“Now that we’ve crossed off the first item… that leaves just one more.” He grabs his journal. “Maisie Winslow, I willneverlove someone as much as I love you. Will you please be my girlfriend?”
I nod, tears falling onto my lap. “I love you so much, Henry and I will love you for the rest of my life.”
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes, Henry. I will be your girlfriend. As long as in the end I’m yours and you’re mine.”
“Mine,” he whispers.
“All yours,” I whisper back.
EPILOGUE
HENRY
Three Weeks Later
“Are you sure this isn’t like… too much salt?” I ask Maisie, continuing to pourmoresalt in the pot of boiling water.
“No such thing, but that should be enough,” she says from behind me as her head rests on my shoulder.
It’s Sunday which means it’s pasta night at the Winslows. Elaine thought it’d be a good idea to invite my parents as well as Miles for dinner.
We’ve beenofficiallydating for almost a month now and even though my parents have FaceTimed with us, they’ve yet to meet her in person. The smiles and laughs through my phone screen feel genuine but my stomach is still tied in a knot overthinking thewhat-ifs.
What if they don’t like her?
What if Maisie doesn’t get along with my parents?
What if I burn this pasta and set the house on fire?
What if?—
A knock interrupts my thoughts at the same time I feel a gentle kiss on my cheeks from a pair of lips I’ve grown to know too well.
“You think it’s Miles or your parents?” she quietly asks, rubbing my arm with the gentle touch of her fingers.
“I’m not sure, but I’ll come to the door with you either way.” I lean in and press my lips to her forehead in the reassuring way I know she likes.
Looking at her, I can tell she’s nervous but trying to play it cool for me—to calm my own nerves.
“Look at me.” I put my hands on her shoulders and rest my forehead against hers. “They’re going toloveyou, Maisie. You’re the light of my life, there’s literally no light in my world without you.”
She lets out a breath just before a small smile quirks. “I love you.”
“I loveyou. So much.” I lean down and kiss her. “Now let’s go see who’s waiting to have dinner with the love of my life, okay?”
Sittingaround the table surrounded by my family—old and new—I can’t help but feel the butterflies swarming my stomach over the reminder that this is my life.
Ruby Lake.
Maisie.
Sunday dinners.
A beautiful life I would’ve never expected for myself.
To no one’s surprise, my mom and dad absolutely love Maisie. They’ve had stars in their eyes for her since they got here. But how could you not when you’re in her vicinity?
