Page 97 of The Sasquatch and the Hairdresser

I shake myself out of my stupor. “You’re a magician,” I marvel as I study myself from all angles. “You’ve made me look downright classy, like I could be walking the runway, showcasing all my now glorious hair.”

Skylar puffs out his chest. “I’m real damn good, aren’t I?”

I turn to face him and slowly open my arms.

He steps forward in silent agreement, and I wrap my arms around him and close my eyes, pure unadulterated happiness radiating from every pore—or should I say, hair follicle.

“Thank you. I loved every moment of it, and I could feel the care and attention you devoted to me with every stroke of your brush and cut of your scissors.” I squeeze him gently. “It’s quite possibly the most romantic thing anyone has ever done for me in my life.”

Skylar tilts his head back and swallows hard. “That’s good. Because I wanted to show you, before telling you, just how much… I love you.”

I’ve never been kicked in the solar plexus, but at this moment I think I know what that might feel like because I can’t breathe.

I forcibly inhale oxygen and gasp out, “You love me, love me? For real?”

My heart’s doing all kinds of concerning things inside my chest, and I worry I might faint from the joy I’m experiencing at this moment.

“I love you so much that it scares the crap out of me,” he admits. “Being with you, I’ve learned that what I thought was love in the past was nothing compared to the real deal. It’s so much more beautiful and empowering than anything I’ve ever experienced.” He bites his bottom lip and gives me a fragile smile. “The love I feel for you makes me brave enough to open my heart to you more than I have for anyone else before.”

I tenderly cup his face in my hands, wanting to remember every second of this night. “Once again, you have beaten me to the punch. I’ve been trying to find the best time and way to tell you that I’m yours, for now and always.” My voice comes out hoarse. “I love you too, with all that I am. My wonderful penguin life mate, you’re all I’ve ever wanted and so much more. I want us to spend the rest of our lives together here in Mystic Hollow.” It’s my turn to swallow hard. “Do you want that too?”

His eyes shimmer with unshed tears, and he rubs at them with a chuckle. “You bet your big hairy ass I do.”

Quite unexpectedly, I burst into tears.

Skylar sits me back down in the chair and climbs into my lap, stroking the hair around my face. “It’s okay, babe.”

“I know,” I blubber. “I-I’m j-just so happy.”

His lips quirk. “So these aren’t sad tears?”

I gasp. “Of course not.”

He chuckles and leans in closer, pressing his forehead to mine. “Halcyon. Maple. Atwood.”

The way he says my full name like that, low and seductive, makes me shiver all over and then my whole body goes boneless.

“Together, we’re going to make the most amazing life. We’re gonna cherish and take care of one another. We’re gonna support each other’s dreams, and we’re gonna share ourselves without holding back.” His breath plays against my lips. “Like those penguins, we’re partners for life. No takebacks allowed,” he warns fiercely.

I am a big puddle of a sasquatch at his words.

“Yes,” I agree.

Before I can try to come up with something equally romantic and perfect to say, he dives in and kisses me senseless.

We speak another language when we kiss, conveying to one another the depth of our emotions in a way that only this kind of intimacy can make clear. I surrender myself to the sensual experience, enjoying the pleasurable way my body tingles all over, and my chest fills with liquid warmth.

In this moment, I feel truly connected to Skylar, and it’s a revelation. Another kind of homecoming—as if I’ve wandered long and far but finally found my lonely heart’s true home.

The final piece of the puzzle has slipped into place, and I’m filled with a sense of rightness and completion. Skylar and I are unique and capable on our own, but together we’re even better. Downright unstoppable even.

I can’t wait for our future together—and it starts right now.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Dear Journal (NOT a fucking diary—mostly),

For the last year, I haven’t allowed myself to think too much about the future. I was just trying to survive each day and not lose my fucking mind. But now, thanks to Hal and Mystic Hollow, I can see the road ahead and all the beautiful things that await me on the horizon.