15. Bonus Epilogue

Justin Hoffer

Today, I've decided I'll add some shelving to the library's children's wing. It will take me a couple of days, and I'll need it to calm down. I saw the mayor trying to sweeten up my girl … well, she’s not my girl, but I adore Ana Maria, and seeing him with her has me fuming. I don't let my feelings get the best of me like my brother Ben, who punched the mayor before the Christmas Mixer.

I walk inside the library and stop at the front desk. Ana eyes me warily but doesn't say a word.

"I have a project for the children's wing."

Complete silence.

"Don't you have anything to say to me?"

"I would like to ask you to lower your voice, but I don't think you're aware you are shouting."

"I'm not…"

As I say that belligerently, I realize I am, in fact, shouting. So much for not letting my feelings get the best of me.

"I'm sorry, Ana Maria. I'm a little upset."

"With me?"

"A little bit, yeah."

She frowns and I hate myself for putting that expression on her face.

"What can I do to make it better?"

"You can marry me."

I swear the words just slipped out, but I've been thinking about it for quite some time. Ana would be the perfect mother to my daughter Daisy, not to mention the perfect wife for me, but I don't care about that, not really.

Her response is not what I expected., though She laughs in my face and waves me away.

"Just do your project. I'll keep the kids away from that area."

I feel like a dog who has been kicked and mistreated as I go back to my truck to get the materials I'll need for the extra shelving. I own a construction and handyman company with my brothers and make a good living. All these materials are coming from me, though.

The library has been much improved since I started making repairs five years ago when Ana Maria got the post as head librarian. Since then, I've made it a mission to be on these premises at least five times per week, if not more.

It helps that my daughter loves it here. I work steadily for a few hours and then take a break to have lunch. I'd love to invite Ana Maria to eat with me, but she always takes her lunch at her post in case someone wanders into the library during their lunch hour and needs help.

When I come back from lunch with one of my brothers—who insisted I need to ask Ana Maria out—I stop by the front desk and leave her a cupcake. She likes the Ferrero Rocher ones Flora makes for special occasions. I make sure there's always a special occasion so I can give Ana her favorite treat.

She's got her head down writing something in a ledger, and I just leave the treat and return to my shelving project. Technically, she knows they're from me, but we both make as if it's nothing important. Right, it's not important that I want to worship the earth this woman walks on.

A few more hours, and I'm ready to call it a day. I hear my daughter's voice, though, and it makes me smile. My mother started her reading really early on, and as soon as she thought Daisy could handle the library, she brought her here. Now she's eight and wants to take out all the books.

I grab my toolbox and go down to where my mother, Daisy, and Ana Maria stand. Ana looks like she's telling Daisy a joke, but I can't make out the details from where I'm standing. I keep walking and am surprised by my daughter’s exclamation.

"That's not a joke, Miss Ana, that's a great idea! You could be my mother."

I freeze in my tracks and look at Ana Maria, who's just as surprised as I am by what my daughter has said. Daisy senses I'm there and turns around. She gives me a big smile and runs to grab me. I put my toolbox down and lift her up into my arms.

"What are you doing, sweet pea?"

"Grandma brought me so I could return the books I finished and get some new ones. But Miss Ana told me you proposed to her."

"Yeah, about that…"

My mother gives me a side eye, and I'm not sure what to tell my daughter. The truth is I did ask Ana to marry me—just my delivery wasn't the best one. A date would have been a good thing to start with, but I'm a desperate man.

"Can I tell you a secret?" My daughter whisper-shouts in my face.

"Sure thing, baby."

"Whenever I imagine having a mother, she looks like Miss Ana. Don't tell anyone."

Of course, we all heard what she said, and Ana has a mortified look on her face.

"Sweet pea, why don't you go ahead and find some books to take back home with Grandma? I'll meet you there for dinner."

I put her down and she grabs her grandmother's arm and pulls her toward the books she's interested in. She's already reading middle-grade books, and I couldn't be prouder. Ana and I are left alone, and I lean onto the counter in front of her.

"It wasn't a joke."

"What?"

"I want a mother for my daughter, and I think you'd be perfect. Please marry me. I can pay you."

Ana Maria Gonzales goes pale as she realizes I'm completely serious with my proposal. That's why I didn't see her hand coming when she slapped me. My hand goes to my cheek where I'm sure the color is turning pinkish. This woman can pack a punch.

"We should talk," I manage to say.

"Get out of my library, now."

She looks horrified about what she did but still points to the front door. I take my leave, knowing that I will marry that woman, no matter what.