If this woman told me I could walk on water, I’d believe her and find a way to make it happen.
Lucy looks away, and her cheeks turn pink at whatever the woman said.
Oh, yeah.That was a compliment. I work hard for that face.
She constantly undersells herself.
I got her to sing at Sam’s gig in Myrtle Beach over fall break, and they were a huge hit. I’ve promised never to use the wordstatisticsin her presence, butstatistically, his videos perform better when she’s in them. We recorded with him over Christmas, and she says she’d consider a few shows but still insists she’sjusthelping.
She has no idea how her light makes everyone shine.
Seventeen months ago, when Jace met Lucy to give her keys to the townhouse, he texted me four words: “Come meet your wife.”
I thought he was being dramatic, but when she fell into my arms, I knew at that moment I was done letting other people plan my life.
But she was twenty-two, and I couldn’t say, “Hey, I know you just established your independence. Want to jump into a long-term relationship?”
I learned the hard way—she wants me to take the lead. I redeemed New Year’s Eve last week, and I’ll never let her doubt how I feel ever again.
She deserves all the fairy lights and sweet words I can give her for that little journal she claims is just material for future novels. Her twenty-fourth year will be book-worthy.
I’ll spend the rest of my life giving her something to write about.
The office isn’t closed yet, but I don’t see any students, so I push the glass door open and lean in. “Hey, birthday girl.”
Lucy’s eyes snap to mine, and her embarrassed smirk melts into a heated grin as she takes in what I’m wearing.
My shirt will unbutton itself if she keeps looking at me like that.
“Lucy! You didn’t tell me it’s your birthday!”
Lucy introduces me to her boss, Laura, and it’s obvious why she’s happy here.
“Jude! It’s great to meet you. You know, she’s been a menace all day. I’d appreciate it if you’d get her out of here as soon as possible.”
“Nice to meet you too, Laura, but Lucy does what she wants. The last guy to cross her got a broken nose.” I smile when Lucy’s eyes widen.
Her lips press together, and she looks about ready to throttle me.Bring it, Punk.
Laura’s head whips back to Lucy. “Storytime. Monday, 8 a.m. You’re fired until then. Get out.”
Lucy laughs and thanks her as she moves from behind the desk to leave. Once I get a good look at her short green sweater dress with tights and boots, I can’t get her out of there fast enough.
“Where are we going now? Aunt Judy’s?” Lucy asks with a yawn as I turn down a road near Aunt J’s house. She’s wholly content on kisses and Mexican food, but I’m just getting started.
“Nope.” I kiss her fingers and resist the urge to sayhome.I’ve been asking questions and taking notes. I don’t want to rush her, but this opportunity was too good to pass up.
I pull into a long driveway and park in front of an old white farmhouse with a huge front porch. “Come on.” I peck her lips one time and jog around to open her door.
I can’t make out her expression. She’ll have twelve possible scenarios in her head if I don’t explain soon.
“Did you … buy a house?” she asks calmly.
“Not yet. Come here.” Our timing is perfect. There’s still enough daylight to see the holly and berry garland wrapped around the banisters with rustic burlap bows and the wooden porch sign that says “There’s snow place like home” next to the front door. But I hope it’s dark enough to get the full effect.
I take her up the three steps and pull her into my lap on the porch swing while retrieving my phone from my pocket to activate the lights.
Sam did a great job. Hundreds of crisscrossed string lights glow over our heads, and she gasps.
