She’s a sweetheart, there’s no doubt about it. And I’ve grown used to having her nearby.
I’ve caught the glances from people I know, curious about us, and I’m sure sending text messages to mutual friends, asking what’s going on.
I don’t care.
Let them wonder. I’m not being coy. I’m touching her, and she’s touching me back. I might as well be wearing a sign that says: Yes, I’m with her.
I don’t like the thought of Fallon being fodder for the rumor mill, but there’s no avoiding it when you live in a small town. It happens.
She shifts, turning onto her back with her head in my lap and gazing up at me, no longer watching the movie. She lifts her arm, burying her fingers in my hair above my neck, and pulling me down for a sweet kiss.
Yeah, there’s going to be talk.
And I don’t care.
Chapter Eight
~Fallon~
I don’t know anyone here.
Actually, that’s not true. I know Lauren, Jillian, and Cara. Oh, and Jeff and Nancy. I’ve now met Noah’s parents, his cousins’ kids, friends who are considered family, and it feels like I’m lost in a sea of people.
The King family is big, loud, and for someone like me who isn’t used to big families, incredibly overwhelming. I’m on sensory overload.
The get-together today at the Lazy K Ranch is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. There’s a huge bouncy house for the kids, a group of people playing horseshoes on the opposite side of the main house, and still more kids running around.
I’ll never remember all of the names, or who belongs to whom.
It’s a lot.
But Noah is enjoying himself, playing horseshoes with Max, Josh, and Zack. Zack’s son, Seth, is sitting on the wraparound porch with his girlfriend, a cute girl named Eloise. They’re eating and laughing, looking at each other with soft smiles.
“Young love,” Autumn says as she joins me. “I remember looking at boys like that when I was a wee girl.”
Gray’s fiancée is from Scotland, and her accent is hypnotic. From the moment I arrived today, she’s been close by to chat or check in with me as if she knows this family is intimidating as hell and a lot to take in. Or, maybe she’s as overwhelmed as I am, and we’re in this together. Either way, I’m grateful.
“They’re cute,” I agree. “Seth definitely has the King good looks.”
“Aye,” she says with a smile. “They’re hard to resist.”
“When are you getting married?” I ask as we each take a cupcake from a table overflowing with food and walk to a table in the shade.
“Next summer,” she says and grins. “But I’ve already been busy planning. I’m starting an event planning business here in town.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” I reply. “You know, I was talking with Nina Wolfe last week. She’s also starting a new business, and I think she could use your skills. Would you like me to introduce you?”
“That would be lovely,” Autumn says, her eyes lighting up. “Thank you for the offer.”
“Of course. I know how hard it is to be self-employed. I think you’ll like Nina, she’s great.”
“That’s right, Gray mentioned you teach yoga. Is that your own business, or do you work for a spa?”
“It’s my own gig, and I contract with the Lodge on the lake for some classes, but mostly, I work out of a studio in the heart of downtown.”
“I’ll have to check it out,” she says thoughtfully.
“I’d love to have you.”
“Well, hello, you two.” Noah’s mom, Susan, joins us with her own cupcake. She’s a pretty woman in her early sixties, with blond hair and a lovely smile. “Do you mind if I join you?”
“Of course, not,” I reply, scooting over to give her room. “Are you having a good day?”
“Oh, it’s always a joy to have the family together,” she says, one of her signature smiles gracing her face. “I don’t miss the winters in Montana, but I do miss being with the people I love the most. My boys tell me you’re both new to town?”
“I’ve been here about two years,” I reply.
“And I just found Cunningham Falls this past winter,” Autumn adds. “Your son literally swept me off my feet. Or rather, I swept him off his.”
She tells us about being up on the mountain and hitting Gray on the slopes. “I was so embarrassed, but it worked out in the end.”
“I’m glad,” Susan says with a laugh. “What about you, Fallon? How did you meet Noah?”
“I found an injured eagle and called for help,” I reply. “Which reminds me, I should go check in on him. The eagle, not Noah.”
“He’s always had a soft spot for animals,” Susan replies. “Even when he was young, he was always rescuing something. A rabbit, a bird. One time, he found an injured skunk and was so mad at me for not allowing it inside.”