Page 191 of Will Bark for Pizza
“Are you planning to fall in the lake today?” Beckett asked, a twinkle in his hazel eyes that I hoped would always be there.
“God, I hope not. That water’s fuckingcold!”
EPILOGUE
KIRA
“I brought margaritas!”Dylann announced as she walked through the front door, pitcher in hand.
“I don’t drink,” Carol Ann said from the table.
“That’s why I brought virgin daiquiris,” Lotti chimed in.
“And I have enough cupcakes to put an army in a sugar coma for three days,” Aspen said, holding up the covered tins as evidence.
“You got the coffee pot going?” Carlos asked me from the other side of the front counter.
“You know it. I’ll bring you a fresh cup when it’s done brewing.”
“You’re the best.”
The chatter grew as more members arrived and settled in around the community table. We left it in the same spot it always was, right in the middle of the store. Our group had grown by a few members since our grand re-opening two months ago, but thankfully, we could still fit everyonearound the table. Today, however, we were holding a special meeting for the original book club members only.
Brenda’s Book Nook flourished since Diana Davenport’s first official in-person signing. The financial books were strongly back in the black, and we were confident we could make it through the slower winter months, since Lila hooked us up with online ordering. We could now ship books to anywhere in the world.
The store was thriving, the book club was happier than ever, and I was still amazed thatthiswas my life. Words flowed more than they didn’t. I liked to tell Beckett he was my muse—and some days he definitely was—but he liked to remind me that burning that letter back in Omaha was really what set me free. He was simply here to support me while I soared.
“You need anything before Husker and I head out?” Beckett’s low voice vibrated against the back of my neck as he pressed his lips to my skin.
“You don’t want to stay?” I teased, scratching Husker’s head as he leaned heavily against my leg.
“I’ve already read the book,” he said, kissing me on the lips. “And I got a personal one-on-one interview with the author.”
My body heated at the memory ofdiscussingmy book while we were naked and tangled in his sheets. Though I still lived with Grandma Connie and Grandpa Dale, I spent more nights at the cabin than I did with them. Beckett and I had talked about moving in together, but if I learned anything, it was that there was nothing wrong with taking things slow. I was no longer wrapped up in the end result. I yearned to enjoy the journey.
“You have room for one more?”
Beckett and I both looked to the door in surprise.
“Pauline?” I looked at Beckett. “You didn’t tell me your grandma was coming.”
“I didn’t know.”
I moved around the counter to greet her, but Beckett caught me by the wrist and laced his fingers through mine. We walked to meet her, together. I braced for her disapproval.
“Nana, I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Of course you didn’t,” she said, giving Beckett a hug.
I stood, frozen beside him. I hated that I wanted so damn badly for this woman to like me.
“How long are you in town, Pauline?” I asked.
“Haven’t decided.”
“Where are you staying?” Beckett asked.
“With Madeline.”
