I held my breath as I made my way over to them. They must know where Sam was.
Just as I reached them, I saw him walking over. He must have been in the men’s room. Rose caught my eye first, and she tapped Iris’s shoulder. I gave them a quick smile, then focused on Sam, willing him to see me. And he did.
His eyes widened and he stopped, head tilted to the side. “Phoebe?”
“Oh good, you still remember me.”
He gave a confused laugh. “What are you doing here? When did you get back?”
“Just now. I drove all day.” I stepped closer to him, aware that we were standing in the middle of the restaurant, servers whipping by with trays of food.
“I thought you had a flight back at the end of the week.”
I shrugged. “I do. I just couldn’t wait that long to talk to you.”
“Oh.” His eyes searched mine, and his were full of fear. It hit me all at once. He thought I’d come back to get my things and tell him I was leaving. A lump formed in my throat as tears prickled my eyes. My sweet, sweet Sam. How could he not have known that I’d be back for him?
I reached into my purse, wrapped my hand around the soulmate crystal, and stepped even closer. “I thought I’d be happy to be back in the city, but it didn’t fit anymore. Well, no, I didn’t fit anymore. I’m not the same person I was when I moved up here a few months ago. Vermont changed me. You changed me.”
He still looked concerned, but his expression softened.
“Sam, I never thought I’d fall in love. Ever. I thought I didn’t want to, and I thought being in love meant pain and made you weak. But I was so wrong. I love you with all my heart—with my soul—and I have never felt stronger in my life. You are my heart. You’re my soulmate. And I don’t ever want to know what it feels like to be without you by my side.” My heart pounded so hard I could feel it from head to toe. More than that. I felt everything. The air, the scents of cider and wings, the shoes hitting the hardwood floors… And it all melted away as I focused on Sam. “I love you, Samuel Tremblay. I felt it the first time I laid eyes on you, and it grew stronger every single day. And if you’ll have me, I’d like to spend the rest of my life falling more and more in love with you. Will you marry me?”
I opened my clenched hand and held up the soulmate crystal.
Behind me Iris and Rose gasped in unison, and I realized the entire restaurant had stilled. Everyone staring. A few phones were raised. And I didn’t care about any of it—making a scene, being judged, hell, I didn’t care if I became another meme. I just wanted Sam’s answer.
His eyes were twinkling now, but he still hadn’t said a word. He took the crystal from my hand, holding it up to the light. “Soulmates.” He whispered the word more to himself than to me.
Oh god, Sam, please answer the question.
Please say yes.
He tucked my hair behind my ear. Good lord, I’d missed his touch. “I’d be honored to wear this, but first I need you to know something. Before you got the job offer in New York, I had a different kind of offer for you. And I had this made.” He reached into his shirt and drew out a chain with something dangling from it.
My eyes were blurred with tears, but I watched as he unlatched the clasp, slid off the pendant and dropped to one knee. Oh my god.
“Phoebe Stevens, you are my everything. I love you more than words can possibly say, but I’d be honored to spend the rest of my life trying to show you every day. Yes, I’ll marry you. Will you marry me?”
40
Sam
On my knees, staring up into Phoebe’s teary eyes, I wondered if maybe I was just having some very realistic dream. Then she said yes, and I slipped the ring on her finger and Speakeasy erupted into applause and whistles.
This is real.
I stood and pulled her into a kiss, breathing her in. When I pulled back, her eyes were sparkling and bright green—the color they only seemed to turn when she was super emotional—and I kissed her again. “Welcome home.”
“I love you, Sam.”
“I love you too.”
“Think we’re going to go viral?”
I scanned the restaurant. Even more people had their phones out. “Maybe? Do you care?”
“Nope.”
“Good.” I wanted to stay lost in her eyes, in her arms, but it occurred to me Iris and my grandmother were still right there. Literally right there. They’d both stood up and were clasping hands, bouncing with excitement. The second I let go of Phoebe, Iris pulled her into a hug and my grandmother wrapped her arms around me, then they switched, murmuring congratulations and welcoming Phoebe to our family.
Our family. We were going to be family. Phoebe and I were going to be married.
She came back.
I kept repeating it over and over until it all sank in. She came back.
For me.
I was still clutching the soulmate crystal, so I slipped the leather cord over my head. The crystal hung right in alignment with my heart. Perfect.
It seemed as if half the town came by, shaking my hand, patting my back, hugging Phoebe…each person reaffirming that we’d actually done this. We’d gotten engaged. It wasn’t until we were on our way home that I realized I still had the back yard set up for the proposal I’d planned for her. I pulled into the driveway—our driveway—and parked alongside her rental car.
Phoebe popped the trunk, and I got her suitcase out for her and walked her to the guesthouse. “Why do I smell onions and garlic?”
She grinned. “Because I brought home a dozen everything bagels and bialys. Which reminds me—I need to cut those in half and stick them in the freezer so they stay fresh. But I’m leaving out a few to make you a real New York-style bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich in the morning.”
“I knew there was some reason I wanted to marry you.”
