“Sterling. Thorndrop.”
Beverly clapped a hand over her mouth. “Sterling! Oh, of course I remember you, darling! I’ve been so worried since they took you away. What a relief to see you! You’re all grown up!”
I pushed myself off the counter, more interested now. Was this the woman he told me about?
“I didn’t think you would…” Sterling said. “The kindness you showed me in my youth stuck with me through my whole life. It changed me as a person. I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
“There’s no need. Are you happy now? Did you make a good life for yourself?” Beverly asked.
“I did,” he answered. “Thanks to you, certainly. I have a good job, and I live with my partner, Cassian. He owns this inn.” He gestured to me, and I waved with a smile.
Beverly smiled wide, and it was so genuine, I understood why Sterling never forgot her. “How wonderful! I’m so happy for you,” she said.
“How are you? Still running your shop?” Sterling asked.
“Oh, yes. Not much has changed for me. How much do I owe you for the room?” she asked.
I stepped forward. I didn’t want to intervene on his first solo check-in, but I couldn’t take her money. “Free of charge, Beverly,” I said. “In fact, you’re welcome here at no cost anytime you like. I’m very grateful for what you did for Sterling.”
“He told you?” Beverly asked.
“It meant a lot to him,” I said, reaching in the drawer to give her the last available key.
Beverly smiled at the two of us. “Thank you so much.” She took Sterling’s hand, holding it between hers. “Truly, Sterling, I am so happy to see you and know you’re okay.”
“I’m happy to see you too, Beverly. I hope you come back to visit again,” Sterling said.
“Don’t worry, darling. I’ll be around,” she said. “If you’re ever in Ladiall, stop by my shop. You’re always welcome.”
When Beverly retired to her room, I turned to Sterling. “That was the last room. Where will you sleep?” I asked, wrapping my arms around his neck and looking up at him.
Sterling smiled and kissed me gently. “I guess I’ll have to sleep in the stable.”
I laughed. “It’s pretty cold out there. You need someone to keep you warm?”
“Yeah, maybe,” he said, holding me closer.
“You might as well sleep in my bed, then.”
“Hmm…” He pretended to think about it. “But where will you sleep?”
I giggled against his neck. “You sleep in my bed, and I’ll sleep on you. How does that sound?”
“That sounds wonderful.”
STERLING
“Good morning, everyone! It’s a new day, and I have great news,” Cassian said to Griffin and Olive, who gathered in his office before the morning rush. I stood with him behind his desk with my arms folded behind my back.
“You’re not selling the inn?” Griffin guessed.
Cassian pointed at him. “That’s right. The curse has been lifted.” He moved his finger to point at Olive. “And soon I’ll have enough money to pay out your part of the will, Olive.”
“Oh, Cassian, I don’t?—”
“And,” Cassian interrupted her, “Sterling is a permanent part of the team now.” He slid his arm around my waist and grinned with his eyes closed. “And he’s my boyfriend.”
Griffin and Olive glanced at each other and smiled.
