CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Callie glances over at her purse again. That’s the fifth time in three minutes. I quit polishing the glass in my hand to give her my full attention. She doesn’t notice, too preoccupied with her bag on the neighboring stool.
“You look suspicious,” I tell her.
“Me?” Callie points at herself.
“Do you see anyone else capable of captivating me on a constant basis?”
She doesn’t bother checking our surroundings. Roosters closed half an hour ago. The room emptied of the last stragglers not too long after. Her ass wiggles on the seat, as if she can’t sit still.
I toss the towel over my shoulder and prop an elbow on the bar, putting us inches apart. “What’s up, sweetness?”
“I have something to show you.” The statement rushes out of her in a whoosh.
“Are you hoarding cherry cobbler?”
“As if I could get away with that. You gobble every bite the moment it’s out of the oven.”
“But you’re hiding something. Should I be concerned?” A tightness spears into me.
Callie giggles, which eases my mind. Her hand dives into the depths of her purse, pulling out a hardcover journal. There’s a tremble in her fingers as she passes it to me across the counter. “Here.”
I study the nondescript cover that reveals nothing of the contents. The bulging size is slightly suspect. “What’s this?”
She shoots me a flat stare. “It’s not going to bite you.”
“Can’t be too sure,” I mumble.
“You’ve only been asking for a peek at what I’m crafting since we started dating.”
That’s the incentive I need. I flip open the cover and a title page greets me. In a neat script that I could never replicate, Callie wrote our names. It’s the doodled hearts that really do it for me, though. Talk about a throwback I didn’t realize I needed.
A creak from her stool announces that she’s leaning forward. “This is our journey so far from my perspective. Obviously. It’s separated into two sections. The beginning is more of a diary. Just a few random occasions when our paths happened to cross. Most of them were at Roosters, which is why I thought it was fitting to let you read them here. Not that you knew I existed back then.”
My eyes lift to hers. “I always knew you existed.”
“Okay, fine. Before we ever talked,” she corrects.
“That’s better.” I wink at her and flip to the next page.
“This is after I saw you for the first time.” Her smile reflects the fond memory.
“Let’s see if I made a good impression.”
My gaze drops to feast on her jotted thoughts from February of last year. The date is significant to me, but not for a reason she would recognize.
Hey, stranger.
I’m not sure what else to call you. Diary is too common. Not that stranger gives you a real identity. It feels a bit odd writing to myself. This way I’m picturing you as a new friend. I don’t have very many of those, but that’s not the point.
Something unexpected happened today. I was walking through town on Main Street, like I’ve done many times in the past two months since arriving in Knox Creek. But there was this sudden urge to stop on the sidewalk. I can’t really explain it other than I felt compelled to pause. That led to me looking around, and I saw a bar across the road.
Roosters is the name. I’ll never forget the pull to go inside. That was odd too. Why would I be drawn to a bar? I’ve never been anywhere close to one. But a gut instinct should be followed.
Once I got close enough, I saw him. He’s so… handsome. A stranger, like you. Maybe I should be writing this to him. As if I’d ever dare to let him read my inner thoughts. That’s almost as crazy as me approaching the bar to begin with.
I’m ashamed to admit that I watched him. I think he might work there, but I’m not sure. Minutes flew by as I stood there in the winter cold. The icy chill didn’t bother me. It could’ve started snowing and I wouldn’t have noticed. My feet wouldn’t budge from the spot.
If only I had the courage to go inside. There’s a flutter in my belly that feels like a swooping sensation. I wonder if that’s another sign from this man. It doesn’t seem possible considering where I came from.
I ran from Billmoore to escape men, but I think he’s different. No. Scratch that. I know he’s different, especially when compared to the monster who raised me. I find myself wanting to meet this stranger. Maybe even talk to him. But that’s never going to happen. I can’t even walk into a bar. Forget talking to a man, even if he could be special to me.
