15

Beth

"So what's going on with you and the grumpy goalie?" Courtland asks as we're standing behind the counter at the bookstore in a rare moment of quiet.

"Ooh, yes, I'd like to know, too," Amiel says, sneaking in from the side.

"What are you doing here?" I ask surprised, having missed her coming into the store and possibly also hoping the deflection gets me out of answering Courtlands's question.

"It's Valentine's Day Eve, so I'm stocking up." She lifts a pile of three books and grins. "Apart from going to Evie and Fraser's wedding tomorrow, my only other plans involve spending time with several high-quality book boyfriends."

"Same." Courtland sighs, then his eyes widen when he realizes what he said. "Except, book girlfriends, in my case. Oh, and hanging out with my cats, of course."

Amiel grins. "You're the first guy I've met who reads romance."

He thumbs his glasses up his nose, getting all serious like he does from time to time. "It's hard to pinpoint exact numbers, but industry figures suggest men make up about ten percent of the romance reading market. So for every thousand romance readers, about a hundred are men. That's not a huge amount, by any means, but it's also not insignificant."

"That's really cool," I say.

Please keep talking about romance industry readership figures and not me. Anything but me.

"So while the two of us have our Valentine's Day plans with fictional characters sorted…" Amiel smirks my way. "One person amongst us might have a real life romantic prospect in the works."

There goes that wish.

I become the target of two stares.

"I have no idea why you're both looking at me," I say, glancing around the store, desperate to find a customer in need of my help.

But nope, everyone seems fine browsing.

Great.

"Oh, stop denying it, Beth, and tell us already." Amiel leans over the counter. "Where exactly are you and Milo in your enemies-to-lovers journey?"

"I'm guessing second base," Courtland answers for me.

"No. I'm guessing first," she counters, using her close friend advantage and knowledge of my dating history to more accurately predict where things stand with Milo and me.

"I don't know sports, so I have no idea what bases mean," I say with a hand flourish.

It's an obvious lie, and neither one of them buys it. All romance readers—even if they've never watched a second of baseball in their lives—know what the bases mean.

First base is kissing.

Second is touching above the waist.

Third is touching below the waist.

And fourth is…a home run.

Milo and I are firmly in first base territory, even if the kiss after last month's game almost veered into second.

Well, actually, it did a little. From my end, not his.

After tucking Jonah in for the second time, he practically sprinted back into the living room to cash in his coupon. We started kissing, and I couldn't resist the urge to run my hands all over his strong, muscular arms.

And shoulders.

And chest.

Milo was definitely into the kiss, but he was a little more restrained than I was. Probably because his kids were asleep in the next room, and if one of them came in at any moment, he wouldn't want them catching their dad in a compromising position.

But I get the feeling that maybe he was holding back for another reason, too. He's a smart guy, and now that he's aware of my dating history, he's probably put two and two together and come to the conclusion that I'm sexually inexperienced.

That could explain why he never oversteps with physical closeness.

And I have to say, I like that.

I like that a lot.

It makes me feel respected. Like he cares about me as a person and doesn't see me as some target or joke or object the way my exes did. And if some jerk made some joke or off-color remark about me, Milo's the kind of guy who'd stand up for me.

I really like that.

"You did go to his hockey game last month," Courtland points out.

I pick up some papers and start shuffling through them. "So?"

"You hate hockey."

"I love hockey romances," I rebut.

"Not the same thing, and all three of us know it."

"What happened after the hockey game is what I'm interested in," Amiel says, her eyes dancing with a playful glimmer. "You've been unusually tight-lipped about what went down when you went back to Milo's hotel."

Courtland's mouth flies open, and I hold up my hand. "It's not what it sounds like." I lower my hand. "Okay. It's a little what it sounds like. Fine. Yes." I let out a defeated breath. "I went back to his hotel room and we made out a little. But I'm being sensible about this and have imposed a strict one kiss per day limit."

Courtland grins. "Right. Because nothing screams I have no interest in a guy than coming up with a kiss rule."

Amiel joins in, because sure, let's all pile in on me, shall we? "Please don't tell me you made Milo sign an agreement to that effect."

"No. Of course not," I reply, jamming the papers into the top drawer and closing it a little too forcefully. "I'm not crazy, you guys…I made him a coupon."

Uh-oh.

My eyes dart between them. Hearing it back, and seeing their faces, I wish I hadn't said that.

"That is sooo sweet," Amiel says, placing her books near the register. Courtland starts ringing them up. "I'll bet you fifty bucks they're together by the end of spring," she says to him.

