Free To Do List by Lauren Dane

laughed and led her toward his bedroom.
    When Rafe woke up the next morning, Belle wasn’t in bed with him. Frowning, he got dressed and went in search of her. He’d traded off with Gabe and their father so he didn’t have to be up a four-thirty every morning. Even so, it was just after six and still pretty dark.
    The house was quiet and she wasn’t in her room or anywhere else he looked. At least her car was still in the driveway.
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    Lauren Dane
    He felt like shit. He’d overplayed his hand the night before, first by leaving when she hadn’t returned in two hours and then by not just at least driving by the Taylors to see if her car was there. A stupid, impulsive and sort of juvenile move on his part.
    “So, did you make up with Belle or not?” Brian strolled into the kitchen as Rafe made coffee.
    “Mostly. I think. She didn’t hit me with a shovel or anything. She’s not here though.”
    “She’s probably on a run. She said she wanted to take one but hadn’t done it yet. She could use the time in the air and the exercise. What crawled up your ass anyway? I thought you were okay with Belle working.” Brian put some bread in the toaster and rooted through the fridge for jam.
    Rafe blew out an agitated breath. “I am. But…fuck, she’s got this whole other life in San Francisco. A life I’m not a part of. It’s rich and urbane and I get up at four-thirty to drive a tractor and oversee fruit picking and cow milking.”
    “Rafe, do you think she cares about that stuff? She may live in a swank condo in the city but she’s a farm girl at heart. And this place isn’t exactly a barn you know.” Brian indicated the grand kitchen they stood in.
    “I don’t know. Damn it, I never expected to feel this deeply for her. I mean, I’ve always loved her like a member of my family and then things began to change five years ago and every time I saw her I resisted but now? I haven’t and I’m in love with Belle.
    Head over heels and I’m a damned cliché.”
    Brian laughed. “As creeped out as I am by my best friend and my sister sleeping together, you saying that makes me feel a lot better. She needs that grounding influence in her life. She’s due to go back to work the day after tomorrow though. What will you do?”
    Rafe sighed. “She and I need to talk it through.”
    “Well, my remodel will be done in a few weeks. It’s probably done enough for me to move out now.”
    “Brian, even if she does accept my proposal, there’s room for you until your house is finished.”
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    “Did you just say proposal? You’re going to ask her to marry you?” Brian’s eyes widened.
    “Shit, I did, didn’t I?” Rafe shrugged as he realized that was indeed what he said and what he meant. “I know it seems soon.”
    “Rafe, you’ve known her since she was a toddler. It’s not like you two just met. But you know, she’s not impulsive, even when she’s known the man proposing to her for over two decades. It’ll be interesting.” Brian snickered and Rafe tossed a spoon at his head.
    The front door opened and closed and Rafe steeled himself. A few moments later Belle came in and he wanted to drop to his knees she was so beautiful.
    “Good morning. I take it you went on a run?” He moved to her and kissed her, glad she kissed him back.
    “Yeah. I’m rusty. I try to hit the treadmill a few days a week but it’s not always possible and man it’s cold out there. There was ice on the cars.”
    Rafe had her sit down and hid his smile when she smoothed out the placemats.
    “Let me get you some coffee. I was about to make breakfast, you up for eggs?”
    “All those pretty looks and he cooks too. I’m totally in heaven.”
    “Hey, play your cards right and you can have this every day.” Rafe took a risk when he said it but she cocked her head and smiled. Maybe there was hope after all.
    They ate breakfast and visited until Brian left to go see