Page 22 of Let it Crackle
There, in the center of the aisle, is a little round table wrapped in fairy lights. On top is a single stack of books—mybook—and beside it?
A library card.
I step closer, heart thudding in my chest. But that doesn’t stop the tears from blurring my vision.
Maya Gibbons-Cole.
And underneath, in thick black Sharpie:
Happily Ever After Approved.OMG!
I turn, and Maddox is already kneeling.
Not dramatic. Not flashy. Just him. Holding a small velvet box and looking at me like I’m the only story he’s ever wanted to read.
“Maya,” he says, voice hoarse, “you’re the reason I believe in second chances. In stories that don’t end in chapter one. You’re not a side character. You’re the whole damn plot twist.”
I laugh, choking on a sob.
“I don’t want one happy ending,” he continues. “I want a whole library of them. With you.”
The box opens. Inside is a gold solitaire diamond ring, simple and timeless—just like him.
He looks up. “Marry me.”
I nod, breathless. “Yes,” I whisper. “Of course, yes.”
He slips the ring onto my finger, stands, and kisses me—soft, then rough, then smiling against my mouth like he can’t believe I said yes.
“I love you, Maddox,” I say, pulling him close.
He stills for half a second, like the words cracked something wide open inside him.
Then he wraps his arms around me like he’ll never let go. “I love you too.”
He leans his forehead against mine.
Because for once, I’m not just writing the story.
I’m living it. And I finally know how it ends.
WithMaddox Cole
Happily ever after.
Epilogue
Maddox
Ten years later
Our house is never quiet.
There’s always someone yelling, running, screaming, singing, stomping, swearing, or slamming a door. This morning, it’s the twins—barefoot in the hallway, chasing each other with foam swords and exactly one sock between them.
“Mama!” our oldest shouts from the living room. “The baby just threw up on the dog again!”
Of course she did.
