Page 83 of Ardently Yours

“I’ll go first,” he says, his eyes still on mine. “I told you that I want to stay here in Selah Falls. My parents are letting me keep my inheritance. I get to keep my aunt’s house on the East Side. Even if none of that worked out, I would have come back. I was scared at first. I was going to stay home and work for my family. But I can’t do that. I want a chance to be with you, if you’ll have me, because I love you too, Lizzie Bennet. I want my life to be here with you.”

“I don’t know how I’m supposed to follow that,” I say, smiling up at him, my heart full of joy because he loves me too.

He laughs at my joke. Then we settle into a blissful quiet, and he leans in and kisses my forehead. How can I tell him how much I love him? I think about it as we sway together, the song changing, my head resting on his chest. Then I remember something.

“What’s that word you said the other day from the word search puzzle?”

“Ardently.”

Something inside me clicks. I keep my head on his chest. I say, “That’s the word. That’s how much I admire you. How much I love you, Will.”

The Jonas Brothers’ song “Lovebug” pours through the speakers in the church’s reception hall, wrapping us up in a moment that feels straight out of a fairy tale.

Will looks down at me, holding my waist with one arm and my face with the other. Our eyes meet, and I’m speechless as we sway to the music.

Filled with gratitude, I stand on my tiptoes, bouquet still in hand. Our lips collide.

In a trance, I think about how I never thought I’d fall in love again. Yet here we are. Before we even knew it.

Ardently in love.

Epilogue: Part One

Will

November

The menu featuring Lizzie’s favorites was such a hit that we decided to keep it.

It’s November, and even Lizzie herself still can’t get enough. She happily sips her hot tulip tea with a dash of cinnamon while chatting with customers at the front counter.

We hired more staff, so she isn’t working the register today. She’s just checking in with the staff and greeting customers as she does from time to time as part of our new system.

Her sisters, Lydia, Kitty, and Mary, turned out to be fast learners, and because they did so well helping out at Nic and Jay’s wedding, we offered them jobs.

We also hired a remote marketing assistant from Shiloh Ridge, and she’s helped generate more business for the cafe while allowing us to focus on other things.

Lizzie takes a round out front, then I do, while we rotate through our other tasks. Lydia covers the register and the drip coffee orders since Mr. Wolfsheim finished his shift earlier today. In the kitchen, Mary handles the baking, while Kitty works on the drink orders. I watch Lizzie as she moves around the cafe, knowing the smile on her face will only grow wider once she finds out what’s happening tonight.

My phone buzzes, and I head back into the kitchen where Mary and Kitty are prepping for the lunch rush. I chat with them for a moment, answering questions before moving to wash my hands so I can help with a baking mishap. My phone buzzes again, so I pause and pull it out before washing my hands. I have a text from the group chat with Jay and Edward.

Jay: Everything set for tonight?

Me: After closing time, we’ll close the blinds in the cafe and head outside. I’ve got the ring in my pocket... didn’t want to risk leaving it behind.

Edward: Not scared she’ll see it?

Me: My apron is covering it. LOL.

Jay: Nic and I will make sure the rest of Lizzie’s family is there on time.

Edward: Jane is handling the sign, and I’ve got the music covered.

Me: Thank you both for your help with all this.

Jay: Of course, man. We’ve got you.

Edward: Excited for you guys.