Chapter Twenty-Two
Lottie
At last, the work day is over. We had a special sale, and it felt like every person who calls Red Rock Place home and then some extras came to get a bargain. It’s time to clear out the summer inventory and bring in the fall and winter items. Nothing like going out with a bang. But I am worn out.
Yet, peace fills my soul with contentment I’m not sure I’ve ever known before.
“Let’s go,” I call to my help. The drawer is balanced. I’m supposed to pick up Felicity and take her out to eat tonight, just because. That’s what moms do.
As I travel down Circus Street, I pass a small brick building that’s been for sale for two months now. It used to be a real estate office, but when Ted retired, no one was interested in taking his place. Now we have to get an agent in Knoxville. Not that there’s a housing boom going on in Red Rock Place, nor is there likely to be. But the bold sign with the letters “SOLD” on the lawn of the business flags my attention. I slow my car, my gaze raking over the place.
“What now?” I slam my foot down on the brake pedal. Because a banner hangs over the front of the edifice, bearing the words “Lucio Law Coming Soon.”
“Lucio Law,” I say slowly, a smile starting and then growing to consume my face until I can hardly see out of my squinty eyes. I floor it, driving toward home like the police are hot on my tail. Lucky for me, we also don’t have a police presence in town, just the occasional county deputy cruising through. Let’s hope today is not one of those days.
When I recklessly fly into my driveway, the first sight I see is a dark-haired man sprawled as casually as you please across the steps to my porch. And, get this—he’s wearing jeans. And flannel.
Now, that’s a sight I could get used to.
“Well, well, well,” I croon as I walk toward him. My heart is slamming in my chest in the best way possible. “What have we here?”
He offers a crooked grin and stands to his feet. “A prodigal returning.”
“I see.” And what a return it is. “Jeans, Anthony?” I reach a hand to his forehead, pretending to gauge his temperature. I’m not prepared for him to grab my wrist and pull it down. When he places a kiss on the tender flesh, goose bumps rise and travel all the way up my arm to my shoulder. A shiver shimmies in their wake. “You’re a sight I never thought I’d see again,” I say, my voice breathless.
“Yeah, well, maybe I had to be broken in.” He reaches for my waist, reeling me close. “Like a rebellious stallion.”
“Stallion, huh?” I move into his embrace without hesitation. There’s no reason for uncertainty any longer. I’ve let go and let God take over. I give Anthony a saucy smile. “I figure you’re more like a stubborn, bull-headed…lawyer. Red Rock Place’s newest business owner, I understand?”
“So it would seem.”
“And this happened overnight, did it?”
“Oh, no.” He nuzzles his nose along my hairline. “These things take time. It’s been in the works for a while. I had to get accepted by the Iowa Bar.” He places a kiss on my forehead. “Had to find an office.” He kisses my nose. “Had to get a place to live.” He presses a kiss to my lips. “You know, typical moving stuff.”
I pull out of his arms just enough to put a hand on my hip. “And you did all this without telling anyone? Because this town is small. If anyone knew, I’d know.”
His smile dazzles. “You told me how popular you are. You were right. Everyone involved here swore to secrecy when I told them how much you love surprises.”
I consider throttling him. But instead, I take his face in both hands and kiss him.
“Lottie,” he says in a gravelly voice, pulling back. “There are a few things I need to say. First of all, I love you. I couldn’t think of anything but you and this place while I was in Atlanta. I decided I’m done chasing things that don’t matter when all the things that matter to me are right here in Red Rock Place.” He presses his forehead to mine. “Will you be mine? From this moment on?”
I think I just swooned. “Anthony, I’ll be yours forever. I love you, too.”
He sweeps me into his arms, feet off the ground, and I bury my face in his neck.
To think he belonged here all along.