Page 135 of Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

“No way what?” Rayna challenges, and I know, in this moment, that the woman in front of me is behind this purchase. She did something similar last spring for Tally with her bakery lease.

Tears spring to my eyes. While the store has been doing better lately thanks to the viral Instagram content, a new computer was still out of my budget for the time being. But now, with the help of the town, I’ll be able to start growing the business even more.

“Thank you,” I say, trying to smile as tears fill my eyes.

“It was all you, Penelope Darling,” Rayna replies. “You give so much to this town. We’re just happy to be able to give something back.”

Monty presses a kiss to my cheek and I hide my face in his shoulder.

At the sound of his throat clearing, I lean back and he grins before standing. “While we’re talking about how fabulous Penny is, I have something I wanted to add to tonight’s agenda.”

“What are you doing?” I whisper-shout.

He smiles down at me. “Just making it official.”

“Making what official?”

Though I’m sure he can sense the panic in my tone, he doesn’t bat an eye.

“What’s this item?” Rayna asks, eyeing him.

Monty winks at me and then straightens his shoulders. “I know there was some confusion as to the status of Penny’s and my relationship recently, but I just wanted everyone to know that I am in love with Penny Darling and that we are, in fact, officially dating. And before you ask, I intend on marrying her. Not yet,” he adds before Rayna can open her mouth, though she’s already held up a finger in question.

“Well, since we’re being honest here—” Monty’s father’s voice cuts from across the room. He’s a few rows behind us and the gathered crowd turns to face the usually reserved man. “I want to tell everyone that, ten years ago, I made the worst decision of my life.”

My jaw drops open as the room falls quiet. Every single person’s head seems to bounce between him and the woman he’s now staring at.

“Rebecca, I made a mistake,” he starts. “I was depressed. I was scared, and rather than talking to you, rather than telling you that I love you and I never wanted to lose you, I pushed you away in the hopes that you’d get to chase your own dreams.”

Monty’s mother is seated beside my own just a few rows up, and as she listens to her ex-husband, tears stream down her face.

I look to Monty, and the way he’s watching his dad, with so much pride in those teary, gorgeous green eyes, makes me well up all over again. He pulls off his glasses to swipe at the water droplets forming underneath and I reach out to hold his hand.

“Is there any way,” his father continues as his voice threatens to break, “that you could find it in your heart to forgive me? Any way that you could give us another chance?”

He hasn’t finished his sentence before Rebecca is moving. She pushes past a row of people and throws her arms around his neck, hugging him to her.

“Well, while we’re getting things off our chest,” Stew says loudly from the stage. “Rayna, I was wondering if maybe you’d like to go on a date with me?”

Monty chuckles and I pinch his side. “Look what you started.”

“Look what you started,” he says, so much damn love in his eyes as he turns to me. “You’re the one who taught me what love means. Just like you said you would. I love you, Xuxuzinho.”

“And I love you, too, Jake Montgomery.”

Around us, the entire room has erupted into chaos with people yelling out their confessions, but I don’t miss how his parents sneak out of the hall, hand in hand. When the door opens, golden leaves kick up from the steps and float around them.

Smiling, I stare up at the man who’s completely stolen my heart. “I told you fall was the most magical season of all.”

Hope Harbor Happy Chat

Rayna: Happy Halloween Hope Harbor!

Rosie: I’m still recovering from last night’s bonfire…can we have a rain check on the celebrations for at least a second?

Tally: No! And everyone remember to stop by the farm tonight. My mom will be there handing out candy with Billie and Quinn. But the cowboy and I will be on Maple Lane with Daisy.

Penny: Monty and I will be handing out candy at the bookstore.