”
“Why don’t you go home and get a shower? We understand if you can’t do the opening under the circumstances.”
She shook her head. “No. This is my job. I’m not gonna let some asshole ruin today. Not after we worked so hard.” She sniffed. “I will go home and take a shower though. And put on my warpaint.”
I gave her a small smile. “That’s the best way.”
She clutched my hand. “I’m sorry, Kira.”
“Don’t be sorry. You didn’t know.”
“I didn’t. I swear it.”
Ronan came up beside me and placed his hand on my shoulder. “We know. He had us all fooled.”
She nodded and her eyes filled again. “I gotta go.”
“Go. We’ll see you tonight.”
She took off and I turned into Ronan’s arms. “Well, that wasn’t how I saw today going.”
He kissed the top of my head. “Me neither, Sunshine. But we faced it together. And now we will do this opening together.”
“And then I’ll marry you?”
He slung an arm around my shoulders. “Are you saying I’m too predictable?”
“No. I’m saying I like you just how you are.”
“Like?”
“Love, Viking.”
EPILOGUE
RONAN
I stoodbeside Kira’s swing. Twilight was a swath of hot pink and purple over the orchard below. Music from the nearby concert lit the air, leaving behind a faint rumble of bass from the powerful speakers. We were about to open the doors, but I needed a second alone before the chaos began.
I’d come to Brothers Three Orchard for a fresh start and a chance at proving myself on my own merit. I’d started my career as a hired gun, happy to play in the background until I’d grown restless. Then Beckett found me and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.
The moment I stepped on the property, my life changed in so many ways.
I created relationships born out of the same passions. Some new friends and some old friends who needed a place to heal.
I had a job that fit me down to the ground and gave me room to grow into my skills. And I was pretty sure it would turn into a partnership someday.
I turned away from the fiery sky to see Kira at the top of the stairs.
She was the best part of all of this. My muse, my passion, and the love of my damn life. She didn’t know it, but I was going toactually ask her to marry me tonight. I tucked my hand into my pocket and pulled out the ring my mother had sent.
I knew tonight would be too crazy for her to meet my whole family, but Brighid Parrish wouldn’t wait long to meet her future daughter-in-law. I had a feeling the entire Parrish clan was setting up flights to come out here.
