Epilogue
JESS
One month later
I t’d been a whirlwind four weeks.
The opening was a massive success. Thanks to Mia and Liam’s appearance, the library was featured in loads of national newspapers, magazines, online and even on breakfast television.
That’d led to the library being packed every day. There was already a huge waiting list on literally every book, and we’d had to replenish the stock in the bookshop several times over.
I’d hoped it’d be successful, but it’d gone beyond my wildest dreams.
We’d even had to use one of the renovated classrooms as a space for visitors and members to buy cups of tea, coffee and soft drinks, which were served by volunteers from Sunshine Bay .
Opening a proper coffee shop needed to be a top priority because I could already see how much revenue it could generate. Especially if we sold biscuits, cakes and snacks.
I also needed to hire more staff, so later this week I’d set up interviews, hoping I’d find more brilliant people to join our team, just like Jane.
She was a fantastic asset to the library. I think she preferred working to being at home. Although she hadn’t revealed too much, it seemed like her family didn’t respect the fact that she was a grown woman and placed a lot of restrictions on her, so being at work gave her freedom.
‘You’re so lucky to have Theo.’ Jane added some new novels to the bookshop shelves.
‘I am.’ I nodded. ‘But I had to kiss some frogs to find my prince. I never thought I’d find a decent man.’
‘Hopefully one day I’ll be that lucky too.’ Jane sighed.
‘You never know, maybe you’ll find him here. That’s what Mrs Davis wanted: to create a place where people could find love.’
‘Not sure how I’ll find my Mr Right at our library,’ she said. ‘Most of our members and customers are women.’
‘You never know. I’m hoping to start organising events soon. Not just bookish ones, but maybe dating ones too and get Mia involved. That’d attract more men.’
‘Maybe.’
‘Don’t give up hope,’ I said, remembering that Mrs Davis had said something similar to me.
‘What are you two chatting about?’ Theo stepped into the bookshop. He’d just been training a couple of new volunteers in the library.
‘Mrs Davis,’ I said .
‘Ah, the legend whose idea started all of this. She’d be so proud of you for bringing her vision to life. You gave her the legacy she always dreamt of.’
‘Thanks.’ I really hoped I’d done her proud and that she was looking down on me and smiling.
‘Did you ever open that letter Cecil sent?’
‘I completely forgot about that!’ It’d arrived last week, but I’d been so busy, I got sidetracked. ‘It’s in the office. I’ll go and read it now.’
‘Great. I’ll be there shortly.’
I walked into the office, pulled open my drawer, ripped the top off the envelope and slid out the letter.
Hello, Jessica,
Congratulations! You did it! Just like I knew you would! I’m so proud of you.
This library will bring so much happiness to people far and wide. I wish I was there to see it in person.
Thank you for making my dream a beautiful, romantic reality. I am truly grateful.
I wish you every success with the library and love. Just like I found my Charlton, I hope that one day you will find your real-life book boyfriend.
Best wishes for the future,
Meredith
My heart swelled. The fact that she’d had the foresight to write these letters before she passed was impressive enough. But the way she’d also anticipated how I’d be feeling and knew exactly what to say to lift my spirits was incredible. I had no idea how she did it, but I was grateful.
I wished she was here, so I could thank her for giving me this opportunity. And for encouraging me not to give up on love.
I reckoned she’d be pretty pleased to see that not only had I opened the library but I’d also found my own book hero in real life.
Now that I thought about it, Mrs Davis was there when I’d first met Theo. She’d said he was good-looking and that sometimes the arrogant ones were the most interesting, and she was right. I wondered if in some weird way she knew and whether she’d seen the sparks that we’d missed. Anything was possible.
Although we didn’t seem like the perfect match on paper, Theo and I went together like crumpets and butter, like fish and chips. We were soulmates.
Two weeks ago we’d moved into a cute little cottage a short walk from the beach and a ten-minute stroll to the library. At the moment we were only renting whilst the owners were on an extended trip, visiting their daughter and grandchildren in the US. But they were considering moving there permanently, and if they did, hopefully we’d be able to stay longer.
I loved living with Theo. We spent our days working together at the library. He was mainly based in the office, taking care of the business side of things, which he was much better at doing than me, but he wasn’t afraid to get stuck in and help out at the bookshop or do whatever was needed.
He still hadn’t decided what he wanted to do long-term but said he was happy working here with me and watching the library thrive.
After work, we’d go for a walk on the beach, come home and cook dinner together before curling up on the sofa and reading.
Life was perfect.
As Theo stepped into the office, I handed him the letter.
‘That’s beautiful,’ he said once he’d finished reading.
‘It really is. I’ve got a lot to thank Mrs Davis for. She helped me find my dream career and the ultimate book boyfriend.’
‘I’m hoping you’re referring to me?’ He cocked his eyebrow.
‘Of course! I’m a very lucky lady.’ I kissed him.
‘We’re both lucky and this is just the first chapter of our lives together.’
‘After what we’ve been through, it’s more like the first book in the series.’
‘True. And I can’t wait to turn the pages to find out what happens in book two, but knowing how much I love you, something tells me our story will be filled with more romantic beach walks, fish and chip dinners, crumpets in bed, reading together at night, steamy desk sex, happiness and of course, the sweetest happy ending.’
‘Sounds like the perfect love story.’ I kissed him again.
Theo was right. This was only the beginning of our romantic adventures and the start of The Romance Library’s journey.
‘It’s our love story.’ Theo wrapped his arms around me. ‘It’s true, deep, everlasting love, and as every romance reader knows, that’s the best story of all. ’