Page 75 of Make It Last

“Yes,” I said. “Growly likes him very much.”

“Well, of course he does,” she said. “Tanner is as good as a man gets.” She rushed on. “I am totally in love with Wes and happily married and have zero chemistry with Tanner, but I promise you, he’s that great of a guy.”

“Really?” I asked quietly.

“Really. Wes and Tanner have been friends forever. I knew him growing up. You’re not going to find anyone in town who has something bad to say about him.”

My cheeks got hot, and I cleared my throat nervously.

“Not everyone likes everyone,” she continued, “but even if someone doesn’t like Tanner, they’re not going to think he’s a jerk. He’s just not that guy.”

I must have gone quiet for too long.

“Ava?”

“Oh, I’m here,” I said quickly.

“You okay?”

I hardly knew Tiffany, yet she somehow picked up on my tension.

I wasn’t up for explaining just now. “Yeah,” I said. “I’m fine.”

“I’ll email you the adoption application. You’re approved, but we need it for our records. Just let me know when it’s public knowledge that you’re staying in Willow Brook.”

“Of course,” I said. “I just need to take care of some logistics first.”

She laughed softly. “I get it, and I’m really happy for both of you.”

Both of us?

After I ended the call, I idly sifted my fingers through Growly’s fur. He was getting fluffier by the day. I was convinced of it.

I tried to ease the panic that started churning in my chest, but it was not easy. Moving to Alaska was a big deal. Maybe it was crazy, and maybe it was reckless. Maybe the most terrifying part for my heart was the realization I was falling in love with Tanner. Which was completely fucking insane.

“No,” I said aloud. “I cannot be falling in love with him. It is way too soon. There is no way. No how.”

Growly purred, entirely unconcerned. I breathed slowly until the anxiety loosened its grip, just enough for me to think clearly again.

At which point, I texted Tanner.

Me: Can you come over tonight?

I set my phone down and told myself not to panic when he didn't reply right away.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Tanner

No easy landing

Our crew had an unexpectedly busy day. We found out we were scheduled to fly out to a large wildfire in the northern central part of the state for two weeks. Meanwhile, earlier that same day, there was a fire about an hour outside of town. Some campers had decided it was a smart idea to set off fireworks. Never a smart idea in the wilderness.

By the time I got back to the station, I was weary, along with the rest of my crew. Only then did I check my phone and see Ava’s text.

Me: Sorry for the long delay. I was out dealing with the fire. I’ll pick up pizza. Text me in the next few minutes if you’d prefer something else.

Ava: Pizza’s perfect. You know what I like. :)