Page 42 of Cookie

“We’re always ready for anything,” Charlie said, and I knew it was true. Between the two of us, we made sure to be fully stocked at the store with not only books but puzzles and other things to keep the locals busy on those long winter nights. Something everyone seemed to appreciate. He slowed down as we passed the city limits to Grace, and both of us glanced around the main street to see if anything had changed over the past two days. The salt truck passed us going the opposite direction and getting ready for the storm.

A sense of home and a feeling of belonging overwhelmed me. Grace had welcomed me like I had been born here and lived here my whole life, even though I was born in a city and lived there for years. The townsfolk were friendly and supportive of both the bookstore and our relationship. His family were all amazing, andmy family loved us from a distance and visited when they could. Mostly when the weather was nice.

“What are you thinking?” Charlie said and reached across to settle his hand on my leg.

“Just thinking that I’m home.” I covered his hand with mine and squeezed it.

“Of course you are. You’re right where you were always meant to be.”

“If you told me that when I first got here, there was nothing that would have convinced me you were right. But now, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

“Well, Ryan, no matter where you go now, you’re stuck with me, and Telly too,” Charlie said and grinned.

“I’m not stuck. I’m happy as hell to have found the most perfect man I could have ever met, and the sweetest dog too.” I ruffled Telly’s fur before meeting Charlie’s eyes. “I love you, and I’m a small-town guy now. There isn’t any place else I’d rather be.” As the snow started to fall steadily, we pulled up out front of One More Chapter. I knew without a doubt there was more than one chapter left in our story.

THE END