Page 102 of Igniting Sparks

“Or maybe she’ll morph into the Easter Bunny and hop away home.”

My mother chuckles, touching the screen. “One can only hope. Send Braden my love and be good to each other. Despite everything, you look happy.”

“Gloriously so.” And I realize, as we end the call, that Iam. Sure, my heart hurts knowing the studio will probably go to Vanessa, but life goes on.

Maybe that was never my path to walk.

Maybe dance isn’t the dream it once was.

Or maybe I’m telling myself those things so it hurts less.

“Hey,” Braden peeks his head into the room. “Want to take a walk?”

I smile and nod, knowing one thing for certain. Braden is the dream I never saw coming.

He makes it all worthwhile.

Chapter 22

PG? Never Heard of It

Braden

“Where do these go?” I ask, holding up another tray of food.

“Over there is fine,” Ori answers, motioning to the far table.

Mina and I have been at the Dean Estate for a few hours now, helping Ash and Ori set up for their engagement party.

I still can’t believe my big brother is getting married. If someone had told me a year ago that Ash would be settling down and having a baby, I would have tested their blood alcohol level.

But that was before Ori. After she came along, all bets were off.

Glancing at Mina—busy arranging a tray of cookies, her pink lips pursed in concentration—I get it now.

When it’s right, you just know.

Mina catches me watching her and gives me that little smile, the one that always makes my heart do something stupid. Yeah, I’m screwed—in the best way.

“Thanks for helping me set up,” Ash says, tossing me a beer.

“It’s becoming a bit of a habit around here, me providing free labor.”

Ash laughs, knowing it’s all bullshit. I have no problem lending a hand. God knows he’d do the same for me. And who knows—maybe in a year or two, he’ll be helping me set up formyengagement party.

“You could have just bought me the blender. It’s on the registry.”

“You already have a blender. You took the one from the farmhouse, and I had to buy a new one.”

Ash quirks a brow. “You want to trade? I’ll take the new one.”

“Get the hell out of here,” I say with a grin, stepping back to admire our handiwork.

Laughter, music, the woman I love. Yeah, life’s pretty damn good.

The Dean Estate still needs major renovations on the main house, but the carriage house and surrounding gardens are pristine. Thankfully, Mother Nature is on her best behavior today—it’s sunny and warm, not a cloud in the sky.

Ash nods toward Mina, shooting me a knowing look. “How are things with you two?”