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Robert moved closer. “What are you saying?”
I shrugged. “That everyone has a dumbass attack from time to time.”
“I was certainly a dumbass.” He laughed. “More than once.”
“But I’m still saying yes.” Studying him, I bit my bottom lip. “Yes, to this, to the future, and to whatever life has in store for our businesses.” I laughed. “Never thought I’d say that.”
“Me neither,” he replied. “But now that means I get to do this.”
His lips crashed against mine and he enveloped me in a deep kiss. I tasted longing, and need, and hunger as he moved against me, cementing the moment as the music swelled around us and the DJ warned the crowd this was the last song before the cake would be served. I hardly heard any of that—it was a backdrop to the moment, the turn in our relationship as we finally let down our guard. At that moment, all that mattered was Robert.
“I love you, Anya,” he said against my mouth, the words tumbling out as our embrace tightened. “I think I’ve loved you since the night we ate pizza together.”
I stepped backward so I could take in every aspect of him—the lock of hair that fell across his brow, the warmth in his dark eyes, the way the fairy lights illuminated his jaw, the cut of the tuxedo jacket against his strong chest.
“I love you too, Robert,” I murmured. “And I can’t really blame you. Papa’s Pizza is really special.”
He laughed and pulled me toward him again, his kiss an answer and a promise. Once, I’d thought everything was stacked against me. I thought nothing would come my way, and that I’d have to hide in New Burlington forever, trusting nobody.
But it turned out, I was wrong.
EPILOGUE
THANKSGIVING WEEKEND
ANYA
After the whirlwind of events that led to my unexpected partnership with Robert, I found myself seeing the world through a different lens. The Green Frog wasn't just a store; it was a symbol of resilience, community, and the power of second chances. Tomes and Tumblers wasn’t just my direct competition, either.
It was a place I was starting to care about too.
Thanksgiving weekend arrived with its usual chill in the air, a crisp reminder of the season's transition. As I opened the doors of The Green Frog early that Saturday morning, I was greeted by the warm, familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the comforting aroma of old books. The store had a magical aura about it, as if it knew today was special.
We had planned meticulously for Small Business Saturday. For the first time, it wasn't just about survival; it was about celebration of the opportunity both our businesses offered. Having two bookstores made New Burlington something of a destination for booklovers, and for the last few months we’d worked hard to capitalize on that. The local community mobilized behind us after our viral video success, and the momentum was palpable. Robert had also been instrumental in helping me see the potential of The Green Frog beyond a neighborhood bookstore, and how my business could work in concert with his. His influence transformed our approach, infusing it with a blend of modern marketing and genuine connection.
I glanced around the store, taking in the carefully arranged displays, the new seating area where customers could linger with a book and a cup of coffee, and the children’s corner that was now a vibrant, welcoming space. Everything was ready.
