Epilogue
Seth
Liam and Bethany helped install the store’s new sign. Bethany’s version of helping was bringing chocolate croissants and coffee for us. Thankfully Liam and I were able to get the emerald green sign up without any troubles.
Second Chance Books is officially opened.
Kristen is pacing back and forth behind the counter of the bookstore. I’m worried she’ll wear a spot in the new carpet before she even opens. I walk over and pull her into a big hug, rubbing the small of her back and telling her everything will go smoothly.
“It’s a big day” she mutters into my chest.
“I know, and you’re crushing it,” I point out she’s already had a ton of sales and its barely lunch time.
She pulls aways and crosses her arms, her shoulders slump as she sighs. “There’s just so much left to do. I need to get new curtains, replace the shelves in the kids’ sections, and I haven’t even started talking to anyone about renovating upstairs.”
“You have plenty of time, besides there’s no rush on the second-floor bit, right?” I watch her eyes narrow at my words.
“Seth,” she sighs, “I can’t sleep on a pullout couch every other week.”
Due to the high influx of tourists, Kristen was having a hard time finding a rental. She’s been staying at my place on the weeks I don’t have Riley.
“That’s actually what I want to talk about with you. I spoke with Jacquiline and Riley.” I glance around to make sure there’s no lingering customers to interrupt us. “If you’d be interested, I’d like you to move in with me. With us. Riley and me that is…” I’m rambling at the end.
I run my fingers through my hair and try to wait patiently for Kristen to reply.
“Really?” she exclaims and embraces me. “Are you sure that it’s okay? We’ve only been dating for a few months and I don’t want to overstep or move too quickly.”
“Yes. Besides, I don’t want to take all the credit though. Riley complained that you’re never there when she wants to have tea parties. In a way, you’d be helping me out by taking over my spot at high tea with the teddy bears.”
“Well then…” She tiptoes up to kiss my cheek. “I will gladly move in with you and Riley.”
“Then it’s settled.” I pick her up in my arms like a wedding carry. She giggles and protests. “Nope, it’s time to pack.”
I start to carry her towards the staircase when the door chimes. I set her down and watch as she smooths out her clothes.
“I promise I’ll start packing after the store closes.” She kisses my lips before walking off to greet the customer.
Watching her walk away, her hips sway with each step.
It’s still hard to believe everything is working out so well compared to the past. But maybe that’s the best part about second chances, you already know all the mistakes you can make. It’s time to focus on all the good things in the present.
Kristen will now be a part of my future.
And I’ll always be grateful for our second chance.
Loving the Kastle Harbor crew? There’s more to enjoy!
The next, Passion Pages, in this Ink & Love series is ready to read today! Passion Pages
It's time to go back to the cozy seaside town of Kastle Harbor and get lost in the magic of Ink & Love.
Olivia Knight
After my last serious relationship ended, I swore I’d never move away to follow a guy.
Thankfully I found my home in Kastle Harbor working as a firefighter.
When a nerdy publicist visits for a book signing, I can’t help but tease him a little.
Jackson is built like a superhero, complete with the tortoiseshell framed glasses to hide behind.
But with a guy who’s only in town for vacation, can I find the courage to throw all of my rules out the window and give love a chance?
Jackson Lovell
Between work and caring for my ailing mother, it’s been years since I’ve had a real vacation.
When my friend asks me to attend his book signing, I jump at the chance to take some time off and relax.
There in the bookstore I run into Olivia, the firefighter who makes me feel like I’m experiencing passion for the first time.
She’s a thrill seeking, tattooed goddess who pulls me out of my shell each time we meet.
But with an end date for our time together, can I truly give in to the spark between us?
Step into the heart-pounding world of Kastle Harbor, where love and literature collide in a big way. Follow the five intertwined stories of Ink & Love, each filled with tantalizing tension, heartwarming chance encounters, steamy, heat-filled connections, and engaging storylines.
Author Tori Fields expertly weaves together the beauty of a small-town bookstore with the complexities of romance. So come back to this cozy seaside town and get lost in the magic of Ink & Love!
You can also read the series that started it all in Kastle Harbor— Sugar & Steam .
The Sugar & Steam Series has all the sweet and heat you want in your instalove romance. This novella series is quick-reading and heart meltingly full of the emotion you're craving.
No Cliffhangers. No Cheating. Only a beautiful happily ever after.