Page 146 of Where We Bloom

She folds and then bags everything up and passes it to Connor, but when he pulls out his credit card, she shakes her head.

“No, this is on me. Happy birthday, beautiful friend.”

I blink at Martha in surprise. “Uh, I think you’re supposed to charge people for your stuff when you own a business. You’re doing it wrong.”

Martha laughs but holds firm. “You always bring me books, and you are one of the sweetest people I know. This trip is onme. Next time, you can clean me out, and I won’t even give you a discount.”

I wrap my arms around her and hug her again. “Thank you.”

“I hope you have the best day ever.”

“I already have.”

“Good.” She steps back and smiles at Connor.

“Thanks,” he says, his voice soft.

“My pleasure. Truly. Now, you two kids, go have fun.”

I bark out a laugh. Martha is younger than me. “See you soon!”

Once outside, Connor passes my bag to Simon, who slips it into the SUV.

“We’re walking over to the hotel,” Connor informs the others.

Simon walks behind us while Miller drives the car to the hotel, and I breathe in the summer air around us.

“I can already feel fall trying to sneak in,” I say as I grin up at my man. “It won’t be too long now.”

“What’s your favorite season?” he asks me.

“Fall. I love a good pumpkin spice latte. And sweaters. And crisp leaves.” I squeeze his hand as he leads me into the hotel he owns, where I saw him all those weeks ago, the last time I was in town.

And we’re shown to a table in the restaurant.

“I know you own the place,” I say when we’re left with drinks and menus, “but have you tried the whipped feta cheese with honey and pistachios?”

“I can’t say that I have.”

I sigh and roll my eyes back in my head. “You have to. It’sso good.”

As we munch on the best foodever, sip wine and chat about our businesses and families, it hits me just how well we fit together. How comfortable Iam with him, how he puts me at ease, and makes me feel alive and sexy and smart, all at the same time.

Connor Gallagher is my person.

The love of my life.

“You’re quiet, angel.” With the meal finished, he reaches over to take my hand. “Is everything all right?”

I huff out a short laugh. “I’d say that’s an understatement. I’ve been well and truly worshipped today.”

He lifts an eyebrow. “It’s not over yet.”

“Connor, I can’t do any more gifts. I’m telling you right now, I can’t handle it.”

“Trust me.” He stands and helps me to my feet, and guides me through to the hotel lobby, where he’s handed the key to a room. After a short elevator ride to the top floor, he unlocks a door, and we’re in a beautiful suite with a view of the ski mountain.

“Wow, this is pretty.”

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