“No, I read it in ‘63 after it won the Newbery Medal, but I found a first edition… what’s wrong?” he asked when she slipped the novel back into its spot.
“I don’t want to cry on it.” She leaned against his broad chest and buried her face in his shirt. “This is so beautiful. This is the best birthday I could’ve imagined. I’m so glad we can spend it together. I was a little disappointed when I believed we were spending it apart.”
“I honestly can’t believe we fooled you as well as we did. I was certain you’d call bull when I was indifferent about you leaving for the weekend.”
“I’d normally question that decision, but it was a reasonable response after everything Violet went through. Her request for me to be her plus one after the winter she had was convincing.”
“She’s the only reason we pulled this off—that and the fact that Ewan and I aren’t human. The renovations were easy for us to handle, and Ewan was a good sport. Not only did he custom-build the furniture over the past few months, but he helped me finish the restoration.”
“Did you ever sleep?” Bel rested her chin on Eamon’s chest so she could stare into his violently black eyes.
“Not really.” He chuckled, the deep rumble vibrating against her hug.
“Why a library, though? Why not just give me the first editions?”
“Because this is yours. The entire room and every book in it.”
“Excessive, but okay. I’ll never have time to read all of these.”
“Read them.” Eamon shrugged. “Don’t read them. Lend them to your friends. They’re yours to do with as you please, and as for the room, I wanted to give you a safe space. Not an office like you requested, where you keep work and death. Not your cabin, which is the house you’re responsible for—a completely private refuge just for you and your dog. When you made me swear not to leave you on Christmas, you asked me to be your haven. This is a start towards that. You love books and your dog and your coffee. David brought over some stuff from The Espresso Shot for your own coffee bar here. There’s a fireplace so you never have to feel cold, and a window facing the rose garden.” He pointed to the pillow-cluttered window seat and the vibrant red roses growing just outside the glass panes. “Cerberus can squirrel-watch while you read.”
“He’ll love that.”
“There’s a back door so that he can go outside. I installed a mini-fridge and bar as well. I designed the library so that you technically don’t have to leave if you don’t want to, since that couch is a daybed.”
“What? Are you trying to keep me prisoner in here?” Bel waggled her eyebrows at him.
“By golly,” he pitched his voice with the exasperation of an old Hollywood movie star. “My master plan has been uncovered.”
“I thought so.” She patted his chest.
“I just wanted you to have a sanctuary that’s only yours. After today, no one will come in here unless by invitation, me included.”
“You don’t want to hang out with me?”
“I do, but that’s not the point. This is my house, and yes, I view it as ours, but you often remind me we aren’t Mr. and Mrs. yet. So I wanted you to feel that I’ve built spaces in my home and my life for you to exist as your own person.”
“Keep talking like that, and we’ll be Mr. and Mrs. by dinner.” Bel wrapped her arms around his waist. She loved this man. This monster. This beautiful beast. This library was the most magical gift she’d ever received, but the gift that had truly answered her heart’s desire was Eamon at her side as she celebrated another year on this earth.
“Yeah, well, until you’re Mrs. Stone—and even afterward—I want you to have a place to call yours that is solely for bringing you joy. No work, no bills, no people, no stress. Just books and your pup. If you want visitors, invite whomever you like. I’ll be more than happy to join you before the fire, especially on a winter night, but this library is yours, every book on these shelves included.”
“Okay, get lost then, so I can start reading. I don’t have time to waste.” She shoved his chest, but he used the sudden space between them to scoop her up bridal style and carry her back to the main floor.
“Maybe have one drink with our guests and try the food I spent a lot of money on before you banish us poor souls out into the cold.” He deposited her before her dad.
“I told you we should’ve saved the tour for after the party,” Reese teased as he wrapped an arm around his youngest daughter. “This food is fantastic, and I would like to eat before my daughter disappears. This library is massive. She’ll never come out.”
“I will.” She kissed her dad’s cheek before stooping to pat her dog’s head. “I’ll have to let Cerberus out to potty.”
“Priorities,” both Eamon and Reese grunted in unison.
“I’ve got to remind you two where you stand in the pecking order.” She flashed a mischievous smirk at her father and boyfriend before aiming her designer heels toward the bar.
“Outranked by an animal,” Reese shook his head.
“At least it’s a dog,” Eamon shrugged. “I can come second to her pet. But to another man? There would be blood.”
“Unfortunately, I am outranked by both a pet and a man.” Reese thumped the much taller man’s back. “But in my case, I’m glad you outrank dear ole dad. I couldn’t part with my baby girl for anything less.”
