Page 33 of Over the Moon (Rosewood River #3)

twenty-three

. . .

Clark

“I love coming to Uncle Clark’s house because that’s where I get my big muscles. The ladies love the muscles,” Cutler said, and I barked out a laugh.

My nephew was one of the cutest kids I’d ever met; the only one that matched him on cuteness was Melody.

“Do I gots the muscles, Unc-ee?” Melody asked, looking down at her arms.

“Eloise is the physical therapist. She would be the one to ask about your muscles,” I said, as the four of us sat at my kitchen table eating cupcakes.

Melody was on Eloise’s lap, and Cutler was sitting in the chair beside me. Tonight was the night that Easton was proposing to Henley, so Emerson, Nash, and Cutler were in town under the ruse of being here for the annual Rosewood River Pumpkin Patch opening this weekend.

“Lolo, do I gots the big muscles?” she asked.

“You both do,” Eloise said, stroking the hair back from Melody’s face. Archer had to work today, and Emerson and my mother had gone shopping with Henley to keep her distracted.

Easton, Lulu, Rafe, and Nash were setting up whatever surprise Easton had planned for Henley tonight. He hadn’t shared the details, just told us to meet at Bridger’s barn at 7:00 p.m. I was just happy that I got to have the kids with me today.

“You really do,” Eloise said as Melody took a bite of her cupcake.

“Eloise, are you Uncle Clark’s girl?” Cutler asked, and I barked out a laugh because Eloise looked panicked about the question.

“Relax. He doesn’t work for the press. He’s my nephew.” I rumpled the top of his head. “Weeze is my friend, and we like to spend time together, so if that makes her my girl, then so be it.”

“Well, if you’re Uncle Clark’s girl, then you’re my girl, too. And that means you can call me Beefcake. That’s what my family calls me.”

“I heard about your handle from Lulu and Henley. That’s a very cool name,” she said, smiling at him.

“Oh, man, Lulu and Henley are my girls, too. Do you have a handle?”

“I call her Weeze. It’s short for Eloise.” I chuckled.

“Easy, breezy Weezy,” Cutler said before he whistled.

“She’s my Lolo.” Melody snuggled against Eloise, her chubby little hand resting on her shoulder.

“I like that name, Mel. It’s a good one.” Cutler looked up at Eloise. “Man, your girl is real pretty, Uncle Clark.”

“She sure is,” I said. “And she’s real smart and funny, and she thinks she can swim faster than me.”

“What is this? An episode of The Bachelor ? I’m sitting right here. And for the record, Beefcake, I can swim faster than him if we actually start at the same time,” she said.

“Oh, man, Weezy is throwing the shade.” Cutler’s head fell back in laughter. “I think I’d put my money on her.”

“What are you, a gambler now, Beefcake? And you just jumped ship just because she’s pretty.” I barked out a laugh.

“Maybe he jumped ship because he recognizes a winning horse when he sees one.” Eloise arched a brow.

“I love horsies,” Melody said.

“Yeah, that’s why I thought we’d take you out to Uncle Axel’s ranch and go for a ride this afternoon,” I said.

“Do you ride, Weezy?” Cutler asked.

“I do. I love riding.”

“Me, too. That’s why I wore my cowboy boots today,” my nephew said. “And Mel can ride with Uncle Clark.”

“Yep. We’ll take the horses out for a little bit, and then it’ll be time to see what Easton has planned for us.”

We finished up our cupcakes and made our way over to Axel’s house, as it was a short walk. I scooped up Melody, and Cutler slipped his hand into Eloise’s because he was a smart little dude, and we made our way out to Bridger’s ranch.

Once we were all saddled up, and I settled Melody on the horse right in front of me, keeping one arm wrapped around her, we took off for the river.

Eloise was laughing at Cutler, as he was pouring on the charm, and I just took it all in. I knew there was a lot of unknowns right now. I knew everything would change when we left Rosewood River next week.

But for whatever reason, this moment right here, felt like a glimpse into our future.

I’d never say it aloud because it would freak Eloise out, and my brothers would give me shit for thinking this way.

