Page 39 of Hale Yeah, It’s You

Roman and I spend the rest of the week alternating houses, neither of us willing to spend a night alone after all the time we’ve spent apart.

We’ve fallen right back into the early days of our relationship, only this time we’re older, wiser, and things are even hotter than I remember.

We can’t keep our hands off each other, and in the sweet moments before falling asleep, I get to know the man I love even more.

I could get used to this feeling—every night like having a slumber party with a best friend.

And as for best friends, Sarah hasn’t stopped harassing me for spicy details since I filled her in on everything that’s happened between Roman and me.

Details she’s never going to get, but I love her for her enthusiasm and for being almost as happy for me as I am myself.

Our next ladies night is going to be one for celebrating.

Over the course of weeks, our relationship has come full circle.

The past has healed in a way that only love can accomplish.

We’ve cleared the air, and the more comfortable we get around each other, the more I’m confident the connection between us is as solid as the ground beneath my feet.

And I’m hopelessly, endlessly, completely in love with Roman Clarke.

Maybe I always have been, but this time around, things are different. Better. Complete.

I love Roman Clarke. And Roman Clarke loves me.

The world is finally back on its axis, and everything is how it was always meant to be.

Sure, I’ll have to smooth things over with Clay, because I don’t imagine he’ll take this news easily, despite us speaking again.

And Alayna might need a little time to get used to the idea, though I suspect her feelings for Derek will help bridge the gap there.

She knows Roman is my first love, and that’s something she can relate to now.

There will be growing pains ahead, I’m certain of that. But I’m not afraid of any of that anymore. I’m excited, and giddy, and ready to face everything head-on. Because love has finally come back to me, and it’s more than I ever imagined.

On Saturday morning, Roman makes pancakes in my kitchen while I write notes down on a notepad.

It’s hard not to be distracted by the sight of him, barefoot and rumpled from sleep, cooking in my tiny kitchen.

He looks like he belongs there, wearing sleep shorts and a T-shirt, humming along with the radio.

In the glowing sunlight, he looks peaceful and at ease, confident in his own body. A body I could get drunk on.

As if he can read where my thoughts have gone, Roman gives me one of his sexiest grins, dimples flashing and eyes crinkling deeply. I avert my gaze back to the notepad.

It’s almost time to get dressed and meet with Dad about my ideas for the shop, and while it’s technically my business to run, I won’t be happy until I have his full support and approval. After all, this is a family business, and it was Dad’s place long before it was my own.

“Nervous?” Roman plops a plate of steaming pancakes covered in whipped cream and strawberries down in front of me .

I nod as I look up at him. “I just really want him to be excited about the idea.”

“I was thinking…” Roman drums his long fingers on the counter, leaning toward me.

“That sounds dangerous,” I laugh, taking a bite of my pancakes. The flavors burst on my tongue and I hum appreciatively before waving a hand for him to continue.

“My house still needs a lot of work. I had planned to hire someone to make the repairs and help me restore it to its former glory, maybe make a few style changes while I’m at it… that horse wallpaper—” Roman shudders.

“I can help you with all of that, you don’t have to hire someone.”

Roman comes around the counter, taking my face in his hands and landing a quick kiss on my lips. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

“Free labor, a discount on supplies, and all the tools we need at your disposal? I’m not surprised you were hoping I’d agree.” I laugh, leaning into his touch.

“But you haven’t even heard my idea yet.” Roman gives me his best Cheshire cat grin, fingers drawing lazy circles on my cheekbones.

“Oh, there’s more?”

“I’ve been thinking about how you want to teach classes at the store, but what if you went a step further than Pinewood? What if you also made yourself a website, or a YouTube channel, put some of your tips and tricks on social media…”

“You really think people would watch my videos?” I chew my lip, thinking the idea over.

“Are you kidding? Renovations and repairs are expensive—most people will at least research ways they can do it themselves before taking out a loan or paying crazy fees to hire a professional. I’ve seen you with the theater and woodshop kids; you’re a natural teacher.

People are going to love learning from you. ”

“You’re a genius,” I squeal, jumping up from my chair to wrap him in a hug. His excitement is catching, and it feels good to know he believes in me.

“Mike has been running the main shop well, so you’d have time to plan and prepare for your in-person classes.

And when you aren’t working on those, you could be at my place, renovating on camera and pulling in another stream of income from outside of Pinewood.

Imagine the reach Hale Hardware could have. ”

“Dr. Clarke, all that schooling paid off for you,” I tease. “And I’m damn glad you’re home.”

Home .

That place I’ve been searching for but couldn’t quite pin down. It’s more than the place where you keep your things and sleep at night. It hits me with the strength of a bulldozer, and I suck in a breath.

“You’re my home.” I sigh, locking eyes with the man my heart has chosen.

Roman hoists me up, my legs wrapping naturally around his waist as his arms anchor me to him. “And you’re my home.”

I blink back tears. “You really don’t mind me tearing up your house and making it a construction zone for my own personal gain?”

“Figured we’ve been going back and forth between your place and mine anyway. I can just stay here while we get the house sorted. And as long as you promise to remove that nightmare-inducing horse wallpaper, I’ll give you full control over the design choices.”

My mind races with ideas, excitement bubbling up inside me like carbonation. “You’re sure I’m the girl you want for the job?”

“Hale, yeah, it’s you.” Roman winks. “You’re the girl I want, for all the jobs.”

“Wow, that’s cheesy.” I laugh. “But also clever.”

“Yeah, you like it? ”

“Hale Yeah, You Can DIY!” I cry out as the ideas hit me, one after another. “Help for all your home improvement needs!”

