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“You’re going to be busy, helping with Ember, your schoolwork, and the holidays. You don’t have time to date.”
“That’s not for you to decide,” I said as I crossed my arms over my chest. There was something about Sebastian’s protests that was bothering me, but I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what it was. “Why do you care so much?”
He opened his mouth and closed it.
“You don’t want me to date?” I hissed as everyone broke away from the conversation and wandered into the kitchen for the plates of appetizers on the island counter.
When Sebastian floundered with a response, I huffed and walked away. I just couldn’t deal with Sebastian’s stubbornness right now. I thought the auction sounded scary, but fun, too. What if I met someone who was nice, and we had a good time on the date? I hadn’t been out with a guy in a long time, and the thought of not being alone on New Year’s held a certain appeal.
I was done being single. I wanted what Ireland, Sarah, and Marley had. I wanted to be loved. I wanted to be the priority in someone’s life.
I filled a small plate with crackers, cheese, and fruit and then moved to the table to eat. Marley sat next to me and handed me a glass of what looked like apple cider. “I thought you could use this.”
“Is it spiked?”
Marley giggled. “It is.”
I grabbed the glass and drank it. “This is good.”
“It’s Heath’s recipe for Apple Zingers, made with cider and whiskey.”
“It hit the spot. Thank you.” I stacked cheese on a cracker and popped it into my mouth. I had one eye on Marley and the other tracking Sebastian as he filled a plate for Ember. Anytime I saw them together, my heart melted.
“So, are you in?” Marley asked me, drawing my attention back to her.
“For the bachelorette auction?” At Marley’s nod, I said, “Absolutely. Let me know what I can do to help.”
“I think we’ll have it soon since there isn’t much time before Christmas. I’ll ask Holly, and maybe advertise for a few more bachelorettes.”
“That sounds good.”
“We’ll charge the men to enter, and then the winning one will pay for the date, of course. I was thinking we could use the auction money and donate it to a local animal rescue in honor of our pups.”
“What do you need my help with?” I asked.
Marley smiled wide. “Planning the perfect date.”
“Sebastian is taking me on a carriage ride tonight around the property. That could be one of the dates. They could stop at a secluded location for a picnic.”
Marley clasped her hands together. “I love it. You’re a natural at this.” Then she surprised me by hugging me. “You’re going to fit right in. I’m so glad you’re living here.”
“Well, it’s only temporary. I’ll help Sebastian get through the holidays and maybe tax season. Then I’ll get my own place.” I had a feeling Sebastian was going to be difficult when I tried to go on dates. I’d need to meet the guys off the farm somewhere, like at a coffee shop or a wine bar.
Marley smiled brightly. “That’s plenty of time, and by then, you’ll have fallen in love with the farm and us.”
When she said fallen in love, my heart stuttered because I almost thought she was going to say with Sebastian. Did everyone know about my unfortunate crush? Maybe I was overreacting. Marley had only recently moved in with Heath. She couldn’t possibly know about it.
Marley leaned in and said slyly, “I think it’s making Sebastian jealous.”
“What are you talking about?” My gaze flashed down the table to where Sebastian was sitting next to his daughter.
Marley fanned herself. “He doesn’t want you to be auctioned off. Oh, maybe he’ll bid on you.”
I laughed. “Why would he do that?”
Marley’s brow furrowed. “So that no one else can take you out.”
“Why does he care so much? If he wants to remain single, that’s fine, but I’m ready to share my life with someone.”
