Page 104 of Stay for Forever

“Me too!” Petal shouts.

Soon enough all of the Gossip gals are peering into the house through my patio doors.

I drop Juniper’s leg and place my forehead against hers as I catch my breath. Once I’ve got my body under control, I glance toward the doors and open my mouth to tell Feather she can use the downstairs half-bath, but the words die in my throat when I notice the doggy bowls on the floor in the kitchen.

I release Juniper and stalk to the kitchen. The changes aren’t limited to the addition of doggy bowls on the floor, there’s also a red mixer and matching toaster on the counter.

The gossip gals and their restroom needs are forgotten as I prowl through the downstairs of my house. The couch in the living room is now adorned with throw blankets and pillows. There are books and knick-knacks on the previously empty bookshelves. Finally, there are placements and a centerpiece on the dining room table.

“What’s going on?”

Juniper bites her lip. “I moved in?”

I stalk to her and grasp her hands. “You moved in?”

She shrugs. “You said you wanted me to.”

I hate how uncertain she sounds. I squeeze her hands. “I do want you to live with me. I’d get down on my knee and ask you to marry me right here, right now, but I know I need to prove to you I’m here to stay before I propose.”

“I think I figured out you’re here to stay when you announced you’re in love with Juniper on the most watched morning television program in America.”

“You’re not mad I kept your full name and the town secret?” This is the only theory I could come up with to explain why she would be angry with me.

She snorts. “Um, no. One run-in with your rabid fans was enough for me.”

“They weren’t rabid.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “Right. They were completely normal.”

“I can’t keep your name and this town secret forever. Eventually, people will find out.”

“I know. I’m not saying I’m not going to freak out the first time one of those paparazzi print a picture of me covered in llama dung, but I’ll deal.”

I growl. “No, you won’t. I’ll deal with the press.”

“Hey!” She pokes me in the chest. “We’re supposed to be partners. We’ll deal with any press challenges together.”

I capture her hand before she can poke me again. “I know we’re partners, but partners can split tasks. I’ll leave you to handle the animals. I assume you’ve brought all your creatures here to live with us as well?”

“Except Dale. I know he freaks you out.”

I will never admit it, but the little chipmunk definitely freaks me out.

Juniper giggles at my silent admission. “Forest took him. He was missing his brother Chip anyway.”

“And Meowise is here somewhere?”

She cringes. “Fingers crossed she’s not leaving presents for you in your shoes.”

I sigh. “I’ll buy new ones.” For my June Bug, I’ll do anything. Including tell the press where to shove it when they invade her privacy. “We have a deal then? You’ll handle the animals, and I’ll handle the press.”

“Fine.” She gives in. “But if anyone approaches me in person, I’m handling it my way.”

“I’ll warn the press about your penchant for flinging animal poop,” I tease.

“You throw poop at a person one time,” she mutters as she grins up at me and my heart warms. Home. I’m home. I don’t mean the house we’re standing in, I mean Juniper – she’s my home.

I grin. “Does this mean you’re ready for me to propose?” I start to kneel, and she squeals as she stops me.

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