"This has nothing to do with them. I actually think they are the only ones who are surprised they didn't get away with their scams for good. They will be in jail for a long time." He shakes his head, but continues with excitement inflections in his voice, “This is a good surprise. I was talking to your dad about Mexico. It turns out my parents aren’t that far from Lake Xochimilco, the most popular place in North America for finding wild axolotls."
“Oh, I see where this is going.” I pretend to be alarmed, but inside I’m already excited. “That’s enticing, and you want to visit, right?”
“What do you think?” His head takes an inquisitive angle. “Both our parents are there, and maybe we could visit for Christmas? It would be our first vacation together, cementing another milestone in our still new relationship.”
My heart patters over several beats as I love how thoughtful North is, and how willing he is to include me in his life, making plans for Christmas, which is a month away. It feels normal though. Like how it’s supposed to be. “You’re asking me if I want to go to Mexico in cold December? Of course, I would love to go.”
“One more thing.” His easy smile graces his face, but I freeze as a serious gleam sparkles out of the corner of his eye. "In the spirit of letting go, I cleaned out a few of my closets, too. I was going to toss this, but part of me always had this weird fantasy and I wanted to give it to you.” He lifts up a box and pushes it toward me. “You’ll like this one.”
“Promise?” I hesitate, but lean over, peering inside the box. When I make out the contents, a full smile bursts on my lips. “Are you kidding me?” I yank it out, and eagerly slip it on. “You brought me your high school football letterman jacket?”
“I know we aren’t in high school.” He shifts his weight from one foot to the other, “But seeing you walk through the halls in my jacket was one of those things I always fantasized about. If only I would have been a little braver back then, we’d have a lotmore memories.” He pulls up one side of his mouth into a flirty grin. “So, what do you say, Gia Bella…I’m a little late but will you wear my lettermen jacket?
“Gosh, North.” I playfully bat my lashes and tug on the collar hugging it closer around me, already loving everything about this jacket. The worn leather still smells amazing, and it’s soft and so easy to mold against my skin. “If you want me to wear your jacket, that must mean I really am your girl?”
“That’s exactly what you are to me.” He leans in, stealing a chaste kiss from my lips, before tacking on, “My Girl.”
That kiss isn’t enough for either one of us. Our gaze lingers over each other, and he dips his chin again, pressing his lips against mine. This kiss is sweet and filled with the promise of something more. As we pull away, I see the same wonder in his eyes that I feel in my heart.
I tug the jacket even tighter around me, a warmth seeps into my chest, and I take one more look around the garage. I can’t help but smile. It had been an overwhelming several weeks, but now that we’d gotten through all that junk, I know we have better things ahead.
Epilogue
Christmas in Mexico
The waves cascade gently on top of the water, creating a ripple that goes on as far as I can see. We’re staying at North’s parents’ house, but I decided to take the day to visit the ocean as it’s always been where I felt the calmest. For a moment, I’m sad as I reminisce about how I used to look out at the beach almost every day when I worked at the resort. Though I love working at Dad’s pizzeria, it’s not the same as having a career that’s solely mine.
“What are you thinking about?” North walks barefoot beside me on our sunrise walk. His face is already sun-kissed even though we’ve only been here two days.
“Just how peaceful the ocean is, and how I miss working at the resort.”
“Have you thought about what direction you want to go with your career after your dad returns to Bella’s?”
“No.” My mind is calm, and it doesn’t pull me in any direction except to whatever direction is closest to North. “I know it wasn’t in my plan to have a career change now, but I do think it’s been the best thing that could have happened because these past few weeks of getting to spend so much time with you have been everything to me.”
“I feel the same way.” North takes my hand in his, and my heart melts how our fingers lace together so perfectly. “I hate to say I’m grateful you got laid off, but I’ve been selfishly enjoying all the late-night left-over pizza dinners together.”
“Those are amazing, but my favorite is the daily Coffee Loft visits.” I hold up a teasing finger. “Maybe, when we return, I’ll try to get a job there?”
“That’s actually not a bad idea.” North’s voice ticks up in excitement. “I saw a Help Wanted sign in the window before we left. It’s right across the street from the Pizzeria. You can see your dad all the time, but still have your own space, and room for upward advancement. I know Portia and Christian so well, I’m sure they’d hire you.”
“Maybe.” I purse my lips out, mulling over the idea. The sun is rising higher over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the water, making everything tranquil. “I do have my Food Manager’s License already, and I enjoy that type of work.”
“It would be perfect.” North gushes, and everything suddenly feels perfect. North is the man of my dreams, the one I’ve been hoping for my whole life. Now that we’re together, he’s not only the sweetest guy ever, but so supportive in every way. Getting laid off could have been stressful, but it just seems like things work out better and better now that he’s by my side.
“I really appreciate how supportive you’ve been with me.” I halt and look deeply into his eyes. North never had one thosepiercing gazes you read about in romance novels. His is the kind of warm intensity that brings so much familiarity, I’m always left feeling like I had known North not just since my youth, but for a thousand lifetimes.
North reaches for my other hand, pulling both of my hands to his heart. This is honestly my favorite thing he does, and it makes my heart skip a beat every time. His chest rises and lowers in the deepest breath as I stand before him, my eyes searching his face for what feels like an eternity. And then, with a rasp in his voice, he finally says, "I don’t know if this is too soon or not, but I can’t hold it in anymore. I love you, Gia."
His declaration echoes in the air between us, as if suspended by the salty wind. A gentle smile tugs at the corners of my lips, and I squeeze his hands back. "I love you too," I whisper, my voice surprisingly cracking as I felt the weight of these words I’d never said to any man wash over me like the waves lapping at my bare feet. And in that moment, we stand on the sandy shore with nothing but the sound of the ocean. I have no clue where I am going in life but, I don't care. I just want to grow closer to North as I finally found someone special – Myone true North.
Bonus Epilogue
“Welcome to the Coffee Loft.” I adjust my apron, clear my throat, and bat my lashes over the counter at the handsome man waiting to be served. It’s my first day on the job, working as a new assistant manager, and I already know I’m going to love everything about working for Coffee Loft. “How can I help you?”
“I’m not sure yet.” North leans over on the counter, resting both elbows. “Whatever I get I’m going to need a Lofty size as the car wash is just beginning, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a long day.”
“That’s right.” I slowly press the buttons on the tablet to punch in a Lofty size drink, making sure I don’t miss anything. “How many players do you think will show up to help out?”
