by Mary Manners
****
“I feel terrible.” Josie grabbed the kettle from the burner as it began to shriek. She splashed steaming water into the teacup Ali handed her and dipped a bag of Earl Grey. “I haven’t been to Posts and Pages for three days. That’s a record for me. With the pace that Mason’s been working, he’s probably finished with the project by now.”
“There’s only one way to find out.” Ali selected a bag of chamomile and poured a second steaming mug. “You can’t stay away forever.”
“I know. But I feel like such a fool for letting him in again. I should have known better. It’s just, we were talking, and then he asked me to dance—”
“Right out there?” Ali pointed to the sliding glass door. “On your deck? How romantic.”
“It was…nice. At least until he kissed me. And then I jammed my foot firmly in my mouth—”
“Wait. Whoa. Back up.” Ali’s tea sloshed over the rim of her cup. “He kissed you?”
“Yes. Twice…or maybe three times. I lost count.”
“You lost…oh my.” Ali slipped into a chair at the kitchen table. “Did he tell you for sure that he’s not going to stay here when he’s finished at Posts and Pages?”
“No. He said he didn’t know.”
“Well, in Mason’s defense, he has a life in Atlanta and a business to run, with employees who are depending on him. If the situation was reversed, would you be able to walk away from Posts and Pages so easily?”
“No, but—”
“Then it’s not fair to expect that from Mason.” Ali sighed and sipped her tea. “Would you consider moving to Atlanta?”
“I don’t know…I’m not sure. I love it here, with all of you.” Josie picked up a teaspoon and added sugar to her cup, stirring briskly. “Oh, it’s just so hard.”
“You have to talk to him, Josie. It’s the only way.”
“I suppose you’re right. And I can’t stay away from the shop any longer. Inventory is due, and I have orders to place and the book club about to start. Audrey’s losing her mind trying to hold it all together. She called me half-a-dozen times today.”
“There’s your sign.”
“I’ll go…tomorrow.”
“Good. You two definitely need to talk this out and sooner, better than later.”
Epilogue
Josie unlocked the door of Posts and Pages. She was ecstatic with what Mason had accomplished at the shop. Sunlight spilled from the ceiling, flooding through the skylights he’d strategically placed to showcase various display areas. The coffee bar had doubled in size and every bestseller she could get her hands on was shelved for maximum exposure. He’d even arranged a display of candles along the new information kiosk. The scent of lilac welcomed spring.
As she made her way to her office, heaviness overtook the thrill. Mason was done with his work at Posts and Pages. He’d made no indication that he’d remain in Willow Lake. Since the night they’d grilled steaks, he’d been all business, finishing off the project as quickly as possible while she kept her distance. She’d planned to talk with him today, but saw no sign of him. His tools were gone and his truck was nowhere to be found along the boulevard. Maybe he’d already left. The thought launched her belly into a death spiral.
He’d asked her to dance and told her he loved her, and she’d thrown the words back in his face. She couldn’t blame him for leaving. Even so, her mind continually wandered to that night on the patio when they’d swayed together beneath the stars. The memory of his tender touch and coaxing kisses made her tingle, even now. The aroma of lilac wafted stronger as she neared her office doorway.
“Hi, Josie.” Mason’s voice startled her as she rounded the corner. “Running late today?”
“I…what are you doing here?”
“I wanted some coffee.” He leaned back in her chair, propping his feet on her desk. “And to see you.”
“In that order?” She dropped her purse on the file cabinet, her excitement at seeing him deflated. In a few hours, he’d surely be back on the road, headed north, and she’d get to work planning a grand re-opening of Posts and Pages. “Well, I see you found the coffee. Did you light the candle, too?”
“I did.” He stood and rounded the desk to face her, his gaze tender. “I like the way it smells. Maybe we should plant some lilacs along the walkway at the front of the shop.”
“I’ll take that under consideration.” She paused a moment. “Wait. Did you say we?”
“That’s right.”
“But I thought—”
“I need you to be quiet and listen for two minutes. I have things to say.” He reached for a roll of duct tape. “Am I going to have to use this?”
“Mason—”
“Two minutes.” He tore off a piece, backing her into the chair as he took a step toward her. “That’s all I’m asking for. Then you can have your say.”
“All right.” She settled into the chair, pursing her lips. Her gaze remained trained on him.
“OK, then.” Mason set the tape on the desk and turned back toward her.
His eyes were full and round and dark as she’d ever seen them.
“Josie Parker, I have loved you since the first time I saw you.” His gentle voice, the way his fingers caressed her cheeks, stole her breath. “You are the most stubborn, kindest, smartest woman I know. I’ve made mistakes…I’ve hurt you—”
“But—”
He shook his head, pressing a finger to her lips. “And I’m so sorry for that. But coming home has made one thing perfectly clear—”
“Home? Did you say home?”
He grimaced. “I see I’m going to have to invest in duct tape.”
“Go ahead. I’m listening.”
“I can’t live without you, Josie. I don’t want to live without you.” Mason leaned toward her and dropped to one knee. “What I want is to share my life with you…here…always. Will you marry me, Josie Parker?”
Tears filled Josie’s eyes, blurring her vision. Now that it was her turn to speak, she simply nodded as Mason gently slipped a diamond on her finger.
“I love you.” He sealed their promise with a kiss. “Forever and always.”
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