Courtland shakes his head. "You're underestimating how stubborn she can be. My money is on by the end of summer."

"Deal."

"Deal."

They shake hands on it like I'm not literally standing less than six feet away from them.

"Ooh, speaking of the end of summer, the season after that is fall, which just so happens to be when someone's sister has a new book coming out." Courtland is positively beaming as he turns to me, in full fanboy mode. "Your sister's agent confirmed we've secured a spot on her book tour."

"That's awesome," I say. "Congratulations on nabbing her."

"That's so cool," Amiel squeals excitedly, and while she and Courtland gush over my incredible author sister, my mind wanders to Milo.

He gets in late tonight, and we're going to drive up to Evie and Fraser's wedding together tomorrow.

I'm excited to see him but also a little nervous. I don't know where things stand with us, or if there even is an us in the first place.

Yes, we've been messaging each other, but nearly a month has gone by since we were in the same room.

Will it be awkward being confined to a car with him? Will things feel uncomfortable? Will we have anything to talk about?

I sigh.

I guess there's only one way to find out.

"Hey, Beth. You look great," Milo greets me at his front door, a wide smile on his face.

"Uh, thanks. You look great, too."

Understatement.

He looks incredibly dapper in his charcoal gray, tailored suit. It fits him perfectly, highlighting his broad shoulders and trim waist. He's tied his hair into a low bun, and his neatly trimmed stubble adds a rugged edge to his polished appearance.

I stand there for a moment, unsure what to do next when Milo steps out onto the porch, slides his hands around my waist and asks in a hushed tone. "May I cash in one of my kiss coupons please?"

I smile. "Anyone ever told you that you have zero chill?"

He smiles back, his green eyes shimmering. "None at all when it comes to you."

My tummy flutters, and I nod. He brings his lips to mine, and it's just what I need to settle my nerves. I'd been worrying all morning that things would be weird between us.

But as he kisses me with a perfect blend of strength and delicacy, I realize the past few weeks apart haven't dampened the energy between us.

"Da-ddy!"

Milo pulls back slightly. "You ready for the kids?"

"Of course."

I crouch, and Jonah bounds into me, giving me a big hug. Josie is hanging back, and as I straighten, I notice the children's grandparents approaching.

Milo introduces Mike and Robyn to me, and we chitchat for a few minutes. Milo told me they were really nice, and it checks out. They seem lovely, and I'm glad Milo is developing a good relationship with them so that they can be in their grandkid's lives.

"We should get going," he says after a short while.

"I agree. And I'll drive this time since we'd like to get there sometime this year."

Josie giggles. "Daddy drives slowly."

"I drive to the speed limit," Milo says a touch defensively but with a smile.

He gives Josie and Jonah a big hug, answers Mike's question about the TV system, reminds them he'll have his phone on him at all times even though reception may be spotty, and then turns to me.

"Right. I think I'm ready."

I smile. "Let's go." I give Jonah a high five and say goodbye to Josie, who's inched forward a little.

"Hope you like the red heart," she says, looking up at me with a small grin.

"Red heart?" I look at Milo, confused.

"Uh, we should get going," he deflects, then grabs my arm and leads me over to my car.

With a wave, we set off for Evie and Fraser's second attempt at a wedding. Due to the time constraints of the hockey season, there's no rehearsal lunch or dinner, just a quick, intimate ceremony today before Fraser, Milo, and the rest of the Swifts jump on a red-eye for their game tomorrow night in Chicago.

Evie is possibly the only girl in the world who isn't bothered by spending her honeymoon watching her new husband play hockey.

"Well, the weather couldn't be any better," Milo observes from the passenger seat, leaning toward the windshield, his handsome face tipped up to the brilliant blue sky.

"First thing I did when I woke up this morning was race to the window to check," I say.

"First thing I did when I woke up this morning was step on Jonah's fire truck that has way too many sharp and painful edges for a children's toy."

I smile. "Mike and Robyn seem nice."

"Yeah. They're great. They're always going to be in the kids' lives, so I'm glad they're cool people."

"How are the kids doing?" I ask.

"They're fine."

I'm driving, so I can't peel my eyes off the road for too long, but Milo's tone doesn't match his words. "What's the matter?" I ask.

He huffs out a breath. "Nothing. Josie and Jonah are both doing great. It's just…a life on the road isn't a life meant for kids."

"Are they struggling?"

"No. They love it. Room service is their favorite thing ever. I'm the one wracked with guilt."

"About what?"

