Page 33 of So Right
Luke leaned forward, suddenly very alert. And expectant. And maybe a wee bit excited.
Jamie turned toward Cam. “Any chance Brooke is giving notice at the lofts? I’d kind of like my own digs.” He jerked his head toward Luke. “No offense, bro. Our situation is great and was super helpful after we sank all this money into buying the vineyard.”
“None taken.” Luke felt as though something that had been coiled tight inside him was beginning to unfurl.
“Actually, Brooke did give notice just yesterday,” Cam said. “She thought she knew someone who might want it, but it turns out they don’t.”
Jamie grinned. “Excellent. I’ll contact the property manager and submit an application. Hopefully beat anybody else to the punch.” He looked back to Luke. “You okay with that?”
“Yeah.” More than okay. He was ecstatic. “How soon do you think you’ll move?”
Cam laughed. “Can’t wait to get rid of him, eh? I can’t blame you. He’s always been the messy one.”
“Hey. I’m cleaner now,” Jamie protested.
“Not much,” Luke stage-whispered toward Cam.
Jamie snorted and jumped to his feet. “I’m going to call the manager now. Catch you losers later.”
“Good talk,” Cam yelled after him as he left. He turned his head back to look at Luke. “How was your hike yesterday?”
Luke hadn’t mentioned that he’d gone with Kelsey and decided not to say anything now. Not after what had happened. Not since he doubted there’d be a repeat, though he hoped he was wrong.
“It was good. Just an out and back at Gales Creek.”
“I bet it felt great to have a day to yourself. You more than deserve it.”
Luke appreciated the sentiment. He was surprised at how much he enjoyed working with his brothers. He’d been a little nervous about it at first, because he did enjoy his autonomy so much, but things had turned out well so far. “Thanks. You deserve some time off too. Maybe with Brooke joining the team, you’ll be able to do that.”
“That’s the idea. I need more time to spend with my future wife—we have wedding planning to do, apparently.”
Luke laughed. “Well, you’ll be spending a lot more time with her.”
“Yes, but I mean nonwork related. I just need to get through the cellar club dinner and then we can focus on wedding plans.”
“You pick a date yet?”
“Not yet. That’s something else I need to talk to you guys about. We’d like to get married in the vineyard and have the reception here.”
For some odd and very stupid reason, Luke felt a burn of envy. He was very proprietary about his vineyard, and it just felt like if someone was going to get married in it, that person should be him. Which was ridiculous. “I have no problem with that. Makes sense, really.”
Cam exhaled. “I’m so glad you feel that way. I was concerned you wouldn’t want us messing with the vineyard. Actually, I see us getting married closer to the winery here, really with the vineyard in the background. We’re looking at dates in June.”
“Weather’s tricky in June,” Luke said. “But we’ll have a few more tents by then.” Part of their long-term planning involved adding a few tents every year as their events grew over time. They planned on hosting dinners in the vineyard and during certain times of the year, Oregon weather could be unreliable.
“Yeah, that’s my thought. We talked about August, but I think we’d rather get married sooner than later.” His eyes took on a far-off look—that blissed-out expression again. “That’s what happens when you find The One. You can’t wait to start your life together. Which we already have, really.”
“I think it’s great.” Luke was really happy for his brother, particularly after the heartache he’d endured.
“Thanks, bro.” Cam stood. “I’m going to go talk to Hayden about Brooke, since he didn’t make his way up here.”
“Good plan. Catch you later.”
Cam waved as he left, and Luke went back to finishing his sandwich. Damn, he was going to have his own place again! He could hardly wait.
And yet, he was surprisingly envious of Cam and his happiness with Brooke. Luke had never seen his brother so full of joy and peace.
His mind turned to Kelsey again, and he promptly told himself to knock it off. She’d tried to dissuade him when he’d asked her out.But then she’d changed her mind,he reminded himself. Her nonverbals yesterday had told him all he really needed to know—she still wasn’t over her last relationship. Not that he could blame her. He wished the timing were different, because he really liked her.
