Page 55 of The Wedding Run (The Wedding Letter #1)

Libby

S unlight pours over the shops and buildings in Storybrook as I glance out of the window of The Brew. When I see Luke’s truck pull into its usual spot, I duck back and dash behind the counter.

Roxie squeezes my hand.

Then the door opens, and the bell above announces Luke’s arrival. Our eyes meet, and he comes to an abrupt stop. A tingling awareness races along my spine.

“Don’t air-condition the entire neighborhood,” Roxie says, breaking the awkward silence.

He closes the door behind him. “What’s going on?”

Roxie looks at me, but I’ve lost the words I intended to say. So, she initiates, “I thought you were coming in later, Luke. What happened to your chores?”

“I saw a strange car out front and thought I’d check in.”

“Must be Libby’s car.” Roxie nudges me.

“What kind of chores?” I ask, which isn’t what I’d planned to say.

“Oh, you know…” he hedges.

“Tell her,” Roxie says.

He ducks his head, looking sheepish. “A little gardening.”

Roxie rolls her eyes. “And what are you planting?”

“The usual.”

Roxie heaves a sigh. “He’s planting coneflowers and peppermint and chamomile. A few zinnias and daisies. For cut flowers, don’t you know. Had me calling half a dozen nurseries to find the best. Oh yeah, and sunflowers. Apparently, sunflowers are very important.”

It’s my turn to beam. “Will you plant by the waxing or waning of the moon?”

“I have to plant when I have the time,” he says.

“Plant during the waxing of the moon,” Roxie says. “That’s as the moon transforms from a new moon to a full one. That encourages growth. But you harvest during the moon's waning, which guarantees longevity.”

Neither of us is really paying attention. I can’t take my eyes off Luke.

“You should plant corn and beans together. It promotes harmony,” Roxie continues, “but I don’t think you’re listening.”

“For all that work,” I say, “you need a good cup of coffee to fuel your day.”

He grins, and it’s like sunlight breaking through the clouds. “Know where I can get one?”

I smile back. “I have an idea.”

The door behind the counter swings shut, and I realize Roxie has left us alone.

“Is it instant?” Luke asks.

“That would be a waste of all this equipment. Think you’re ready for our coffee challenge?”

“I’ve been waiting.” The dip in his voice stirs something deep inside me.

“Let me guess,” I say, assessing him from head to toe. “I bet you’d like a latte.”

He approaches the counter and leans a hip against it. “I can’t give you any hints.”

“Fine. What kind of milk? Almond, coconut, or oat? Or regular full-fat?”

He shakes his head. “You have to decide.”

And I suspect he means more than simply what type of milk.

The front door to The Brew opens a few inches, and Roxie’s arm slips inside to flip the sign to ‘Closed.’ Then she waves through the window, leaving Luke and me completely alone.

My eyes shift toward him as he turns the corner of the counter, moving toward me.

“You’re not going to offer any tips?” I ask.

“I’ve already told you,” he says, reminding me exactly what he told me in the sanctuary. “But I don’t have any allergies if that helps.”

“So, I can use octopus ink.”

He laughs. “Not if you want to win.”

His closeness electrifies me. “You don’t trust me?”

“Implicitly. I’m here if you need help. Or a fire extinguisher.”

A bit shaky, I start making a latte. But suddenly, I stop. I remember what Luke has always told me. He’s a simple guy. He likes simple things. My gut tells me he prefers his coffee plain, nothing added. I’m not sure why I didn’t think of that before.

I shift gears and pour a cup of coffee from the pot Roxie made earlier. I wrap my hands around the ceramic cup and offer it to him. He takes it, curling his long fingers around mine before I can pull away. When my gaze meets his, I see the lingering, hopeful question in his eyes.

“Well?” I ask.

“You win,” he says.

“You haven’t even tasted it.”

“I don’t need to. It could be instant, and you’d still win. I knew the winner the first time I saw you, Libby.” His words make my insides flutter and expand.

“I’m an amateur,” I say.

“Aren’t we all?” he asks.

“Until we get it right,” I add.

He sets the cup aside and grabs an apron off a hook on the wall. He loops it over my head and wraps the long straps around my waist, tugging me closer and closer and closer. He ties a bow, his knuckles skimming my abdomen, making my knees weak.

We’re so close that I can smell the hint of cologne on his skin and minty toothpaste on his breath.

“You didn’t try the coffee,” I say, not the slightest bit disappointed.

“Roxie made it. But you poured it very nicely. Besides, I have something else to do first.” He leans in, angling his mouth toward mine, but before our lips touch, he says, “I should make the coffee in our relationship from now on.”

“That’s an argument I’ll let you win.” I can’t help but smile.

“Lavender,” he says, his thumb gliding along my jawline. “That’s what you like.”

“How’d you know?”

“I pay attention.”

“So, you make the coffee, and I’ll make unicorn pancakes.”

“Is that a thing?”

“Just you wait.”

With his breath warm against my lips, he asks, “You sure about this?”

“I’ve never been more certain. It’s the person that matters, the who, not the what or how long. If it’s the right person, it’s easy to give completely.”

“Very wise of you,” he says.

I smile, my lips brushing against his. “All it takes is practice.”

He dips his head, and I rise on tiptoe. Where we were once two individuals, each with our own hopes and dreams, we come together, blending into one. Our hearts pound against one another.

When he presses his forehead to mine, I whisper, “I don’t think you need any practice in that department.”

“Indulge me.” He kisses me again. It’s a kiss that goes on and on… well, I’m not sure how long because I lose track of time and space.

Someone rattles the front door, sees the ‘Closed’ sign, and hurries on.

“What about The Brew?” I ask. “Should I talk to Derek? I don’t want him to cause you any trouble.”

“I’ve already talked to the bank. If he withdraws his funds, we’re covered. What’s important to me is that you’re here.” Luke tightens his arms around me. “I’ve thought about this ever since I picked you up on the highway in your wedding dress. Or maybe when I carried you over the threshold.”

“But you acted as if you weren’t interested.”

He looks me in the eye. “You needed a friend.”

“And now what?”

He kisses me, this time deeper and longer, until we’re both aware that we're in a public space. He presses his forehead against mine as we luxuriate in each other's presence and catch our breath. I manage, “I really did win.”