Chapter 22 Jonny #2
“I mean, yeah, maybe it’s true for holidays,” I continue, stumbling over my words, “but some things can last and still be special. Like—like take the bookshop, for example. If it was always there, it wouldn’t lose its magic, it would become even more embedded in the town.
Sure, over time people would get used to it, but that doesn’t mean anyone would take it for granted.
Knowing that something’s always there, that you can count on it, that it’s woven into everyday life—” I swallow hard.
“That shouldn’t make it less special. It should make you love it even more. ”
She stares at me for a second before speaking. “You came all this way to talk to me about the bookstore?”
“No—I mean, yes, but that’s not—” I take another step closer.
My heart is hammering again. “I don’t want the bookstore to end, but mostly.
..I don’t want us to end. We’re so good together, Shira.
And I think that if we had more time, we would be even better, but we won’t know unless we try.
I need to stay in Azalea for a few more weeks, but after that, I can go anywhere.
And okay, maybe it is kind of insane to fall in love so quickly, but—”
“Wait, what?”
Her voice is a hoarse whisper. And that’s when I notice her eyes are all shiny and red. She’s crying. Actually, it looks like she’s been crying for a while.
I shift my weight, not sure if this is good or bad.
“I’ve never felt anything like this before,” I say, quieter.
“And it’s not just because I forced myself to slow down for the first time, it’s you.
The way you pulled me out of the hamster wheel I’ve been on for so long.
The way you quietly connect with people, noticing and appreciating them for their unique selves.
The way you shared yourself with me and somehow saw parts of me I didn’t even know were there.
Most of all…it’s the way you make me feel, Shira.
You’ve got me wanting things I’ve never wanted before, like permanence.
You make me want to create something that’ll stand the test of time, a life I’ll never stop working to make stronger and better. ”
I swallow, centering myself.
“I don’t want to look back and realize that I let something precious slip through my fingers because I wasn’t brave enough to say how I felt out loud. You don’t need to say anything back, I just couldn’t let you go without making sure you know.”
I take one final step until we’re a foot apart, and she tilts her chin up, those beautiful brown eyes searching mine.
“Shira, I’m falling in love with you,” I say, my voice steady now. “And I want the chance to love you even more.”
Her bottom lip starts to quiver. Her eyes flood with tears. And then she goes up on tiptoe and kisses me.
The world around us fades. Nothing exists except her lips on mine. Nothing matters but the fact that she’s kissing me.
She’s kissing me.
Shira is kissing me, and everything is perfect.
“Jonny,” she says, a little breathless as she pulls away. “Do you remember what time my flight leaves?”
My mind is a blur, but I do remember that. “Ten forty-five.”
“And what time is it?”
Taking a step back, I glance at my watch. 10:22. “Shit, you haven’t even checked your bags, you’re going to miss—”
“Shhh,” She puts a hand on my cheek, tipping my face gently down to meet her eyes again. “I was trying to call an Uber, but there aren’t many driving right now. I was starting to panic.”
I stare at her. “You were…”
“Heading back to Azalea. To you.”
“Why?”
She throws up her hands. “Why do you think, you big idiot? Because you aren’t the only one who’s falling in love.”
My heart stops.
“You’re serious?” I whisper. “Because it would be really mean to joke about that right now.”
She’s smiling, tears on her lashes. “I think that’s the only explanation for how completely out of character I’ve been acting.”
My entire body floods with relief and elation. And then I step forward and wrap my arms around her waist and lift her, spinning her slowly as her words sink in. It feels like a miracle.
“Hey!” someone shouts.
I look up to see a man wearing a Santa hat and a reflective vest, standing by my dad’s truck, waving at me.
“This your vehicle?” he shouts.
I set Shira down gently. “Yes, sir!” I call. “Coming back right now.”
“Well, hurry on up,” he says, shaking his head as he walks away.
Shira smirks at me. “Troublemaker.”
“Me? How am I the troublemaker when you’re the one who snuck out this morning without saying goodbye?”
Her eyes immediately turn sad. “I’m sorry I wasn’t brave enough to say goodbye—I didn’t want to go.”
I press a kiss to the top of her head. “I will most likely forgive you. But it wouldn’t hurt if you tried to make it up to me tonight in creative ways.”
“Oh yeah?” Her eyes sparkle. “And what would that entail?”
“You know what, don’t worry about it,” I tell her, grabbing the handle of her suitcase. “You can just lie back and watch a pro work.”
Grinning, she rolls her eyes. “You are so full of yourself.”
“Full of myself?” I smirk. “Babe, you’re about to be full of me.”
“Is that a threat or a promise?”
I lean in, voice dropping. “Depends on how good you are at following directions.”
Her cheeks flush bright red, and I take her hand, lacing our fingers together, then start heading back to the truck.
“So,” she says casually, “speaking of permanence…I hear there’s an old textile factory for sale back in Azalea that might be perfect for a bookstore.”
“Not anymore.”
She blinks. “What?”
“It’s not for sale. I bought it.”
“Jonny McKay!” She smacks my shoulder. “Were you going to share that information?”
“It was on the list, right after ‘tell Shira she’s the love of my life,’ but then you kissed me, and I got a little distracted by all the joy.”
She’s shaking her head, smiling, as we start walking again. “Does that mean you’re moving back for good?”
“I haven’t figured that out yet,” I say. “Right now, I’m just thinking about building something that can last.”
“I love that,” she says, smiling. “What do you think about putting a real bookstore in the textile mill? One with built-in bookcases and a reading nook—”
“And a coffee counter?” I add.
“And maybe some other shops—”
“And what about apartments on the top floor?”
We’re talking over each other, and we both laugh.
“Guess we'd better start drafting a business plan,” I say, smiling down at her. My heart is swelling with pride and love, and so much excitement for the future that it could burst right out of my chest.
She smiles up at me, bright-eyed. “Later, Jonny. Right now, you need to take me home for Christmas.”