Keepsake (True North, #3)

by Sarina Bowen

“Everything that happened to me almost seems worth it when you’re sitting in my kitchen. Because I love you, Zach.”

“You’re so much more than part of a bad memory. I love you, and even if my life is kind of a mess right now, I still want you in it.”

“I love you?” He nodded against my cheek, his stubble rough against my chin. “You’re the first one to ever say those words to me.”

“Except I’m sure there are more people who love you.” The Abrahams and the Shipleys, for instance. “Maybe they just haven’t said so out loud.” They probably didn’t realize what it would mean to him to hear it.

I dropped little kisses into his hairline. They said, Thank you for coming, my love. I rubbed his neck with my palm, and it said, You’re so special to me.

I’d forgotten how easy this was between us—how right.

“Every night when I go to sleep, I wish you were here with me.” Hearing that just lit me up. “I may have thought the same thing once or twice,” I said with a smile. “Or, you know, every single night.”

“Take off my sweater,” she demanded. “If you insist.” I kissed her, smiling.

“I waited at least twenty minutes after you stepped into the house to jump you,” she said. “You don’t hear me complaining,”

“Stay with me tonight?” “All you have to do is ask.”

When we got in bed again, I held her in my arms, and it was at least as good as the sex.

My girl was sleeping with her head on my chest, her sleek arms wrapped around my body. I just lay there, drinking her in, feeling lucky.

“You’re so beautiful,” I whispered. “Thought so the first moment I ever saw you.”

Lark took a selfie of us. “What’s that for?” “Dr. Becky is a fan of yours,” she said, tucking the phone away. “I think she’s got a major crush, so I thought I’d show her your handsome face.”

whatever he was imagining I might have done with his daughter was all true and then some. Under his roof.

There was a big, beautiful Christmas tree in there I hadn’t glimpsed last night. I’d only had eyes for Lark.

Thank you Lord for these gifts, I mentally rattled off. Especially the beautiful one sitting beside me.

“You know, I never saw a waffle until I came to Vermont,” I said because I knew it would amuse Lark.

I said, leaning in for one more kiss. There would never be enough of those.

I’ll activate it soon,” I said slowly. But phone plans were pricey. “Nope!” Daphne said. “It’s already activated. On our plan.”

“We put you on our family plan, because you’re family.”

Lark: You got a phone??? I love the selfie. Zach: I did. I’ve joined the 21st century. Lark: Does this mean you’ll send me a dick pic later?

Lark: I <3 you. Zach: I Zach: How do you make the

Then she smiled, and it was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.

“Happy New Year. Almost. It’s going to be a good one. I just know it.” We just stood there holding each other in the cold nighttime air, and I’d never been happier.

I have a date.” “Go you!” Lark interjected. “With a woman.” “Finally,” Daphne muttered,

“Isn’t anyone surprised? Am I not speaking English? I’m dating a woman. Well, not dating. Not yet. But maybe. Anyone?” I raised my hand. “I didn’t see that coming.” “Thank you! Jeez. I thought my queerness would at least be newsworthy.”

If a guy asks you to go anywhere with him, you can just assume he wants sex.” “Right?” “Hey, Lark?” Zach’s head popped into the TV room where we were sitting. “Can you come outside with me?” May and I promptly burst out laughing.

“I just want to show you my truck.” “Aw,” May said, reaching across me to pat his knee. “Don’t ever change, Zach. You’re the best kind of guy.”

The truck was black and looked to me like every other truck on the road. Even so, I made all the right sounds of admiration. Zach had taken this risk because he wanted to be able to see me, and that was the sexiest thing in the world.

Are you cold?” he asked, rubbing his hands together. “It’s freezing in here.” “A little.” I moved closer to him on the seat. “Let’s snuggle.” “Twist my arm.”

I’d drive all night to see you.” Those words sent a happy little shimmy through me.

“Thank you for thinking of me when you wake up in the morning.” “Of course I’m thinking about you! I’m wishing you were there so I could rip off your clothes.”

I’m not used to anyone looking after me. I like it.” I drew back and forced him to look me in the eye. “So many people look after you. You have a big fan club, Zachariah Holtz. And I’m the president.”

The first day you were here, Griffin gave you his long speech about how the most bitter apples make the best cider. When I saw this, it reminded me of falling in love with you. A lot of bitter things happened to you this year, but without them we wouldn’t be sitting right here.”

Lark— This is my present to you! I stoked up the fire and chilled the wine. Have a nice night with your man. I’m ecstatic for you both. And it’s great to see you looking so happy. Love you always, May

“You’re worth the wait.”

I still loved working for Griff, but I didn’t need to work the longest hours or stay the latest to prove that I cared. He already knew.

I didn’t form an opinion of the unfamiliar customer until I glimpsed Zara’s expression. She and the newcomer were face to face, but she’d gone white as a sheet.

“I’m not going to jump to any conclusions,” Audrey said, a thoughtful look on her face. “Me neither.” But then our eyes met, and we both cracked up. “Okay, I’m going to jump to all kinds of conclusions,” Audrey admitted.

Lark had changed me into someone who could do that. I was a world-class hugger these days.

That was how Lark and I came to live together barely six months after we met. And every day we had together was a blessing.

My third occupation was a new one for me—student. This fall I’d be taking classes at one of the many branches of the Community College of Vermont.

Even though we were very busy, we were happy. Lark smiled more easily now. She slept easier, too.

“Love you, Zach.” I never got sick of that. “Love you, too.”

“The car, son. We brought you the car. Your truck just isn’t reliable enough, and you drive so many miles every day just to live here for Lark.”

“Jesus.” “You just took the Lord’s name in vain!” she yelped, because I never did that. But the car’s interior was beautiful.