Her sultry mouth twisted into a scowl, but her eyes still sparkled with love. “When I’m done with the bagels and bialys, I’ll be happy to remind you of some other reasons.”
“Oh yeah?”
“So many reasons.”
I groaned. “Let me go feed Puck and then you can remind me of whatever you want all night long.”
“Deal.”
I’d fed Puck before I went to dinner at Speakeasy. I just needed time to get the yard ready.
When it was all set, I texted Phoebe.
Me: Done with your bagels?
Phoebe: Yes. Where are you?
Me: Come outside
I waited until she stepped out the door then plugged in the lights.
Phoebe gasped and then slowly walked into the yard, eyes roaming over the sea of twinkling white lights. “Sam. Oh my god. When did you do all this?”
“Do you like it?”
She turned in a slow circle, then came to a stop right in front of me. “It’s beautiful.”
I slipped my arms around her waist and pulled her closer, feeling the contours of her body perfectly mold to mine. “This was how I’d planned to propose.”
“Wait. When?” Her brows drew together as she looked up at me.
“The day you got the call about the New York offer. I’d planned on asking you that night, then I didn’t because I didn’t want to stand in the way of your dream.”
Her eyes closed, and she shook her head slowly from side to side. “I’m so sorry, Sam.”
“For what?” The breeze blew strands of hair across her face, and I smoothed them away, tucking them behind her ear.
“For going to New York. For making you wait or worry or wonder—”
“I’m glad you went. It made me realize I had to just have faith in us. In our love. A part of me was still holding onto old baggage from the past, and you leaving, the feelings that stirred up, made me let go of all of that. For good.”
Her fingers stroked the back of my neck. “I knew I loved you before I left. But it scared me. I’ve never let myself care about anyone that much in my entire life. When I was in the city, you were everywhere I look
ed. Everything reminded me of you. Like the universe was willing me to see that I’ve changed. The fancy New York restaurant was my dream. Now you’re my dream.”
“You’re sure? Because I thought about it, and if you want, I’ll move to the city with you. You’re my priority, and I don’t care where we are, as long as we’re together.”
Her eyes filled with tears, and she shook her head. “I don’t want us to move to New York. I want to stay here, in Vermont. Turns out weird suits me.”
“So you’re saying you’ll always love New York, but you loVermont?”
“I love you.”
And she kissed me, in the back yard where I’d played as a kid, under the twinkling lights and the stars and the moon, and for the first time since I’d returned to Vermont, it truly felt like home.
41
Phoebe
Three Months Later – December, New York City
* * *
“Stop laughing at me,” Sam said as we made our way across Washington Square Park.
“I can’t help it. I’ve seen a lot of things in this park, but this is the first time I’ve ever seen anyone carrying a five-foot teddy bear.”
“It was your idea to get the giant bear.”
“Of course I got the bear. Look how cute it is. Besides, I told Ellie I’m going to spoil her baby rotten and I meant it. And need I remind you that you’re the one who wanted to walk instead of Uber?”
I could see him trying not to smile.
“I think you secretly like the bear.”
“It’s a very nice bear.”
“Maybe if you’re a good boy, you’ll get one for Christmas.” I’d already bought and wrapped all his Christmas gifts, but I could be persuaded to buy one more.
“I’m always good.” He waggled his eyebrows.
He had a point there. “Maybe someone will take our photo and dub you Bear Man. I can see it now. Crazy Meat Girl runs off with Handsome Bear Man.”
“There’s a bare joke in there somewhere, I can feel it.”
“We’ve been in the city less than twenty-four hours and I’ve already felt my bare man three times. Try to keep your clothes on till we get back to the hotel.”
“No promises.”
We reached Ellie’s building and I pushed the buzzer so she could buzz us in.
She shook her head when she saw me. “Phoebe. What did you do?”
I laughed, handing her two overflowing Dean and Deluca bags. “I promised to spoil the baby, I didn’t say I wouldn’t spoil you too.”
She quirked one of her dark brows “You told me Sam was cute, but you neglected to mention that he’s a stuffed bear.”
Sam peered around the animal. “Only on the weekends.”
Ellie directed Sam to put the bear down on the couch then gave him a big hug. “It’s so nice to finally meet you in person, Sam. Dominic is getting Annalise ready for her grand debut. Can I get you guys a drink? We’ve got beer, wine, coffee, tea. There’s a quiche in the oven, because I didn’t know you were going to buy out a gourmet shop on your way over.”
I scoffed. “When have I ever showed up anywhere you lived without food?”
“This is true. But I’m claiming mommy-brain. My little sweet potato wants these—” She waved her hands over her impressively massive boobs. “—every hour, on the hour, and Mama ain’t slept in weeks.”
“I’m sorry. I guess Dominic isn’t able to help with that too much, huh?”
She shook her head as Dominic rounded the corner. “I may not be able to help, but I do admire them daily.”
He cradled Annalise in his arms and gave Ellie a kiss.
“Oh my god, she’s even cuter than her pictures.” She had Ellie’s mass of dark hair and golden brown skin.
