“I’m proud of you. I should’ve started with that.”
“Thanks, Benny.”
He crushes me in a hug. “I’ll be back in a bit.”
Once he leaves, we exchange a look. Cole shakes his head in exasperation, drawing me in to kiss the top of my head.
“Think we should’ve brought him into the fold sooner?” I wonder.
“I’m just glad he came to his senses.”
“Me too. I really hope it’s not like that when we tell my dad.”
“I’ll tell him the same thing as I told your brother.”
Before I respond, a new customer comes up. I greet her and ask about what she’s found so far at the market. She compliments my book earrings and buys a set for herself and her sister. The longer it goes on, the more I’m slammed with people. I even have a line at one point. Cole takes photos and videos of me in action since I’m too busy to handle it myself.
By the time the event is down to an hour left, I’ve nearly sold out of the stock I brought. Only some of my earrings and stickers remain out of what I overpacked.
“I’d say you killed it at your first event,” Cole says.
I lace our fingers together, leaning into him. “It’s because of you supporting me. Bumpy road and all.”
“No,” he says fondly. “This is all you and your talent. You did it. How’s it feel?”
“Awesome.”
There’s something so magical about interacting with the shoppers in person today. Whether they bought something or not, it’s wonderful to see what catches their interest, and feel the sense of community from the other vendors.
A content smile curves my mouth. I did it, despite the struggles. Because I’m not perfect, and that’s okay.
As long as I have Cole to anchor me, I feel capable of anything I dream up.
THIRTY-SIX
EVE
After everyonefinally goes to bed on Christmas Eve, I sneak upstairs to the guest room Cole’s staying in. This year he’s spending the night, along with our puppy in his crate downstairs. I text him to open his door and moments later he peers through the crack.
We both glance down the hall to my parents’ room. The light’s off. Dad was snoring when I tiptoed past.
He draws me inside and shuts the door.
“What’s up?” he whispers.
“I can’t sleep without you anymore.”
He tugs me against him, burying his nose in my hair. “Me either.”
“I’ll get up early before everyone. They won’t know.”
He pulls back to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I was sitting up here thinking about coming out to you.”
Husky laughter bubbles out of me. I lean into his palm.
“Why are we like this?”
“Because being in love makes us act weird.”
