On the Shore (Cottonwood Cove, #3)(89)
“I’ve lived in a high-rise for years, so all of these homes have been appealing to me. I like the idea of having a big yard. But all that matters to me is that I come home to you. That’s the house that I want.”
“I can see us there. I can picture you mowing the lawn and me working in the garden. I picture myself in that gorgeous kitchen, wearing your jersey with nothing beneath and cooking dinner for us.”
“Sold,” I said as I leaned down and kissed her.
“Let’s tell Jay and go write up an offer. We need to get back to the hotel to pack. Finn has texted me no less than a dozen times.” We were flying out right after my practice in the morning to make it to his premiere in Los Angeles and be there to support him. His production company was throwing a big party for him.
“He is so happy that you were able to sneak away to attend this event for him. He got you and all the guys some friendship bracelets.” She chuckled. “I don’t know if he’s ready for what’s about to happen to his life.”
“I don’t think anyone can prepare for it. He’ll be fine. He was born to shine, just like you were.” She tugged my head down again and kissed me hard.
“I love you. Now let’s go buy us a house.”
And that was exactly what we did.
We wrote up the offer, and they accepted it immediately.
Brinkley fought me about being on the deed, but I wasn’t buying this home without her.
It was me and her.
I’d start with the house, but I’d be putting a ring on that finger real soon.
One thing at a time.
thirty-three
Brinkley
We’d arrived in Los Angeles just in time to get changed and make it over to the theatre where they were premiering Big Sky Ranch.
This show had been publicized like crazy, and everyone was talking about Finn Reynolds.
The internet.
Social media.
He’d be going on tour to promote the show real soon, and tonight was just the start.
Cage
Mom’s already crying. You know I can’t handle this kind of emotion. Even Dad is teary-eyed. Where is everyone?
Hugh
Lila and I are here. Come to the lobby where Finn said to meet him.
Lincoln and I just pulled around back. We’ll be right there.
Georgia
Maddox, Wyle, and I are almost to the lobby. Finny, this is your day. I can’t stop crying either.
I dabbed at my eyes for the hundredth time in the last hour. My brother was a movie star. I’d already known it, but the rest of the world was about to find out.
“You okay?” Lincoln asked as the man Finn had told us would be waiting for us out back, opened the door and led us inside.
“Yes. I’m just really happy for him.”
“Did you call Tia and Romeo? Are they here?” I asked as we headed toward the lobby. Yes, we’d invited them to the premiere because Tia had nearly fainted when she realized that Finn Reynolds was my brother, and I was scoring serious points as the coolest girlfriend by inviting her. Romeo acted unfazed but agreed to come to hang out with me and Lincoln. But I’d seen the way his eyes had widened when I’d told them I could score them two tickets. They didn’t live too far from LA, so they’d used their mom’s car and made the trip here. Lincoln had gotten them a room next door to ours tonight, and we’d all spend the day together tomorrow before we headed back to New York and they went home.
“Yep. Apparently, they just found Georgia,” he said, as he glanced down at his phone.
Georgia
I’m with Romeo and Tia. We are already practically best friends.
Cage
Where the fuck are you people? Mom just stopped to pee for the ninth time since we left the hotel. Apparently, she’s nervous and has the bladder of a Labrador puppy. And Dad is talking to every stranger we see like they’re old friends. They all know that Finn is his son.
Let them take this in. It’s a big deal. How about you check your grumpy attitude at the door?
Cage
I’m sorry that my attitude is hindering you, Brinks. You’ve got your man, you’ve got a new house, a new job, and now you aren’t sulking like a big baby anymore, so now you’re the attitude police?
Bite me, Cage. I’ve always been the attitude police. Don’t be a hater.
Finn
Hey, no fighting today. Let Mom pee as much as her bladder requires. I’m heading to the lobby now to meet you.
When we got to the lobby, it was like a Reynolds family reunion. Everyone was there, aside from Gracie, who’d stayed back at home and was having a sleepover at her best friend Piper’s house.
Jenny and Grant Murphy were here. They were my parents’ closest friends, and their daughter, Reese and Finn had been best friends since they took their first steps. I knew Finn had been pretty miserable with Reese living in London, as they’d always been inseparable. He’d been bummed that she’d be missing his big premiere, but she was swamped with work, and it was a long way to travel for one night.