More people filter over. Sheriff Dale asks Cole if he’ll be doing generator repairs in the spring. Sophie apologizes for the photo (“I should’ve asked first, I’m so sorry”). Eli mentions that he knew having me deliver cookies was a great idea. Through it all, Cole doesn’t let go of my hand.
Jesse and Wells walk in, both raising an eyebrow before nodding their approval.
Roz sets down breakfast plates and winks. After we eat and have been seen by half the town, Cole turns to me. “I need to do something.”
“Okay.”
He pulls out his phone and opens the volunteer group chat where Sophie posted the photo. I tense.
He types:This is Cole Hart. Holly showed me the photo of her at my place. I appreciate the concern during the storm, but moving forward, please ask before posting pictures of either of us. Thanks.
He hits send, then sets the phone down and looks at me. “Boundaries. For both of us.”
My throat closes. He’s protecting us. Not hiding me, protecting both of us. There’s a difference, and he understands it.
“You didn’t have to?—”
“Yeah, I did. Because we should decide what’s public and what’s private. Not anyone else.”
“Cole—”
“I’m not done.” He takes both my hands and turns so he’s facing me fully. The diner’s still buzzing around us, but I don’t care. “I need you to hear what I have to say.”
“Go on.”
“I was wrong yesterday. I shut down when I should’ve stood up. I made you feel convenient when you’re anything but. And I know sorry isn’t enough. So I’m showing you. Here. Now. In front of everyone.” He takes a breath. “I love you, Holly Brooks. I love your competence and your kindness and the way you organize things by color or size. I love that you drove up a mountain in a storm to deliver cookies to a stranger. I love thatyou see people, including me. And I’m not hiding that. Not from anyone. Not ever again.”
My vision blurs. This is what I needed. Not just the words in private but the choice in public. The claim where it costs him something. Where everyone can see.
Tears spill over.
“You’re not convenient.” His voice is rough. “You’re essential. You’re home. And if anyone asks, and they will, I’m telling them exactly that. You’re mine, and I’m yours, and there’s no question about it.”
I can’t stop crying. Not that I want to. This is what I’ve longed to hear. “I love you too. I love you so much, and I was so scared you’d?—”
“I won’t. Not again. I promise you, Holly. In front of witnesses.” He glances around the diner.
Every eye is on us. Roz dabs at her face with her apron. Mrs. Porter beams.
“Plenty of witnesses,” he adds.
I laugh through my tears and kiss him.
The diner erupts in applause.
When we break apart, I smile. “Okay. I believe you now.”
“Good. Because I meant every word.”
Roz appears with a box of tissues. “Y’all are killing me. That was beautiful. Breakfast is on the house.”
“You already fed us,” he points out.
“Then lunch is on the house. Just keep being adorable. It’s good for business.”
“No judgment. No spectacle. Just community.” Cole shakes his head. “Emma always used to say that’s what made Lush Hollow special.”
And she was right. This place, these people… They’re not watching us fail. They’re celebrating our decision to be together.
