“He said yes,” I say with a smile.
“You’re really staying?” he asks.
“I’m really staying,” I say, nodding.
He smiles and the crowd outside applauds.
But I don’t return the smile. He hurt me yesterday, deeply. And I’m not so sure I want someone in my life who would dump me without a real conversation.
“Can I make this up to you?” he asks me softly.
“I’m not sure,” I tell him honestly.
“Can I try?” he asks. “How can I win back your friendship?”
“Very slowly,” I tell him.
“Can we start with a real date?” he asks me. “A nice one?”
Movement behind him catches my eye.
It’s Meg, she’s making little praying hands, and there’s the sweetest, most hopeful look on her face.
“Onedinner,” I tell him. “And Meg is coming too.”
He frowns, but Meg grins and hops up and down, and I feel a smile spread across my face.
Roan Connelly is going to have to learn to give up his grumpy ways for good.
If he does, I think he might just make a really good boyfriend.
20
TAYLOR
Sitting around a table at the lodge on Angel Mountain a few days later, I’m starting to feel like my life is back on its way to being perfect.
True to his word, Roan invited me here tonight for a special dinner with Meg. It’s not the fanciest place in town, but it’s beautiful and cozy with beamed ceilings and old-fashioned decor. Our table is beside a roaring fireplace, and the waitstaff has obviously been told that this is a special night. Bronson, the chef, came out to personally talk with us about the menu and he even offered to prepare anything off-menu that we might be craving.
And it turns out that Maddie Foster Stone and Jake own this place. Maddie came over when we first arrived to make sure we liked our table. She also let Meg know that her friend J.B. is here, hanging out inthe spacious lobby with her Grandpa Michael, who used to be the doorman here.
When Maddie mentioned that J.B. and her grandpa were playing chess, Meg got pretty excited. I have a feeling we’ll lose her the moment she finishes eating.
And I’m feeling okay with that.
Roan has been amazing these last few days. He hasn’t said much, but he’s shown up for me, helping out with the shop, asking about my day, and bringing a cup of coffee, or a pine wreath, or a plate of his mother’s Christmas cookies when he comes by.
He’s trying to show me that he cares, that he can listen and be steady.
And those intense blue eyes meet mine more often these days. Once in a while I catch him scowling at his brother, who gets a kick out of stopping by and pretending he’s flirting with me. But for the most part, Roan seems happier these days—like a man transformed by the second chance he might be getting.
I’m happier too, now that I’m in Angel Mountain by choice. It’s hard to believe that not so long ago I was spooked by these curving roads, and I felt banished to these beautiful mountains.
Plenty of people spend a lifetime dreaming of a retirement in the Poconos, but I get to start my life here right now, with people I care about.
Telling Grammy about all these new developmentsin my life was almost as fun as experiencing them myself.
Serves him right,she cackled when I told her about David’s increasing desperation to get me back with the company.He should have known a good thing when he had it.
