Page 7 of Assembling with the Mountain Man (Heroes of Apple Falls #2)
Chevelle
Six months later
“Yes, that one is good to go. I’m putting the finish touches on the orchid order.
” I said to Amara as we worked side by side, both of us cranking our arrangements out in a steady rhythm.
I was in over my head with orders at work while finalizing all of the flower arrangements for Leighton’s wedding at the same time, but I promised I wouldn’t let Leighton down.
“Oh, I forget to tell you. I’m interviewing someone tomorrow.
Name is Phoenix, just arrived in town. She’s more experienced with gardens, indoor and outdoor ones, she designs them herself, and I thought that might be a cool feature to offer in the store.
But she said she can make basic arrangements, so at least she can help with the small orders or the bundling of the baby’s breath. ”
I breathed a sigh of a relief. “Gardens are still flowers. Bring her on. We need her.”
Amara laughed. “Well first let me interview her. Don’t get your hopes up too quickly.”
“You’re right. But maybe she’ll be awesome like us. And we can warn her about the love bug that bites you fast and quick.”
“It’s crazy, isn’t it? The way it all happens so fast. I remember when I first saw Thane. The sparks were insane. They still are. Hope they stay that way when we bring kids into the picture.”
I gasped and my eyes went wide. “Don’t tell me you’re pregnant now!”
Amara laughed again. “No, not yet. We’re waiting a bit longer. But promise you’ll cover me on my maternity leave when it does happen?”
“You know it, girlfriend. Okay, there’s only two orders left. Are you good with them while I pack up Leighton’s flowers?”
“Yes. Are you excited for her wedding tomorrow?”
“I am. I take my maid of honor duties very seriously.” I grinned.
“And have you and Lucian set a date yet?”
“No, not yet. If it were up to Lucian, we’d be married already. But I’m still debating what season to get married in, never mind the month and day.”
“I’m sure this advice doesn’t help, but it doesn’t have to be perfect. Nothing ever is. I do think fall weddings are beautiful, though. Especially around here.”
A surge of excitement buzzed through me. “Yes, that would be gorgeous.”
“Take your time. There’s no rush.”
“Very true. Thanks, Amara.”
Later that night, Leighton called me freaking out. She was pregnant. I calmed her down and reminded her it was so early, she wouldn’t be showing. So, she couldn’t drink, big deal?
“But I don’t want to be nauseous and bloated!
This is a disaster.” Leighton cried but, in the end, I got her to see the positives and talked her through it.
Just like she had done for me when I called her freaking out about Lucian.
“Oh, the love bug hit you hard and fast, girl!” I remembered her saying.
It seemed like everywhere I turned, a woman was pregnant or just had a baby. While I wanted to be a mother badly, I wanted to wait and spend time with my husband, before bringing such a big responsibility into the world.
The next day, Leighton and Cash were married in a gorgeous ceremony, and no one knew she was pregnant except for Cash and I.
Okay and maybe I told Lucian, but her pinkie promised me he’d stay quiet.
While dancing beneath the moonlight, we set a date for our wedding, for this coming October, underneath the fall sunset and surrounded by the colorful, eye-catching foliage.
“I love you more than life itself, Chevelle.” Lucian whispered in my ear before gently nipping at my earlobe.
“Mmm, but I love you more.”
Lucian slapped my ass and my cheeks flamed red as I yelped and laughed at the same time, hoping no one around us saw. But thankfully, everyone was lost in their own dancing worlds, oblivious to others around them. “Say that again and you’ll be spanked harder.”
I grinned, a hint of slyness underneath. “Is that a promise?”
“You bet it is.”
“I love you more.”
Lucian chuckled and slapped my ass once more.
And when we finally said I do on a breezy, fall night, surrounded my friends and family, with tears in my eyes and running down my cheeks, my world clicked into place.
I had my happy ending.
THE END