A breath of relief escaped her. “I’d been so afraid to bring it up. But it was bothering me, and I just had to know.”
“I’m glad you finally asked.” I was curious. “Would it have changed things between us if I had been with someone else?”
“No. I would have understood, although it would have been upsetting. But I’m relieved.”
“What about you?” I asked. “Anyone I have to murder?”
“Not unless it’s a Furby.”Luca was making me so proud lately. The other day, she’d come with me to the pet store in the middle of the afternoon, and today we’d ventured to the supermarket for the first time during the day.
What seemed like a simple thing for most people was in fact a huge step for her. But ever since we got back together, she was more determined than ever to challenge her fears. I hoped that one day she’d be able to fly in planes and attend one of my concerts, but one step at a time. I knew I’d never force her to do anything she wasn’t ready for.
“How are you doing?” I asked as we approached the grocery store from the parking lot.
She blew out a breath. “Anxious. But even if I poop my pants, I’m not running away.”
“If you poop your pants, love, I’ll be the one running away.” I winked.
She managed a laugh despite her nerves.
Squeezing her hand, I held on to her as we made our way through the sliding glass doors. The bright fluorescent lights greeted us. It was the afternoon, so while more crowded than the middle of the night, the market wasn’t mobbed by any means.
“You okay?”
She nodded and let out a shaky breath. “Yeah.”
“Good.”
“What now?” she asked.
“Now? We put one foot in front of the other and we shop.”
This was what it was all about. One step at a time. I was thrilled when she’d told Doc not to come, that she would be okay with just me. It wasn’t that I didn’t appreciate all that he’d done for her, but she’d be leaving Vermont soon enough and needed to learn to lean on me—until she didn’t need to lean on anyone at all.
We came upon the watermelons.
“What was that trick, babe? Show me again how you pick the best one.”
I didn’t really want to know, but it was a good way to get her mind off her nerves.
She lifted one of them and demonstrated. “You have to hold it up to your ear and tap it with your finger. If it’s hollow, it’s perfect.”
I pulled her toward me and nestled my head in her neck, taking in a long whiff of her scent. My cheek landed on her chest, and I could feel her heart beating against me. Then I tapped gently on her breast and placed my ear on her heart.
She laughed. “What are you doing?”
“Yup. I’ve found the one for me. I’ve most definitely picked the best.”EPILOGUE
LUCATwo Years Later
Dear Luca,
You would think after all these years . . . after all the letters I’ve written you, this one would come easily. But somehow, I feel like a thirteen-year-old boy again, afraid to tell the girl he’s falling in love with how he feels. A lot has changed since then. I’ve been inside of you. I’ve gotten to love you in ways I never thought possible. And yet . . . it feels like yesterday that I was just that boy in London waiting for the next letter to come. I could have never imagined the journey life would take us on to get to where we are today. Your bravery in pushing through your fears not only inspires me but proves every day just how much you love me. You letting me hold your hand while you white-knuckle your way through life with me, letting the fear do its worst so that we can be together, is the ultimate proof of your love.
Before Mum died, she told me that her greatest wish for me was that I would someday find someone who loved me as much as she did. It brings me great joy knowing that she’s looking down at me right now and seeing that I have. She can rest in peace knowing I’m loved and cared for. And I hope your father and Doc are looking down right now and thinking the same thing—knowing that their girl is cherished. I’m so happy to be the man who gets to love you. Over the past couple of years, you’ve proven that you would do anything for me. And I want you to know that I would do anything for you. I’d die for you, Luca. You’re the only person I can honestly say that about. Bloody hell, could this letter BE any sappier? (I had to bring Chandler Bing from Friends back for the occasion.) Sappy or not . . . there is just no other way to convey it. Luca Vinetti, my love for you is greater than the sun, the moon, and the stars. It knows no bounds. Our story is not one that fairy tales are made of . . . it’s raw and real but the truest kind of love nevertheless. I was wondering if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife. Marry me, Luca. When you’re done reading this letter, you’re going to look up at me, and then I’m going to drop to one knee. I’m going to ask you again to marry me. If you say yes, you’ll make me the happiest guy on earth. If you say no, I’ll love you anyway, and it won’t matter whether there’s a ring on your finger to prove it. I love you, Luca. From now until eternity.