I rest my hand flat on the window. A foggy imprint appears, as if I’ll leave a lasting mark on the glass. That’s all I’ll ever be. A bland outline that’s mostly invisible. Too afraid to be noticed. Unless I make the choice to change.
Until then.
xx
Callie
My breath falters as I reread the passage. It’s as if my eyes are deceiving me. The words remain the same, though.
I flip through the rest, just at a quick glance until we’re home where I can truly appreciate the magnitude. She’s recorded every interaction we’ve shared. Heat blurs my vision and I blink against the sting.
“Sweetness,” I croak. A rare emotion clogs my throat. “This is… the most thoughtful gift I’ve ever received.”
And I’m not even talking about the journal.
Callie’s eyes widen in alarm. “You don’t get to keep it yet. I mean, it’s not done.”
I chuckle and rub at my wet lashes. “Well, damn. There goes my smile.”
She swoops in for a kiss. “Don’t pout. There’s more to come for us, right? I was planning on keeping track of our entire first year as a couple.”
Which gives me an idea for her next entry. I vault over the bar and land by her side. “Come with me, love.”
Callie startles from my abrupt movement, but accepts my proffered hand. “Where are we going?”
The explanation is waiting outside where I turn her toward the front window. I press her palm to the glass before placing mine on top. “Do you know what else happened on February 23rd last year?”
A furrow dents her brow as she glances up at me. “I’m not great at guessing games. Can you give me a hint?”
“I saw you,” I breathe.
She whirls around until our gazes clash. “What?”
“I was bartending and something told me to look up. My focus went directly to the window. You were there with your hand on the glass. Could’ve sworn you were staring into my soul.”
A lone tear tracks down her cheek. “How is that possible?”
I slide my palm along hers, joining our fingers with a gentle squeeze. “Just one more reason twenty-three is my favorite number.”
She nods. “It’s lucky for us.”
“Unexpected bliss,” I exhale.
Callie grins. “And spontaneous.”
That’s my cue. My heart is thumping loud enough to be heard over incoming traffic. She tracks my smooth descent as I bend down on one knee. Thanks to the late hour, nobody is awake to spoil our private moment.
Callie blinks when I remain on the ground. “What’re you doing?”
I pull the velvet box from my pocket and open the lid. The musgravite solitaire sparkles under the street lamp. “Making you my wife. Well, fiancée first. But that’s only if you agree.”
More tears collect in her eyes as she stares at the grayish-green gemstone. Her awe alone covers the hefty price I paid. “You’re proposing?”
“Trying to,” I tease.
She tucks her wobbly lips between her teeth. “Is this really happening?”
“I got permission from your mom.” Thea couldn’t approve fast enough, practically shoving me out the door to get the job done.
Callie’s brows fling to the overhang. “You did?”
“I sure as shit wasn’t going to ask your dad.”
She laughs, but it’s a choked sound. “Good call, boyfriend.”
I cluck my tongue. “Let’s see about a permanent upgrade, hmm? I’ve been picturing you as my wife since… well, February 23rd of last year. It’s no secret I’m obsessed and clingy and slightly unhinged. But I’ll love you until my last breath. Will you marry me, Calliope Rose?”
Her head is bobbing to the rapid beat of my pulse. “Yes. Yes, yes, yes!”
I slide the platinum band over the knuckle on her left ring finger. My lips peck just above where the rock sits to seal the deal. “Fuck, that’s a beautiful sight.”
She twists her wrist until the lone jewel twinkles. “Was it expensive? I hope you didn’t spend too much.”
It’s endearing as fuck that she thinks I’m referring to the stone. “It’s unique like us, and that’s what matters. Love you so much, fiancée.”
“I love you.” Callie collapses into my waiting arms, smashing her mouth to mine. “Thanks for seeing me when no one else did.”
My grin curls against hers. “Thanks for showing me where to look.”
She inhales long and slow. “It’s the least I could do to score on you.”
“Ready for a rematch?”
“With you at my side?” Callie molds herself to me. The musgravite solitaire gleams when she tries to wiggle impossibly closer. “I’m ready for everything, future husband.”