The Final Rose

Chapter Twelve: Teach a Man to Fish

Author's Note: Since The Final Rose has become a Featured Story on Wattpad, my Followers have exponentially multiplied. I wanted to take this moment to say Hi! to these new readers and to also highlight ways that you can support independent authors here on Wattpad.

1. Vote for chapters! Just hit that little star-icon after you've read a chapter. How easy is that?

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And with that little PSA on behalf of indie authors everywhere, here's Chapter 12!

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The next morning, I sat in the kitchen with Stephie and Candace, poking at a cheese and mushroom omelet. Only after a frigid shower had I been able to fall back asleep, but my dream about Lee had left me frayed around the edges. I cast periodic glances in the direction of where Lee would eventually appear. I both looked forward to and dreaded seeing her that morning. I had quickly come to enjoy every moment spent with her, but I knew things had changed for me overnight with one explicit dream. It would take a while for me to be able to meet her eyes again without blushing.

Stephie picked up an envelope on the kitchen island. "Is this a date card?" she wondered aloud.

"Tonight's the rose ceremony though," I remarked around a mouthful of cheesy eggs.

"Open it up," Candace urged.

Stephie looked around the room. "Shouldn't we wait for the others?" she posed.

Candace waved a dismissive hand. "Screw the others. It makes no difference if everyone's here. It's not going to change whatever's written on that card."

Candace's logic seemed good enough for Stephie. She slid a finger beneath the envelope flap and broke the seal.

I continued to pick at my omelet, more invested in when Lee might wake up than what was written on the card.

"Oh my God," Stephie blurted out. "Nokomis. It's for you!"

"Me?"

I wiped my hands on a napkin before taking the card from Stephie. There was no poetry, no vague message about falling in love. Instead, Jacob had written a straight-forward, simple, and transparent request: Nokomis. Will you go fishing with me today? Jacob.

Candace snatched the cardstock out of my hands before the words and request could really sink in. "I told you so!" she crowed. "I told you I'd get you that date."

I shook my head, not believing or understanding. "But there's no more dates this week."

"He's breaking the rules for you. He's deviating from the formula just to get to know you better."

"Good morning, everyone!" Lee walked into the room, nearly as bright as the morning sun. She wore a tank top and yoga pants—not my old t-shirt. "What smells so good?"

"No time, Teach," Candace cut her off. "We've got to get Nokomis ready."

Lee's face scrunched up in confusion. "Ready? For what?"