But when I glanced over my shoulder, seeing her head tipped back in laughter, with the sun shining down above us, and Cutler riding beside her, I swear she looked like forever.

And I’ve never known what forever looked like, so that was quite a strong revelation.

Maybe I was just feeling this type of way because my brother was getting engaged tonight.

Maybe it was because I knew everything was about to change, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

Or maybe it was because I was in love with the one girl I couldn’t have.

But I’ve never shied away from a challenge. And I sure as shit wouldn’t start now.

I just needed to figure out a way to make it work.

“I can’t believe Uncle E is proposing, and we get to watch,” Cutler whispered to his mama, and she smiled down at him.

Man, my sister was made for motherhood. She’s been everything Nash and Cutler were missing, and seeing them become a family together was pretty amazing to watch.

Eloise was part of the family after months of being around us, and meeting my sister, Emerson, made it official.

The Chadwick family not only approved, but they loved her.

I hadn’t shared all the details of our relationship with everyone—obviously, my brothers and my sister knew we were more than friends.

I assumed my parents and my aunt and uncle figured out that there was more going on here than we’d shared.

But they hadn’t pressed, because I think everyone understood that it was complicated.

Emilia arrived, and Eloise waved her over to where we were standing, and they both went on and on about how good the barn looked.

Twinkle lights covered every beam overhead, and hay bales were placed all around the large barn, with bouquets of pink flowers and framed pictures of Easton and Henley sitting on every surface.

Easton was going all out. There was a table with donuts and chocolate milk, because that was their thing, and he’d planned a big barbecue after he proposed that Easton was having catered in Bridger’s backyard.

Eloise smiled up at me. “This is stunning, isn’t it?”

“It is. He’s doing it right.” I winked at her.

I wanted to pull her into my arms, but we were careful about how we acted in public, so I stopped myself. Our hands brushed, and my pinky finger wrapped around hers.

My mom walked over, hugging all three of us as she clapped her hands together. “I can’t believe he’s proposing, and we get to be here for it.”

“Yeah, this is pretty cool,” I nodded.

“It sure is,” Mom said, before turning to look at Eloise. “You’ve only got one week left before you all head back to the city. I know you said you wanted me to teach you how to make my lasagna, so you just tell me what day works for you this week, and I’ll get everything set up.”

“Thank you. I would love that so much. I swear, I dream about it. It is the best lasagna I’ve ever had,” Eloise said, and she didn’t pull her hand away from where mine was connected to hers.

It meant something to me, the way she and my mom got along. The effort that Eloise made to get to know them. The way my family had welcomed her in as if she were already part of the family.

It spoke volumes.

“She has been talking about this lasagna for weeks,” Emilia said with a laugh.

“Well, that makes me awfully happy. I would love nothing more than to share this with you. I’m available every afternoon, so you just text me and let me know what day you want to come over.”

She nodded, just as the door flew open, and Lulu and Rafe walked in, with Henley’s father, mother, and stepfather behind them. My mom hurried over to greet them.

“It’s game time, people!” Lulu said, glancing around and smiling as if she was pleased with how good it all looked now that the sun was going down, and the lights were shining on the space from overhead. “They are on their way here.”

She filled us in on how it would play out. Easton had told Henley that he was taking her to dinner, when Bridger had phoned them that he had an issue at the barn and needed Easton’s help real quick.

“Those are Henley’s parents, right?” Eloise whispered to me.

“Yep. Her mom and stepfather flew in from Paris to be here, and her father lives in the city,” I said, leaning close to her ear and breathing her in.

Lavender and honey had become my kryptonite.

“That’s amazing that they are here for this special moment,” she said. “She’s going to be so surprised.”

Rafe walked over and held up his hand to show us where he’d gotten several splinters because his girlfriend had him on a ladder all day hanging lights. Lulu laughed hysterically at his theatrics.

“I’m the one she made drag these bales of hay in here, and my back is killing me,” Bridger grumped. He turned his attention to Emilia. “I would appreciate that tidbit being left out of your gossip rag, as I’m sure the engagement will be announced in the next issue.”

Emilia glanced at Eloise and shrugged. “I don’t know how many times I can tell him that it’s not me.”

