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January 1 - January 2, 2025
I would grow old and gray alone in my house with no less than six cats that would inevitably feast on my corpse after I pass.
As I’m drifting off, I murmur into his chest. “I can’t believe you’re here taking care of me instead of trying to find someone at the wedding to take home. The whole town was there tonight.” It’s a long time before he replies, so long that I must be asleep. Because there’s no way I heard him right. But I swear his whispers, “There’s only one woman I’ve ever wanted in Fontana Ridge, Finley.”
She isn’t here, obviously. She never has been. I only ever have her in my dreams.
I’m so damn gone for her that I’ll take even that little slice if it’s all she’ll ever give me.
There’s nothing I love more in this world than arguing with Finley. It makes me feel alive in a way I only ever feel when putting out fires. When I’m covered in sweat and soot and know everything is on the line.
“He said he didn’t want to get married, that he never wanted to settle down. He said it wasn’t what he was looking for. But then he found her. And she was enough for him.” She pauses, lifting her gaze to mine. The look there is determination mixed with heartbreak, and it kills me. “I just want him to know I’m enough for someone.”
She is the first flowers in spring, sunshine after weeks of clouds, everything I’ve never allowed myself to hope for.
“Yes, Nora. We’ve been friends for two and a half decades now. I know what sandwiches you like,” I deadpan, setting Veer down when he begins to wiggle in my arms. “I’m putting you in my will.” “I’m offended you haven’t already.”
There’s something about reading books that are guaranteed to end in a happily ever after. Sure, they’re sometimes over-the-top or unrealistic, but for a romantic like me, they’re hopeful. Everyone always gets what they’re looking for, or at least what they didn’t know they needed. Everyone gets their happy ending. Everyone is enough.
“You’re right.” A smile stretches across my face. “Would you mind if I got my phone so I could record that? I’d like to make it one of the positive affirmations I listen to in the morning.”
“So you’re saying you liked my dress so much you got it tattooed on you?” I ask, lips curling into a smile. He just shakes his head. “It wasn’t the dress, Fin. It was you.”
“It’s you, Fin. You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted, here or elsewhere. I couldn’t get you out of my head that summer, or any of the ones after. I was so gone for you that I drove two towns over and had someone tattoo your favorite flower on my ribs. And rib tattoos are a bitch, Fin.”
“No, this isn’t about me. I just want you to know that no matter what you do, you’re not going to disappoint the people in this town. If you decided to start a cult that worships a lizard king, everyone would be proud of your ingenuity.”
“Hey, Charlie. What’s up?” “I was actually calling to tell you I’ll be in your neck of the woods next Sunday. I’m selling my rental property on Monday and need to be there for the closing.” I flick my turn signal before turning down my road. “Can’t you do that online?” “I don’t trust the internet.” “You met your wife online.” “Semantics,” he says, and I can imagine him waving me off.
