Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 93002 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 465(@200wpm)___ 372(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93002 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 465(@200wpm)___ 372(@250wpm)___ 310(@300wpm)
“It’s absolutely beautiful and perfectly Quinn,” I said, feeling a hot tear spill onto my cheek. “She’s going to love it almost as much as she loves you.”
Hawk’s cheeks flushed, and he cleared his throat. “That’s what I hoped you’d say.”
“She’ll love the ring,” I assured him. “But I think you were set when you gave her Ginger.”
Hawk’s face cracked into a wide smile. He didn’t smile much, but when he did, it was like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. “She does like her dog,” he agreed.
Quinn had sworn up and down that she didn’t want a purebred dog, even a gorgeous Belgian Malinois. And she definitely didn’t need an overpriced guard dog. But Ginger was not overpriced. She cost exactly as much as a perfectly trained animal would. She was sharp and protective and head over heels in love with Quinn.
“I’m a lot more relaxed about her leading hikes with strangers when she’s got Ginger with her,” Hawk admitted. “I know she agreed to Ginger to humor me, but it worked out pretty well.”
Pretty well was an understatement. When Hawk’s friend, Remy, had arrived with Ginger, Quinn had taken one look and fallen for her new dog.
I closed the box and handed Hawk back the ring. “When are you going to ask her? Do you have a date in mind for the wedding?”
He rolled his shoulders, resettling Leo after shoving the ring box in his pocket. “When I’m done building that arbor in the clearing where she used to sleep in her hammock. I want to marry her there. After I get the arbor built, at that point, it’s up to Quinn. I don’t need a lot of fuss. I just want her.”
“I think she feels the same,” I said. “But listen, I may have retired from the inn, but I am a pro at event planning. Seriously. You want any help? You just let me know.”
“I’ll have to talk to Quinn, but I’m pretty sure we’re going to dump the whole thing in your lap,” he said.
“I would love it if you did,” I said, bouncing on my toes a little as I imagined it. Flowers in the trees, wispy tulle garlands, and fairy lights woven through the branches. “I could make the most perfect Quinn and Hawk wedding in the woods. I swear. You’ll love it.”
“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think I would,” he said.
We shared a smile of perfect accord. If I could have custom ordered a man for my sister, I couldn’t have done better than Hawk Bristol.
“I’m going to work on that code,” I said, “and see what I can figure out. But if I can’t crack it, I might ask you to put me in touch with Emmett. I’m assuming I can trust him.”
Hawk just nodded.
It was a waste of a question. I already knew Hawk wouldn’t connect me with anyone he didn’t trust. He saw me not just as his friend but as a little sister, so I was surprised when he asked, “Are you back with Powell?” and didn’t glower at me.
I shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable. Having relationship talks with anybody was unusual for me. Definitely not with Hawk. Sometimes with Quinn or Parker, a little with Hope, maybe, but not Hawk.
“No,” I said firmly. “Definitely not.” A flash of the night before seared my brain—Forrest’s hot eyes, his growly voice. Pinch your nipples. I shook my head, half in denial and half trying to fling the mental image away. “Definitely not,” I repeated.
“Why?” Hawk asked, and I stopped.
“Because he lied to me,” I replied.
Hawk crossed his arms over his chest and nodded. “Yeah, he did. It was a massive fuckup, for sure.”
“You think I should get back together with a man who lied to me about who he was? Who used me?” I trusted Hawk more than I trusted almost anyone on the planet. I thought he hated Forrest. I hadn’t been expecting this.
Hawk shook his head slowly, then lifted one shoulder and dropped it in a half shrug. “Are you still in love with him?” he asked, surprising me again.
I tried to say no. I opened my mouth, and the word refused to come out. “Fuck,” I muttered under my breath.
“Yeah,” Hawk agreed. “Fuck.” He shook his head. “It’s been a year, Sterling.”
“I know it’s been a year,” I said, not trying to hide my irritation. I didn’t need Hawk to tell me how long it had been.
“Hey, don’t get mad at me,” he said. Leo shifted, restless, and Hawk put him down. “I’m just saying, the man loves you. He stayed in town, hoping that you’d give him another shot. He’s been there every time you’ve needed someone. He hasn’t pushed, but he’s been here.” He shrugged and lifted his hands up in question. “Is he going to lie to you again? My gut says no. But the truth is, it’s always a risk. None of us are perfect, right?”