"About them not having a normal dad who has a normal life and lives in a normal house. I want them to grow up in one place, feel safe, have roots, you know?"

"I get that." I drum my fingers against the steering wheel. "Well, the season ends in April, June if you make it into the playoffs, right?"

"That's right. How do you know that?"

"I may have only ever watched one hockey game in real life, but I've read alllll the hockey romance books. I've picked up one or two hockey-related things. The point I'm making is that the season is coming to an end. You can figure stuff out then."

"True."

"And maybe my hardly-ever-there neighbor might actually be, you know, there."

"We will definitely be home all summer."

I contain my smile. "That's…cool."

"How's the bookstore going? Did you manage to get that issue sorted out with the supplier?"

I shuffle in my seat. I'd forgotten I mentioned that in one of our texts. But that was, like, two weeks ago. "I'm surprised you remember that."

He snorts. "In addition to being able to read, I also have great comprehension and memory skills."

I grin. "I didn't mean it like that. It's just that it was a minor detail I texted about weeks ago."

I quickly turn and see him shrug. "I remember everything you text."

"You…you do?"

"Of course."

"Really?'

"Yep."

"Everything?"

"Uh-huh."

"Prove it."

"Okay."

And then he does.

He literally starts reciting our exact message thread where I told him about the supply chain issues one of our smaller suppliers was having and how it meant we were woefully low on a number of children's titles. And he isn't paraphrasing, he's saying it back to me word for freaking word.

As he's talking, I flick my head several times to make sure he hasn't somehow taken out his cell phone and is secretly reading the texts. But nope. I can see both his hands, and he is recalling the messages verbatim.

When he finishes, I remark, "Why didn't you tell me you have a photographic memory?"

"What? And ruin the illusion that I'm a numbskulled hockey player? No, thanks."

My chest tightens uncomfortably.

He's not calling me out, but he very well could.

I completely underestimated his intelligence when I first met him. I prejudged him through the lens of a tired stereotype—the dumb jock athlete. And for months now, Milo has been revealing himself to be far more than I ever expected.

"Some music?" I suggest to quell the uneasy feeling gurgling in my chest.

"Sure." He answers slowly. "Are you okay? Did I say or do something wrong?"

"No. I'm the one who did. I…I'm sorry, Milo."

"Normally those three words are in the top five things I like hearing from you, right up there with 'You're the best, Milo' and 'You're always right, Milo,' but I don't like unwarranted apologies."

"Oh. It's warranted, all right. I jumped to all sorts of conclusions about you when we first met. It was wrong of me, and I'm sorry for that."

He pauses. "I accept your apology. Thank you." Another pause. "But you still hate my man bun?"

"Well…"

"Please tell me you hate it, otherwise I'll start to think I've been sucked into some alternate reality."

I laugh. "Okay. I hate your man bun," I say without meaning it. I'm not going to go out and buy an I Love Man Buns T-shirt anytime soon, but I don't hate it anymore, either. Truth be told, it kinda suits him.

"Can I say one more thing, and then we can drop it?" he asks.

"Okay."

"I get why you may have formed a low opinion of me, Beth. I've been hurt by people in the past, too, so I know what it's like to feel like you have to protect yourself."

I remember what he told me about his tough childhood and growing up, so I guess in a way he can relate to my horror dating history. Totally different circumstances but hurt and pain and betrayal are universal.

"I'm sure you do. You're not mad at me for the way I acted when we first met and I totally ignored you? Be honest. Because if you are, it's totally justified."

"No, I'm not mad," he says warmly.

"Really?"

"I'd tell you if I was. If anything, I'm constantly blown away by you."

"Why?" I turn my head and find both his eyebrows arched. "I'm not fishing for compliments," I clarify. "I'm genuinely curious."

"Okay. I'll tell you. But remember, there's only room for one giant-sized ego in this car." I giggle as he goes on. "I think you're amazing, Beth. You're strong and confident. You're who you are and you don't apologize for it at all because you know you don't need to. I love your passion for books. How much you enjoy your career. How important your friends are to you. And I…" He falters for a second. "I like how you make me feel."

I grip the steering wheel a little tighter and force myself to swallow. "And how do I make you feel?"

He lets out a long breath and stays silent for a while.

A long while.

Just as I start to think he's not going to answer the question, he replies with one softly spoken word.

"Seen."

Capital W.

Capital O.

Capital WWWW.

I honestly don't know what to say to that. Neither does Milo it seems, as we get enveloped in another stretch of silence.

