Chapter 6
Brennan
I can't stop touching her.
We're at Maggie’s Diner, so Kelly won’t spot us at the resort together since there’s a no fraternizing with the guests, but I say fuck that. Avery is no guest; she's my woman, and I've got her tucked against my side in a booth, her hand in mine, and I keep expecting her to vanish like a dream.
But she's real. Solid. Here.
And she loves me.
The thought keeps hitting me in waves—disbelief, joy, terror, more joy.
"So you're staying?" Matthew asks. He pulls up a chair the moment we come inside.
"I'm staying," Avery confirms, and there's wonder in her voice. "I mean, I have to give notice, wrap up cases, and sublet my apartment. But yes. I'm moving to Evergreen Lakes."
"To open a law practice?" Maggie asks, delivering our coffee.
"Small practice. Estate planning, real estate, small business law. Nothing high-stress."
"Honey, this town needs a lawyer. Old McFadden retired two years ago, and everyone's been driving to the next county for legal help."
Avery lights up—that sharp intelligence I first found irritating and now find incredibly sexy. "Really? What's the typical caseload? Commercial real estate or more residential? Any particular gaps in services?"
And she's off, asking Maggie detailed questions about the local legal landscape, her mind already working on logistics and planning.
I watch her, this woman who walked into my life a week ago representing everything I thought I'd escaped, and realize she's everything I've been missing.
The structure to my spontaneity. The intensity to my ease. The plan to my see-what-happens attitude.
We balance each other.
"You've got it bad," Matthew mutters under his breath.
"Completely," I agree.
"Never thought I'd see the day. The Ice Queen melts you in a week."
"Don't call her that."
"You called her that first."
"And I was an idiot." I look at him seriously. "She's the bravest person I know. Do you have any idea how much courage it takes to throw away your entire life plan?"
"For you? Probably a lot."
"Exactly. So show some respect."
Matthew grins. "You're gone, man. Totally gone."
It is. Terrifying and beautiful and everything I didn't know I wanted.
Avery's deep in conversation with Maggie about office space on Main Street when her phone rings. She glances at the screen and winces.
"My parents. I should—"
"Take it," I say. "I'll be right here."
She kisses my cheek and steps outside. Through the window, I watch her pace, and even from here I can see the tension in her shoulders.
"That's going to be a fun conversation," Matthew observes.
"Why?"
"She's a lawyer from a big city. I'm guessing her parents have opinions about her throwing away her career for a mountain town."
Shit. He's right.
Fifteen minutes later, Avery comes back inside, and her face is blank. Professional mask back in place.
"Everything okay?" I ask as she slides back into the booth.
"Fine. My mother wanted to discuss an upcoming family event." Her voice is very controlled. "She was surprised to hear I'm planning to relocate."
"Surprised?"
"Among other things." She forces a smile. "It's fine. Really."
But it's not fine. I can see her rebuilding walls, brick by brick, in real time.
"Avery—"
"I'm tired. It's been a long day. I should head back to the resort."
She's pulling away. I can feel it happening, and panic claws at my chest.
"Talk to me. What did they say?"
"Nothing important."
"Bullshit. What did they say?"
She looks at me, and her eyes are wet. "That I'm throwing away my career. I'm being impulsive and irresponsible. They didn't raise me to make decisions based on emotion instead of logic."
"And what did you say?"
"Nothing. There’s nothing to say, because nothing will convince them." Her voice breaks.
Fear shoots through me, cold and sharp. "Do you regret it now?"
"No! Of course not.” She kisses me and holds onto my hand. “I don’t regret any of this; I’m just sad that my parents are upset with me. I’m new to this whole disappointing-them thing.”
“Do you need more time to think this over?”
“No. I decided. You’re it for me. The life we’re going to build here in Evergreen Lakes is for me. I love you, and for once I feel like I’m home. With you.”
My chest expands, and I’ve never felt so warm in all my life. “I love you too. Welcome home. We’re going to have the best adventure.”