Page 36

CHAPTER 36

NATE

The Winter Wishes Festival is in full swing for its final night, and the air is electric with anticipation for the Rocktogenarians’ performance. I’m operating the register at Caspian’s booth while Marcus handles the pastries and Caspian works his magic with the drinks. We’ve fallen into an easy rhythm like we’ve been doing this together for years instead of hours.

“Well, well.” Addy’s voice cuts through the crowd. “Don’t you look domestic behind that counter, Nate?”

I flip her off without looking up from the register. “Don’t you have your own fiancée to harass?”

“Leave my man alone,” Caspian says, sliding a perfect latte across the counter. His smile is playful as he wraps an arm around my waist.

Addy clutches her heart dramatically. “Your man, huh? Nate Stone, I hope you know you’re dating way up.”

“Trust me,” I say, turning to press a kiss to Caspian’s temple, “I know.”

“Jesus, not again.” Marcus groans from behind us. “If I hear one more smooch sound, I’m opening Grindr to check out the local fare. A man has needs!”

Before I can retort, familiar voices catch my attention. Tate and Tristan are next in line with their families, but it’s little Bailey who steals the show, ducking under the counter with the confidence only a toddler can muster.

“Uncle Caspian!” he exclaims, and I watch Caspian’s eyes go wide and wet at the title.

“Hey, buddy,” Caspian says, voice slightly wobbly as he crouches to Bailey’s level. “What can I get you?”

Bailey shakes his head solemnly. “Daddy says I can’t have anything, or I’ll be too hyper for bedtime. But I made you this!”

He thrusts a piece of paper at Caspian, who unfolds it carefully. It’s a crayon drawing of what’s clearly meant to be their family, and in the middle, wearing what looks like a coffee pot for a hat, is Caspian.

Caspian stares at the drawing for a long moment, then wraps Bailey in a tight hug before moving around the counter to embrace the rest of his newfound family.

“This is beautiful, Bailey,” he says, voice thick with emotion. “I’m going to hang it up in my coffee shop.”

“Really?” Bailey’s eyes light up. “Right where everyone can see it?”

“Pride of place,” Caspian promises, ruffling his hair.

“We’re heading back tomorrow,” Tristan says, arm around Ben’s waist. “But we hope you’ll come visit us soon. Maybe before the christening?”

“The guest room is always ready,” Ben adds. “And the bookstore could use your expertise. Bailey’s already reorganized my romance section three times this month. At least the shelves he can reach, which I’ve made sure only contain material suitable for little curious eyes.”

Bailey tugs on Caspian’s sleeve. “Uncle Caspian? Can I video call you sometimes? To talk about books?”

Ben rolls his eyes and laughs. “And just like that, I’m no longer his favorite bookstore owner.”

“You can call me anytime you want,” Caspian says, crouching to Bailey’s level. “We can talk about all the books you’re reading.”

“Yes!” Bailey bounces on his toes. “Can I, Dad? Please?”

“Like father, like son,” Tate chuckles, watching his nephew’s enthusiasm. “Though I think between you and Ben, we’re going to have a proper literary critic on our hands.”

“Nothing wrong with that.” Caspian grins, standing to hug his brothers again. “And yes, I’ll definitely come visit soon. I want to meet Sienna.”

I catch Marcus’s eye and share a knowing smile.

After saying their goodbyes, the twins and their families head toward the concert area, Bailey waving enthusiastically at his new uncle until they disappear into the crowd.

“So,” I ask Marcus, leaning against the counter, “you staying in Maplewood for good?”

He laughs, shaking his head. “Pfft, no. Small towns are way too small for my big personality. Besides”—he winks at me—“someone needs to keep the Arizona mountain lions fed.”

When Caspian returns, his eyes are still shining with happy tears. The sound of instruments being tested drifts from the amphitheater where the Rocktogenarians are setting up.

“You two should head up front,” Marcus says, shooing us away from the counter. “Most people are watching the concert now anyway. I can handle things here.”

Caspian hesitates. “Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you alone…”

I lean in close, my lips brushing his ear. “Come on, baby. I want to show these old ladies they’re not the only ones who can shake things in public.”

His breath catches, and I feel him shiver slightly. “Well, when you put it that way…”

Marcus makes exaggerated gagging noises. “Go before you make me lose my appetite for local romance.”

I take Caspian’s hand and lead him toward the amphitheater, where Rae is testing the microphone. The crowd has already gathered, leaving just enough space for dancing. The fairy lights cast everything in a magical glow, and the excitement in the air is palpable.

“You know,” I say, pulling Caspian close as the first notes start to play, “this reminds me of New Year’s Eve.”

He loops his arms around my neck, smiling up at me. “When you asked me to dance that night at the club before buying me a drink?”

“When you stole my heart,” I correct him, swaying us gently to the music.

“Smooth talker,” he laughs, but a blush spreads across his cheeks.

“Only for you,” I murmur, leaning down to kiss him.

As the Rocktogenarians launch into their first song, I pull Caspian closer, savoring the way he fits perfectly against me. Around us, other couples are dancing, but I barely notice them. My world has narrowed to just this, Caspian in my arms, the music washing over us, the soft glow of lights above.

“Thank you,” Caspian says suddenly, his voice barely audible over the music.

“For what?”

“For everything.” He looks up at me, his dark eyes reflecting the twinkling lights. “For helping my brothers. For being patient. For loving me.”

My throat tightens with emotion. “Loving you is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

The music shifts to something slower, more romantic, and Caspian rests his head on my chest. I can feel his heart beating against mine, our rhythms syncing like they were meant to be this way all along.

Over his shoulder, I can see Marcus at the booth, expertly handling the dwindling crowd while sneaking glances at his phone.

Tate and Tristan are dancing with Indy and Ben nearby, their children perched on their shoulders. The Rocktogenarians are in their element, Rae’s powerful voice filling the night air with magic.

This is Maplewood at its finest. A community coming together, celebrating love in all its forms. And here I am, holding my whole world in my arms. As I dance with Caspian under the twinkling lights, my eyes drift to the Wishing Tree, where my own wish still hangs, sealed inside its glass ornament.

I have never been happier to let Addy push me to do something, but when I wrote I wish for a chance to show Caspian how much I love him and to make things right between us on that note now hanging from the tree, I truly wished for the tree’s magic to be real.

Now, with Caspian wrapped safely in my embrace, surrounded by our friends and his newfound family, watching Marcus charm the festival-goers at the coffee shop booth, I realize my wish has come true. Maplewood has always been my home, but with Caspian here, it feels complete. And Caspian isn’t just the man I fell in love with, he’s the sunshine that breaks through my solitary winter days, the laughter that fills my quiet spaces, the missing piece that makes my life whole.

“Hey,” I say softly, making Caspian look up at me again. “I love you.”

His smile could outshine all the festival lights combined. “I love you too.”