Page 65 of Give Me a Reason

“I didn’t say that to make you feel guilty or anything. It’s just a fact. I’m sleeping better because your apartment is quieter.” There were no sirens or fights. I wasn’t jerking awake at every strange sound.

“I’m so happy you’re with me now.” She reached over and squeezed my hand, and I felt even guiltier.

“Me too.”

“I worry about Finn. I wonder if he’ll ever find someone or be happy. I can’t say I blame him, given our past, but I want more for him. I want him to see that true love exists. Maybe you can rub off on him.”

I laughed. “I don’t think so. He’s set in his ways. I can’t convince him of anything, not with your parents’ history.”

She laughed as she made a left turn to go downtown. “That’s true. We’re a lost cause.”

“You feel the same as Finn?”

“I’m not as forthcoming about it as he is. I don’t tell everyone I’m dating that I’m not looking for a relationship, because I am. I just don’t believe it’s possible for me, you know?”

I heard the vulnerability in her voice. “Of course, it is. You’re a great person. You’ll find the one who’s meant for you.”

“I turned on my dating apps again. I’m going to put myself out there.” Ireland’s tone was hopeful.

“That’s great.” Although I wasn’t so sure it was. I’d never used those, preferring to meet people in person. It was difficult but not impossible.

“I think so too. I’m going to be open to finding someone.”

“That’s the first step.”

She frowned. “Finn doesn’t like it though.”

“You told him?” I asked, surprised they discussed her dating life.

Ireland shrugged. “We’re close.”

She told him she was ready to start dating again, and he didn’t feel the need to tell her about me. I think he was in denial. They were closer than other brothers and sisters because of the way they were raised. Ireland was going to be hurt to find out we were both lying to her.

The rest of the ride home, I thought about our encounter on the path. How I’d been surprised and then thrilled he’d found me. I was curious to see where he was taking me and what he wanted. I followed him because I wanted to feel the way I had that night at the bar.

Part of the thrill of us being together was being caught in public, but the other part was just letting go. I trusted Finn. He wouldn’t put me in a compromising situation. He’d always protect me.

I wasn’t so sure about his ability to hurt me. I think he was capable of it, and even if he didn’t want to do it, it would be a by-product of us being together. The reason why I was so reluctant to get involved with him was that he had this power over me. He made me lose my mind, and I knew my heart was next.

The next day, all the wedding planners were checking out a new venue, a local Christmas tree farm owned by the Monroe family. More brides were requesting holiday weddings, so Gia thought it would be a good idea to scout some new locations.

As we drove up, there was a wooden sign that read Monroe Tree Farm with a tree etched underneath it. There were rolling hills with rows of trees in different stages of growth. You could see how the sections would be cordoned off, depending on whether they were ready to be cut.

We followed the gravel lane around a pond until we came to the main house and the barn, but there were other buildings on the property too. I wondered if the family lived here and ran it together.

“This place is beautiful,” Ireland said.

I had to agree. I could close my eyes and see the twinkling lights hanging from poles and a bunch of decorated trees by the pastor while he married a couple. “This will be perfect for holiday weddings.”

“I can’t wait to see inside the barn. It’s so cute and rustic,” Ireland said.

We got out and met Gia behind her small convertible. Her tablet was out, and Harper stood next to her.

“The brother I talked to on the phone was reluctant to work with us. He thinks weddings might be an issue during the busiest time of the year,” Gia said with a frown.

“Do we have an appointment this morning?” I asked, assuming we did.

Harper nodded. “With the mother. She seemed excited to give us a tour.”

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