Epilogue

Three Months Later

Igot up early. I was too excited to sleep. It was the day I had been planning since the moment Archer put the key to the library in my hand. I pulled on the blue sweater I thought I wanted to wear for the grand opening of the library, but I took it off.

It was going to be too warm inside the library if the crowd I was expecting actually showed up. I didn't want to be sweaty and uncomfortable. I scanned my closet looking for the right blouse.

After a few moments of indecision, my eyes settled on a pale cream silk top, modest yet chic. It was perfect. I paired it with a charcoal pencil skirt and opted for sensible flats over heels. After all, I would be on my feet most of the day.

As I checked myself in the mirror, my heart began to flutter in anticipation. It wasn't just about opening the doors but about proving to Archer and his father I was a worthy investment. And of course, I had to show the community that what they fought so hard for was worth it as well.

I went downstairs and spotted Karen in the kitchen. "Good morning," I greeted.

"You look nice," she said.

"Thank you. Is it too much? Not enough?"

"It's perfect," she said. "Are you nervous?"

"Yes."

"You're going to do fine." She smiled. "It's all going to be perfect."

"Thank you, Karen." I returned the smile. I poured myself a cup of coffee and leaned on the counter, my mind running through the day's itinerary.

"I better get going," I said. "You guys are going to be there, right?"

She nodded. "Do you think we would miss it?"

Feeling slightly anxious but also exhilarated, I stepped outside into the crisp fall air. I told myself it was fine. Everything was going to go as planned. Archer and I had spent countless hours preparing for this day. From refinishing floors and having new lighting installed to rearranging the bookshelves to give the library a little more flow. We had picked out furniture together and arranged it ourselves.

I got to the library early, parking in my reserved spot. I let myself in, turned on the lights, and looked around. I had barely been inside for two minutes when there was a knock at the door. I didn't have to guess who it was.

I opened the door and let Archer in. He pulled me in for a big hug and kiss. "How are you feeling?"

"Excited, nervous, a little bit of everything," I admitted, feeling a rush of warmth at his embrace. "But mostly just ready to see how this all turns out."

"It's going to be great. Even if there are some hiccups, it doesn't matter. It doesn't change what you've done. The kinks will work themselves out."

Together, we went over the final details, making sure everything was in place for the grand opening. The tables were set up with information on library memberships, the refreshments were laid out on a side table, and the books were all neatly arranged on the shelves.

Then it was time. Butterflies erupted in my stomach at the thought of opening the doors to the public for the first time. Archer nodded and did the honors while I stood just inside to greet everyone. My heart swelled with pride and excitement as I took in the bustling crowd gathered before me.

I gave my very brief speech and then moved out of the way to let the patrons in. The turnout was beyond anything I had imagined, with people pouring in from all corners of the city to show their support and register for library cards. Many of them were familiar faces from the fundraiser. Archer was never far away.

The library buzzed with activity, with kids running around excitedly, exploring the various events and activities we had organized for the day. From outdoor games to sign-up sheets for reading and study groups, there was something for everyone to enjoy. It was exactly what I had tried to get my old boss to do. I knew it would be a hit, but he was far too stuffy to let it happen. I realized now he never cared about the library. He didn't want it to be successful.

I walked over to the events board prominently displayed at the entrance. It showcased the exciting lineup of programs and activities we had planned for the coming months. Author readings, writing workshops, crafts for kids, after-school reading programs—I was determined to breathe new life into this space and make it a vibrant center for learning and creativity. Sunny had been a huge help, providing insight into what she liked. I took her suggestions and ran with them.

The press showed up a couple of hours after the library had already been open.

"Are you ready?" Archer asked.

I sighed. "You promise you're going to be with me? This is so intimidating."

"Here," Karen said and handed me the giant scissors I was going to use to cut the ribbon. It was all for show. Something for the media to print. This picture would be attached to every article about the reopening of the library.

Archer stood by my side as we prepared to cut the ribbon. The cameras started flashing, capturing the moment for posterity. Archer squeezed my hand reassuringly, his presence grounding me in the midst of all the excitement.

With a steady hand, I raised the oversized scissors and ceremoniously cut through the ribbon, officially marking the new chapter of the library's story.

The applause and cheers from the crowd were deafening, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride at what we had accomplished. The support and enthusiasm of the community were pretty amazing, filling me with a sense of fulfillment I had never experienced before.

All around me people were talking and kids were chattering away. I had been making my rounds, introducing myself to as many people as I could. I spotted Archer's father approaching, accompanied by his wife, which was very unexpected. Murray was with them as well.

"Hello." I nodded at his father.

His mother terrified me. She offered a nervous smile. "Hello," she said.

