Page 99 of Call It Serendipity

It will also mean that Jake gets to stay, even if just a little bit longer.

The idea of more time spurs me forward, even with my hands clammy and my heart lodged in my throat. I extend my arm, the key brandished before me like a sword. And I’m on guard.

I slot it in the lock and turn, a defining click sounding. My inhale is sharp at the confirmation. Carpenter Collection has won the bid.

The door creaks as I push it open, and I take a step into the dark room. “Jake?” I murmur over the echo of my steps.

I don’t see him, but then again, I can’t see anything in here. The street lamps shining through the windows are only bright enough to create vague outlines of tables and I take my time stepping around them the further along I go.

I’m nearing the center of the restaurant when I hear a click, and then the brilliant blue glow of a neon sign above the bar flashes to life. Its hum fills the silence left behind by my surprise as I read the words in curling script.

Serendipity Brewing Co.

“Serendipity,” I say into the emptiness.

Another light switch flips on, and the brewery comes to life, revealing Jake standing behind the bar.

“It seemed like a fitting name,” he says with a soft smile.

My heart threatens to slam right through my ribs, but my brain is struggling to keep up. Like my thoughts are wading through a thick syrup.

“A fitting name,” I repeat.

He moves around the counter between us and approaches me with outstretched arms. “For the new brewery,” he says, his hands cupping my elbows and pulling me to his chest.

“You weren’t at the meeting.”

His mouth twitches. “I couldn’t help myself; I wanted to get a little creative with my news.”

“Your news.” I tip my chin up to catch the spark in his eyes. Slowly, my brain is catching up. “Do you mean…”

“I was the second bidder. Well, along with Tad. This brewery is something special, it deserves a chance to shine.”

I blink up at him, and he lifts a hand to cradle my cheek. “You…”

His smile widens. “You inspire me, Luce. Putting yourself out there to try. You create such beautiful art and gift this world with an amazing piece of yourself. And you’ve gifted me with an answer I didn’t know I was searching for. You make me want to try too. And I want to do it here, with you.”

I feel my mouth pulling up in a smile as each wonderful word sinks in. They settle deep in my core, planting themselves there and taking hold.

“You’d do all of this, change your whole life, for me?”

His thumb brushes over my cheekbone in a gentle caress, and he lets out a satisfied hum. Then his voice dips lower as he says, “I love you. And you don’t have to believe in fate, or chance, or serendipity. But believe this, I fell in love with you during that first moment on the sidewalk just outside. And then I fell in love with you again over a hundred little moments since. I’d do anything for you, Lucy Hart. Anything to be with you.”

I lift up on the toe of my boots and wrap my arm around his neck. His body is sturdy as I sway against him, always so steady. He makes it easy for me to admit, “I think to believe in love, you have to believe in fate a little too. And I guess I do, because God do I believe in how much I love you, Jake.”

“Lucy.” He tips his forehead to mine and kisses me, savoring and unhurried.

Because it can be. We don’t have to worry about a ticking clock anymore. I smile against his lips as a giddy, bubbly feeling rises within me.

“You really bought this brewery? It’s official?” I murmur, pulling back to meet his gaze.

He nods. “It’s official. As soon as I presented my bid, Carpenter Collection didn’t stand a chance. Not when I cited their little-known ordinance that mandate them to prioritize signature industries. Particularly, local craft.”

“Does your father know?”

“If he read my resignation email before heading to the trustee meeting, then he does. Although I suspect by now everyone knows.”

A laugh escapes me, and it’s a heady mixture of joy and disbelief. He leans in to absorb it with another kiss.