Page 87 of Resisting my Roommate

I used to roll my eyes whenever someone would say “everything happens for a reason.” How could there be a reason for my mother abandoning me? Or my father treating me like an inconvenience?

That all changed a year ago. If one thing were different, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have found Jude.

I wouldn’t have found my home.

After coming to a stop and checking for traffic, I step on the gas and continue through the downtown area, relishing in the feel of the wind in my hair.

Until I hear an all-too familiar beep of a siren.

My heart sinks as I glance into the rearview mirror and see Chappy’s cruiser signaling for me to pull over.

Cursing my luck, I comply and move toward the curb.

“What’s wrong, Chappy?” I ask as he approaches. “I didn’t blow the stop sign. And this time, I own the car. Even have the registration to prove it.”

“I don’t doubt that.”

“Then—”

“Can you step out of your car for a minute?” he asks with a mischievous look.

“Why?” I reply, but do it anyway, since Chappy’s become a good friend over the past year.

“Someone wants to ask you something.” He gestures toward the park where Jude found me that first night.

My pulse increases when I see him standing there, dressed in a crisp button-down shirt and slacks — a far cry from his usual attire of a t-shirt with the logo of his brewery and jeans.

“What’s going on?”

“Why don’t you go find out?” Chappy grins before walking back to his cruiser.

Butterflies dance in my stomach as I turn from my car and make my way toward the park. Much like last year when I got pulled over, several locals watch me with interest. At least this time, I’m not wearing a wedding dress. I still feel on edge, though. Uncertain.

“What are you doing here, Jude?” I ask somewhat nervously as I approach him. “I thought I was supposed to meet you at the taproom.”

He gives me an easy smile, his eyes filled with more love than I thought possible for a man who once tried to argue that love was bullshit.

But over the past year, he’s proven time and again how deep his love for me goes. He’s shown it in the way he’s supported me as I started my new job. He’s shown it in the way he’s made me an equal in our relationship from the very beginning, somethingI never felt with Carson. And he’s shown it in the way he’s made me a priority in his life, even while expanding his beer label.

“I figured we’d get a head start on our anniversary celebration.”

“What did you have in mind?” I ask, the tremble in my voice betraying my nerves.

“I’ve actually been toying around with a few ideas.” He flashes that same smile that melted my heart the first time I saw it, his dimples popping.

That smile was the first glimpse he gave me of his softer side.

Now I look forward to seeing it every day.

“Like what?”

“First, I thought maybe I’d take you to a party at Kaplan Farm, since it’s pretty much a rite of passage for all Sycamore Falls residents.”

“A keg party in a cow pasture,” I coo. “If that doesn’t scream romance, I don’t know what does.”

“I agree.” He chuckles. “Still, I thought maybe you’d prefer something else to commemorate the anniversary of your historic getaway, so I thought we could celebrate by going to the go-cart track and having a bit of a race.”

“A choice between a kegger and a go-cart race? How’s a girl to choose?” I joke.

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