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“Rory.” He stepped closer, willing her to let him do this for her. “I’masking youto take this offer. Please.”
Silence fell, stretching over the span of a thousand heartbeats. The air grew thick. His pulse pounded.
“I…” She drew in a shaky breath, shredding the napkin between her fingers. “How can I evernotdo what you ask? I accept, Grant. Thank you so much.”
Relief flooded him. He crossed to her in three strides and grabbed her up into his arms, kissing her thoroughly before setting her back on her feet. He ran a hand over her long hair, thinking a million years could pass and he would still need and want her every second.
“Rory.” His voice came out hoarse. He pressed his lips to her forehead. “I want—”
“Oh!” She broke away from him, her eyes widening. “I totally forgot.”
She spun and hurried toward the dining room. With a frown, Grant followed.
Rory grabbed a bag that she’d left underneath the bar and unzipped it. She took out Bob the Fish and placed him back on the empty hooks still embedded in the wall behind the bar.
Grant laughed. “You didn’t burn him after all, huh?”
“Never.” Rory slipped her arms around his waist. “Bob and I are old friends now. He sang me to sleep every night I was away from you. Thanks for entrusting him to my care.”
He hugged her against his side. “Thanks for entrusting yourself tomycare.”
“Best decision of my life.” Rory smiled and pressed the button on the plaque. Bob turned his head, opened his gaping mouth, and began warbling “Love Me Tender.” The silver lights on his scales shimmered and glowed.
“It’s still awful.” She gave Grant a tight squeeze. “But I think it’s our song.”
“Good, because I love you tenderly, profoundly, excessively, and deeply…not to mention with great, epic passion.” He pressed his lips to the top of her head. “I always will.”
