Ronin pulls me toward him, wrapping his arms around my body and enveloping me in a hug. I was just thinking about his hugs days ago, missing the feeling of his strong arms wrapped around me, holding me close. I squeeze tighter, pressing my body into his.
Resting my head on his chest, I close my eyes. “I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too, Mel.”
I don’t know how long we stand there, but eventually I step away, brushing tears from my face, embarrassed at all of the emotional outbursts I’ve had over the last two days.
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry for my part in all of this,” Ronin says, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I never meant to push you into something you didn’t want, or wasn’t ready for. I acted like an immature prick ignoring you, and I’m sorry for that.” He lets out a breath, blowing hair out of his face. “I never should have cut you out of my life. I was just so upset that you’d left without telling me, but that doesn’t excuse my behavior. You deserved better than that. Maybe we both did.”He smiles. “And, I don’t think what we did back then was a mistake, either. I wouldn’t take any of it back, Mel. I’d do the same thing over and over, because that night was perfect. I told you then, the best day of my goddamn life, didn’t I?”
“It was pretty perfect, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah, it was,” Ronin’s smile spears through my heart. “Why don’t I walk you home?” He holds out his hand.
I nod, clasping it with my own. As we walk through the front door, the bell chimes and I look up out of habit. I laugh quietly at the small piece of mistletoe affixed to the bell.
“What is it?” Ronin cocks a brow as we stand in the threshold, his free hand holding the door open.
I point up to the bell. “Mistletoe? Really?”
His eyes follow my finger. “I didn’t put that there,” he says, confusion written across his features.
“Well, when in Rome…” I stand up on my toes and kiss Ronin gently on the cheek.
Chapter Fourteen
MELLIE
Iwake up the following morning feeling better than I have in years. Finally clearing the air with Ronin has lifted a weight off my shoulders. One I was so accustomed to carrying, I had lost perspective on how heavy it had become.
Today, I want to visit Nora at The Reading Nook and hopefully make a decision about whether or not I’ll be staying in Blue Fields. My heart is leaning towardyes, but I have to be smart and think it through. The last time that I made a life decision based solely on emotion didn’t work out too well.
I bundle myself up in my winter coat, scarf, and gloves, and leave the house, locking the door behind me. The walk into town is beautiful. There is a crisp smell to the air, like the scent right before it snows. Main Street comes into view within minutes, the old brick buildings welcoming me home like old friends. I decide to make a pit stop for some coffee, but Ronin isn’t working and I feel a surprising pang of disappointment as some older teenage girl I’ve never seen takes my drink order.
I make my way to the bookshop, spying Nora behind the counter through the large windows that are framed by deep pine green wood, the hanging sign protruding from the brick surrounding it swinging gently in the breeze. I stop on thesidewalk to admire the window display. Nora has compiled a collection of local and statewide authors, and I have a sudden vision of seeing a book in the window with my name scrawled across the bottom. Shaking my head, I pull open the door, the bell tinkling softly as I enter.
“Amelia!” Nora comes around the counter to greet me as I sweep into the store, a cold breeze following me in and rustling some book pages near the entrance.
“Hey, Nora.” I lean in to hug her and place a kiss on her soft cheek. “I just figured I’d stop by and discuss the job offer a bit more. Maybe get a sense of what I’d be signing up for.”
Nora beams. “Of course, dear. Come in, come in. I’ll show you around.”
We wander among the shelves, Nora pointing out new additions here and there, and I ask questions as we walk. She takes breaks from our conversation to help the occasional customer, and we discuss the details of what my job responsibilities will be and what sort of salary I can expect. She gives me a quick tutorial on how she orders books, how she keeps an inventory of what’s in stock—small things in her day to day operations. We wind our way back toward the front of the store.
“How many staff members do you usually keep these days?” I ask.
“Most of the time, it’s just me, Julian, and one other employee, Sydney,” Nora answers, her hands clasped in front of her. “You’ll like her. She’s about your age, maybe a few years younger. She moved here with her mother just after you went to California, and she’s worked here for the last year or so, part time, while she finishes school.” Nora stops, stooping down to retrieve a fallen book and placing it back on a shelf. “During tourist season, however, I usually hire some extra help.”
I nod, remembering back to how busy our tiny town would get, especially in the warmer months when it seems like the town holds a different festival every other weekend.
Nora takes a few moments to brew some tea, and soon after,we find ourselves seated in the chairs by the front entrance, each with a fresh teacup.
“Amelia,” Nora begins. “Let me be frank with you.”
“Of course.” I nod my head, blowing on my tea before taking a small sip.
“If you decide to take this job, ultimately the idea is to leave The Reading Nook to you as the sole owner once I retire. Which, let’s face it, won’t be too long now.” She studies my face for my reaction. “I wanted to make sure that part was clear when I asked if you’d take over.”
“Owner?” I set my teacup down in its saucer, willing my hands not to shake. “What do you mean? Are you sure?”
