Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 100988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 505(@200wpm)___ 404(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100988 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 505(@200wpm)___ 404(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
I laugh at that, then distractedly catch sight of some ladies at a table across the room: Mindy and her friends, which include Nadia seated next to the young and cocky Fabian Evans—a whole other recent development Spruce wasn’t ready for—and I give them a wave, which only Mindy returns, since Nadia suddenly has her face buried in Fabian’s. Those two have no shame.
I kinda love it.
“I will say, however,” Chad blurts suddenly, “if Mr. Harrison really is gay, there must be somethin’ in the water at every Strong ranch. You know that guy works on Tanner’s uncle’s farm, right? Gary Strong’s farm, up the road from mine?”
“Regardless of what’s in the water, I still think he’s gay.”
Chad shakes his head. “See what’s goin’ on here? You’re back in Spruce just two months, and already you’re the one startin’ the rumors.” Chad goes for another sip, chuckles, then adds, “This is how people are talkin’ about us, y’know,” over his glass. “Whispers and gossips and glancin’ over at our table when they think we don’t notice. Don’t turn, but Nadine is totally eye-fuckin’ you. You probably turned her into an enemy, by the way—now that you’re all partnered up and cozy with her arch nemesis Cassie.”
I cross my arms indignantly, then break a smile, knowing he’s absolutely right—about all of it, about every little bit.
I feel strangely at home among these crazy people packed into this tiny place. They are my new family—and yet they were always my family, all along. They welcomed me back as if I’d never left, even after my ten-year hiatus from them to pursue my dream. I guess you can call me their prodigal son.
And I doubt any of them suspected I’d bring my dream right back home with me.
Cassie Evans has been an absolute beauty to work with. She gives me sound advice, yet lets me have all the creative freedom in the world to build my brand, brainstorm ideas, and design. There are countless balls in motion, thanks to her (and her generous funding, which I will pay back someday), including plans for a high-dollar boutique in Fairview, an everyday fashion store here in Spruce, and even a big online store that can sell internationally. She’s so fired up, she’s even got an idea or two about making my boutique the go-to place for prom dresses.
How ironic, that my story is to come around full-circle.
From prom night, to nightmares, to the stuff of dreams.
And all of this, I can do from the comfort of my brand-new design workroom, which Chad himself made me by renovating a large spare room in the main house. You know, with all the expensive equipment that my child of a boyfriend can’t stop playing with.
Speaking of: Chad’s eyes drop down to my shirt again, and he stifles a laugh. “I still can’t believe you’re wearin’ that thing.”
I shrug and run a hand over the mismatched letters. “So?? I happen to like it. Told you it has a certain charm to it, didn’t I?”
He lifts his eyes to mine and quirks an eyebrow. “Yeah, yeah, or maybe you’re just tryin’ to prove something to me.”
“That I’m a better tailor than you?”
He rolls his eyes. “Obviously.”
“That you should leave the sewing technique to me?”
He scoffs. “Maybe.”
“That I love you?” I suggest.
He was prepared with another reaction, but my words make his face straighten right up. Then, slowly, Chad smiles, apparently finding my words amusing. “Yeah, sure. That you love me enough to humiliate yourself in public. I mean, who is Lance without his stylish clothes? I’ve gone and ruined you for good, haven’t I?”
I grin and tease his foot under the table. “Oh, of that fact, you can be absolutely certain you did. You ruined me, Chad. For life.”
“For life? You promise?”
I bite my lip for an answer.
Chad grins. His grin soon collapses into a soft, longing smile, his blue eyes sparkling with emotion. He doesn’t even have to say the words; they are written all over his face.
Anyone in this crowded, full-of-love restaurant would have to be completely unable to read basic human emotion to not see the loud-and-proud message screaming from his enamored expression on that beautiful face of his.
I really do need to put that man in my clothes someday.
And walk him down a runway, showing him off to the world.
I lean forward across the table, my elbows propped up on the edge. “I love you, too,” I tell him, responding to the words only his whole being is saying.
The grin is revived on his face.
No one and nothing can touch our happy world here in Spruce. All I need to be fulfilled in life is Chad Landry, a box full of thread, and the love in my wrangled little heart.
The End.