Page 54 of Finding Forever in Cedarwood
“It’s not nuts. That’s how animals work. You think you can live without them, but then you can’t. Why don’t you talk to Stone? He’ll sort out the adoption situation.” Liam stood tall. He wanted the best for Tank, but his nosiness got the better of him. “What was your reasoning for coming to Cedarwood? You never said.”
“You signed the contracts, but you seem hesitant. We’d like to start filming around the Cleveland area in the spring. We’ve procured the permits and have received some great tax incentives to film there, so we’re good to go. We need our star, though, to be fully invested. You’ve seen the scripts. Gay rom-coms. You’re a great leading man and have a knack for comedy.” She held up her free hand. “I know your stipulation. You’ll only film in Ohio. That’s why we’re setting them here. I’m fine with it. What do you say? Are you going to see the contracts through?”
“I’m going to do it, but I wanted to talk to Stone first.” He metered his excitement. The contract would stick and he could still volunteer at the shelter. How could a guy be more lucky?
“I hope you discuss everything with him.” She shook hands with him. “Why don’t we find Stone? I’m ready to take Tank with me. I even love his name. Tank suits him.”
“Will do.” He sent Stone a text to meet him in the walking area.
Stone strode into the fenced space outside. “My phone just pinged and I assumed it was you three. Tank, my man.” He petted the dog, then turned his attention to Laurie. “Hi. Are you interested in adopting Tank?”
“I am, and I should say Liam sold me on him, but Tank did the heavy lifting.” Laurie laughed. “What do I need to do?”
“We’ll take you into an adoption room and have you fill out the paperwork. It won’t take long and Tank will be in the room with you,” Stone said. “We’ll go over the pertinent information like the adoption fee, agreement and any concerns you might have.”
“Great. Let’s go.” Laurie charged ahead.
“Good job,” Stone murmured. “She’s a keeper.”
He appreciated her forthright approach and love of animals. “She’s a studio head.” Liam held Stone’s hand. “They’re going to film those movies I have the scripts for here in Ohio. They want me and since I signed the contracts…I’m committed.”
“Congrats.” Stone kissed him. “I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you. I said I needed to discuss things with you and she didn’t blink or freak out. She encouraged me to talk to you.” He squeezed Stone’s fingers. “She wasn’t upset by my need to film here or my recent issues with the media. I’m not a liability.” He nodded. “I’m doing this.”
“You are.” He walked into the building and held the door for Liam. “I’m with you on this. You should follow your heart and do the films.”
“Thanks.” He tugged Stone’s arm as he stepped into the building. “Wait.”
“I need to get her paperwork.” Stone smiled, but his brows knotted. “Why?”
“Marry me.” It wasn’t a question, but rather a statement. Blurting the words wasn’t the way he’d planned on popping the question, but he didn’t care. He couldn’t wait. “Will you marry me?”
Stone’s eyes widened. “Liam? Are you sure? Or are you just excited and saying whatever’s come to mind?”
“I’m persistent and in love. It’s time we made this permanent.” And he couldn’t wait any longer.
“I don’t disagree with you. We should do something about us.”
“Then you will? Or are you having second thoughts?”
Stone nudged Liam into an alcove and threaded his arms around him. “I will, but I expect something from you.”
“Name it.” He’d do anything.
“Propose again, but in a sweet, romantic way. I might be easy and will say yes, but I want romance.” He kissed Liam. “I love you, so yes, I will marry you.”
He rested his forehead on Stone’s and sighed. “Love you, too.” He needed a ring and to plan the proper proposal, but he’d do those later. He had Stone and their furry family. Who could ask for more? He’d found his heart and direction in Cedarwood.
Everything had worked out just like he’d expected—perfectly.