Love Notions by Mary Manners

“That’s a perfect prelude to the festival. I think it’s time for some fireworks.”
     
    ****
     
    They walked down the boulevard hand-in-hand as moonlight cascaded, bathing the town square in a soft and inviting glow. The cloudless sky provided a perfect backdrop for the promised explosion of colors yet to come. Riley carried a quilt that he’d gathered from the cab of his truck, bundled in one arm. The crowd increased as they neared the center, and he searched for the perfect resting place. His shoulders ached, and he knew Jami must be dead on her feet from the brutally busy workday. But if today’s crowd at Nana’s Novel Notions was any indication, her venture promised to be a long-term and rousing success.
    “How about there?” Jami motioned to a clearing beyond a grove a trees. Blades of grass danced in the gentle breeze.
    “Looks good to me.” Riley headed that way, keeping hold of her hand. When they reached their destination, together they spread the quilt and smoothed the lumps and bumps. He finally sat, taking her with him. He eased back on his elbows as he stretched his legs, gazing up at the star-dazzled expanse of sky. “Yes, it’s just right.”
    “How’s the time?”
    “By my estimation, perfect for this.” He slipped one hand into his pocket and drew out a thin, rectangular box. “Something for you, in celebration of your opening day.”
    “Oh, Riley.” She gasped as she took the box and loosed a thin, yellow ribbon, lifting the lid to expose a silver bracelet that held a single charm…an open book. “It’s lovely.”
    “There’s lots of room for more memories.” He leaned toward her, taking the bracelet from the box and draping it over her wrist. “I hope you’ll make them with me.”
    “I’d like that.” Jami turned her wrist, admiring the jewelry as the charm glimmered beneath a smattering of starlight. “It’s perfect.”
    “Almost perfect. There’s something else.” Again, Riley’s hand went into his pocket. He delved until his fingers touched the sheet of paper, carefully folded. “I want you to have this, but I have to tear it up first.”
    “Tear it?” Her pretty blue eyes narrowed with confusion. “I don’t understand.”
    “It’s the buyout clause, Jami. I’ve removed it from the contract—your contract. There will be no more talk of a buyout. Nana’s Novel Notions will thrive right there in the complex for as long as you wish. I’ve decided to find another way—an alternate venue—in which to expand my firm. I’ve discovered a few other options, and with some thoughtful planning, I’m convinced one of them will work nicely.”
    “You’re planning to leave Angel Falls?”
    “No. There are ample opportunities here. And you…us.”
    “But—”
    “Shh.” He pressed a finger to her lips to silence her protests. “I can’t do it, Jami. I can’t destroy your dream in order to have mine. I’ll find another way, I promise. Because I’ve realized that your dream is mine, as well. I’m falling in love with you.”
    “In love…oh, my.” Tears filled Jami’s eyes, turning them to deep pools of blue. “I feel the same. I can’t help myself. I don’t want to help myself.”
    “You told me a few days ago that you trust me.” Riley tucked a finger beneath her chin to level her gaze with his. “Do you still trust me, Jami?”
    “Yes. I do.”
    “Then let me…” He leaned in, inhaling the scent of her perfume that drifted with the warm summer air. “…have that kiss now.”
    “I’d like that.” She tilted her head, nestling one hand along the nape of his neck. “We’ve waited long enough. The timing is…”
    “Perfect.” Riley closed in and claimed her lips as the first explosion of fireworks ignited the sky in a glorious burst of red and gold. He held, savored, as he felt her pulse race to match his. Finally, slow and easy, he came up for air and found his smile mirrored hers, as well. “That was…”
    “Perfect.”
    “Yes,