I groan, covering my face.“I hate both of you.”
Rune’s thumb traces small circles on my thigh under the table as they laugh, and I melt a little more.
We all relax after that, talking about what looks good as we scan the menus.Conversation flows, and I find myself watching Rune more than anything.The way he listens.The way he leans back in his chair but keeps his attention on me.The way his hand never leaves me, like he needs to be touching me at all times.This doesn’t feel fake.Not even a little.
I watch how Rune acts with Rowan and Heath.He’s relaxed and seems happy to be here with all of us.He keeps checking in with me, and every time I smile or laugh, he seems to relax even more.
“How’s the wedding planning coming?”Rowan asks me.
I smile.“I think we’re all set.Her dress alterations have been completed, and we did the final try-on this morning.She looks gorgeous!”
“I can’t wait to see her in it!”Rowan says.
“We’re going to work on the last-minute stuff like centerpieces this weekend,” I tell them.
“I can help if you want,” Rowan offers.
Rune clears his throat.“Me too,” he says, looking a little awkward.
“Yeah, me too,” Heath adds, taking Rowan’s hand and threading their fingers together.
“I’ll tell Fern and let you know,” I say.
The server comes back with some bread and butter for the table.We all place our orders, and I grab my water, taking a sip.
“So, what do you do?”Heath asks Rune.
“I manage the lumberyard,” he says.“Well, for now.”
“What?”I blurt out.
Is he quitting his job?Is he leaving town?
Rune glances at me, something warm flickering in his eyes.“My boss is looking to sell the place.Who knows what the next owner will want to do with it?”
“I heard you’re trying to buy it,” Heath says casually.
I blink.I didn’t know that.
“You are?”I ask, turning to Rune.
He looks slightly caught off guard, then nods.“Yeah.I’m working on it.”
“That’s amazing,” I say, my chest swelling with pride.
He shrugs again, but I can tell it matters to him.
“It’s a long shot,” he admits.“It’s expensive.”
“How much is he looking to get?”Heath asks.
“Five million.”
Rowan chokes on her drink.
My mouth drops open.“Jeez!”
“Five million?”Rowan squeaks.