Page 20 of Something Borrowed
Benji pushed me not to give up, to take a chance on what I loved. If not for him, I might have never had the courage to give publishing a shot. It was because of his faith in me, his support of my first few terrible drafts, that I even finished my first book. It became a success and afforded me the life I live of wandering the world, looking for stories to tell.
My story with Lark just began—this weekend was our first chapter.
Reaching Harmony Hollow as the sun starts to set, I am anxious to get to Lark. A short ride through the small town takes me to her place. It is as I imagined it to be. Set back from the city down a long, winding dirt road framed by lush trees, it is something out of a storybook.
White clapboard with bright red roofs and window frames, the aged farmhouse is charming. With manicured bushes and bright yellow flowers hanging from the wraparound porch, where I would expect to find her. Sitting on the front porch in a swing, she reads a book—the next in the series from the one she left at the hotel—tears slipping down her cheeks.
That book has some touching moments, but I suspect her tears are over me.
“Don’t cry love. Don’t you know we always get happy ever after’s in these books?”
Lark’s head snaps up, all her dark hair that’s piled in a messy bun bouncing with the movement. Smiling at her, I climb the steps, leaning against one of the porch posts to watch her for a moment. I want to remember this moment. It is one I would write in the most romantic ending of a book.
“Lawson! What...I mean how did you...why would you...”
“Didn’t we agree no third act breakup? No making something of nothing? Sneaking out on me without a goodbye is like all the above.”
Setting the book aside, she starts to stand. Then she sits. Covering her mouth with trembling fingers, she shakes her head. Stunned that I am here. That I made the trip here to be with her. No one has loved her the way she deserves to be loved. I hate that as much as I am thankful for it.
Because now I can show her what true love will feel like.
“I couldn’t bring myself to say goodbye to you, Lawson.”
“Good thing, love. There will be no sad goodbyes for us, no third-act drama, no happy for now. I am here for my happy ever after with you. I told you from the moment we met we all want them. I want mine with you.”
Going to her, I kneel and take her hands. I am not here to propose. Not yet at least. I do have a ring chosen. I’ve thought of a hundred ways to make it perfect for her. We will get there someday. Get the huge wedding with all the people we love—or a tiny one with the ones who count the most. Whatever my woman wants, she will have it.
“Lawson, it is all too complicated. We cannot just...”
“Nothing is complicated about what we feel. It is the truest thing I have ever felt. Let them call it complicated. Strange. Wrong. It is none of those things. It is what we all spend so much of our life looking for.”
Lark stares down at me as I press her hands to my chest. Having her touch again makes me feel whole. Even a few hours apart set me off balance. Made me miss her, had me wondering how I ever lived without her. I will not be making the mistake of going without her again.
“What...wh-what do you think it is?” She stumbles over her words as a smile slowly curves her perfect mouth.
“Oh, beautiful...it should be obvious. This is love. I love you, Lark. I fell in love with you before we ever got off the plan to Heart Habor. Never had a chance, did I?”
Eyes lighting up, she sits forward, all but sliding down to my lap. I wrap her up as she crushes her mouth to mine. Lifting her against me, I stand and stride towards her front door. Pulling it open, I hesitate, breaking the kiss.
“Taking you over the threshold, love,” I tease with a kiss at her nose. “Don’t have to skip to the end, we will get to the happy ending when we’re meant to. I love you, Lark.”
“I love you too. I do. Thank you for...for giving me a weekend of magic and showing me, we can get a happy ever after together. I think we can. Know we can. I love you, Lawson.”
Taking her inside, I stride right to her bedroom. Somehow, I know where it will be. Lying her back on the bed, I take my time getting her bare beneath me. Pressing skin to skin, I sink inside of her, locking our fingers over her head as I take her mouth in a slow kiss.
No need to rush--we have a lifetime to get our happy ever after.
Epilogue
Lark
One Year Later....
Weddings might be my new favorite thing.
Standing on the beach with a buttery sun shining down as warm winds drive the waters crashing on the short, I revel in the beauty of it all. Bright, yellow flowers. Just four chairs for the four guests. Inside, a hall waits for another celebration with a stunning afternoon tea spread.
Gazing at Lawson as the sun begins to set beyond the horizon, my heart is so full. Benji and Tori sit behind me while his sister and Beatrix sit behind him. They all came to support us. To celebrate us on our special day.
