Resisting my Roommate (Sycamore Falls #3)

Chapter 34

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

ABBEY

The road stretches out before me, lined with familiar trees and buildings leading me through the heart of Sycamore Falls. A year ago on this very day, I sped down this same road, heartbroken and angry, trying to outrun a truth I didn’t want to face. I thought I had hit rock bottom.

Funny, I didn’t realize that rock bottom was exactly where I needed to be in order to rebuild.

And that’s precisely what Jude and I have done since he came to New York and begged me for another chance.

The first thing he did when we returned to Sycamore Falls was put his townhouse on the market. As bittersweet as it was for me, Jude needed this. If we were to have the fresh start we deserved, he needed a clean slate.

We bought a house in an adorable residential community a few miles from downtown with a stunning view of the mountains. Every evening after work, I love sitting on our back deck with Jude, watching the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colors I didn’t think possible in nature.

But I don’t work for Jude anymore, although sometimes we indulge in some heated boss-employee roleplay when I stop by to visit.

Shortly after I arrived back in Sycamore Falls, I received an email from one of the many nonprofits I applied to, asking if I had any grant writing experience. Luckily, I did. And the best part is I’m able to work remotely, only needing to go to their Los Angeles office on rare occasions. It’s the perfect job for me right now while I settle into this new chapter of my life and figure out what I want my future to look like.

For now, I’m happy to just enjoy the moment.

As I approach the stop sign on Main Street, my foot eases off the gas and I slow to a gentle roll. The sun casts a warm glow on the familiar street with its quaint shops and picturesque sidewalks. My lips curve up at the reminder of what happened in this exact spot one year ago.

I’ve often wondered what my life would look like if I hadn’t been pulled over and learned that Carson had reported my car as stolen. If I hadn’t spotted the taproom and decided to go for a drink.

If I hadn’t met Jude.

I can’t imagine my life without him in it.

I used to roll my eyes whenever someone would say “everything happens for a reason.” How could there be a reason for my mother abandoning me? Or my father treating me like an inconvenience?

That all changed a year ago. If one thing were different, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have found Jude.

I wouldn’t have found my home.

After coming to a stop and checking for traffic, I step on the gas and continue through the downtown area, relishing in the feel of the wind in my hair.

Until I hear an all-too familiar beep of a siren.

My heart sinks as I glance into the rearview mirror and see Chappy’s cruiser signaling for me to pull over.

Cursing my luck, I comply and move toward the curb.

“What’s wrong, Chappy?” I ask as he approaches. “I didn’t blow the stop sign. And this time, I own the car. Even have the registration to prove it.”

“I don’t doubt that.”

“Then—”

“Can you step out of your car for a minute?” he asks with a mischievous look.

“Why?” I reply, but do it anyway, since Chappy’s become a good friend over the past year.

“Someone wants to ask you something.” He gestures toward the park where Jude found me that first night.

My pulse increases when I see him standing there, dressed in a crisp button-down shirt and slacks — a far cry from his usual attire of a t-shirt with the logo of his brewery and jeans.

“What’s going on?”

“Why don’t you go find out?” Chappy grins before walking back to his cruiser.

Butterflies dance in my stomach as I turn from my car and make my way toward the park. Much like last year when I got pulled over, several locals watch me with interest. At least this time, I’m not wearing a wedding dress. I still feel on edge, though. Uncertain.

“What are you doing here, Jude?” I ask somewhat nervously as I approach him. “I thought I was supposed to meet you at the taproom.”

He gives me an easy smile, his eyes filled with more love than I thought possible for a man who once tried to argue that love was bullshit.

But over the past year, he’s proven time and again how deep his love for me goes. He’s shown it in the way he’s supported me as I started my new job. He’s shown it in the way he’s made me an equal in our relationship from the very beginning, something I never felt with Carson. And he’s shown it in the way he’s made me a priority in his life, even while expanding his beer label.

“I figured we’d get a head start on our anniversary celebration.”

“What did you have in mind?” I ask, the tremble in my voice betraying my nerves.

“I’ve actually been toying around with a few ideas.” He flashes that same smile that melted my heart the first time I saw it, his dimples popping.

That smile was the first glimpse he gave me of his softer side.

Now I look forward to seeing it every day.

“Like what?”

“First, I thought maybe I’d take you to a party at Kaplan Farm, since it’s pretty much a rite of passage for all Sycamore Falls residents.”

“A keg party in a cow pasture,” I coo. “If that doesn’t scream romance, I don’t know what does.”

“I agree.” He chuckles. “Still, I thought maybe you’d prefer something else to commemorate the anniversary of your historic getaway, so I thought we could celebrate by going to the go-cart track and having a bit of a race.”

“A choice between a kegger and a go-cart race? How’s a girl to choose?” I joke.

“I thought it might be tough. Which is why I settled on my third option.”

“And what’s that?”

“This.”

He drops to one knee, causing a gasp to escape.

I knew he was up to something, considering he obviously bribed Chappy to pull me over in the exact place he did last year.

But this?

I never expected this. Didn’t think he’d want to go down this road. Like I’ve told him time and again, I don’t care if we ever take this step. I just want to be with him, as his girlfriend, wife, life partner. It doesn’t matter.

Taking my hand in his, he looks up at me with those deep brown eyes that I fell for the instant we met. The world fades away and in this moment, it feels like it’s only us.

“A year ago, a runaway bride walked into my bar. Some might say that sounds like the beginning of a really bad joke. For me, it was the start of something I hadn’t expected.” His words catch in his throat and he swallows hard before admitting, “It was the start of my life.”

Tears well in my eyes and I struggle to choke back a sob as he pours out his heart, giving voice to his feelings. It’s a stark change from last year when he kept them locked up tight.

“I’ve loved you since the moment you burst through those doors, even if I was too afraid to admit it at first. Since then, my love has only grown stronger with every day.

“You make me want things I never thought possible. You make me want to have a family. You make me want to grow old with someone. You make me want to have it all. So please, Abbey. Let me have it all with you. Marry me.”

He retrieves a black velvet box from his pocket and flips it open to reveal a stunning round-cut solitaire that sparkles in the sunlight. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful. And I’m not talking about the ring.

I’m talking about the man kneeling before me.

“I thought love was a horrible reason to get married,” I tease, recalling our first conversation during my bachelorette party.

His eyes shine with adoration. “You’ve proven me wrong before. I’m hoping you’ll prove me wrong again.”

“I’m pretty sure I can.” I beam.

“Is that a yes?” Hope builds in his eyes.

“That’s a yes,” I confirm, tears of joy streaming down my face.

Without hesitation, he slides the ring onto my finger before jumping to his feet. The sound of cheers and applause fade into the background, his lips crashing against mine as he holds me like he never plans on letting me go.

And I know he won’t.

We’re exactly where we belong.

Together.

Thank you so much for reading Resisting My Roommate .