“I couldn’t sleep last night. Our conversation replayed over and over in my head, and I kept seeing the uncertainty in your eyes. I realized I hadn’t been clear in my words, so let me be clear now. I’m crazy about you, Cece. If you’re willing, I’d absolutely like to see you again back in the states, not just as people who connected on a vacation, or even as friends. I’d like to date you and know all the little and big things that make you Cece, and what other weird food combos you like such as ketchup and carrots.”
“Don’t knock it until you try it,” she uttered through joyful tears. Her heart pounded with love and happiness.
“I’ll try anything if it makes you happy.” He reached for her hands. “Will you give us a chance?”
She nodded with absolute certainty. “Yes.”
He kissed her again, a briefer one with hints of promise.
“When is your next flight?” she asked. “Do we have time for one more outing?
James grinned. “Next Saturday.”
“What?” Her eyes widened with incredulity.
“I called Grant this morning and told him I’m willing to start making the transition to Virginia as soon as I get back on one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“He extends my vacation for a week so I can continue exploring Finlovia with you.”
Excited palpitations fluttered in her chest. “Are you serious?”
He nodded. “We won’t be neighbors. My room is already booked for the coming week, but I won’t be far.”
“I don’t care.” She threw her arms around him. “We’ll be here together and that’s what matters.”
Epilogue
Exactly Three Months Later
James sat on his sofa with an arm draped over Cece’s shoulders. “Isn’t this downtime nice?”
“The last three months have been crazy, and I can’t imagine how much more so for you with relocating.” Cece rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for spending New Year’s with my mom and Drake.”
“It’s only fair since you spent Christmas with my family, who all adore you by the way.”
“The feeling’s mutual.”
“Have you heard from Drake since dropping him off at rehab?”
Cece shook her head. “For the first month, they’re only allowed one call on the weekend, and I’m sure mom will get that call.”
“When I talked to him before we left, he seemed eager to go.”
“He did,” Cece agreed. “That gives me hope. This program is a full year intensive. I’m praying I’ll have my brother back at the end of it.”
“There are people, literally all over the world, praying for him. Edwin told me Kate is planning to send him cards of encouragement.”
“Anya’s church has a ministry that reaches out to men and women in various stages of rehab, many of whom have gonethrough the process already. She’s going to have one of the men send him encouragement as well.”
“I bet he never realized what a community of support he had.” James straightened his back. “I have big news.”
Cece sat upright. “Good news?”
He nodded. “An offer came in on my house today, and I accepted it.”
“That’s wonderful.”