He flicks the dial, and we spend the rest of the drive listening to a local radio station, my mind so consumed by what Milo just said I don't even mind the static hisses and crackles that increase as we climb higher up the mountain and out of range.

I make him feel seen.

It's hands down the best compliment I've ever received. It'll definitely take me some time to wrap my brain around the enormity of that.

As we pull up to Cedar Crest Haven, the wedding lodge where Evie and Fraser will be married, my body thrums with an energy I can't quite pinpoint.

It's a gorgeous spot, nestled among towering pine trees and overlooking a breathtaking valley. Elegant wooden structures and delicate fairy lights blend harmoniously with the natural beauty, creating a romantic atmosphere. An idyllic place for a wedding.

"We're here," I say, pointing out the obvious as I turn the engine off.

"And a few minutes early," Milo says with a grin, like he's in on the joke about him being a slow driver.

"Yeah." I release a deep breath. Some fresh air might clear my head and help get my thoughts in order. "Should we go in?"

"Uh, before we do. I just want to check if you're okay? We've both been quiet since I said…the thing."

He looks worried, and I hate that he's maybe thinking I'm freaking out about the thing. I mean, yes, I'm freaking out about the thing, but not in a bad way.

"The thing you said was…"

"Too much?" he guesses.

"No. Not at all. It was the most beautiful thing anyone has said to me. I just need some time to process it."

He lowers his head, his eyes finding mine. "Are you sure that's all it is?"

I nod. "I am." A few people walk past our car, reminding me we're here for one of my best friend's wedding. "We should probably?—"

"One more thing. Last thing, I swear. No words will be spoken this time, I promise."

"Okay, weirdo."

I have no idea what he's doing. Even as he grins and slides his paw of a hand into the inside pocket of his jacket and produces a cream envelope, it doesn't hit me.

"I didn't know if you had a Valentine, so I thought…"

Now it hits me.

"Oh, Milo."

Seriously. What is going on here?

This feels like a scene straight out of a romance novel, and I'm swooning so hard I can barely breathe. It's terrifying and unfamiliar and also the sweetest gesture ever all at the same time.

With trembling fingers, I open the envelope and pull out a card with an illustrated red heart on the front.

"Josie drew that," he says proudly.

"Oh, right." I trace my fingers over it. "That explains her red heart comment before we left."

"It does. She's great at drawing, not so good at keeping secrets."

I smile and open the card. The handwritten note inside reads, I enjoy facing off with you. Milo, x

There's also a coupon entitling me to one free kiss per day every day from today. The every day from today is in bold and underlined.

"I wanted things to be perfectly clear."

"What do you mean, clear? What's not clear?"

"Your one-kiss policy. I have questions. Many of them."

I giggle. "Like what?"

"So, we've established it's one-kiss per day. But what happens on days when we don't see each other? Do those kisses get saved up so I'm essentially banking kisses? If so, how do I claim them? If not, is there a manager I can speak to about reviewing this?" His grin has grown into a full-watt smile. "As you know, I'm a weirdo so I could keep going."

"I'm sure you could."

"That's why I said every day from today in my policy. So that includes days when we're not together, too."

I try to match his smile but I'm not sure if I succeed. He just keeps blowing me away, more and more and more.

"Turn the coupon over," he says.

I flip it over and…"Oh my goodness."

I have to bring the paper right up to my face to read the tiny fine print that covers the entire back section of the coupon.

This coupon is issued by Milo Garrett Payne and entitles the holder, Beth Moore, and ONLY Beth Moore, to one additional free kiss per day on top of the already established one kiss policy that exists between the two parties. The coupon is valid from whenever you can no longer deny your attraction to me to whenever you get sick of me and never want to see me again. This coupon cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, discount, or promotion.

"Oh, Milo." I blink back a few tears and lean closer to him. "This is so sweet and wonderful and…Thank you."

He rests his arm on the center console. "So I take it you don't have a Valentine?"

"I didn't." I chew on my lower lip. "But I do now."

The smile that blooms on his face is pure radiance. "You sure do."

"Oh, and it's Anne," I say.

"Excuse me?"

"My middle name. It's Anne."

"Ah, okay. Good to know. I'm committing that to my photographic memory."

I giggle again, then I grab him by the shirt and tug him in to me. When I'm less than an inch away from his lips, he pulls away abruptly. "Just checking, is this kiss part of our pre-existing kiss policy, or are you cashing in your coupon?"

I shake my head and giggle some more. "Just shut up and kiss me already."

His green eyes sparkle. "Yes, ma'am."