“Yes! Now we’re talking.” Roman grins, kissing me deeply before setting me back on my feet. “Now go take a shower and get dressed. We have a man to see about your future.”

Mom and Dad sit across from me at the picnic table in their backyard an hour later, a pitcher of sweet tea and Mom’s famous potato salad sandwiches between us. I’m still full from pancakes, but I take a small sandwich to avoid offending her.

They listen quietly while I explain my vision—an online presence, renovation classes, reaching beyond Pinewood—and the longer they stay silent, the faster I talk. Nerves creep in, and my hands have grown clammy by the time I finally finish.

“Well, what do you think?” I ask, picking up my tea to give my hands something to do.

Dad lifts his glass. “Well, baby girl, you don’t need it, but you’ve got my Hale seal of approval.”

I glance between them. Dad’s cheeks are red from working outside, his overalls smudged with dirt or oil, a thin shirt beneath despite the crisp fall air. His expression’s unreadable as always. But Mom, bundled in three sweaters and still shivering, is beaming like the sun just rose for me.

“You really like the idea?”

Mom nods, patting Dad’s back. “Your dad’s been nervous, Frankie.”

“Gracie,” he mutters, clearly annoyed she’s told me .

“Be quiet and drink your tea, Frank,” she snaps playfully. “When you moved out of Clay’s and said you wanted to talk about the shop… well, he thought maybe you were ready to move on.”

“Move on from the shop?” I place a hand over my heart in mock horror.

“Don’t be a smartass, daughter of mine.” She points a finger at me, but she’s smiling. “But yes. We thought maybe you’d realized you were meant for bigger and better things.”

“We’d understand,” Dad adds, folding his hands, “if you wanted something else.”

I shake my head. “The hardware store is part of me. This idea—it’s like everything I’ve learned is finally coming together. I want to help people love their homes again, give them the tools to do it themselves. That’s exciting to me. That feels right.”

Dad narrows his eyes slightly. “You’re sure this is the life you want?”

“Yes,” I say without hesitation. “I’m the next generation of Frank Hale. Of course it is.”

“Well,” Mom grins, “now your father can stop stressing before he gives himself an ulcer.”

Dad laughs, then slings an arm around her shoulder. “Now. You going to tell Roman he can stop hiding in the car and come join us?”

“What now?” Mom twists around, trying to see the front yard.

“He’s been in her car the whole time,” Dad says, like it’s no big deal. “Same boy who used to buzz around her in high school.”

“This is why you left Clay’s?” Mom’s eyes widen.

“Part of it,” I admit. “But I was already planning to leave. It was time. I know you wanted us to be more…”

“No, Frankie,” Mom interrupts gently. “I wanted you to be happy.”

Her words melt something inside me. She’s not disappointed. She’s… happy for me.

I text Roman to come around back, my heart beating fast. He’d wanted me to give the speech alone, so my parents could focus on my dream, not our relationship. But knowing he was right outside, silently rooting for me? That meant everything.

“That’s who you were talking about the other night?” Mom’s voice lifts with excitement. “You’ve rekindled things with Roman?”

“Yes,” I say, already smiling. “It’s almost like we picked up right where we left off. Like we were always meant to find our way back.”

“I may get more grandchildren after all,” Mom teases, elbowing Dad.

“Let’s not count chickens,” Dad grumbles, but there’s a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

The gate creaks open and Roman steps into the yard, looking a little stiff, formal. “Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Hale.”

“None of that, boy,” Dad says, shaking his hand. “It’s Frank and Grace.”

“I heard you were back in town,” Mom says warmly. “Nice to see you again. Are you enjoying the new job?”

“I am. I love working with the kids.” Roman still looks uncomfortable, until I take his hand under the table. His grip softens.

“You met our Alayna?” Dad asks, pouring him a glass of tea and nudging the plate of sandwiches toward him.

“She’s a great kid,” Roman says, more relaxed now.

“And also a meddling little brat,” I add.

“Frankie Mae,” Mom scolds. “Don’t talk about your sweet niece like that.”

“Oh, come on. She gets it from you.”

“Ladies,” Dad chuckles, “let’s not run the boy off.”

“Dr. Clarke,” I correct, for Mom’s benefit.

Mom’s eyes sparkle. “A doctor? Your parents must be proud. ”

“I think they are,” Roman shrugs. “But we’ve never been close. Not like you Hales.”

“Well, dear, we’re proud of you,” Mom says, patting his hand. “And happy you and Frankie found your way back to each other.”

Dad leans in. “What are your intentions there?”

Roman freezes mid-bite, clearly caught off guard.

“Alright, Dad,” I warn. “No scaring him off.”

“It’s okay,” Roman says, swallowing his bite. He straightens, his voice steady. “Frank. Grace. I love your daughter. I’ve loved her since we were kids in your shop, and I fully intend to spend the rest of my life proving it—if she’ll have me.”

Mom tears up instantly, leaning against Dad. My own vision blurs, but my heart is soaring.

“Was that a proposal?” I tease, trying to keep it light despite the lump in my throat.

“Not yet,” Roman says, smiling at me like I hung the stars. “But expect one very soon.”

“You better mean it, Dr. Principal,” I say with a grin, “because you’re never getting rid of me now.”

Dad lets out a rumbling laugh and claps Roman on the back. “Don’t worry, son. We’re glad to have you back. Our girl thinks the world of you—that’s enough for us.”

My heart swells. This is it. The dream I never dared to name out loud, finally within reach.

Love, family, purpose—it’s all here, right where it’s always been.

And the best part?

This is only the beginning.