Page 50 of Memories of the Past

Thomas looked across the way at Jed and Vi then reached into his pocket. “Well, I figure we will just be getting back from our honeymoon then, and before then it wouldn’t be the ideal time to start up a new business with all we have to do to plan our wedding.”

“What?” My jaw dropped as he held out the tiny jewelry box that held the most beautiful ring. Instantly, I brought my hand to my mouth and looked across the table at Aunt Vi, who sat there smiling holding Jed’s hand, then I looked back to Thomas.

“It was my mother’s.” Thomas smiled, sliding the ring onto my finger.

I bit my bottom lip and looked down to the ring that sat on my finger. It couldn’t have fit more perfectly.

He met my eyes, a soft smile on his face. “Yes, so we have to plan a wedding and honeymoon. I was planning to ask you to marry me a little later tonight, but now is as good a time as any.”

Shock ran through me at his admission, and I was lost for words as I stared at the ring on my finger.

“What? What is it? Don’t you want to marry me?” Thomas asked.

“Don’t want to? Are you crazy? Of course, I want to,” I cried, jumping into his arms.

“This calls for a huge celebration. Dinner is on Vi and I,” Jed said, patting Thomas on the back as he kissed me.

EPILOGUE

Trinity

November 2022

Sunday has become my favorite day. As I look back over the past few months, I realize now that I had been more stubborn than I ever needed to be toward Thomas, but regardless, he stayed, and I will be forever grateful that he returned to Willow Valley this past summer. Peggy tells me not to look at it as being stubborn, but to look at it as being protective of my heart. That is what happens when a person has been hurt; they become afraid to trust again, she says. Whichever it is, it turned out that Thomas wasn’t as easily swayed by my stubbornness or protectiveness, nor is he now, which deep down inside I am grateful for.

“What are you thinking about?” Thomas asked as he looked up from his menu. It had become a habit since we’d gotten back together to spend some quality time together on Sunday. So, every Sunday morning, we get up and get dressed and head down to The Crispy Biscuit, then afterwards we take a drive out to the lake.

“Not a thing.” I smiled, looking back down at the open menu in front of me.

“I doubt that. You look like you’re up to something.” Thomas chuckled.

“Who me?” I asked innocently, and laughed.

“What are you going to have?” he questioned.

Our eyes met, and at the same time we both shouted out, “Waffles!” We both broke out into laughter as he reached across and took my hand in his.

“Well, if it isn’t Willow Valley’s two new love birds,” Brooke sang as she approached our table.

“Morning, Brooke,” I answered. “The place is looking amazing with all the Christmas decorations. You always decorate this place up so nice,” I said, looking around.

“Thanks. It’s coming. I just have the two front windows to finish, and then I think we should be all set. Are you doing anything to the bookstore this year?”

I nodded my head. “I always do.” I smiled. “Just not sure yet about what? I have a larger window space now,” I said, thinking about how much room the expansion had given me.

“What can I get you two this morning?”

“Waffles for Trin, and I’ll have sausage and eggs please. Oh and another cup of coffee,” Thomas answered.

We watched as Brooke scribbled our order down on her notepad. “Oh, Thomas, I am going to need a shelf to replace the one our mugs sit on. When you get up and running, do you think you could make me one.”

I’d been telling everyone in town about Jenkins Woodworks the second the sign had arrived, and Thomas already had a pile of orders he’d started working on. One thing about small towns, word travels fast, and the best part of Willow Valley is that everyone supports each other.

Thomas looked over at me and shook his head. “Really, Trinity?”

I couldn’t help but laugh as I nodded my head, “Really. Now take the lady’s order.” I winked.

“I’ll take measurements before I leave,” Thomas answered.

---