Page 117 of Lovestrung

“I’ll see what I can do.”

“Enough talk about the future. I need to go apartment hunting today, and I also need to find a place to set up shop.”

He smiled down at me. “I have a feeling we’ve got a bright future ahead of us, darlin’.”

“Yeah, baby, we do.”

At that moment, there was no doubt in my mind that whatever happened, Ethan would remain my constant. My safe harbor, just like we were children.

I’d broken the lovestrung streak once and for all, just like I always knew I would, albeit I’d never dared to hope that Ethan would actually be mine.

I was thrilled I got it wrong, and I couldn’t wait for our future to begin.

Epilogue

Eight months later

Setting up my business had proven to take a lot longer than I’d thought it would, but today, it was happening.

I put a hand on my churning stomach.

“Oh, gosh, I’m going to be sick.”

“No, you are not,” Mama said, as calm as could be. “You’re just a tad nervous, that’s all. And that’s a good thing, baby girl. That means it matters.”

I ignored her and looked up at the clock hanging above the door to my store. Ten to ten in the morning. Ten minutes until I opened my doors and handed over all my hard work to fate.

Fate and customers who, I hoped, had a bunch of money burning their pockets, ready to spend a fair chunk of it in my store.

“What the hell was I thinking? I can’t do this.”

“Sure you can,” Dad’s voice boomed from my right, causing me to jump in fright. “Here, have a drink.”

He handed me a tall glass made of crystal that contained something sparkly and pink.

Pink champagne. My favorite.

“Dad! It’s way too early for champagne.”

He huffed and pushed the glass into my hand.

“Nonsense.” When I raised my head, I couldn’t help but see the playful wink he aimed at Mama atop my head. “It’s never too early for champagne, or isn’t that what you always tell me after you come home from your Sunday brunches with your girlfriends, my dear?”

“Absolutely.”

Mama didn’t bat an eye at his teasing and I sighed.

“Fine, but I’ll only take a sip.”

Surprisingly, I felt a bit calmer afterward, but the butterflies returned when my eyes caught sight of the clock once more.

One more minute. And there was actually a crowd waiting in front of the doors now.

“I guess this is it.” I smiled nervously at my parents.

“Good luck, baby girl.” Mama took my glass and kissed me on the cheek the same time I felt my dad give my shoulder a pat.

I reached for their hands one last time and drew strength from their proud and happy smiles shining at me.