10. Alanis
CHAPTER 10
Alanis
I ’m so nervous I feel like there’s bees in my tummy.
But Drake is here and he looks totally calm. It feels surreal seeing him in front of the display and watching the curious looks coming his way.
They’ll find out soon enough.
I step forward and hold my hands out and the crowd falls silent. “Hello, everyone! I’m so happy that you’re here tonight to meet one of our favorite authors in person. And I hope that you’re not shocked when I introduce them. Hear the story out and give him a chance. Because I’m about to introduce you to Lily L’Amour.”
Drake steps forward and little murmurs start around the room until it feels like a wall of sound hits us.
But he takes it all in stride and smiles. “Hello, everyone. I am Lily L’Amour. But you can call me Drake. After all, I intend that we get to know each other a lot better.”
His dark eyes are on me and I feel a little shiver. It’s like he’s making me a promise.
I thought about what he said all last night and I can’t believe it. But I want this chance with him. I like Drake. I think I more than like Drake. I think I fell in love with the man when I heard what he said about why he became a writer.
A man who loves his mother that much is a good man at heart. He made a mistake, yes. But he’s been nothing but honest since and he said all those letters were him.
I do know him. I understand him.
And I think that that makes us a pretty good team.
He smirks at me.
“I came her to this little town to find something that you’ve probably all felt that you found in my books. Love. You see, I’ve been writing to a lovely woman for two years, although she didn’t know I was a man.”
Some of the women giggle.
“And as soon as I read that first letter I felt something. The next and next told me I was right. But I’m kind of a shy guy and I wasn’t sure how she’d feel about me. But I want my shot, Alanis.”
A low murmur goes up and all heads turn towards her. She flushes and glares at me playfully.
“I want to stay here and find out just how good we can be. Because I think that there’s something special between us. I want the 2.5 kids and the white picket fence and the golden retriever with you and only you. When I think about you, I think of everything my mother ever said. That there was a woman out there who was made for me, who would understand me and make me happy. I want the life she should have had… with you. And I want to have you as my partner. I love you, Alanis. So dang much. Just like the romances that I write. You’re it for me. For now, for tomorrow and for always.”
The tears sting my eyes again and this time they’re happy tears. Happy and sure.
Because he’s right. I’ve known it too.
“We did click in those letters. We mesh as people. I thought you were a woman who was made to be my best friend. But man or woman, you’re still made to be my best friend, my one love and the man that I think I’ve always wanted but never thought I deserved.”
He moves towards me and holds out his hand. “You deserve me, baby. You deserve a world of good. And most of all you deserve that forever kind of love we all hope to find when we read that perfect happily ever after.”
I flush happily and he presses my hand to his chest, right over his heart. “You feel that? That beat is you. Every part of me is all for you. Make me the happiest man in the world and be mine.”
I can’t stop the watery chuckle. But I soon straighten out and smile. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more. I’m yours and you’re mine.”
“And we’ll work the rest out. But I will marry you and we will raise a family together. Here. In Valentine.”
“Where else would we be?” After all, this town is made for love. It was named for love.
And it’s fitting that this is where I found it. With a man who writes romances that make me weak in the knees.
He leans over and his lips touch mine gently. And the whole place erupts in cheers and laughter. I giggle and kiss him back softly, loving his touch.
Valentine’s got another one! And love wins again! How could it not?
The end!