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“Yes. Writing a book. It’s huge, and I don’t think you’re giving yourself enough credit for your accomplishment.”
“Hmm.” Hitting send on my manuscript was a bit anticlimactic.
“Ryan is out front waiting for you,” she singsonged.
I blinked up at her. “Shouldn’t he be at work?”
Brooke’s shoulders dropped. “You’re literally impossible. He’s here to whisk you away.”
I stood, a little confused, but wanting to see if Ryan was really here. “In the middle of the week?”
Brooke touched my shoulders and guided me out of the breakroom. “Just go. He’s waiting for you.”
I moved slowly to the front of the store, not quite believing Brooke. Sure enough, Ryan stood at the front of the store, gazing at the display I’d created this morning. The one with beach reads and cute beach items. It reminded me of the times he’d come into the Spice & Tea Shoppe to pick up Corey.
Ryan glanced up at me and tilted his head to the side. “Did you send it?”
His expression was so intense, it stole my breath. “I did.”
A smile spread over his face as he opened his arms for me. “Congratulations.”
I moved to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. It felt good to have someone to celebrate these things with.
He pulled back slightly to see my face. “You ready to go?”
“Where are we going?” I thought he was going to take me out to lunch or something.
“I rented a place for just you and me.”
My heart sped up. “What place?”
He smiled, amused. “Oh no you don’t. It’s a surprise.”
My nose scrunched. “I’m not sure I like surprises.”
Ryan guided me toward the front door. “I think you’re going to love this one.”
“How can you be so sure?” I asked, my feet dragging slightly.
Ryan winked. “Because I know you.”
Positive I was going to enjoy whatever this surprise was, I walked with him out to his truck.
When I settled into the passenger side, I realized I didn’t have my stuff.
Ryan climbed into the driver’s side. “Don’t worry. Brooke packed your bag.”
I settled into the seat, observing him as he drove. I loved him so much. Sometimes I couldn’t believe he was mine, that there was this rock on my finger, or that we’d be getting married soon.
We’d planned for a fall wedding. An outside ceremony with all our friends and family. But I was anxious to be officially his.
“Are we going to the house on the river?” We’d rented Easton’s place a few times, and we loved it. The boys fished, and I wrote or read. It was relaxing and peaceful.
Ryan shook his head. “This is just for you.”
“How is the river house not just for me?”
He smiled at me. “You’ll see.”