I knew the family had been working on repairing their relationships, and I didn't want to get in the way of that. I had long forgotten about the horrible things she had said to me. Archer explained they came from a place of anger and she didn't really mean them.

"You guys should go on in and see how it all turned out," I said. "Archer has become a jack of all trades. We wanted to keep costs down and did as much of the work on our own as we could."

"He mentioned that." Murray chuckled. "I hope you got some pictures of him doing actual manual labor."

"Murray, stop," their mother chided. "He put in a lot of effort."

I was taken aback by her defense of him. It was a good thing and showed some serious progress.

"Let's go in," Murray said.

I shook Mr. Archer's hand. "Thank you," I said. "This is all possible because of you. I can't thank you enough."

He smiled warmly. "The happiness you have brought my son is all the thanks I need. This has been good for him. You have been good for him. Thank you for taking a chance on a guy that didn't come to you in polished form."

"I wouldn't want a polished, Archer—Gene," I corrected. "I like him just the way he is."

He chuckled and moved away. I watched the trio move toward Archer. Seeing Archer wrap an arm around his mother's shoulders and greet her filled me with joy and hope. Their relationship was healing. I was so happy for him. For all of them.

Rylee approached me with a grin on her face. I shook my head.

"What did you do?" I asked. "I know that look. You're up to no good."

Lauren and Jenny followed behind her. Karen gave me a few notecards. "It's time for your speech," Karen said. "I made some notes for you."

"No," I gasped. "No way."

"You have to," Rylee said. "It's a grand opening."

"I did a speech earlier."

"No, you told people to come in," Rylee said dryly. "That's not a speech."

I groaned. "Guys, you know public speaking is not my strong suit."

"What do you keep telling us? Take a leap of faith?" Karen said.

"No, no." Lauren grinned. "It's all about stepping out of your comfort zone."

"You guys suck," I muttered.

But deep down, I knew I had to say something. This was my library. This was the first day and I wanted everyone to know what to expect.

Taking a deep breath, I climbed onto a chair, feeling the weight of hundreds of pairs of eyes on me. My cheeks burned as I waved to get the attention of everyone.

I cleared my throat and went for it. "Thank you all for coming out today to celebrate the grand opening of our community library. This space is not just a collection of books, but a place where ideas can flourish, imaginations can soar, and connections can be made. I am incredibly grateful for the support we have received from each and every one of you in bringing this dream to life."

As I spoke, I could see the genuine interest and enthusiasm in the faces of the audience. Rylee winked at me from the front row, silently cheering me on with a thumbs-up.

"I will be available to take questions or talk about something you might want to see," I said. "I want to make sure we are doing all we can to meet the needs of our community."

Just as I started to relax, I noticed Archer making his way through the crowd toward me. I smiled at him, feeling an infusion of courage, knowing he was there beside me. But there was a strange look on his face. The crowd fell silent.

Something was off.

And then, to my utter surprise, he got down on one knee. I almost fell off my chair. My eyes widened and my hands started to shake so badly I dropped the little microphone I was using. Time seemed to stand still. He smiled up at me. From my perch on the chair, it felt like I was a giant compared to him.

"Archer?" I asked softly.

"Ever since I met you, my life has changed for the better," Archer began, his voice steady and filled with emotion. "You've brought light into my world, and I can't imagine my days without you in them. You make me want to be a better man, and I am so grateful for your presence in my life. You are beautiful inside and out. I want to stand beside you for the rest of my life. I will always be the guy in your corner. I want you to be the woman in mine. Will you do me the honor of being my partner in all things? Will you marry me?"

The gasps and murmurs from the audience surrounded us, but all I could focus on was Archer's earnest gaze fixed on mine. Tears shimmered in his eyes, reflecting the love and vulnerability he was displaying in front of everyone. My heart felt like it might burst from my chest as I gazed back at him, the weight of his words sinking in.

I swallowed hard, feeling a surge of overwhelming emotions coursing through me. This wasn't how I had imagined this moment, surrounded by a sea of strangers in the middle of a speech at the community library. But as I looked at Archer, at the man who had changed my world in ways I never thought possible, I knew that there was nowhere else I would rather be.

"Yes," I whispered, my voice barely audible but filled with unwavering certainty. "Yes, Archer, a thousand times yes."

Tears of joy spilled down my cheeks as he slid the most beautiful ring I had ever seen onto my trembling finger. The applause and cheers of the crowd faded into the background as Archer pulled me off the chair and into his embrace.

In that moment, with the love of my life holding me close, I felt a sense of completeness. This was where I was supposed to be, right here in Archer's arms, ready to embark on a new chapter of our lives together.