“And my sweet Bauer-boy is proud, huh?”
He gets worked up, responding with chatty barks. I ruffle his fur, then hug him. When I look up, Cole is taking photos of us on his phone.
“You got a lot done while I was out.”
“Benson was here this morning to give me a hand.”
The bond of their friendship hasn’t been damaged by us hiding our relationship from him. They’re closer than ever.
I hand him his coffee and sip mine. Bauer trots around the room before settling in his bed beneath the checkout counter in progress. I unlock my phone to check my email, but open my library app on autopilot. A delighted noise leaves me.
“The next book in the cowboy romance series I wanted to borrow is available.” I waggle my brows at him. “This one’s about the older brother’s best friend.”
He steps behind me, drawing my hair aside to kiss my shoulder. “Get it. We can start listening to it tonight.”
I love listening to books with him. He’s gone from being the guy I dream up for every hero to my real life book boyfriend.
The next song from the playlist he’s listening to is slower. He plucks the phone from my hand and turns me around, drawing me into dancing with him. I giggle when he nuzzles my temple and plays with the scarf tying my hair back.
“You’re beautiful.”
My eyes crinkle with serene joy. “What’s that for?”
“Just because.”
I lift my chin for a kiss, smiling when his lips meet mine. He adjusts his grip on my hand and twirls me. I overcompensate, getting too into it. I wobble off balance with a bright laugh, steadying myself.
Cole holds out a hand. I slip mine into it without hesitation, glad we no longer have to love each other in secret.
“Ready to go home?”
My heartfelt smile could light up the whole room. I lean into him. He plants a kiss on my head.
“I’d happily go anywhere with you.”
Because as long as I’m with him, there are no bad days.
EPILOGUE
COLE
November, Six Months Later
My palms won’t stop sweating.I wipe them on my nice jeans for the third time in the last twenty minutes. The ring isn’t even in my pocket anymore and I’m still going through it.
Bauer senses my distress, leaving my mom’s side for the first time since my parents arrived back in Heston Lake for a visit. He leans heavily against me. I take a few breaths to steady my nerves while petting him.
Benson and David are the only ones that know the plan. This time I don’t want to keep them out of the loop. I took them out for drinks and showed them the ring I bought for Eve and broke the news that I’m planning to propose before we sit down for Thanksgiving dinner as a family.
I didn’t expect to be so nervous after I’ve spent months figuring out how I want to ask her to spend our lives together.
“Are you okay? You’re looking flushed.” Eve touches my forehead and cheeks in concern.
I clasp her wrist, sliding an arm around her waist. “I’m okay. It’s just warm in here with everyone over.”
“We’re going to need a bigger table soon. It’s nice we get to spend the holidays with your parents this year. I like having everyone together.”
“Me too.”
