Page 59 of Say It Isn't Snow
“They didn’t tell me until today.”
“So you’ll be here,” she says in wonder.
“Right where I want to be—with you.”
Her eyes shine. I’m lost in the brilliance of them.
By the time we’re done with the main course, she sits back and pats her stomach. We have the conservatory to ourselves after the other two couples finished their meals.
“I’m most excited for the dessert, but I need a breather.”
I chuckle, refilling her wine glass first, then mine. “Is she admitting defeat?”
Her lips twitch. “Never. There’s always room for dessert.”
The lull is the opening I’ve been waiting all night for. She asked me at the cabin if she could read the note on my phone with the messages I’ve saved but never sent her. I slide my phone across the table with it open so she can read every word.
“What’s this?” She leans forward, eyes flitting across my screen with recognition. “Oh.”
“You wanted to know what I wrote to you about.” I reach for her hand, covering it with mine as she reads.
A shaky breath tinged with emotion escapes her. She presses her fingers to her lips, her eyes growing misty with unshed tears.
“Caleb.” Her whisper encompasses so much—her sentimental reaction, her surprise, her affection for me.
The contents are permanently etched in my mind from my loneliest nights to drunken confessions.
Where are you right now? I’m in Boston. Thinking about driving to you after my game ends. Do you ever think of me? You’re on my mind constantly.
A few of my teammates are partying next door with the women they picked up at the barbut I’m in my room alone. I just want to be holding you. I don’t want anyone else.
I miss you so fucking much some days I think it’s going to eat me alive.
Line after countless line:I miss you.
My thumb strokes her hand, swallowing thickly. “I should’ve had the courage to continue chasing you. Should’ve sent you these messages and fought for you the way I wanted to. Maybe then we could’ve been here sooner.”
The gruff admission causes a tear to drop down her cheek. I swipe it away and she leans into my palm.
“I’m not making that mistake now. I’ll chase you with everything I have, because I don’t want to let you go again. You’re it for me. Always have been.” I gaze into her beautiful eyes and pour my heart out for her. “I love you, Holly. If you’re not there yet, that’s fine by me. I’ll wai?—”
“I love you, too,” she interrupts in a rush with a wet laugh. “I’m hopelessly gone for you.”
My chest swells, the force of it almost knocking me out of my chair. She’s made me the happiest damn man in the world.
Astounded by the woman I want to be my wife, I tell her, “I only want a future that has you in it.”
Sniffling, she murmurs, “I want that, too. Even if it feels fast, I can’t imagine not being with you.”
I keep it to myself for the time being that I’m ready to marry her on the spot if anyone in the restaurant is registered as an officiant.
Lifting her hand to brush with my lips, I wink. “We’re not moving fast, sugar. We’re catching up.”
Holly’s no longer the one who got away. She’s mine again at last. The cabin was our do over. We’ve earned our second chance.
CHAPTER 20
HOLLY
