Page 114 of Chasing Forever
“Why are we in the vendors area?” My stomach is like a rubber band of anxiety.
“In the back of the truck, I have all the pottery you’ve stored on your shelves. I know I went behind your back, and you can be mad at me if you want. I’ll completely understand, but Lottie, you’re so talented, and I’m really hoping that all you need is a little push. Kind of like marrying me in Vegas.”
I roll my eyes and can’t help the small smile that lifts the corners of my lips.
“You know what that does to me, and we’re in a very public place.” His voice is low.
I shake my head. “Be specific. What are you asking?”
“I rented a booth for today. I have your stuff, I’ve bought displays, I’ve gotten business cards made. Briar designed a logo and said if you hate it, you guys can go over it after this and change it, but we felt like you needed something to hand out here.”
I bury my head in my hands. “Seriously, this is crazy.” I turn in my seat and look out the window. “And in Lincoln? You could have done it in Hickory.”
“I figured the farther away, the better. It’s like dipping your toes in the water. Like a first date.”
“Brooks, stop comparing this to us.”
“Why? Look at what a success we are. We got married drunk and fell in love. We won after taking that risk, and I know you’re going to win at this one too.”
I flop back in my seat. “I’m not sure I want to stay married to you. You’re one of those ‘go big or go home’ guys, and I’m more of a ‘don’t show your cards at all’ person.”
“Maybe that’s why we’re so good with one another.” He waits patiently as I chew on my bottom lip.
“What did you bring?”
He smiles as though he’s won already. “Everything I could pack. Mostly the coffee mugs, but also some bowls and vases. You can pick what you want, obviously. We don’t have to put it all out.”
“And you’re not dropping me off, right? You’ll be there the whole time?” I move my hands to my stomach because it has that tingly feeling.
“Right at your side.”
“And you won’t leave me.” I meet his gaze.
He takes my hands. “Never.”
I nod and blow out a breath. “Okay.”
“Really?” His smile is wide, eyes twinkling.
“Why do you sound so shocked? You did all this, and you really thought I’d say no?”
He shrugs. “I was eighty-twenty you’d go through with it.” I arch an eyebrow, and he chuckles. “Okay, ninety-ten… maybe ninety-five, five.”
“All right, let’s do it then.”
We climb out of the truck and meet around the back.
Brooks has everything nicely packed in crates. It takes us an hour to get set up, and I send Briar a thank-you text for the logo she created and the business cards.
Right before the market opens, I wrap my arms around Brooks’s neck and draw him as close as I can, inching up on my tiptoes. I take his baseball hat and slide it onto his head backward so I can kiss him.
“Thank you for doing all this. I’m so lucky to have you.” I kiss him, and he holds me tightly.
“No matter what happens today, remember, you are talented. You create beautiful things. Now, chin up, shoulders back. I’ll just be your eye candy behind the table.” He flutters his eyes.
I laugh and kiss his cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you more.”
