Page 76 of Rushing Into Love

“So….” I said slowly, dragging out the word, “this is my new place.” I paused, waiting for his response.

He blinked, once, twice, then a huge grin spread across his face.

“So you’re staying?”

“I’m staying.” I said in a definitive voice.

Ryder pulled me in close and picked me up, spinning me around in circles.

“I’m so glad,” he said, pulling me in for another kiss. “I was worried that after the Shayna thing you’d head back to California.” He dropped his gaze, staring out the window at the tiny yard.

“Ryder,” I said quietly, rubbing my thumb over his. “I wouldn’t leave you because of what Shayna did. I’m sorry I ran away at all—I should have trusted you more, known you wouldn’t do something like that. I panicked and I’m sorry.” I swallowed hard, not used to being the one making confessions.

His eyes met mine. “Bree.”

I nodded calmly, even as my stomach somersaulted. Ryder reached out, ran his thumb along my cheek.

“I’d never do something to intentionally hurt you. I’m so grateful you came into my life. These past few months I’ve been happy—really happy. I’d almost forgotten how that felt. And it’s all because of you. I love you.”

My breath hitched, my heart pounded hard in my chest. A slow smile spread across my face as his words sunk in.

“I love you, too.”

Ryder leaned down, cupping my chin in his hand, as he placed a slow, soft kiss on my lips. Pressing my body against his, I breathed in all his warmth and goodness and knew I was safe.

Even better, I knew I was finally home.

* * *

“Bree, is that you?”Brooklyn called out as soon as I walked in the front door.

“Yes!” I shouted down the hall. “It’s me.”

“You have a letter on the kitchen table. I had to sign for it, so it must be important.”

I groaned. Certified mail was never good. Only overdue bills or legal notices came certified. Walking to the kitchen, I wracked my brain trying to remember if I’d paid my electric bill on time.

Scooping the legal-sized envelope off the table with a mix of curiosity and dread, I quickly tore through the sticky tape, wrestling the letter out.

Dear Ms. Hart,

We are pleased to inform you of your nomination to this year’s Top 30 Under 30, specific to the Social Entrepreneurs category. Congratulations! Enclosed please find all the details of the upcoming ceremony and dinner celebration.

Again, our warmest congratulations to you on all your accomplishments and our best wishes for continued success in the future. We very much look forward to celebrating your achievements with you.

All the best,

30 Under 30 Nomination Committee

I read and re-read the letter, not quite believing it.

“Bree?” Brooks walked up behind me. “Everything okay?” She peered over my shoulder, eyebrows raised.

“I did it,” I breathed. “I really did it, Brooks.”

Exhaling hard, I gave her the letter with a shaking hand. “I made the list. Top 30 Under 30. I’m on it.”

Brooks snatched the letter from me, reading it quickly.

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