Page 150 of One Touch

A crowd of people were gathered around him. Some took photos. Others clapped. Most though, gawped in disbelief.

“Lily, I know I’ve been a skeptic, but you’ve shown me the power of romance. I might not be at the same level as Chad McStudden just yet, but I believe in our happy ever after.” His voice cracked with emotion. “I want you to come back to Bluehaven Beach, back to our home."

"Wait, you want me to live with you again? With you and Ava?"

"Yes," said Ethan without missing a beat. "I want you in my house. And in my damn bed." He paused. "But if New York is where you need to be, I’ll follow you anywhere you want to go.”

My breath caught in my throat. Was this really happening? Part of me wanted to pinch myself, to make sure I wasn’t dreaming up the most romantic moment of my life.

“But . . . your life, the garage, Ava’s school . . .” I stammered, overwhelmed by his declaration.

“We’ll figure it out. Together.”

As if on cue, a familiar voice called out, “You’d better say yes, Lily Lane!”

I peered past Ethan and gasped. There, trailing behind him like some kind of small-town parade, were familiar faces from Bluehaven Beach. Elara, her pregnant belly barely contained by her favorite floral dress, was waving enthusiastically. Next to her, Cole stood with his arms crossed, trying to look gruff but failing to hide a grin.

“Holy strawberry shortcake,” I muttered, spotting Ida McCoy, her chestnut hair whipping in the wind as she held up a sign that read ‘Team Lily & Ethan!’ And bringing up the rear, to my utter disbelief, were Mary-Beth and Marge Statten, who was furiously tapping away on her phone with one hand while clutching a notebook in the other.

“Marge?” I asked, in disbelief.

“Sorry!” I heard Mary-Beth call in the background. “I didn’t go for donuts!”

“Nothing like primary source material, sugar!” Marge called out.

I couldn’t help but laugh, even as my heart threatened to burst with joy. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, what my answer would be. As I opened my mouth to respond, a cheer erupted from the growing crowd of New Yorkers gathering around the scene.

My cheeks flushed, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes. This was all so overwhelming, so perfect, so . . . much. I looked at Ethan, still perched atop his white horse, his eyes filled with love and hope.

“I . . . I need a minute,” I choked out, my voice thick with emotion. “Don’t go anywhere!”

Before Ethan could respond, I spun on my heel and dashed back into the building, my heart pounding in my chest. I raced past my desk, ignoring the curious stares of my coworkers, and burst into my boss’s office without knocking.

“Lily?” Coco looked up, startled. “What on earth—”

“There’s a firefighter outside,” I blurted out, gesturing wildly towards the window. “And he’s asking me to go back to Maine with him, and there’s a crowd, and Marge Statten is there, and I think I’m living in a romance novel!”

Coco’s eyes widened, and then a slow smile spread across her face. “Is this the same firefighter you were telling me about? The one from your hometown?”

I nodded, wiping away a stray tear. “Yes, and I . . . I think I want to go with him. I’m so sorry—I got you to give me this job, and—”

“Lily,” Coco interrupted, her voice gentle but firm. “Do what feels right. There will be more agents, but you’ve only got one life.”

I nodded, my head swimming. I still could barely believe that this was happening.

I waited for the elevator but it was taking too long, so I rushed down the stairs, taking them two at a time. I burst through the lobby doors, the New York summer heat hitting me like a wall. There he was—Ethan, still astride that magnificent white horse.

“Lily!” he called out, his blue eyes lighting up as he saw me.

I ran towards him, my legs wobbly with excitement. “Ethan, I can’t believe you’re here!”

“I’m sorry I didn’t come sooner.” As I approached, he got down from the horse, stepping closer to me. He looked hot and sweaty and the gash across his forehead looked a lot worse than El had made out. "Damn," he said, staring at me. "It's so good to see you." He smiled. "You have even more freckles in the summertime."

"Is your head okay?" I asked, wincing at the sight of the gash.

"It's fine," he replied. "Lily, I’m an idiot. I’m sorry I couldn’t admit how I felt. Can you ever forgive me?”

It felt like the whole crowd was watching us, waiting with bated breath.

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