Page 111 of Heartstrings & Horseshoes

“You love it when I lick you…” she says suggestively.

Nope. Now is not the time to pop a boner for my wife. There’s too much work to be done.

I give her a stern look, trying my damndest not to crack.

“Okay…” Delilah relents.

And just like that, my girl is whisked away into the hills so me and the guys can finish this fucking house. I hate lying to her, but it’s a necessary evil at this point. I’ll tell her the whole truth as soon as possible.

Standing in our apartment for what’s hopefully one of the last times, I focus inward to the heart Delilah owns.

“Almost there, baby. Almost there.”

47

“You were right, and I was wrong,” I say deadpan.

“Told you so,” Izzy gloats, sticking her tongue out at me. I reach out pinchy fingers trying to grab it but she’s too quick.

I nearly had a mental breakdown as we drove away from the apartment. There was no way in hell a four-day lakeside vacation was a good idea two weeks before graduation.

But as usual, my husband knows me better than I know myself. I desperately needed the break. I’ve worked so hard for so many years, the thought of messing up now is terrifying.

Not to mention everything I’ve worked for may be for nothing—or the first step of many I wasn’t prepared for.

I shake the negative thoughts from my head and focus on the girls’ conversation.

“You seriously killed it, Izzy. The library theme is on point. Book lovers from all over the world would pay big money to stay at the library lake house,” Livy praises.

Izzy blushes under the attention, but she deserves every ounce of pride because she created a true destination.

The lake house couldn’t be more than a thousand square feet. The exterior felt like we were entering a fairy tale like Hansel and Gretel—the cutest woodsy cottage. When the foliage blooms in spring, it’ll be ethereal.

Walking inside transports us to a glimmering fae library. Imposing wooden bookshelves line every available inch of the walls, expertly staged with enough books to appear full, but not so many to be cluttered. Twinkling fairy lights weave in and out of the space, casting a peaceful glow over the rainbow of spines on the shelves. Complete with a small rolling ladder in the living space, the library lake house is perfection.

“I accept this as apology for not being in on the elopement master plan,” Livy winks at me, “this is way better than back-to-back flights within twelve hours.”

Izzy, Reid, and CJ really made generous sacrifices to be there for our wedding and help make everything possible. I’m eternally grateful that the people I love helped Connor pull off the surprise of the century.

Four days are spent luxuriating in the serenity of the cottage, surrounded on three sides by trees that kiss the sky, and a pristine frozen lake. I’m going to beg Connor to bring me back someday in the warmer weather.

“Thank you for kidnapping me, I didn’t realize how burnt out I was. Connor was right, I’m so close to finishing, and now I can go into my final session and advisor meeting refreshed,” I say on a sigh. He’s perfect.

“Do you need help getting upstairs?” Izzy asks as Livy parks in front of my building.

“No, you get back to your husband, and Livy, you get back to whoever you’re currently terrorizing,” I joke.

Livy’s face goes white, but she recovers quickly. How long do she and James think they can keep their tryst a secret?

Back in the apartment, I find my phone charged on the kitchen counter with a text.

Studmuffin: Welcome home, beautiful wife. One of the mares is foaling and Reid asked me to stay overnight to monitor her. I’ve got my phone on me, otherwise I’ll call in the morning. I love you!

I’m disappointed not to see him; I’d kill for one of his hugs. But I’m proud of him for taking his new job seriously and being Reid’s right-hand man.

Me: Okay baby, let me know if you need me to bring you anything. Thank you for the trip, I really needed it. I love you!

I spend the rest of the evening washing my trip laundry. Connor kept the place spotless while I was gone. It’s like he hasn’t been home in four days. It’s sweet he tidied up for me.