Evie radiates elegance and grace as she's escorted down the aisle by her beaming dad. Her golden hair cascades in soft waves, perfectly framing her face, and her makeup is beautiful yet understated.

She looks like a woman ready to marry the man she loves.

Oh, and the wedding dress?

Di-vine.

The gown features a classic bateau neckline that highlights her collarbone, and the fitted bodice seamlessly flows into a gentle A-line skirt that sways gracefully with each step. A delicate, sheer veil cascades from a simple tiara, gently trailing behind her as she moves.

The only splash of color comes from the vibrant bouquet of yellow roses she's holding, the flowers holding special significance for her and Fraser.

We sit down when she joins Fraser, who I've never seen look more elated.

I'm so relieved their first wedding attempt was just a minor blip on what I'm sure will be a beautiful, lifelong marriage, and that it wasn't a sign or omen. Because these two belong together.

The ceremony gets underway, and as beautiful as this old church is, it's also very small. Combined with a large guestlist, everyone is crammed into rows of wooden seats.

I'm sitting next to Milo—AKA my Valentine!—and his leg is barely a few inches away from mine. He's tucked his hands on his lap, like he's trying to take up less space.

Ha. Good luck with that. The span of his shoulders is at least double mine, and despite his efforts, he can't make himself small. But it's nice of him to try.

Without thinking, I place my hand over his and rest our joined hands on his firm thigh. He smiles and rubs his thumb over the top of my hand.

He's such an amazing guy, and the more time I spend with him, the more I realize just how wonderful he is.

He's kind. A devoted dad. Rocks a pair of tights. Smart—photographic memory, hello. Thoughtful to get me a Valentine's Day card. Adorable with the whole kiss policy thing. And emotionally intelligent to be able to say what he said to me in the car on the drive up here.

And just in case all of that wasn't enough, he's humble and good looking and funny and likes to read, too.

Talk about a dream guy.

He gently presses the side of his leg against mine, and a shudder rolls through me.

A big shudder.

Actually, it's more like a tremor.

And I'm not the only one feeling it.

The minister pauses, and a low murmur breaks out amongst the assembled guests.

And then we hear it.

The unmistakable sound that can only mean one thing.

"Earthquake!" someone yells out.

Horrified shrieks fill the air as people rush to their feet, clamoring toward the nearest exit.

Despite knowing I have to move, I'm temporarily frozen, in shock that mother nature is ruining Evie's wedding—again.

Thankfully, Milo's got his wits about him. He grabs me by the wrist and guides me in front of him. "We need to get out of here."

With his hand pressed firmly in the small of my back, he leads me toward the nearest double doors.

People are panicking all around us, but not Milo. As if his touch wasn't reassuring enough, he keeps saying, "Keep going, we're going to be all right," into my ear as we move swiftly along with the crowd of fleeing people.

And then it happens.

A thunderous crack that makes everyone turn their heads toward the front of the church right as a massive chunk of the ceiling caves in.

"Evie!" I scream, because that's where Evie and Fraser and the minister were standing not less than a minute ago.

We've reached the double doors, and Milo nudges me through them. "Go!" he shouts to be heard over the screams. "Find shelter!"

And then he then turns, racing back inside the crumbling building.

"No!" I yell after him, but I'm being pushed away, caught up in the stream of people frantically pouring out of the church. "Nooo!" I cry again even though it's futile, before spinning around and running to…I don't know where to go.

Staff from the venue are directing people to several temporary shelters scattered throughout the grounds.

I get shoved…right next to Summer.

"Oh my goodness, Summer!" We embrace. "What about Evie?"

"Shhhh." She pats my back as I sob into her shoulder. "She'll be okay. They all will be."

I pull back, tears streaming down my face. "Milo went back in."

"He what?"

"He went back in. He made sure I got out safely, and then he turned around and ran back inside."

Summer's eyes widen. "He'll be okay, too."

I know she has no way of knowing that, but I cling to her words anyway.

She peels open her purse and yanks out her phone. "Shoot," she grumbles. "No reception."

I lift onto my toes, hoping to spot Amiel or Hannah or Culver or anyone I know, but it appears there are multiple safe zones, so just because they're not in this one doesn't mean they're not safe in another one.

But Evie? And Fraser? And the minister? Where are they? They were standing right where the ceiling collapsed.

I can't even think about it.

A stab of anger shoots through me at the memory of Milo charging back into the crumbling building, but that's quickly replaced by guilt for having such a selfish thought, which then morphs into an overwhelming sense of pride that he's the sort of man who would risk his own life to pull his friends out of danger.

