Page 131 of The Things That Hold Us

“What's this?” I ask, looking around confused.

“Just open it.” she says with a light smile.

I look around at everyone, and I can't read their faces.

Logan is standing with his arms crossed, watching me with a soft smile that sends butterflies scattering.

Garrett is leaning against the wall, watching us with a neutral face.

Nathaniel and his boyfriend look like they are going to start crying any second.

What is going on?

I grab the box, and start to open it.

As the box bends open, I see the corner of a picture frame.

It's gold, with filigree all over it, and looks beautiful.

Gently I pull it out of the box, and turn it around.

As my eyes land on it, my breath catches, and tears instantly spring to my eyes.

I look up at Cassie, then everyone else.

“Where did you find this?” I whisper, staring at the picture I thought was long gone.

“It was in a box that was pushed aside after the fire. I guess it got put away and forgotten in that back room. I went ahead and framed it for you, so you can hang it up.”

I wipe a tear away, staring at the picture.

Me and Sam, standing in front of Charlie's Antiques on opening day.

Sam's arm is around my waist, pulling me into him, and my arm is stretched out above my head.

We both have the biggest smiles on our faces, and I remember this being one of the happiest days of my life.

“I can’t believe you found this.” I whisper.

I look around the shop, looking for an empty spot on the wall.

My eyes land on the perfect spot next to a hanging plant, above one of the shelves Logan built me.

“The finishing touch.” I say to no one in particular as I hang it on the wall.

Logan comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around me as he looks at the picture.

“I think it’s perfect.” he whispers into my neck, squeezing me tightly.

“Me too.”

He leans in and kisses my cheek, then steps back taking a look around.

“I think everything is finished.”

I look back at the shop and take a breath. Everything is done except getting some more product on my shelves, which always takes time.

Logan and I, and Pudding, have been staying at the marigold house while working on my shop because it just makes more sense than driving back and forth.

---