I had to work hard to get this number.
My heart leaps. I text back.
Roman?
I hope it’s him. It better not be Mr Paris.
Yes, my lady. How are you doing?
I smile.
Doing good now. Thank you for rescuing me. Where are you?
I stare at my cell, willing him to respond instantly. He’s typing.
I’m with your Dad. He’s driving us back to your house.
That takes a minute to sink in. I just want to text back ‘what?’ I see he’s typing again.
Kind of a shock eh? Brace yourself. Your Dad came over and had a big discussion with my Dad. They’ve put the past behind them. I guess we aren’t at war any more.
I can’t resist. I insert a string of emojis and type back:
What??!?!
I stare in disbelief at the screen again as Roman is typing.
Incredible huh? Time for us to kiss and make up.
It hits me that Roman is on his way over. I head to the shower and get rid of the smoky smell on my hair and body with a strawberry-scented shampoo and body wash. I put on some clean sweats and head into my bedroom. Although I live in the apartment above the shop - well I used to live there - my Mom has kept my little bedroom just the way I left it for when I come home.
There’s a soft knock on the door. I turn around from rubbing some moisturizer into my face and Roman is peeking his head around the door. I drop the bottle on my dressing table, spin around on the seat and run to the door.
I throw my arms around him, so glad to see him again.
“I can’t believe you’re in my house!” I can’t resist kissing him. Instantly we’re back in our own private world as his tongue explores my mouth. My knees give way underneath me.
He stops and holds me up. “Hey Julia. Too much, too soon. You’re still recovering.” He carries me over to the bed.
“I’m fine. I’m just overwhelmed by your presence.” I smile at him. As I lean into Roman’s arms, I’m perfectly content.
I never imagined the Caputo and Montag feud could be resolved.
I never thought I’d find passionate, heart-warming love with the guy next door.
Things have turned around and tragedy has been averted.
Love finds a way.
Epilogue
Julia - Six years later
Hey Bette,
I thought I’d send you an email and get you caught up on what’s happening here in Snowflake. How does it feel to be Mrs Paris? Give my love to Edward and say hi from Roman too.
Are you in L.A. now or back in New York? I can’t keep up with your glamorous lifestyle LOL! It looks amazing on Instagram but quite a contrast to Snowflake. It’s snowing again here - bet you don’t miss that!
