Finn was coming later after his physical therapy and bringing a friend, he’d said.
We were the first to arrive and grabbed a few tables.
August glanced at his phone and announced, “I’ll be back.”
The three of us traded glances, and Cooper shrugged. “No telling,” he said.
I wrapped my arms around Finley as her grin flattened at the sight of her brother’s retreat.
“Do you want me to go talk to him?” I asked her.
Her wide, innocent eyes were all I needed to conquer the world.
“Would you?” she asked.
I brushed my lips on her temple. “Sure. I’ll be right back.”
It was unclear where August had gone, but the place wasn’t huge. I headed in the direction he’d gone toward the entrance. I didn’t think he’d ditch us, but it was possible he’d driven off and would be back later.
The front doors opened, and Sawyer and Ashton were there, holding it for two beautiful blondes.
“Hey,” Sawyer said after they stepped inside. He took my hand, and we leaned in for a half hug. “Shelly, this is Shepard.”
Shelly squealed. Finley and Cooper must have heard as they quickly came over.
“Thanks for everything,” I said in Shelly’s ear as she came in for a hug.
“No problem. By the way, my brother is coming. I hope that’s okay,” she said.
I shrugged. I had no problem with Detective Hastings. He’d treated me fairly given the position he’d been put in.
“It’s the Farrows’ birthday show, but I’m sure they will be fine with it.”
The other woman came over. “Hi, I’m Willow.”
Ashton loomed at her back. “Hi.” I offered my hand.
She shook it, and I almost went to shake Ashton’s hand until I remembered he wasn’t the touchy-feely type.
“Hey,” I said instead.
He bobbed his head.
Willow shifted to introduce herself to Finley, leaving me with Ashton.
“You made a move,” he said.
I wasn’t scared of almost anything, but Ashton was an imposing figure. I was never sure what he was thinking unless he said it.
“Yeah. Are you okay with it?”
Having her older brother’s approval would mean a lot.
“I know you won’t hurt her. You’d have too much to lose.”
It wasn’t until he grinned, I let out a breath.
“I plan to marry her one day,” I said without thinking.
“Does she know that?”
I cleared my throat. “I haven’t exactly told her yet.”
Though we’d only been together for the last few months, I’d known her all my life. And even then, on some level, I’d known she was mine.
“Hey, Ash,” Finley said, walking over to hug her brother.
It took him a moment before he awkwardly patted her back. He looked visibly relieved when she let him go.
“Happy birthday, little sister.”
She gave him that gorgeous smile of hers.
“I’m going to get a drink. Either of you want anything?”
“I’m good,” Finley said, holding up a glass that looked to be filled with soda she’d gotten from someone.
“Beer for me,” I said.
He tossed his head back and laughed. “You’ve got a few more years.”
“Really,” I held up my arms as he walked away.
Finley giggled. “You really didn’t believe he was going to buy you a beer with Detective Hastings here.”
I glanced around and found him next to his sister. I waved, and he came over.
“Happy birthday,” he said to Finley.
“Thanks, Detective Hastings.”
“Greg,” he said.
She nodded.
“I’m glad everything worked out,” he said to me.
“No thanks to your partner,” I said with no real heat behind it.
He sighed. “He’s old school, but he means well.”
Finley added, “I hope he doesn’t railroad all suspects.”
Hastings looked lost for words but came up with, “We’re here to serve and protect.”
I held out my hand. “Thank you.” We needed more like him and less of Miller.
We exchanged a quick shake before I hustled my girl out the door and into the night.
“God, I love you,” I said, drawing her against me. I kissed her like I’d wanted to all night before pulling a box from my pocket. “Happy birthday.”
I hadn’t meant to do it then, but with more people showing up, I wasn’t sure I’d have time later.
She stared at it. “You didn’t have to.”
“I did.”
She took the little blue box and pulled the ends of the satin ribbon.
There nestled in a satin pouch, she took out a bracelet with a treble clef, a heart, and a football charm.
I pointed to the football. “You’ve done it, baby. You’ve proven yourself, and no one can take it away from you.” I pointed to the treble clef. “You are my muse, the inspiration for every song I’ve ever written or will write.” She started to tear up, and I brushed the moisture from her cheek. I lifted the bracelet completely out to reveal the heart and put a finger from my free hand under it to lift it up. “You own mine. You are my future. One day my wife.”
Her gaze held mine until she realized I’d meant that last bit partially as a question. She bit her lip and said, “You’re my future too.”
“I’ve never loved anyone but you, Cricket.”
“Me either,” she said, and everything was finally as it should be. One day I’d present her with a ring. But for now, I was good with her knowing where my head was at. I bent down to kiss her with all the reverence she deserved.
It might have lasted forever if heated voices hadn’t broken the stillness of the night.
We broke apart enough to see a wide eyed Tori hustling our way. Beyond her I could make out two figures with animated arms and muffled raised voices. One of those people was unmistakably August.
* * *
Coming soon - Letters to Junebug (August’s story)
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