“Sam gave me Harper’s number,” she said. “Just in case. I’m going to see if she can meet with me this evening. And I’m going to invite the Cupcake Lovers. I don’t want anyone blindsided by anything. I’ll call Rocky. See if she can arrange an emergency meeting. That way we can make sure we’re all on the same page regarding the self-publishing issue. They might want to bail on that idea now that I’ve been outted as ‘a troubled soul.’”
Luke didn’t think that would be the case, but he held silent since he hadn’t seen or heard Olivia’s rant for himself. While Rae made her phone calls, Luke concentrated on the slow moving traffic as he neared the edge of town. Given the heavy snowfall of late, Sugar Creek was more congested than normal with an influx of tourists. The surrounding fields and mountains were a haven for any sports lover with a snowmobile, sled, or a pair of skis. Hell, if it weren’t for Rae he’d be taking to the slopes himself with Adam and Kane.
“It’s settled,” Rae said. “Harper agreed to act on my behalf. She said this is nothing compared to what she’s been handling lately and that she’d put a Band-Aid on it until we decided on a course of action. Rocky’s calling all of the CL members, but since she won’t be back in Sugar Creek until after four, and since some people need to close up shop, the meeting’s at five thirty. Harper advised I lay low until then. I’m thinking we can still scope out some houses. If you’re still game, that is.”
“I’m game.” Luke spared Rae a surprised glance. “Considering how private you are, I thought you’d be more upset about being slammed in the media.”
“(A) What’s being said isn’t true. (B) Instead of being upset, I’m taking control.” She looked at him then, her heart in her eyes. “I just want this to be over, Luke. Olivia’s a negative force, and I’m itching to do a lot of good.”
In that moment, Luke put a name to the tender feelings he’d developed for Rae. It wasn’t like any love he’d experienced before. It was the big one. The real deal.
Luke loved Rae good and true.
Rae couldn’t believe how calm she felt in the face of Olivia’s betrayal. Taking control of the situation had been key. She was actually looking forward to the meeting this evening with Harper and the Cupcake Lovers. She was especially keen on setting everyone’s mind at ease regarding her mother’s exaggerated accusations.
Daisy had texted Rae asking if she’d seen the news. Rae had texted back: YES. NOT TRUE. WILL EXPLAIN 2NITE
Chloe had called right after, also voicing concern. Rae had asked her to please spread the word to rest of the club that she could and would explain at the meeting. After that, Rae had lowered the volume on her ringer, determined to enjoy the rest of her morning with Luke.
The roadways were slushy and slick, but he was an excellent driver. Before long the quaint snow-covered businesses had given way to snow-covered trees and houses and then, after crossing over Sugar Creek—the river, not the town—glistening slopes and valleys. She recognized the area. “Don’t you live out this way?”
“I do,” Luke said.
Rae smiled. He’d located a rental not far from his own home, which meant he wanted her and the baby near. How wonderful to be wanted after so many years of being pushed away.
A few minutes later they turned off the main road onto a side road and then into the next long driveway.
Rae leaned forward, peering closer at the two-story house ahead. “It’s bigger than I expected.”
“Not all that big. Nothing close to Olivia’s house in Bel Air.”
“You mean her mausoleum?”
“One large master bedroom with a bathroom and walk-in closets. Two smaller bedrooms. Living room with a fireplace and vaulted ceilings, decent-sized kitchen, den, laundry room. Sits on ten acres of land,” he said as he drove up to a two-car garage.
The rentals Rae had ticked off in her real estate booklet had been on the fringes of town, small saltbox houses on small lots of land. This house was lovely and the mountainous scenery breathtaking, but it seemed like a lot of living space and property for her and the baby. As Luke escorted her up a shoveled pathway, she noted his confidence and ease. He hadn’t mentioned meeting a real estate agent here, and when he slipped a key into the front door, she instantly knew. “This is your house.”
“Bought it a couple of years ago.”
“I thought you had a place in mind for me.”
“I do.” Hand at the small of her back, he urged her over the threshold. “This is it.”
Heart pounding, Rae slowly turned. Surely, he didn’t mean … “You want me to live with you?”
Luke held her gaze while unzipping his jacket. “If we’re going to do this,
“Because it’s a huge commitment. What if we’re not compatible? What if we drive each other crazy after a week or four?”
“Then we’ll reevaluate and if need be, find you a place of your own.”
Rae palmed her swimming head, trying to make sense of this unexpected turn. “Is this some sort of knee- jerk reaction to the media storm?”
“No.”
“Did your parents suggest—”
“No.” He gave her zipper a playful tug. “Take off your coat and stay awhile. I’ll give you the grand tour. If you hate something, we can change it. Except for my fitness room. That’s off-limits.”
While Luke took her scarf and gloves, Rae slipped off her coat and peeked into the living room. “I don’t know, Luke.”
“I know it’s rustic, but it’s comfortable. Rocky insisted on helping me furnish the place, so I know it’s not ugly. That said I’m not opposed to adding moderate frill. I’ll even let you crowd up the couch with a bunch of those useless little pillows.”
“Throw pillows,” Rae said with a small smile. “I’m not questioning the decor, Luke. I’m wary of the timing. Don’t you think we should let our relationship evolve more before moving in together?”
“Don’t take this the wrong way,” Luke said as he guided her into the heart of the living room, “but between all your impending projects and my work schedule, when will we have a chance to
Rae laughed. “True. Still—”
“Here’s the thing.” Luke stopped as they entered the living room and turned her into his arms. “I like sleeping with you. I like being with you. The thought of coming home to you every night is appealing. Plus … as you get further along in the pregnancy, I want to be close in case you need me.” He shrugged. “For anything.”
His words were so kind they took her breath away. Rather than cry she made a joke. “Such as running out for pickles and ice cream when I have a mad craving in the middle of the night?”
“Couldn’t you at least crave something good? Like
Rae hugged Luke tight, desperately wanting what he offered. “You make it sound so tempting, but we’d be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire.”
“So? We may get singed, but we’ll survive. One way or the other.” He gave her a squeeze then took her by the hand. “Let me show you around.”
Rae felt as though she were floating through a dream as Luke toured her around his home. She loved the vaulted ceilings, the rich woodwork, the stone fireplace. The living room was spacious and sparsely furnished with an overstuffed couch, recliner, club chair, and ottoman. She adored the cushioned window seat with its view of nearby evergreens and distant mountains. Now
She fell in love with the kitchen. The den—not so much. The dining room was nice, but she could make it nicer. Luke’s fitness room was what it was—a room crammed with weights, a treadmill, and various other torture devices.
He steered her upstairs and into the first room on the right. It was sparsely furnished—a futon and what looked to be one of Sam’s handcrafted, hand-painted bureaus. “I thought we could turn this spare room into a
