Page 183 of Howlin’ For You

“I’ll be ready tomorrow at two o’clock. Not a minute before, and you’ll have to deal with it,” she finally says, seemingly pleased with whatever she’s written. “But she’ll love it.”

I sweep her into a hug, letting my affection for her fill my chest almost to bursting. Georgie and Dane are the closest thing to family I have left, and I love them. I need to be damn better about telling them. “Love you, Georgie.”

She wraps her arms around me for a moment, squeezing me tight, before pushing me away with a scoff. “Okay, okay, get off.”

I release her, but not before messing up her hair just a little bit.

“UGH, GET OUT!” she screeches, batting at me until I chuckle and run out the front.

But not before diving underneath the counter just to hear her growl.

I make my way down Main Street, skipping Dane’s place for now. Instead, I head straight for Clover’s Market.

Finding the perfect gift will take time—a bouquet will not.

The hustle and bustle of the market hits my ears before I even step inside through the wide barn doors. The town is alive after last night’s party. Every single person has a huge smile on their face. Arms are laden with bags, hugs are freely given, and the energy is almost tangible.

I see faces out and about that I haven’t seen in a long time. Even Mayor Vale is in the corner delicately sniffing a zucchini.

Izzy revitalized this town, and I’m not sure she even understands the full impact it had.

I follow the crowds as I wind through the stalls on this Saturday afternoon. When the hell was I last in here? When was the last time I kicked back and enjoyed the town I work so hard for?

Too damn long, that’s for sure.

I soak in the smells and sights. The burning incense, flowing conversations, and the way the floorboards creak underneath my shoes.

I pick up a scented candle, then put it back down again. While Izzy would love that scent, it’s not right.

It’s not the perfect gift.

“Flowers!”

“Handmade sweaters!”

“Custom artwork!”

I shake my head at each vendor. They aren’t what I’m looking for. Not today.

I weave my way through the booths, a worry gnawing at my gut that I won’t find it. Whatever it is.

There.

I set my eyes on the perfect gift for Izzy, the exact item that I know she’ll love. I can feel it in my bones.

I found it.

I make my way over and smile to myself at the way all of this is coming together.

At the way I’m going to win my woman back.

CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

ISABELLA

After a restless night full of tossing and turning in a bed that doesn’t feel like mine any longer, I make the drive to Issaquah.

To my parents’ house for lunch.