like this.
Out of the corner of her eye, Meg caught sight of Zoe, Shawn, and Tia, who’d halted along the path about ten feet away from the bench. Shawn was feigning interest in a tall oak tree next to him, but Zoe and Tia didn’t bother to hide the huge smirks on their faces as they looked on.
Meg broke the kiss and Taylor looked at her, startled. She jutted her chin out to indicate the presence behind him and he turned to look, his face reddening when he saw who’d arrived. He released her, but kept one arm around her waist.
Meg eyed Zoe. “You knew about all of this, didn’t you?”
Zoe laughed, her eyes filled with mirth. “That I’d find you and Taylor kissing in the woods?”
Meg tilted her head to the side. “Ha-ha. I meant the work party.”
Zoe giggled. “Yeah. I knew about that too.” She and the others walked past the bench and she called over her shoulder, “Do you think the two of you will be able to find time today to help with the barn?”
Shawn elbowed her in the side and Zoe shot him a sassy look. Tia covered her mouth, but couldn’t hide the laugh that burst free before she hurried off toward the barn. Zoe looked back at them again and winked, then grabbed Shawn’s hand and followed Tia.
When they were out of sight, Taylor chuckled. “We’d better get back. Everyone is probably wondering where we are.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Oh, I doubt they’ll be wondering for long. I’m sure Zoe will have told the whole group about seeing us here.” She shook her head ruefully. “My mom is going to be so happy. She never liked Theo much, and she loves you.”
He stood, and offered her his hand. “Well, then. I guess we shouldn’t disappoint your mom, or the rest of them.” Meg took his hand and stood, and he pulled her close again, gazing into her eyes. “Is this what you want? Do you want a relationship with me? This is your last chance to change your mind before we head back to the barn.”
She nodded vigorously, choking back tears. “Yes. This is what I want. I want you. I want us.” Again, she was struck with joy and wonder that she hadn’t seen it before. Ironically, it had taken her quitting her job and not seeing him as much to make both of them realize how much they cared for each other.
He twined the fingers of his right hand through her left and ran his thumb over her knuckles, sending shivers up her spine. They walked back to the barn, hand-in-hand.
While her family and friends pretended not to know about their new relationship, her mother looked happier than she had in months and Meg could tell Cassie was going to pounce on her as soon as they were alone. They all got to work, carrying junk out of the barn and sorting it into piles to keep, donate, or toss. By the time they’d broken for a simple lunch of sandwiches and fruit prepared by Celia, they’d made a noticeable dent in the contents of the barn. Zoe and Tia had to leave after eating to prepare for the afternoon wedding, but the others stayed until early evening.
After everyone else had left, it was just Taylor and Meg. They climbed up into the loft, and Taylor sat on the edge as he’d done the first time they were up there. Being near him gave Meg the confidence to sit closer to the edge, although she hadn’t quite worked up the nerve to dangle her legs into open air like he did.
“I can’t believe how much we got done,” she said in awe as she took in the floor below. With over half of the stuff gone from the barn, it appeared more massive than ever. Her stomach fluttered. Although they weren’t starting the remodeling for at least a few more months, it was really happening. Today had been a huge step toward her dream of owning her own restaurant.
“I know. And I think I’ve managed to talk everyone into coming back in another month or so if you and I haven’t cleaned it all out by then.” Taylor wrapped one arm around her waist and kissed the top of her head.
She leaned into him, loving the support he offered. Making this old barn into a fine dining establishment wasn’t going to be easy, but she knew she’d get through it with