Lauren Layne

Ben has it in his head that he’s mediocre.

I, on the other hand, know otherwise. He’s amazing.

I’ve heard him on work calls. Seen him working late into the night. The dude knows his stuff. He’s really, really good at his job, and, strangely, he’s the only one who doesn’t seem to know it.

“I didn’t exactly see you clamoring to stand by my side.”

“Yeah, well, I forgot my sweater,” I snap. “I wasn’t properly dressed to withstand the chill you emit anytime I’m near.”

And though I know I should step back, the selfish part of me who knows my time with him is coming to a rapid end closes my eyes and pulls him closer.

“I thought you knew. I fell in love with you weeks ago. It was highly inconvenient.”

My brother offers to help with the prenup. We respectfully decline.

We name our first son Danny. He’s nearly two now, and I have yet to not cry when I hear Colin quietly singing “Danny Boy” over the baby monitor.

We live very, very happily ever after.

“I didn’t mean to fall in love with you,” Tom says, echoing his exact words from Gorby’s truck. “I sure as hell didn’t intend to stay in love with you. But I’ve learned . . . lately, that the best things in life aren’t the ones you plan. The best things in life aren’t easy. The best things are the ones you hold on to for all your worth, and if you’re stupid enough to let go, then you fight like hell to get back. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that I’ll make mistakes. And that I don’t deserve you. But I also promise to never stop trying to make you smile, to make you happy. I promise that I’ll never give up. If you’ll only give me a chance.”

her presence seems to haunt this entire street.

her presence seems to haunt this entire street.