I look at him then. A question in his eyes. I don’t know the answer, or what happens next. I’ve never gotten to this part.
But I’d like to find out.
“It means, I think I might love you too,” I say.
His lips pull into a smile then. It’s big and beautiful, and my gosh, did I miss it.
Wrapping his arms around my waist, he pulls me into him, his face only inches from mine. “That’s good to hear,” he says. “Just remember who said it first, Archie.”
His lips land on mine, and getting kissed for a third time is even better than I thought it would be. It’s gentle, slow, unhurried. Luke takes his time, savoring every part of it.
I’m so overwhelmed—in a good way—by all that’s just transpired that when I finally allow myself to accept that this is actually happening, that I’m kissing Luke again, that he wants me and I want him, tears prick my eyes.
Luke pulls back, confusion on his face.
“Are you going to cry every time I kiss you?”
I laugh, despite myself.
“I make no promises,” I say, before going up on my toes and kissing him once again.
The Voicemail
“Hey, Archie. Um . . . it’s, uh . . . Luke. I wanted to tell you this myself, but I’m guessing you already know.
I took a job at Pulse. It’s a step up, I think. At least, I hope it’s a move in the right direction. But I knew I’d be spinning my wheels at Harrow & Finch since you were definitely getting the promotion. And you deserve it. You’re better at this than me. You always have been.
Anyway, that’s what’s happening, and I’m sorry I didn’t get to tell you this in person and that I have to leave you this voicemail. It all just happened so fast. And Simone—you know how she is. When I told her, she just rolled her eyes, told me to get my stuff and leave. Which is why I wasn’t there when you came back from lunch.
Again, I’m sorry to tell you this way. And for all of it, really.
So listen, I was thinking maybe . . . No, I should probably do this differently. Actually, you know what? Screw it. I know you have that rule about not dating coworkers, and I honored that even though I’ve wanted to ask you out for a while. But now that we don’t work together anymore, I’d like to ask you out. To dinner. How about next week?
Okay. That’s it, I guess. Call me back if you want to. No pressure.”
Epilogue
Luke
Three Years Later
“Come here,” Claire says, patting the spot next to her as she scoots over.
“Be careful with my child, Arch,” I say as I watch her maneuver in the hospital bed, making room for me while she holds our newborn baby in her arms.
She rolls her eyes at me. “I’ve got this.”
“I never doubted you for a second,” I say as I climb into the bed beside her, putting an arm around her while she snuggles into me, the baby fast asleep.
She was a pro today. After Claire labored for nearly twelve hours and pushed for forty-five minutes—without medicine,because my wife is quite stubborn—Rosalie Katherine Wilder, eight pounds and two ounces, came into the world.
Her first name comes from Gigi, who was here to see her namesake earlier and declared she was the prettiest baby she’d ever seen, and her middle name is after my mom.
Our families have been in and out all day, Sam too for a while, but now it’s just the three of us.
Rosalie is wrapped up in her blanket, and I pull the corner down to see her perfect, angelic little face. I have no doubt this kid is going to give me a run for my money when she gets older. I also have no doubt that I will probably let her. As of this moment, I’m not sure I’ll be capable of ever saying no to her.
Kind of like her mom, who also has me wrapped around her finger. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for Claire.
