Page 210 of When Love Takes Root

“I’m ready.”

She scanned the shelf, slower now, more intentional. Then she pulled out a burgundy book.

A Love That Knows How to Stay.

“This one.”

I nodded. “Alright.”

Stay.

“You really want to read a romance with me?” She studied me like she was testing the truth of it.

“I want to know what you like.”

“I doubt it.”

The timer chimed.

Dr. Malcolm rang the bell. “Time.”

Celeste looked down at the full basket, eyes widening. “I got too much.”

“No, you didn’t.”

“Josiah.” She reached for it like she might start putting things back.

I took the basket before she could. “You followed the rules.”

“That’s a lot.” Her voice softened, guilt creeping in.

“You’re worth it.”

Her eyes filled.

I turned to Dr. Malcolm. “And two copies of this one.”

He nodded. “Good choice.”

Renee smiled. “That one will have y’all talking.”

Celeste wiped her eye, laughing through it. “I feel set up.”

“You are,” Renee said. “In a good way.”

I paid while Celeste stood beside me, still smiling through it all.

When we stepped away, I took her hand again.

“Now,” I said, giving her fingers a gentle squeeze, “come see the rest.”

“The rest?” Her brows lifted.

I smiled. “That was just the beginning.”

Her eyes widened, and she laughed softly.

I led her into The Velvet Margin, the private reading room tucked behind an archway draped in deep-green velvet.