Page 66 of The One Who Changed Everything

Nathan squeezed her tighter. “That’s because you did.”

Samantha made a sound beside me, and when I looked down, her expression was unreadable.

But I felt her fingers tighten around mine.

I let the moment sit before teasing, “So, how’s the bookstore gig treating you?”

Rebecca brightened. “It’s amazing. Honestly, I think I’ve found my place.”

Nathan nodded proudly. “She could sell anything. Half the people who walk into that store end up leaving with an armful of books they didn’t know they needed.”

Rebecca laughed, swatting his chest. “It’s a Christian bookstore, Nathan. People come in to buy things.”

“Not that many things,” he shot back. “It’s a talent.”

Rebecca laughed before turning to Samantha. “And you? How’s everything been with the library?”

Samantha’s smile softened. “Good. The renovations for the children’s section turned out even better than I hoped. And I get to watch kids fall in love with books every day.”

Nathan grinned. “Sounds like a win.”

Samantha nodded, her gaze flicking up to mine for the briefest moment before we moved on, weaving through the crowd.

I glanced down at her as we walked. “You really love it, don’t you?”

She tilted her head, eyes dancing. “What, books? Of course.”

“No.” I stopped, brushing a thumb over the back of her hand. “This. The life you’ve built.”

Her smile faltered for just a second, something unspoken passing between us. Then she exhaled, a happy, contented sigh. “Yeah. I really do.”

Something tightened in my chest, and before I could overthink it, I dipped my head, pressing a slow, lingering kiss to her temple.

Her breath hitched.

And for a moment, the party blurred around us—the laughter, the music, the bright twinkle of Christmas lights all fading into the background.

Then, a loud baby wail pierced the air, and Samantha huffed a quiet laugh as I pulled back, shaking my head. “Well, that was a moment.”

“Welcome to life with a big family,” she teased, nudging me forward. “Come on. Let’s go see who’s crying.”

We found Jake and Monica nearby, their six-month-old daughter fussing in Monica’s arms.

“She’s getting so big,” Samantha cooed, reaching out a finger for the baby to grab.

Jake, ever the quiet one, gave a weary nod. “Yeah. And louder.”

Monica shot him a look. “She just… knows how to make herself heard.”

Jake met my gaze with a smirk, and I chuckled. “Sounds familiar.” Jake had a reputation for being the loudest member of the department.

Samantha and Monica continued talking, their voices dipping into quiet happy tones, while I glanced across the room.

Elijah and Carla stood near the fire truck bay doors, deep in conversation, until Elijah spotted us and waved us over. “Look who finally closed the deal,” he said, gesturing between me and Samantha.

I shook my head. “Still can’t believe she married you.”

Elijah grinned. “Right? Best con job I ever pulled.”

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