Page 88 of All Dressed Up

“I remember. God, I’m so in love with you, Rachel. I’m sorry it’s taken so many chapters in our story to say those words to you.”

Our story.She liked the sound of it. “Our story began in high school. Thank you for all the flowers you gave me.” She threw her arms around his neck, kissing him with all she had. She had Will back. All of him.

When they finally broke apart, he brought her over to a park bench, taking a seat. “What’s going on over there?” he asked, pointing to the Star Lite with one hand while resting his arm across the bench.

She took the opportunity to nestle into him. “Jesse’s having lunch with Emma.”

“Wow. They look like they’re enjoying it,” he said while rubbing her shoulder.

Rachel’s heart bloomed for both Jesse and Emma. From what she could see, the two were hitting it off. She leaned into Will. “I’m so glad you’re home, and I’m sorry about last week.” She lifted her chin to meet his gaze. “I love you, Will Jenkins. I don’t need any more time.”

His lips found hers again. “I love you, Rachel. It’s always been you.” He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “Although, there is something important we need to clear the air about.”

Alarmed, she sat up, turning to face him. “What?”

“There’s still the matter of you breaking in to my house this month.”

“Oh, that.” Relieved, she leaned back again. “I don’t think we need to talk about that.”

“You stole my purse.”

She laughed. “IborrowedMary’s purse. She told me to get it.” She reached for his hand and threaded her fingers through his.

“Oh, really. Why?”

She grinned. One day, she’d tell him all that she went through to find his heart.

“That’s between me and Mary... and Jesse.”

He grimaced. “Man, I’m never going to get rid of that guy, am I?”

“Probably not.” She chuckled, her lips finding Will’s once again. If this was the beginning of their life together, she was all in. They sat on the bench, watching as both Sheila and Jason came around the corner and entered the Star Lite, joining Emma and Jesse.

“Do you think everyone in this town will get their happily ever after?” Rachel leaned into the man she loved, placing her palm against his beating heart.

Will wrapped his arms tight around her. “In Buttermilk Falls? I’m counting on it.”

THE END