He pulled back to stare at me. "You mean tonight or forever?"
"Forever," I said.
"Plant plants," he said.
"Make music," I added.
"Make music," he seconded before adding, "And make pasta."
"Oh, tons of food," I said. "Lots of food."
"We'll probably buy houses, and build houses, and sell houses," he said.
I smiled up at him, feeling like there was no possible way for me to feel more in love than I was right then.
"My mom said we'll probably feel like we don't love each other sometimes, but we have to just choose to get through that, and then we'll fall in love again before you know it."
He smiled and squinted his eyes at me. "You already making plans to fall out of love?" he asked, teasing me.
"No. I just want to be prepared for anything."
He grinned at me like he thought I was cute. "What else are we gonna do besides possibly fall in and out of love a few times?" he asked, still smiling.
"We'll dance."
"We'll laugh," he said.
"So much laughing," I agreed, shaking my head. "How about babies?" I asked.
He nodded. "Yeah, we'll have babies."
"They're gonna be cute," I said.
"The cutest." He put a gentle kiss on my lips, and I caught myself thanking God that I ended up with the best one in spite of all my mistakes.
"I love you," I said.
"I know," he said raising his chin at me with a knowing smile.
"Tell me, too," I said, wiggling in his arms. "I want you to say it back."
"Say what?" he asked. "That I love you?"
I nodded.
"I love you, Wynn. I love you enough to never not love you. I'll never, ever not love you."
I smiled and kissed him again before turning to stare at the fountain from over my shoulder. "I still can't believe you just dropped it in the fountain like that and expected me to find it."
His chest shook with laughter. "But you did," he said.
I held out my hand so I could stare at my new ring. "I guess I did."
Epilogue
We were married the following summer, and by fall, we had settled into a nice routine. My parents had a waterfront lot set aside for me near theirs on the bayou, but for now, Ryan and I were living in and working on his New Orleans house. It was convenient to his work, and I had been so busy with my own stuff, that it just made the most sense for us to live in the city, at least for the time being.
I met Claire once a week for lunch. We often got together other times, too, but our Tuesday lunch date was pretty much set in stone. That's where I was at the moment. It was a beautiful afternoon in early fall, and she was sitting on the patio at Satsuma Café when I walked up. She stood to give me a hug before we settled next to each other at the little table.
"How's it going?" she asked.
"Good," I said, sitting down before taking a sip of the juice concoction she had sitting in front of me.
"I ordered you a grilled cheese," she said.
I smiled and nodded to thank her as I took another sip of the juice. "This is good," I said.
"It's got carrots in it."
I shook my head and held up my hand, telling her I didn't want to know. "Don’t tell me," I said.
"Did you read that article?" she asked, pointing at the magazine that was on the table between us.
I shook my head. "Is that 'In the NOLA'?" I asked.
"Yes, and your man's got a feature."
"I didn't know when it came out," I said. "Ryan told me they interviewed him, but I haven't seen it yet."
Claire shook her head, regarding me as if I had been living under a rock or something. "They talk about you almost as much as they talk about him," she said.
I screwed up my face. "Nu-uh," I said, reaching out for the magazine.
She grabbed it and turned, dodging me so she could read it. Holding out a finger for me to hold my horses, she said, "There's a bunch of stuff about him growing up in New Orleans, and about him teaching at Tulane, you'll have to read the whole thing. It's good. But I'll pick up…" she trailed off clearing her throat as she stared down at the magazine, trying to find the part she wanted to read. She smiled as she started to read out loud. "Collins' work has been adapted for the small screen in a mini-series called Bloodbrothers, which will air on NBC after the first of the year." She smiled and held up a finger, widening her eyes like she was just getting to the good stuff. "Collins recently wed Wynn Martin, New Orleans native and heiress to Martin Outfitters. She is a singer-songwriter who has had her own success recently. Her album, Prodigal Daughter, has been nominated for three Dove awards, including album of the year." Claire slapped my leg over and over again as she read that part, like she just couldn’t believe it.
I giggled since I just couldn’t believe it either. It was really extraordinary. God's plans had truly outdone mine. I was constantly being surprised by his grace and provision. All I had to do was be willing to be used, and He used me.
Ryan had been amazing during the whole thing, somehow managing to excel at his job, and also help me with my budding career. He had been my driving force through recording and releasing that album.
I sighed, taking the magazine from her. There was a picture of Ryan and me that had been taken outside at my parents' house, and I smiled at the sight of us together.
"You're in love," Claire said.
"Yep," I said. I smiled at her. "And you're next."
The End
(till book 4)
Other titles available from Brooke St. James:
Another Shot:
A Modern-Day Ruth and Boaz Story
When Lightning Strikes
Something of a Storm (All in Good Time #1)
Someone Someday (All in Good Time #2)
Finally My Forever (Meant for Me #1)
Finally My Heart's Desire (Meant for Me #2)
Finally My Happy Ending (Meant for Me #3)
Shot by Cupid's Arrow
Dreams of Us
Meet Me in Myrtle Beach (Hunt Family #1)
Kiss Me in Carolina (Hunt Family #2)
California's Calling (Hunt Family #3)
Back to the Beach (Hunt Family #4)
It's About Time (Hunt Family #5
Loved Bayou (Martin Family #1)
Dear California (Martin Family #2)
My One Regret (Martin Family Book 3) Page 14
