Chapter 55
ASHER
Iwatch as Grace sucks in a breath after my admission.
"Okaaayy," she draws out, eyes narrowing on me. "But I can't be everything to you. You're a workaholic. Surely, you want something else."
I smile, shaking my head. "You're wrong.
If I can have you, I'd need nothing else in life, Grace.
I realized after getting everything I thought I wanted, that it wasn't even remotely the most important thing to me.
I meant what I said in those notes. The happiest I've ever been in my life is the months I spent with you, with you in my arms. So yes, that's what I want. I don’t need anything else. "
"Asher—"
"But, if you want me to have something else, I have an idea. I only want to do it if I'm with you."
"That's a lot of pressure." She sighs, gripping her cup tightly.
"I know. If you say no, I'll move on, find something else. No pressure. The choice is yours."
"What is it?" she asks.
"I'd rather show you."
Thirty minutes later, we're pulling up to the bed-and-breakfast where I've been staying. Grace looks a little confused as I help her out of the car and lead her into the old house.
Margie, the owner, comes out to greet us, recognizing Grace immediately.
"Grace!" Margie's face lights up as she spots us. "What a wonderful surprise." She pulls Grace into a warm hug before turning her bright eyes on me. "Asher, good to see you again."
Grace shoots me a curious look, but I just smile and gesture for her to follow as Margie leads us through the cozy parlor. The inn has that lived-in warmth that only comes from decades of love and care. Floral wallpaper, hardwood floors worn smoothed by countless footsteps, antique furniture.
"Did you tell her your plan, city boy?" Margie asks as we shake off the chill from outside.
I chuckle. "I was just about to."
"What are you two talking about?" Grace asks, a mixture of confusion and surprise on her features.
"I've been running this place for forty years," Margie tells her. "Raised my kids here, built a life. But I'm getting older, and my grandchildren are in Arizona. Been thinking it's time to retire, spend my golden years in the sunshine with them."
I pull off Grace's coat, hanging it on the rack in the entryway and adding mine.
"The thing is…" Margie continues. "I don't want to sell to just anyone. This place needs someone who'll care for it, keep its soul." She looks at me with knowing eyes. "Asher here has made me a very generous offer. Enough for a comfortable retirement and a small condo near my grandkids."
Grace's eyes widen as understanding dawns. She turns to me, mouth slightly open.
I step closer to her, taking her hand. "I want to buy the inn.
Transform it into something special. A book-themed retreat.
We could build a proper library, host writing workshops, create a space for people who love stories.
" I gesture around the room. "I've been sketching out ideas.
Reading nooks in every room. A massive collection spanning genres.
Maybe even space for authors to come work on their manuscripts. "
I genuinely think we could turn this into something amazing, but I won’t do it without her. If she says no, I’ll be gutted, but I’ll move on. The last thing I want to do is hurt her more than I already have.
But I’ve spent the last week dreaming up our future in this B she's considering it, actually considering this life we could build. She looks around the place, spinning in a big circle before she turns back to me.
"I love you." She says the three words that do something to my heart and have it beating it a crazy rhythm. I want to hear those words again. Over and over for the rest of my life.
I step closer to her, wrapping my arms around her the way I've wanted to since she walked down the stairs in her family's farmhouse.
"I love you, Sugar."
"I want this life with you." She smiles, looking up at me, eyes sparkling.
"Yeah?" I repeat, needing to be sure.
Grace nods, tears finally spilling over. "Yes. To all of it. The inn, Cedar Falls, us." She laughs through her tears. "God, I can't believe I'm saying this, but yes."
Relief crashes through me so hard it's almost painful. I pull her against me, capturing her mouth with mine. The kiss is different from all the others; it's not about dominance or control or proving anything. Just pure, uncomplicated joy.
She melts into me, fingers threading through my hair as she kisses me back with equal fervor. I taste the salt from her tears and something sweeter underneath.
When we finally break apart, both breathless, I rest my forehead against hers.
"Marry me, Sugar."
She laughs as more tears fall. "Asher, we're already married."
"No, that was a charade. Marry me for real. Because you actually want to."
Lifting onto her tiptoes, she kisses me again, her acceptance a caress over my lips.
"Yes. Asher Caine, I'll marry you for real."