The Lucky in Love Collection - Lauren Blakely Page 0,178

a while as well.

And all it took was Derek and Miriam plotting to bring two new couples together.

The other night, I texted her.

Vanessa: Why didn’t you tell me YOU were the one who wanted to get on Jamie, stat?

Ella: I did say he deserved a Marquez sister. I just didn’t say which one. :)

Vanessa: My, my. You sure do like semantics, don’t you?

Ella: I do enjoy words. :) But seriously. I also knew you’d never wind up with him.

Vanessa: Why?

Ella: Please. I’m a lover of books, stories, and romance. I’ve been devouring tales since I could read. It was inevitable that you had it bad for your best friend’s brother, and it would only take time, or a snowstorm, for you to get together. I wish I could take responsibility for that snowstorm, but fate obviously knew the two of you needed it.

Vanessa: You’re too observant for your own good.

Ella: Well, it was patently obvious you’ve had it bad for Shaw for years.

Vanessa: And do you have it bad for Jamie?

Ella: I haven’t even been on a date with him!

Vanessa: That’s not the question.

Ella: I’ll answer the question after I go out with him.

Vanessa: My money is on yes.

I take a spin on the dance floor with Shaw, passing Ella and Jamie on the way. He looks enchanted with my sexy librarian sister. I wink and wish her luck.

She blows me a kiss. “Your money is right.”

“I knew it.”

On the other side of the room, Miriam tucks a strand of hair behind her ear and smiles. Shaw and I make our way across the dance floor, stopping in front of her.

“Thank you, Miriam.”

“No, darling. Thank you. All is well in Lucky Falls when it comes to love.”

“I’ll say.”

We return to dancing, where we shimmy next to Shaw’s father and mother. His dad gives a tip of the cap, a nod, and a smile to his son, then mouths Well done.

“I’ll say,” Shaw echoes.

Another Epilogue

Shaw

Several months later

I check the weather report. There’s a snowstorm coming in, and I have the weekend off. So does my girlfriend.

I head to her bowling alley for a few rounds, then a few not-so-stolen kisses, then tell her I plan to take her to Tahoe the next day. “No ifs, ands, or buts about it.”

She gives me a look. “Like I was going to protest? You drive, I’ll play Elvis on the Bluetooth, and I’ll bring those sexy sweaters that get you revved up.”

“Everything you do gets me revved up.”

We drive up together, listening to fifties tunes about love and Cupid. She teaches me a few more Spanish phrases. I’ve been picking up bits and pieces of the language. Well, beyond the ones I hear most frequently—oh Shaw, yes Shaw, my God, do it again, and more, more, more.

In town, we stop at the market and pick up food, beer, champagne, and all the fixings for hot chocolate.

At the cabin, she says she’ll straighten up the bedroom, and while she does, I start a fire and whip up some hot chocolate, adding a dollop of whipped cream to each mug.

“Well, don’t you know the way to my heart and panties,” she says when she returns to the living room.

I stand in front of the fireplace, a cup in each hand. “I’d like to keep finding my way there for the rest of our lives.”

She tilts her head curiously. “What do you mean?”

And as soon as I hand her a mug, setting mine down on the table, I drop to one knee.

“Yes!”

I burst out in laughter. “You didn’t even let me ask!”

She clasps her hands over her mouth. “Yes!”

“I’m asking anyway,” I say through my chuckles. I straighten out my smile because this is a time to be serious. “Vanessa Marquez, you are all my answers, and I love you so much. You’re my snow bunny, my friend, my lover, and the only woman I ever want to come home to after a fire. I want to be yours forever, and I want you to be mine.”

She shouts yes again as tears streak down her face.

“Maybe take a look at your hot chocolate,” I say, nodding to her snowman mug.

On the handle, I’ve strung a diamond ring.

Her eyes widen. “Oh my God. It’s gorgeous.”

I untie it, slide it onto her finger, and kiss her in front of the fire as the snow begins to fall.

THE END

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