Bridger walked closer, crossing his arms over his chest. “An awful lot has been written about us these last few months, and with this cozy friendship you two have going on, I’m guessing you have a lot more information than usual. Eloise has no idea who she’s confiding in.”

I was about to step in because he was being an asshole, but my mother came sauntering over and shot him a warning look.

“Bridger Chadwick,” Mom said, her voice calm and cool. “Emilia was invited here as a guest, and you’re being rude.”

Mom didn’t get angry often, but when she did, you knew it.

He held his hands up in defense. “Fine. I’ve said all I need to say.”

“I told you that he wouldn’t want me to be here,” Emilia whispered to Eloise, but my mother and I heard her.

“Lulu and I both insisted you come because Henley would want you here.” Eloise took her hand and squeezed it.

“Pay him no attention. He gets this way about things, and I’m really sorry. He’s always been protective of our family, but he is being incredibly rude, and it’s unacceptable. I’ll speak to him.” Mom smiled at her. “I’m really happy you’re here, Emilia. We all are.”

I’ve gotten to know Emilia a lot better over the last few months, which was ironic, considering we’ve lived in the same town together our entire lives.

But she’s always been a little on the shy side, and stand-offish with us, and now I was certain Bridger had a lot to do with that.

He could be an intimidating guy. But he was a really good man beneath that layer of broody asshole.

The dude would walk through fire for any of us.

But for whatever reason, this ridiculous column had gotten under his skin, and he was determined to expose the author.

“Hey.” Lulu snapped her fingers to get our attention and then looked directly at Bridger. “The people in this barn are the people that Henley and Easton would want to share this special moment with. So, lose the attitude.”

Bridger smirked as if the whole thing was hilarious before walking away.

Emilia’s shoulders noticeably relaxed after he was gone.

“They’re about to pull in the driveway,” Lulu said as she stared down at her phone where she was tracking their location. “No more talking. I’ll look through the crack and hold up my fingers when they’re coming in, and we can all shout surprise.”

Everyone nodded in agreement, and we stood there in silence.

Rafe was bouncing up and down as if he couldn’t wait one more minute for them to get there.

Bridger was pacing around the barn because that’s what he did when he was nervous.

Emerson was leaning against Nash, my dad stood beside her, and Cutler was holding Melody’s hand and staring at the door like they were waiting for Santa to arrive.

Lulu raised her hand. Holding up three fingers.

And then two fingers.

And then the door pulled open as she held one finger in the air.

“Surprise!” everyone shouted at once.

Henley startled, her eyes wide as she took in the group. “What is going on?”

Easton was already down on one knee when she turned around. She had her hands over her face, and on instinct, my fingers intertwined with Eloise’s.

“Hey, Princess,” he said, and you could hear a pin drop in the room. “I brought all of our friends and family here so they could be part of this moment with us.”

Henley nodded as tears streamed down her face.

“I stopped believing in forever a long time ago, and I was good with it for many years. And then this beautiful woman sets off the alarm at the office and drops a cup of scalding-hot coffee on me and turns my world upside down,” he said, and the room erupted in laughter.

Henley swiped at her face and smiled down at him. “Not the most romantic meet-cute, but I wouldn’t change one single thing.”

“Me either, baby. And I want forever with you. I want to work on cases with you, ride horses, play pickleball, and go out on the river together,” he said, pausing to look over at us as more laughter followed.

My brother had dealt with some serious trauma and loss in his past, and the first time he took Henley on the river, it did not go so well.

“Hey, I’m better now,” he muttered, turning his attention back to Henley.

“I want to raise kids and travel and grow old with you sitting on our front porch, eating donuts, and watching the sun rise and set. You, Henley Holloway, brought me back to life, and I want to keep living it with you right beside me,” he said.

“Ask me,” she whispered.

“Will you marry me, Princess?”

“You had me at donuts. That’s a hard yes.” She fell forward as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her.

We all cheered.

Even Bridger couldn’t hide the grin on his face.

Eloise looked up at me and smiled, her eyes wet with emotion. “That was beautiful.”

“Yeah, it was,” I said, leaning close to her ear. “And so are you.”

Now I just have to figure out how to keep her.