How to Love Your Neighbour(102)
His breath tickled her ear. “It’d be a tight fit with the wedding you’re officiating tonight but like I said, whatever you want, Gracie.”
“I love you, Noah.”
“I love you, too.” When he pulled back, the intensity in his gaze filled her with happiness.
Morty and Tilly were getting married tonight at sunset. Grace had been practicing her speech all week. She only hoped the words she chose would convey how happy she was for two of her favorite people.
It’d be a celebration of everything. Morty and Tilly had invited everyone Grace and Noah loved, because they said ‘what’s a party without all of your people?’ Grace stared at Noah. What is anything without all of your people. He was hers. Her person. Her home.
“I can’t believe you put it all on me,” she said, setting the tickets down.
Noah arched his brows. “Bet you wait at least six months.”
Her lips quirked. “I see what you did there.”
He gave her an innocent look. “What?”
“Six months, huh. Bet you it’s sooner.”
“I’ll take that bet.” He kissed her again. “Because either way I win.”
Before they got too lost in their kiss, Grace eased back, hoping her gaze conveyed all she felt for this man. Her throat felt tight but her heart was full.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?”
“For showing me that happiness isn’t about where you live or what you achieve. A home isn’t walls, a roof, and a floor. It’s a feeling; it comes with being seen and accepted for who you are. It’s finding the person who makes you feel alive no matter where you are or what you accomplish. The person who makes you feel like you could have nothing and still have everything. It’s unconditional love.”
He swallowed, his gaze bright. “It’s you.”
She shook her head. “It’s us.”
The end. But really, the beginning.
Acknowledgments
Even as I write the acknowledgments for my second book with SMP, I can’t believe it’s real, and I’m this lucky. I might spend a lot of time in my own head, but I’m far from alone, and for that, too, I am grateful.
Thank you, Alex. You’re more than an editor. You’re a wonderful human being, and I feel honored to know and work with you.
The nice part about having a second book is adding in any thank-yous I left unsaid in book one. If I forget again, there’ll be a book three. ;)
To DJ and Mary. Thank you for working so hard to get my book in the hands of so many people. Because of you, I’ve not only had my book read but made some lifelong connections and friendships. Thank you, Mara, St. Martin’s Press, and all of the people who took part in making this book shelf-ready.
To Fran. Like Alex, you are more than just a person helping me on my journey. You are a constant, a supporter, an advocate, and someone I am deeply happy to know.
To Matt, Kalie, and Amy. You guys. I love you so much. I know I tell you eight thousand times a day, but now, here it is in print.
To Brenda, Tara, Christy, and Sarah for being patient, thoughtful friends who push me to do better and sit with me when I’m too tired to stand. To Cole and Stacey for your endless enthusiasm and belief in me.
Special shout-out to the people I’ve met because of Ten Rules: Addie. You’re so cool. To Shay, Kelsey, Jessica, Stephanie, Chip, and Sydni Ellis. Thank you for your enthusiastic and kind support. To all of the people who have loved and shared my first book and are looking forward to this second one, thank you.
To Rachel Lynn Solomon for not blocking me after my zillion messages and for agreeing to read my book after I fell in love with yours. To Lyssa Kay Adams, who is always available when I randomly message, who always responds with kindness and encouragement. You are awesome, and so is the wonderful writing group I’ve become part of because of you.
To all the people who are afraid to jump because the landing is uncertain: I hope you find the courage to take the leap. Even when the landing hurts a bit, it is so incredibly worth it.