Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 75699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75699 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Nope. Day off.” I smiled because Jonas had been taking a lot more of those, especially as he weighed the options between staying at the hospital and reducing his hours or switching to the family practice in town that kept trying to recruit him. “He’ll likely come with us with more paint samples and to check out the kitchen progress.” My vote for an all-black-and-gray color scheme had been summarily dismissed by Jonas and Rowan. Consequently, I’d given them free rein to create the white farmhouse kitchen of Jonas’s dreams. The other rooms in the house were covered in dozens of paint samples as the two debated microscopic differences while I nodded and pretended to see what they did. “The kitchen got gutted this week, and the workers blocked out where all the new cabinets will go.”
“Cool.” John looked about as concerned with the kitchen as I was. “I wanna drive the Bobcat again.”
“Nothing like a mini bulldozer to work your frustrations out.” I chuckled because I also loved the track work far more than I’d expected. Being outdoors was always the best. Add in heavy machinery, and I was a happy guy. “You’d be awesome on a track crew someday.”
“Thanks.” John shrugged off the praise. “Rowan’s the motocross fan, but it’s fun helping you make the track.”
“No, thank you for the help.” I wouldn’t let him dodge the credit. “And anytime you want to hop on a bike, you say the word.”
“I will.” He made the promise before wandering back toward his friends. I didn’t expect him to take up dirt biking, but he seemed to have fun watching me give advice to his friends. Already, one of the old barns held several bikes, including some of mine. Riding around the place, even with a lot of work left to go, was fun and relaxing in a way racing had never been.
“Did I hear my name?” Rowan popped up a few moments later, looking stunning in aqua eyeliner and a glittery GRADUATE T-shirt.
“Nothing but praise for your paint help and your motocross fandom.”
“I’d make a good cheerleader.” Rowan preened.
“And a decent designer.” I sounded not unlike Eric, who kept stressing alternate streams of revenue beyond acting for Rowan. “Dad said you’ve been helping him and Denver pick colors for their house too.”
“Their new place is hopeless. Utterly dated.” Rowan faked a swoon. My dad, Denver, and their cats had bought the house near my grandparents. My dad had loved fixing up the carriage house, and before that, our craftsman in Seattle, so he was in DIY heaven with his own massive remodel. “It’ll take them all summer to bring the house into the twenty-first century. I expect many video consults.”
His tone was smug, but there was a flash of fear in his eyes as he glanced around the party. Tony and Caleb sat near Scotty. My dad was helping Denver on the griddle. Clumps of other family and friends were talking. Everyone seemed happy and content, but I could practically see the “Will they notice I’m gone?” sign blinking in Rowan’s brain. I’d had that same feeling before myself.
“We’re all going to miss you,” I assured him as I pulled out a card from where I’d stashed it beside me. “And here’s your present from Jonas and me.”
“Ooh. I want to open it.” Twirling, he summoned Jonas over before ripping open the envelope. Jonas had found the perfect card in the hospital gift shop with a spotlight shining on a cartoon star. Inside the card was a plastic square.
“An airline gift card?” Rowan sounded both pleased and slightly confused.
“So you can always come home or getaway, whichever you need more,” I explained as Jonas arrived next to Rowan.
“Thank you.” Eyes suspiciously damp, Rowan did a pretend hula dance while humming some tropical song.
“Okay, okay, you’re gonna be on a beach somewhere and not miss all of us one bit.” I shook my head at his antics.
“I’ll miss you.” Stopping his dance number, Rowan hugged me, then Jonas, before dashing off to show Eric the present.
“Hey.” I grinned up at Jonas and scooted over in the double chair. “Come sit with me?”
“I’m not sure we both fit.” Jonas frowned before giving in and squeezing next to me.
“We fit.” I made a happy noise and settled myself more comfortably against him. I had surprised even myself with my love of PDA, but few things made me as happy as being able to hold Jonas’s hand or cuddle up against him. After decades of searching, I belonged right here with him. I glanced around the party, gaze landing on Eric straightening plates and napkins. “How’s Eric holding up?”
“Surprisingly? He seems in a really good mood today.” Shaking his head, Jonas followed my gaze. “He’s proud of Rowan.”
“And his hunt for new renters?”
“Stop feeling guilty,” Jonas chided as if he hadn’t done his share of late-night guilt tripping right along with me. “It’s not your fault you and your dad decided to buy places the same month. And we’re all taking the summer to move out slowly. He’ll be okay.”