Epilogue
Three months later
The brass bell above the bookshop door tinkled as Nick rushed in, dripping wet from the heavy autumn rain. He shook his head, sending drops flying. As always, Lulu rushed over to greet him.
“Hey, Puss-Face.” He shed his wet coat and scooped up the cat with one hand, while holding out a wrapped package with the other. His dark eyes sparkled, and a wide smile stretched his luscious mouth.
“It’s here. An advance reader copy for you, my love.”
“Really? This is it?” Clara took the package, squeezed him tight with her free arm, and then ripped the wrapping paper away. Her breath came out in a whoosh. “The cover’s magnificent!” Gleaming bronze paper surrounded a helmeted Greek warrior sporting a proud erection. He reached for a nude maiden demurely clutching a cloak to her breast. The title: Eternal Erotic Dreams: from Ancient Temples to Modern Fantasy.
Margot’s lightning-rod earrings tinkled as she peered over their shoulders. “Looks like you two. Congratulations, Professor.” She pushed the cart of new books down the aisle and called out, “Got an email from Harry. He’ll be back from Australia in time for the wedding.”
Nick squeezed Clara’s shoulders. “Check out the inscription.”
The dedication page bore a single line: To Clara, bringer of light, and keeper of the red door.
Flushed with pride and pleasure, she kissed his cheek, then flipped through the pages. Nick’s book featured erotic art from earliest Phoenicia all the way to 1940s pin-ups, with scholarly commentary on changing ideals of sexual attractiveness. Behind their red door, he’d found just what he needed to finish two years of research. News of his project had spread on campus, too, boosting enrollment in his classes at the U of O. Enid, his former boss, was right—this sexy book was good for his career.
Clara had spent hours helping him with editorial feedback—what they’d called it when he showed her a set of completed pages, which inspired them to try the poses, with delicious results.
Nick patted her belly. “Are you sure your wedding dress will still fit by the time Harry gets back?”
“Of course. It’s nice and loose, and I’m only two months along. Is Bella ready to be flower girl?”
“Calista says she carries a basket around everywhere, throwing bits of toilet paper all over the house.”
They’d hired a team to tame the jungle out front of Nick’s place and in his back yard, revealing a lovely, rose-lined garden complete with an arbor to shelter them while they exchanged vows.
They would have married sooner, but there’d been no time to plan a wedding, what with the sale of Clara’s apartment, moving her into Nick’s house, planning the grand re-opening of the combined bookshop and café. Fortunately, the increased customer traffic, plus the updated website, generated enough income to hire more part-time help.
Clara slid her arm through Nick’s. “You sure you’re okay with Doug attending the wedding?”
“I’m sure.” He quirked a half-smile. “As long as he doesn’t try to kiss the bride.”
“No worries. His new girlfriend won’t let him.” In fact, Laurel’s arrival in Eugene soothed the tension between Nick and Doug, as well as providing Clara with a valuable new employee.
“So,” Nick asked, “how many copies of this should we order for the red room?”
“Oh, I’ve cleared a whole shelf. It’ll be our top seller, I’m sure. In fact, we should plan a launch party.” She winked and pinched his behind. “This book will make so many couples happy, they’ll probably name a street after you.”
Nick snorted, but he pulled her close and pressed a sweet kiss onto her forehead. “Thank you, babe.”
“For what?”
“For taking a chance on me. For listening to your heart instead of your fear.”
She laced her fingers at the small of his back and rested her chin against his chest. “I listened to Jared. He and Diana steered us together, I think.”
Talking about Jared no longer made her sad. He was still with her, happy to see her basking in the warmth of her new family. His photo smiled at her from her desk, watching over the bookshop they’d built together. Beside him, a framed photo of Diana, a sturdy blonde with a mischievous grin, leaning on her rowing oar. And a candid shot snapped by Leo: Nick and Clara embracing at their housewarming party, surrounded by friends and family as they toasted their new life together.
Nick rested his chin atop her head. “Tell me again why you picked me.”
She chuckled. He never got tired of hearing this. “Because you’re pretty, my Greek god. Because you stood by my side when I needed you, and you’re kind to my friends, even to Doug. Because my body sings Hallelujah whenever you touch me. Because you’re the one for me.” She wound her arms around his neck. “Se agapó, Nick.”
“And I love you—for learning Greek, for having our baby, for opening your heart to a horny old pest, for making a home with me.” He kissed her then, right in the middle of the shop. Customers swirled around them, ignoring their spontaneous embrace.
Until a little boy with huge brown eyes tugged on her skirt.
“Book Lady, will you read me a story?”
His mother sighed. “Jared, the book lady has to work.” She flashed Clara an apologetic smile.
“Nonsense.” With a pat on his behind, Clara sent Nick on his way. “Come on.” She took the little one’s hand. “You pick out a book.”