Page 69 of Falling for You
“Did I hear my daughter rat me and Anthony out for not kissing?” Natalie asked, Otis hanging from her hip. “So much for mystery in Buckeye Falls.”
“Evan came to your rescue. He said kissing is for grown-ups.” CeCe reached out and tugged on Otis’s arm until the boy giggled.
Anthony joined them, kissing Otis on the top of the head. “Thanks for buying us a couple years before Maddie goes boy crazy.”
The five of them walked out of the venue and got ready for the reception. Otis babbled the whole way to their cars, and CeCe could only imagine it was a fascinating story. Just as they got to Evan’s SUV, they were stopped by Helen. “There you two are. I wanted to give you this. When I went to the diner this morning, it was wedged in the mailbox.” She handed a padded envelope to them and headed toward her car. “See you at the reception.”
“What is it?” CeCe asked, handing it to Evan to open. “If I try to pry that open with my manicure, Nat will kill me.”
Evan didn’t wait before tearing it open and pulling out a silver plaque.2022 Midwestern Food Truck Championsit read across the top, with all three of their names scrawled below. “I was wondering when this would arrive,” Evan said, a look of pure wonder on his face. “I still can’t believe we won.”
CeCe playfully shoved his shoulder. “Watch it, mister. We worked really hard for that plaque.” Evan slid the plaque back in the envelope and tucked it under his arm. From the other side of his jacket, he retrieved a small envelope. “Since we’re suddenly handing out envelopes.” He laughed.
“What’s that?” she asked, her skin prickling in anticipation.
“Open it and find out,” he said, an adorable grin creasing his face.
Raising an eyebrow, she did as she was told. The envelope held a birthday card with a few balloons printed on the front. Inside it simply readHappy Birthday. I cannot wait to celebrate the birth of my favorite person. A ticket to Buckeye Falls’ only spa was inside.
“My birthday isn’t for a couple days,” she remarked, looking back at his eager expression with tears in her eyes.
“I know. I also know you’re still not looking forward to it, so I figured I’d share my well-wishes now, when you’re least expecting it. And this way, you can have a little pampering while you come to terms with being fabulous.”
CeCe pressed the card to her chest, careful not to wrinkle the paper. “Thank you, Evan. This is exactly what I wanted.”
“Do you know how easy it is to shop for a girlfriend who literally doesn’t want anything for her birthday?”
“I aim to please,” she retorted.
Reaching out, he took CeCe’s hand and drew her close. After all they went through, he still marveled at his reality with CeCe. No other plus-ones for the wedding; no more hiding his feelings and biding his time. He’d gotten the girl,hisgirl. No pretense, no barriers, just the two of them.
“Having such a low-maintenance girlfriend is great,” he teased. “It’s only one of the reasons I love you.”
CeCe giggled, actually giggled like little Otis. Even after all these months with Evan, it still felt surreal to be this happy with a man. She wasn’t about to complain though and fell into Evan’s embrace, kissing him senseless. “I love you too, more than I thought possible.”
“I’ll never get tired of hearing that,” Evan beamed.
“And I’ll never get tired of saying it.” CeCe sighed, content with everything around her. It took her a while to find her happily ever after, but CeCe knew Evan was worth the wait. She’d fallen hard, and she was so pleased he’d caught her.
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The End
