“Happy New Year,” I whisper, breathless.
His hands cup my face as he looks at me like I’m his whole world. “Best one yet.”
And when he kisses me again, everything else disappears.
Chapter 40
Ivy
I smooth the front of my dress, the soft white fabric light and airy, falling in graceful waves to just below my knees. The sleeveless cut and gentle scoop neckline give it an easy, sun-kissed feel, while the subtle cinch at the waist hints at my shape without trying too hard. It’s simple but beautiful—breezy, feminine, timeless, and not at all what I expected to wear to a Galentine’s Day party.
Harper insisted we all wear white, to go along with all of the hot pink decorations. I thought it was a little strange, but Harper gets her way when it comes to party themes, and I didn’t want to be the one to ruin her aesthetic.
In the mirror, my reflection doesn’t look all that different. But I feel different. Softer in the right ways and stronger in the ones that matter.
I reach for my gold earrings, the ones Olivia got me for Christmas, and smile. My girls. They’ve carried me through so much—through doubt and heartbreak, healing and hope. And tonight, we're celebrating our friendship.
Still, there’s something about today. A feeling I can’t quite explain humming beneath my skin.
My phone buzzes on the counter.
Gray
Have fun tonight, beautiful.
Just four words, but they steal my breath a little.
I tuck the phone into my purse and do one last check in the mirror. Hair curled. Lip gloss on. Heart racing.
As I head toward the door, I whisper a quiet prayer—not for anything specific, just a soft thank you. For this faith. This hope. This love.
The walk to the coffee shop is short, barely enough time for me to overthink…but of course, I do anyway.
Harper’s texts about today had been vague and Olivia hasn’t responded to me.
I turn onto Knox Street, nerves fluttering low in my stomach.
I clutch my small leather purse tighter as I step inside the coffee shop, expecting the usual hum of chatter, the clink of mugs, maybe soft indie music playing through the speakers. But tonight… it’s different.
It’s still. Empty. The air smells faintly of espresso and cinnamon, familiar but somehow…different. I glance around, confused. There’s no trace of Harper’s usual party chaos. No streamers, no balloons taped to the windows, no cupcakes piled on mismatched platters.
Am I at the wrong coffee shop?
My heels click softly against the worn wooden floors as I move deeper inside, heart thudding faster now, wondering why no-one is here, not even the staff.
“Harper?” I call out, my voice swallowed by the hush.
No answer. But ahead, near the back of the shop, I spot a soft golden glow spilling from the doorway to the private room they sometimes rent out for small gatherings.
I turn the corner—and stop in my tracks.
The room is transformed. String lights drip from the ceiling like stars, their glow mirrored by the flicker of candles scattered across every surface. Rose petals in shades of deep crimson and blush pink trail along the floor, leading me forward like a path meant only for me.
And there he is.
Gray.
Standing at the far end of the room, guitar gripped in his hands, eyes locked on mine like I’m the only person in the world. His lips curve in that soft, heart-stealing smile.
