and airy, utilizing the high ceilings. It took Jane’s breath away. The second drawing showed how the kitchen of the house would be turned into the café, as well as elevations of the renovated porch. Finally, a third showed the backyard, which included a parking area and a green space with an outdoor classroom and story area.
“These are your dreams, Jane,” Tracy said. “All the things you’ve wanted to do over the years. There’s going to be a meeting room for book clubs and writers’ groups, and plenty of square footage to host book signings. This will be the destination bookstore on the East Coast.”
Danny smiled, and Jane wondered when she was going to wake up. This had to be some kind of dream.
“The basement will be outfitted as a stock room and workspace, and you see that big guy over there? That’s Bob. Bob?” Danny called. “Give a wave.” A large balding man with a broad chest and powerful arms put his hand up. “Bob owns an elevator company. He’s going to put in an elevator that goes from the basement to the second floor. No more hauling boxes, and the building will be fully ADA compliant.”
“I don’t know what to say. It’s too much.” Her voice was barely there, and awed didn’t seem to cover all the emotions rushing around her insides. Nerves, excitement, gratitude, and love filled every inch of her until she didn’t know where she would put any more. As Jane surveyed the room, it seemed perfect it was decorated for Christmas. It was called the season of giving, and Jane had never felt more fortunate than she did at that very moment.
“Nothing is too much for you.” Danny was standing so close he smoothed the hair away from her face. “This is proof of how much you’ve lifted everyone up. You amaze me. Your goodness, your caring heart, the love you have for everyone in your orbit. You’ll help anyone who needs it. Now it’s your turn.”
His declaration filled her with hope, and once again showed her why she loved this man with all her heart. He was generous and kind. An artist who painted with words and a philosopher who left a trail of wisdom behind him. Never in her life did she think she would ever find the love of her life, but here he was. The man who was perfect for her. “You saved me, Danny. You…”
“Shh.” He laid a finger across her lips. “Like I said, I just bought an old house. You saved me. And all of this? The love in this room? That’s all you. We believe in you, Jane. All you have to do is say the word.”
“I love you,” she whispered just for him. Then turning to the gathering, she flashed a watery smile, so grateful for all she had. “I love all of you. Thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You’ve thought of everything.”
“Merry Christmas, Mom,” Tara said, her girl crying happy tears as she held on to her grandmother.
Kathleen, also tearing up, didn’t have to say a word to show how proud she was, but she did anyway. “When word got out that you needed a hand, we couldn’t keep up with the flood of offers. You are much loved, my daughter.”
Tracy gave her a hard hug, ever the sister of her heart. “You deserve this, my friend. Every bit of it.”
“Thank you. Thank you all for being in my life.”
Danny was standing behind her, his warmth and presence seeping into her. Since the day he walked back into her life, she thought about what she would do when he left again. Now she’d never have to find out. Without warning, Danny held a large white mylar envelope before her eyes. When she took it from him, Jane noticed the contents shifting inside. The weight moving in her hands. “What’s this?”
He smiled down at her, dropping a kiss on top of her head. “It’s my book. Your book, really. I wrote it for you.”
“For me? Danny…”
“I found my words again, my passion for writing, because of you. Coming home was exactly what I needed, but only because of you. You’re my heart, Janie. You always will be.”
Jane opened the envelope he’d given her, not knowing what she was going to find inside. When she pulled out the stack of paper, she smiled. All this work, his soul was in this book, and as she ran her hand over the title