Page 142 of The Romance Library

‘Come on, then, let me show you your lovely library!’

As we stepped through the brand-new solid wooden double doors, my jaw dropped.

The old wooden floors had been fixed and buffed to perfection. The previously dull walls in the corridors were now painted a warm rose shade and looked beautiful.

Various bookish quotes like ‘I’d rather be reading’ and ‘Just one more chapter’ had been carefully stencilled onto the walls and instantly brought a smile to my face.

First Colin led us down to what used to be the old classrooms but had been transformed into our own bookstore.

‘It looks fantastic!’ Jane grinned.

‘It really does!’ I was smiling so much my cheeks started to shake.

Even though there weren’t any books on the shelves lining the walls, I could already visualise how it’d look once there were.

The shop had the same colour scheme as the corridors: white and rose walls and wooden floors. In the centre of the room was a square which would be the till area.

Next Colin led us through to the space I planned to use for events, which at the moment was just empty. I loved that it looked nice and big, though, so there was plenty of room to fill it with the readers, authors, Bookstagrammers and BookTokers and other people I hoped would flock to our talks.

‘And now for the big one,’ Colin said as he stood outside the grand hall, which would be the main library space.

‘Ta-da!’ he said, opening the doors.

‘Wow!’ My eyes bulged as I took in the sight.

Along the shiny wooden floors were rows upon rows of tall pink-and-white bookcases, complete with rolling ladders.

Instead of having normal spotlights, I’d ordered multiple book chandeliers which looked like illuminated open books flying down from the ceiling. I’d chosen different colours, including pink, yellow and white, which really brightened up the room.

Large oval windows flooded the room with natural light and in front of each one was a comfy window seat.

On the subject of seating, the big comfy chairs and sofas we’d ordered had arrived and had been strategically placed around the room.

I was expecting a delivery of cushions and blankets any day now too. I wanted whoever visited the library to feel like they could kick off their shoes, snuggle up in a cosy chair with a cushion, blanket and a book and read.

‘This looks incredible, Colin,’ I said excitedly.

‘Congratulations.’ Theo wrapped his arm around me and kissed me softly on the cheek.

‘Thanks. It’ll look even better when we have the books on the shelves,’ I said.

‘The team will be bringing in all the boxes from the storage out back shortly, so you’ll be able to get started in an hour. Does that work for you?’

‘That’s perfect!’ I said.

‘In the meantime, how about I take you ladies for breakfast?’ Theo smiled.

‘Sweet Treats?’ I grinned, thinking it’d be just like old times.

‘Of course.’ Theo took my hand.

‘I’ll leave you two to it,’ Jane said.

‘Nope.’ I shook my head. ‘Theo invited both of us. And have you seen how many shelves we have to fill? You’re gonna need a big brekkie to give you lots of energy!’

‘If you’re sure?’

‘Certain,’ Theo said.

---