Page 110 of Make It Last

“I don’t have a lot of stuff, Josie.”

She waved a hand dismissively. “Just let me know. Moving is a pain in the ass, even if you don’t have much stuff. By the way, the website looks amazing.”

“You think so?”

“Absolutely! And all the stuff you’ve done on the HR side of things is so far out of my wheelhouse. I feel like you’re making sure we’re in good shape. We’re moving to phase two. I’m ready for planning our official opening for the restaurant.”

“I have some notes for that,” I chimed in.

Josie beamed at me just as her cell phone rang. “Awesome! Send me any ideas and we’ll keep getting ready.”

After Josie left, I sat there for a long moment, looking around my office and absorbing the feeling that somehow I had landed. Everything felt right. I pulled out my phone and texted Tanner.

Me: When can I move in? I’m ready.

His reply was swift. I loved that about him. Except when he was out fighting fires, he was not one to leave me on read. I loved a steady, loyal, reliable man, and he was my man.

Tanner: Anytime. Should we maybe cat-proof the house and get things ready for Growly first?

Me: Yes. But I don’t want him to be there alone.

Tanner was a helpful guy and showed that to me day after day. He made sure to get a litter box all set up for Growly and texted me to check if he could bring over Growly’s other things. That very afternoon, we brought Growly over. He slunk around suspiciously at first, tail twitching, before finally curling up in his little cat house that was shaped like a mouse, which I found hysterical. It was cushioned and comfy, and he loved it.

Tanner glanced over at Growly before stopping in front of me and bending low to brush his lips against mine. “Well?” he asked when he lifted his head.

I took a shaky breath. Leaning back, I peered up at him, looking into those eyes I loved so much. “You’re home, Tanner.”

“I am home.” A small crinkle formed between his brows, his gaze questioning.

“I meant you are home for me.”

Chapter Fifty-Three

Tanner

Christening the counter

Ava stood in the center of the living room, which was about to become our living room, and spun slowly.

“I know I’ve been here before, but I have to say you did well on the decorating.” She looked genuinely surprised.

“Sophie helped me decorate, but I’m no slouch,” I teased.

She studied me for a long moment before a giggle slipped out, followed by another. In a few seconds, she was laughing so hard she had to brace her hands on her knees.

I started laughing too, even though I had no clue what was so funny. When she finally straightened, she wiped at the corners of her eyes. “I know you’re no slouch. I just love that your sister decorated your house for you.”

After she took a few deep breaths, she eyed me. “Are you sure about this?” she pressed.

“Sure about what?”

“Me moving in with you. I mean, this all happened…”

“I’m positive,” I said firmly, without hesitation. “I’m not the kind of guy who needs a lot of time to figure out what I want.”

She blinked. “I don’t understand.”

“I know I love you.”