“Yeah, I will.Thanks for the pep talk, Lana.”I give her a small smile.
“Anytime.”She replies before hanging up.
I give myself one last moment before I open my door, grabbing everything I purchased, and force my feet across the street.My heart is pounding so hard it feels like it’s trying to escape my chest.I’m sure Sue is watching from her window, wondering what the hell I’m doing, but I don’t care.I don’t know what Sara will say or do, but I have to try.
I ring the doorbell, hiding behind the bear like it might give me courage.
“Dave?”Sara’s voice is soft, surprised.
I peek around the bear and meet her gaze—those dark eyes filled with confusion, warmth, and something that looks dangerously close to forgiveness.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” I say sheepishly.“I don’t know if you have plans, or if you’re still mad… but I didn’t want you to have to buy your own Valentine’s Day gift.”I swallow.“And I meant what I said the other night.You should be worshiped.”
She blinks at me, clearly stunned.“Sydney…” she mutters under her breath.
“Yeah,” I admit with a nervous laugh.“She told me to fix it.So… here I am.Trying to fix it.”
Her smile wavers, and I know it’s now or never.
“I’m so sorry I lied to you,” I blurt, finally finding the courage to meet her eyes fully.“I’ve had a crush on you since the day you moved in.”I let out a quiet chuckle.“Maybe more than a crush.I was a coward—I didn’t ask you out when I should have.You completely blew me away.And I convinced myself there was no way a woman like you would want a guy like me, so I chickened out.I’ve regretted it ever since.”
I take a breath and keep going.“When I realized you were the one I was delivering to, I took the opportunity to talk to you.”I shake my head at myself.“It’s a pretty far-fetched story—using a delivery app as a dating app—but it gave me access to you when you were unguarded, and I took the chance.I’m sorry if that made you feel manipulated.I never wanted to hurt you.”
“It’s a weirdHow I Met Your Fatherstory,” she jokes, fidgeting with the sleeves of her sweater.Then she adds quickly, words tumbling out, “Not that I’m saying you’re the future father of my children.”
I don’t say it out loud,but I want to be.
“I think… I understand why you did it,” she continues, her voice barely above a whisper.“Truth is, I’ve been pretty reclusive since I found out my ex cheated on me and moved out.Opening myself up to someone again hasn’t been easy.”She looks up at me, hopeful but cautious.“But I’m hoping we could try?”
“I’d like that,” I answer without a single second of hesitation.“More than anything.”
Her smile brightens.“Me too.”
“So,” I start, nerves flaring again, “will you be my Valentine?”
“She would love to!”Sydney yells from the couch.
Sara laughs, shaking her head.“She’s right.I would love to.”
And just like that, for the first time in years,I have a Valentine.
EPILOGUE - SARA
The next time I move, I’m planning better—and making absolutely sure it’s not during the hottest month of the year in Eagleton.The boob sweat is next-level aggressive today.
Thank God the move itself is short.
Dave and I decided to move in together after a few months of dating.I love my little cottage, but his place had history, memories, and—most importantly—love flowing from every corner.
He wanted the house to feel like my home, so he spent the last month turning one of the spare bedrooms into my gaming room and library, refusing to let me see it until today—move-in day.
“Are you ready?”he asks, leading me up the stairs.
“Yes.”I give his hand a little squeeze.
“I hope you love it.”He opens the door, stepping back so I can take in the space.
It’sbeautiful.One wall is lined with floating shelves already stocked with my books—romance novels, fantasy paperbacks, collector’s editions I thought were still packed away.A plush reading chair sits in the corner beneath a floor lamp with soft, golden light.My desk faces the window, my full PC setup already assembled, LED lights tucked discreetly behind the monitor and shelves, glowing faintly.There’s even a small couch along the opposite wall, layered with blankets, pillows, and of course, Sir Sloths-A-Lot is watching over his kingdom.
