“Over by Birdie. It’s Tuesday. I usually go visit her and bring her groceries and her books. If you want to come with me...you can.”
This feels big. Like more than a way to rescue my company through marriage. More than just being friends with the hot bartender. This feels like a next step. Something deeper. Something more.
Life is getting complicated, but I can’t stop it now.
“Yes. I’d love to go with you,” I say with a smile. “What do you mean by books?”
His cheeks turn pink and his grin is entirely too cute as he says, “She’s a big romance reader. She’s always been a romantic at heart. I stop by the mobile bookstore and get her a few books to read for the week. It’s just something she looks forward to. It means a lot to her.”
And apparently it means a lot to him too.
If Cal can “fake” marry me, I can visit his mother with him and bring her books. Knowing I can do something for him for a change warms my heart.
“Oh. I’ve been wanting to go to Salty Pages Books,” I tell him witha cheesy grin. “Can I help you pick out some books?” I’m excited by this.
Cal leans back in relief. “You have no idea how much that would help me. I am terrible at picking out her books. Mia and Juniper have been awesome at helping, but I might need reinforcements.”
“Well, let’s go,” I say, bumping his shoulder gently. “Wilby has the wedding stuff.”
I grab my black nylon crossbody purse and Cal’s hand lays on mine gently. A zing of pleasure shoots up my arm at his touch. Whoa.
Cal lays down bills and nods to our server. “I got it.”
“Wait,” I say. “I can’t go meet your mom looking like this. I look like a drowned rat. She will think I’m so weird.”
Cal laughs. “She would never think that.”
“Can I take a shower and get presentable?”
“Of course. Why don’t I drop you off and take Wilby to his B&B. Then I’ll get ready and come get you?”
I grin. “Sounds perfect.”
And this is how I met my future husband’s mother.
“Okay,” Cal says carefully. “I usually only bring her three books.”
I look down at the towering stack in my arms. Paperbacks, hardcovers, and a cookbook I’m sure Carly would love.Ilove it.
“Shhh,” I tell him.
The Salty Pages mobile bookstore smells like paper, sunshine, and happiness, which feels on point. I absolutely adore it. And this has become my new favorite place in Coconut Beach. I can’t believe I haven’t been here before. It’s been what feels like forever since I’ve been able to read a book for fun. I’m going to see if Carly wants to lend me some of these. Maybe we can be friends.
Juniper and Mia are behind the counter, glowing with the kind of joy that comes from watching someone buy a ton of books from their store and get excited about them. I put them all on the counter and start making another one in my arms. I can’t help it. There’re just too many good ones to choose from. I have to get them all for her.
Cal clears his throat behind me, and I glance over at him. “What?”
He givesme an exasperated look.
I slide another novel onto my second pile. “You said she likes books.”
Juniper grins, and Mia gives me a thumbs up as if they’re both confirming.
“Yes,” Cal agrees. “But this looks like you’re stocking a bunker full of books for like the end of time.”
I step a little closer to him, lowering my voice. “Cal… I love books. Your mom does too. This means a lot, so please don’t take it from me.”
He watches me for a moment, eyes flicking to mine, and then, just slightly, to my lips. A small jolt of awareness runs through me, and I shake it off, focusing on the books in my hands, aware we have an audience. “I hope she’ll really like this too,” I add softly, pointing at another book.
