Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 326(@200wpm)___ 261(@250wpm)___ 217(@300wpm)
But reality starts to creep back in, reminding me that we’re in his office, and any minute, someone else could come knocking, shattering this private, intimate world we’ve created. I see the same awareness flicker in his eyes. He sighs, his hand dropping to take mine, squeezing it in silent understanding.
“We should probably get going before they’re all standing outside the door,” he says softly, his voice filled with a tenderness that makes my chest ache.
“I know,” I reply, a bittersweet smile tugging at my lips. I don’t want to leave, but I know we have to. The world is waiting outside that door, but even as we step back into it, I know we’ve created something that’s ours, something no one else can touch.
He presses a quick, lingering kiss to my forehead before we step out of the office, his hand steady in mine. As we walk out the door together, I can’t help but smile, feeling lighter, like my heart is soaring.
“Afternoon Delight,” Brock sings as we approach.
Okay, well, maybe I wasn’t ready for that.
Chapter 28
Callum
I’m in love. I’m fucking in love. For the first time in my life… I’ve fallen for someone. And not just anyone… the one.
Violet left Atta Boy Brewery about fifteen minutes ago, heading back home to finish up her work on the ranch. Home. The word feels strange because for the first time in a long time, home doesn’t feel like it’s split between two places. Hers and mine. It’s ours. And now that she’s gone, I already miss her more than I care to admit. It's like the second she walked out the door, a piece of me went with her.
I sit at my desk, absentmindedly flipping through paperwork, but my mind keeps drifting back to Violet. Her smile, the way she teased me earlier, the warmth of her body pressed against mine. I realize with a pang that I'm not just missing her company. I’m missing her. And the thought of that hits me harder than I expect.
Before I can get too lost in my thoughts, the door to my office swings open, and Anya steps in, a mischievous smile already tugging at the corners of her lips. "So, Cal, what’s up?" she asks, her voice light as she strolls over, like she’s expecting me to give her some type of order.
I glance up, and without hesitation, say, "Hey, I need your help."
Her eyes widen in mock surprise as she shuts the door behind her and hurries over to me. "Wait, what? You need my help?" She doesn’t waste any time reaching out to press the back of her hand to my forehead, checking for a fever. "Are you feeling okay? Cal never asks for help."
I roll my eyes, leaning back in my chair, though her teasing only makes me smile. "Oh, ha ha," I say, swatting her hand away. "Yes, I need your help. I want to plan something special for Violet."
Anya raises an eyebrow, intrigued now, but still clearly not ready for what I’m about to say.
"I want to plan a wedding," I continue, the words feeling more real now that they’re out in the open. "A real one. For me and Violet."
Anya’s eyes go wide, her mouth opening slightly as she processes what I’ve just said. It’s like I can see the gears turning in her head, the realization slowly dawning on her face. Then, a grin spreads across her lips, and she practically bounces on her toes. "Oh my god," she gasps, her voice filled with excitement. "My older brother’s in love!"
I let out a soft laugh, though I can feel the truth of her words settle deep inside me. She’s right. I am. Somewhere along the way, without even realizing it, I fell in love with Violet.
I rub the back of my neck, feeling a little sheepish. "Yeah," I admit quietly, the weight of it finally hitting me. "I am."
Anya squeals and rushes over to hug me, practically knocking the breath out of me. "This is amazing!" she exclaims, pulling back to look at me with wide, sparkling eyes. "I’m so happy for you, Cal! You and Violet are perfect together. So what’s the plan? What do you need me to do?"
I smile, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. "Well, I want it to be a surprise. Something simple, but meaningful. Just us, maybe family and close friends. I don’t want anything huge or over-the-top. I just… I want to make it official. For her. For us."
Anya claps her hands together, already brimming with ideas. "I’ve got you covered," she says, her voice determined. "Leave it to me. We’ll make this perfect. Violet’s not going to know what hit her."
I lean back in my chair, the thought of a real wedding with Violet making my heart race. I never thought I’d be here—planning a wedding for the woman I’m in love with. But now, I can’t imagine anything more right.