“No argument here. She’s the cutest baby on the planet.” Dominic beamed. “Good to see you, Phoebe. And you must be Sam.”
I made myself useful unpacking the food I’d brought—fruit, charcuterie, smoked salmon, baguettes, assorted pastries—and arranging it on platters. Watching Sam laughing and chatting with my friends made me feel ridiculously good—like my heart was literally glowing. Annalise started to cry, and Ellie took her from Dominic.
“I’m gonna go feed my little princess and chat with my bestie. Think you two men can handle taking that quiche out when the oven dings?”
“I don’t know. Sam, can we handle that?”
Sam shrugged. “I’m not sure. What was it we were supposed to do when the timer goes off?”
“Damned if I know…”
Ellie rolled her eyes and ushered me out of the kitchen and down the hall. The nursery had been empty when I’d last visited. Ellie was far too superstitious to do anything to it until the baby had been safely born. She’d told me that while she was in the hospital Dominic and his family had worked magic. She hadn’t exaggerated. The walls were painted in the softest turquoise and lavender, but the ceiling was deep royal blue and covered with glowing stars. Ellie lowered herself into a rocking chair, and I sat next to her on the cushioned window seat.
“The room is beautiful.”
“You think the bear will approve?”
I grinned. “Yes. He’ll be very happy here.”
Ellie lifted the flap on her shirt and unhooked her bra, whipping out her swollen breast. Within seconds the baby latched on and was sucking so loudly it sounded like she was shotgunning. “Wow. She’s like young you with a PBR at a Fire Island bonfire.”
“Shush.” Ellie glowed as she stroked Annalise’s cheek. “Now how about you show me that ring and dish on Sam a little. I’ve talked about nothing but diapers and butt cream for weeks. I want to hear the good stuff.”
I held out my hand, still loving how the light caught on every facet.
“Now that’s a ring.”
“There are definite perks to being engaged to someone who runs a rock and mineral shop.”
“Are you as happy as you look? Because you’re damn near glowing brighter than that diamond.”
I smiled so broadly my cheeks ached. “I am.”
“Good.” Her eyes cast down to gaze at Annalise. “You see one of these in your future? She could use a best friend. Especially one with a big back yard and access to lots of sparkly rocks.”
“Not quite yet, but in the next few years. Annalise can be the big sister and teach my kid how to get up to all sorts of trouble.”
“Right. Because your kid’s so likely to be a perfect angel, always well-behaved and innocent.”
“Of course.”
For the rest of the day we laughed and talked and ate until it was clear Ellie and Dominic were exhausted, then Sam and I said our goodbyes and headed for the hotel.
“Your friends are awesome.”
“Told you. Did you have a good time?”
“Absolutely. Got to hear stories about you as a kid. Got to hold an adorable baby. What’s not to like?”
I slipped my arm around his waist and hugged him as we walked. The air had the cold December nip to it and a few stray snowflakes had begun to dance around in the breeze. “I’m afraid to ask what stories Ellie told you. But you looked pretty stinking cute holding a baby.”
“Did you smell her head? I’ve always heard people talk about sniffing babies’ heads and thought it was ridiculous, but she smelled amazing.”
“I know, right? I thought maybe it was just because she’s my best friend’s kid.”
“Nope. Damn good baby smell.”
We rounded the corner, and I squeezed his side. “Ooh, this is the street where I bought your soulmate crystal. Maybe the shop’s still open.”
I tugged Sam across the street and eyed the storefronts. The shop had been located between the drycleaner and the Italian butcher. I was sure of it. Only it wasn’t there anymore. Instead, there was a café. Simply In-crepe-able.
I looked up and down the street. “I’m positive it was right here.”
Sam shrugged. “Not anymore. But this menu sounds amazing.”
&nbs
p; All the menu items were puns. No wonder he liked it so much. “I take it you want some crepes.”
“Don’t you?”
Honestly, the smell of crepes cooking was one of my favorite scents in the world, and it was killing me. We entered the small shop and the aroma intensified. There were a few people sitting at café tables, talking and eating, and one person stood at the counter waiting for takeout.
The man behind the counter ladled the eggy batter onto the round griddle and twirled a T-shaped wooden stick to spread it super thin. He flipped it in one quick motion, added toppings lightning fast, then folded it into quarters, stuck it in a paper cone, and handed it to the waiting customer. They spoke rapidly to one another in French, and all I caught were “Bon appetit” and “Merci.”
The man turned to us then and asked, “What can I get for you?” His accent was thick and charming.
Sam answered before I could open my mouth. “Il nous faut une minute. Nous lisons toujours le menu.”
My mouth fell open. I didn’t think it was possible for Sam to get any sexier, and yet there it was. Kegel. “You speak French?”
He waggled his eyebrows. “Mais, oui.”
“How did I not know this?”
He grinned. “I’m a man of many talents.”
No kidding. “What are you getting?”
“Want to get a few and split them?”
“Sure. I’ll pick two sweet, you pick two savory?”
I should have been looking at the menu, but instead I watched Sam, his handsome profile giving me goosebumps. I shivered in spite of my down jacket. “You cold?”
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