Page 146 of Tangled with the Tight End

I laugh. “Okay. Let’s hear it for my love of butter cake.”

We fill our plates and everyone takes their seats.

I glance around the room at my closest friends. We’ve known one another all our lives.

“We’re all so happy for you,” Syd says.

“Tell us everything,” Daisy says. “I mean … this is Declan.”

Even though Daisy’s Declan’s sister-in-law, I get the feeling she doesn’t really know him. Not the way I do.

“I don’t know what to say. We’re together so much. I was fighting my feelings because I didn’t think anything could come of them. And then the night of the storm … well … we kissed.”

In a room of women who devour romance novels like termites in an old barn, I shouldn’t be surprised at the squealing and clapping of hands. Emberleigh’s literally kicking her feet.

“He’s surprisingly affectionate,” I say, wanting to share my joy with my friends, but feeling extra protective of what Declan and I share in private.

“Declan?” Daisy says. “Declan is affectionate?”

“Yeah.” I nod. “He’s really sweet. Always telling me what he likes about me. He doesn’t leave anything up for question. I know where I stand. He told me we’re dating.”

“He told you?” Emberleigh asks.

“Now that sounds like Declan,” Daisy says.

“He knows what he wants.”

“And he wants you!” Cass says.

“Honestly?” I say, looking around at my best friends. “It’s a bit overwhelming.”

It’s the first time I’ve said that out loud. “In the best of ways. But it is a lot to take in. He really likes me. I’m trying to overcome the feeling that someone’s about to pop out from around a corner and say, ‘You’ve been pranked!’”

“Winona, no,” Cass says. “Why would you think that? I thought we cleared this up already.”

I look around the room. “I mean … have you seen him?”

“Have you looked in a mirror?” Emberleigh says, her voice softer.

“And not only that,” Daisy says. “You’re amazing. Kind, funny, loyal.”

“Thanks, you guys. I’m not fishing for compliments. Really.”

“We know that,” Cass says. “But don’t undersell yourself. He’s lucky to have you.”

“You’re a catch,” Syd says.

My friends’ compliments do settle something inside my heart. I know Declan cares about me. He’s made his feelings abundantly clear. Maybe I should believe him.

“He asked me to come over tonight,” I say between bites of hash-brown casserole. “We hang out at his place a lot because of his injury. It’s just easier for him to prop his leg up at home.”

“And you turned him down?” Carli asks.

“I’ve got book club.”

“Oh. Girl.” Daisy laughs. “I think that’s a first.”

“What is?” I ask.