Page 121 of Love In Hiding

“That’s how I’m thinking of things. I know that I’m good at what I do.”

“Great at what you do,” she said. “Just like me. I got here with a little help, but I also know that I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have if I weren’t already great.”

He pointed his finger at her. “You’ve got a big ego too.”

“I need it to keep up with yours. Are you going to tell me what is in that bag?”

“Here,” he said, putting it on her desk.

She pulled out the tissue paper, then lifted the box. “Oh wow. It’s the mug that Beau broke during her one day working here. How did you find it?”

“It wasn’t easy. I asked your mother where she got it and she couldn’t remember. But I scoured the internet and finally found one. I’ve had it a few weeks. Right about the time I knew beyond a doubt I loved you.”

“Why haven’t you given it to me?” She took it out of the box, almost hugging it to her chest in happiness.

“I was afraid.”

“Of what?”

“Of scaring you along with myself.”

“We aren’t going to go there again, are we?”

“No. But I wanted you to know, I’ve been struggling for weeks.”

“And I had no clue,” she said. “I don’t know that I like you keeping it all hidden that well.”

“I’m not going to do it anymore.” He moved closer to her desk, put his hand out for her stand and then pulled her into his arms. “That’s why I’m giving this to you now. I need you to know that I’m all in.”

She hugged him tight, their bodies pressing together. “Are you sure you can handle my fieriness?”

“I think I’m the only one who can,” he said, kissing her forehead.

She leaned back and plastered a loud, smacking kiss on his lips. “You’re right. You are!”

EPILOGUE

Five Months Later

“Wow,”London said as she stepped into Spencer’s apartment on Valentine’s Day. Her breath caught. “Holy cow, look at those flowers.”

“I thought you might appreciate them.”

She moved straight into his arms, hugging him tight. “That’s very sweet of you. And I want to say predictable, but you’re actually not. The old Spencer would’ve gotten me chocolate. The new one”—she tipped her head at the massive bouquet—“goes sentimental.”

“They’re the flowers that were outside the balcony at the inn we stayed at in Maine.”

Her jaw dropped. “Get out!” She smacked his arm, her eyes wide. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

“I believe you,” she said softly.

“Check the bag.”

She ran her fingers over the petals first. Slow, as if she needed to make sure they were real. Then she reached behind the vase and pulled out the crinkled grocery bag.

A laugh burst out of her. “Chips and chocolate.”