Page 66 of Love By the Book
I shake my head. "After moving spontaneously and falling in love with a woman who has more magic in her smile than most people have in their whole being? Jumping out of a plane doesn't feel that bold anymore."
Or jumping off a moving ferry to pursue her, for that matter. Actually, it seems like I’ve been doing a whole lot of jumping since I met Rhianna Wilder. But I realize there’s one jump left.
Piper sets down her wine glass, her expression softening. "So what's the third bold move going to be?"
A smile tugs at my lips as I reach for my laptop. "I think I finally know."
"Piper, please try to contain yourself," I mutter as we approachSinclair’s Sips & Savories. My sister practically vibrates with excitement, clutching my arm like she's afraid I might change my mind and run.
"I can't help it! I can't wait to meet her. She's going to say yes. This is perfect!"
"She might not say yes. Let's not count on that yet."
"Let's count on it!" Piper's grin is infectious. "Let's count on all of it."
The bell chimes as we walk in, and my heart pounds. This idea is wild, completely outside my carefully constructed comfort zone. But that's what Rhianna has taught me—sometimes the boldest moves are the ones that terrify you the most. And this move is bold. No matter what happens, I’ve fulfilled my promise to myself.
But dear god, I really hope she says yes.
The book club is gathered at their usual table, deep in what appears to be a heated debate. Tom is gesturing with biscotti, Mia is shaking her head, and Violet appears to be taking detailed notes. But my eyes find Rhianna immediately.
She laughs at something Alex says then her gaze catches mine. There’s a moment of pause before she jumps out of her seat. "Eli?"
For a moment, I forget how to breathe. She's wearing an emerald green dress that contrasts with her dark eyes, and her hair is doing that thing where it's escaping from her bun in wild, perfect curls. A pen is stuck through the knot, because of course it is. She's absolutely beautiful, and absolutely Rhianna.
Piper elbows me in the ribs. Right. Moving. Walking. Basic human functions.
"Hi." I cross to their table. The book club members stare at us with varying degrees of curiosity and knowing smiles. Tom's got biscotti frozen halfway to his mouth. Alex, for her part, wears the serene, self-satisfied smile of someone who knew this would happen all along.
"Hi," Rhianna echoes, then her eyes shift to Piper. "Oh! You must be the famous sister! I've heard so much about you."
"All terrible things, I hope." Piper grins and shoots me a look that clearly saysget on with it already.
My hands shake slightly as I pull out the folder I'veprepared. Inside is a map marked with careful annotations, a series of meticulously organized files, and more hope than I've ever dared to carry before.
“I spoke with your father,”—I begin, my voice steadier than I feel—“and he told me all the locations you're traveling to. You'll have weekends free. I already plan to teach remotely." I spread the papers out across an empty table, smoothing the edges with my fingertips. Each one represents a different adventure we could share, a different future waiting to be chosen. "So I looked at all the details and I've made an itinerary for every weekend that will help you get the most out of your time. And"—I swallow hard—"if you'll have me, I'd love to go with you."
The table erupts in noise and motion. Tom whoops, Mia claps her hands together, and Violet mutters something that sounds suspiciously like "finally!"
But I only have eyes for Rhianna, whose expression has transformed from shock to something that makes my heart stop and restart all at once.
When she launches herself into my arms, the force of her embrace nearly knocks me over. The entire restaurant breaks into applause, but I barely notice. I'm too busy memorizing the feeling of her in my arms, the sound of her laughter against my neck. Imagining experiencing those every day from now on.
She pulls back slightly, her eyes dancing. "Okay, not to be dramatic but I think my heart just exploded.”
I chuckle, then reach up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "Rhianna Wilder, a few months ago on the beach I wanted to tell you something, but if you remember correctly, you asked me to wait. To put that conversation off until later.” Her forehead furrows, but her eyes fill with hope and maybe trust. A trust I’ll always protect. I take a steadying breath. “I love you. I love your wild heart and your brilliant mind. I lovehow you see magic in everything, how you make me brave enough to chase my own dreams. I love that you've completely destroyed my organizational system and I don't even care. I love?—"
She kisses me, and the restaurant erupts in cheers again. When we break apart, she's crying and laughing at the same time. "I love you too, you ridiculous, wonderful man."
And that is how my third bold move becomes the beginning of our greatest adventure.
Epilogue: The Best Stories
RHIANNA
I'm spinning in a circle, humming Fleetwood Mac's ‘Dreams’ in the middle of a tiny bookshop in Edinburgh, flipping through books, when someone taps my shoulder. When I turn, I already know who I'll find.
Eli Lancaster stands there in his navy sweater with leather patches on the elbows (which should look pretentious but somehow just looks adorable on him), holding what appears to be the most touristy guidebook I've ever seen. His hazel eyes dance with amusement behind the black-rimmed glasses I've grown to love.
