Page 122 of Taming Grumpy Dr. Beast

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“And I love you and promise to do the same.” He pressed his lips to mine, a physical manifestation of our promise.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, never wanting to let go. Ready to step into this new future together, with Jaxon.

Epilogue

Lily

Two years later

I shut the front door behind me before responding to Cece’s text message.

Cece: I miss you. Come visit.

Me: We will soon. I’m in the middle of my summer semester of classes. I don’t have many more to go before I finish {heart emoji}

Cece: Do you still love it?

Me: Yes. Every single second. {smiley face emoji}

Over a year ago I’d seen a family using sign language to communicate with each other and became obsessed. After learning all I could, I immediately enrolled in an American Sign Language English Interpretation program and only needed another semester to finish my degree.

While I still loved book restoration now, it was more of a hobby I enjoyed with Dad.

Cece: I’m so happy for you.

Me: You’re the best friend ever. Thank you. I’ll talk to Jaxon and we’ll see about coming back for a weekend soon before the fall semester starts.

Cece: Okay. Got to go xoxo

Me: xoxo

As I made my way through the foyer, Angela stopped me with a gentle smile. “Mail came in that I thought you might want right away.”

I shoved the phone into my pocket. There was only one envelope in her hand. And there was only one particular piece of mail I’d asked her to watch out for. I swallowed hard as I picked up the envelope with my fingertips. The familiar blue logo of the DNA company flashed at me.

I thanked her and clutched the envelope to my chest. Now that it was here, I was too nervous to open it. I slid my finger to the back of that stupid piece of paper at least five times before realizing I couldn’t do this alone. With a deep breath I made my way through the various hallways of the home I’d grown to love. Each step I took had my heart thundering in my chest.

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