"Last week. After I met with Shayna. It's a six-month intensive program in Paris. Starts in February." She looked at him. "I didn't tell you because I didn't know if I'd actually go. But now that I'm selling the bakery—I think I want to."
"Then you should go."
"It's six months, Jake. In a different country. We've been together less than two weeks."
"I know. And I also know that if you don't go, you'll regret it. And you'll resent me for being the reason you didn't."
"I wouldn't resent you—"
"Maybe not consciously. But it would be there." Jake took her hand. "Lucy, go to Paris. Learn everything you can. And when you come back, we'll figure out what comes next."
"You really mean that?"
"Yes. I waited three years to talk to you. I can wait six months while you're living your dream."
Lucy kissed him then—deep and grateful and a little desperate.
"What if we don't work long distance?" she asked when they pulled apart. "What if six months apart is too much?"
"Then we'll deal with that when we get there. But Lucy—I'd rather have you happy in Paris than miserable here because you gave up your dream for me."
They finished dinner and moved to the couch, Lucy curled into Jake's side.
"Can I tell you something?" Lucy said quietly.
"Always."
"I'm scared. Not just about Paris or the bakery or us. About everything. About being on my own for the first time in my life. About figuring out who I am without this place defining me."
"That's the whole point, though. You get to find out who Lucy Chen is when she's not just the bakery owner. When she's not carrying her grandmother's legacy on her shoulders. Just Lucy."
"What if I don't like who that is?"
"Impossible. You're incredible."
"You have to say that. You're my boyfriend."
Jake felt his heart do something complicated at the word. "Is that what I am? Your boyfriend?"
"I don't know. What else would you call someone you're dating who turned down the NHL to stay in the same town as you and who's willing to do long distance while you go to culinary school in Paris?"
"I'd call that someone who's in love with you."
The words were out before Jake could stop them. They hung in the air between them—huge and terrifying and completely true.
Lucy stared at him. "What?"
"I'm in love with you. I know it's fast. I know we've only been together two weeks. But Lucy—I think I've been falling for you for three years. Every Wednesday morning, every smile, every conversation. I love you. And I'm not saying it to pressure you or to make you feel like you have to stay. I'm saying it because it's true. Because you deserve to know."
Lucy's eyes filled with tears. "Jake—"
"You don't have to say it back. I just needed you to know. So that when you're in Paris and it's hard and you're questioning everything—you know that someone back in Timber Falls is completely in love with you."
"I love you too," Lucy whispered. "I think I have for a long time. I was just too scared to admit it."
Jake kissed her, and this time it felt different. Not uncertain or tentative. But sure. Real. Like a promise.
They stayed on the couch for hours, talking about everything and nothing. About Paris (Lucy was excited and terrified in equal measure). About coaching (Jake was starting to really love it). About what they'd do when Lucy came back (open a restaurant together? Maybe?).