It feels like an eternity, when in reality probably only about ten minutes pass, before we're allowed to leave.

Apart from the collapsed side of the church roof, all the other buildings on the sprawling property seem unaffected. From the outside, at least.

"Beth! Summer!"

We both spin around as Hannah and Culver race over to us.

"You're safe," I say, hugging her.

"We are. Are you both okay?"

"We're fine," Summer answers. "Did you guys happen to see Amiel?"

She shakes her head.

"You guys stay here. I'll go look for her," Culver says.

He kisses Hannah on her forehead and takes off.

"We're going to remain positive," Summer says, her voice dipping into what I assume is her lawyer-sounding voice. "Until we get any information, we're going to choose hope over fear. Okay?" When neither Hannah nor I say anything, she repeats. "Okay?"

"Yeah, okay," Hannah says, craning her neck in every direction.

"Uh-huh." I'm not paying attention, either, desperately searching through the crowd of people to see a familiar face.

Nothing, nothing, and then…two intense green eyes flash into view.

Milo.

Someone gets in the way, and I lose him.

"I just saw Milo," I tell the girls. "I have to go."

"Stay safe," Summer says as I take off.

"I will." Moving in the direction I spotted him, I catch fleeting glimpses of him through the gaps in the crowd.

I squint to make sure I'm seeing right.

His face is covered in dirt, and he's limping. I think. I can't make him out for long enough to be sure.

My heart pounds furiously, but as I get closer, I see it's not Milo who's limping, but an elderly man who he's assisting. His hair, face, and shoulders are covered in a heavy coat of dirt and dust.

I finally get to him. "Hey," I pant. "Are you okay?"

"I am." A paramedic appears at the same time I do, and Milo explains to them, "This is Mr. Walsh. I pulled him out from under the rubble. His right leg hurts badly, and he has a cut on his face."

That's when I see the giant gash on the side of Mr. Walsh's face and the blood dripping from it.

The paramedics take over, and as soon as they do, I launch myself into Milo's arms. "Are you hurt? Anything broken? Concussed?"

"I'm fine."

I cling to him for a few more moments, feeling his chest beating against mine, his strong arms wrapped around me.

"Really?" I check.

He pulls back and braces my arms. "Really."

I stare into his piercing green eyes. "I should be mad at you for doing that."

"Don't be mad. I had to."

"You didn't have to." I hug him again. "But I'm so proud that you did."

"Would I be pushing my luck if I used this as an opportunity to negotiate a doubling of my daily kiss allowance?" he asks, squeezing me right back.

I laugh.

Then sob.

Then hold onto him extra tight for a few moments, before regaining my composure and moving back slightly. "No more coupons. I say we move to unlimited daily kisses. We can kiss whenever we like, how many times we like."

"That's the best news I've had all day." He smiles, and his teeth look extra white against his dirty face. "I want to show you something. May I?"

He brings his hands to the sides of my body, and I have no idea what I'm agreeing to, but when I nod, Milo picks me up and lifts me above the crowd like I weigh nothing.

"Look to your left," he instructs from below. "Fraser, Evie, and the minister got out through a door by the back." I spot the three of them, huddled together, surrounded by their families. He lowers me down. "They're fine, too. Safe and uninjured."

I let out a relieved breath. "That only leaves Amiel."

"I'm here," she says, and I spin around. She throws her arms around me. "I'm here."

I hug her back hard. "Oh, thank goodness."

Culver, Hannah, and Summer also join us, which means everyone I know and love is accounted for. Now I only hope no one else was seriously hurt.

As everyone starts talking, Amiel leans in closer to me and whispers, "I've been here for a while, but it looked like you two were having a moment, so I didn't want to interrupt."

"We've just survived an earthquake, and you're using it as an opportunity to make a not-so-subtle point about me and Milo?" I whisper back.

"Exactly. We survived an earthquake. If that's not a reminder that life is short and to not waste time, then I don't know what is."

When she puts it like that…

I turn to Milo, who's half-listening to the conversation between Hannah and Summer. When his eyes land on me and he tips his head up, a current of heat fizzles through my entire body.

I don't know if it's because I'm running on an adrenaline high having survived an earthquake, or whether I'm finally ready to accept my true feelings for the first and only guy who's ever given me a Valentine's Day card, but I march right up to Milo and lift onto my toes.

The conversation comes to an immediate halt as I cup the sides of his face. Not even the slight taste of dirt on his lips can stop me from kissing the man I'm falling for.