One Chance

Chapter 13

This particular morning is as sunny as it can get. It reflects my mood perfectly. Seeing my mom's text in the morning about how happy she is about Toby and I, makes me feel overjoyed. 

Work is as usual but it didn't dampen my mood. Even Mrs.Gobbins remarks couldn't bring me down. I am getting my work done splendidly. It's probably the first time this has happened, which means for the first time I was genuinely appreciated by my boss, with no sarcastic undertone; at least I didn’t pick up on it. 

I keep getting these cute messages from Toby throughout my day which just make me giggle like a little girl (in private that is). His 'I miss you and can't wait to see you again' messages makes me want to meet him right away but I remind myself that I have work and I also need to have some control. 

I get a bunch of flowers delivered to my office around lunch time though, with a cute note that read, "Join me for lunch. I have something special prepared for you at the bookstore, can't wait to see you. - Toby". As soon as I read this, I stop all my work and speed walk to the bookstore. 

As I enter, I see an entire spread of food and candles on a blanket and Ed Sheeran music playing in the background. It reminded me of the car ride a couple of days ago. Then, I spot Toby, looking as dashing as ever in his flannel shirt and dark blue jeans. He has a big smile on his face and I don't waste time and leap into his arms. He holds me close and we sway to the music playing. 

As the song changes from "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran to "It's you" by Henry Lau, Toby leads me to the carefully prepared lunch set up. As I look at the food, it's lasagna, a chicken dish, salad along with my favorite dessert, apple pie. 

I sneak a glance at Toby who is looking at me with the softest glare and before I can ask anything he says, "The pie is from your parent's bakery. I know I can never make me it as good as them but I did make everything else on my own." 

“Toby... this is perfect. I love it. I also love the flowers you sent me too. Lilies are my favorite! How did you know?"

"Uh... I may have asked Amanda for help. I wanted to send you roses but Amanda said lilies are your favorite. "He says with the most innocent look on his face as he rubs his neck looking a little embarrassed. 

"I see you been busy all day then. Thank you Toby, I am really happy. This is great." I say kissing him. 

"This is really nothing; I wanted to do something for you." He says while he pours some wine for the both of us. 

We eat in silence for a few minutes and I suddenly remember something. I quickly search my purse and hold out a piece of paper out to Toby. "I wrote this last night as its nothing big." 

He takes it from me immediately and reads it out loud. 

"Every day that I get to know you, the world seems a little better. I never thought I would meet someone as sweet, kind, gentle as you. As I lay awake in bed, I can't get this smile off my face because you make me so happy. I never thought this would happen to me and I was happy earlier but right now I know what it means to find happiness in another person. I am writing this to you to let you know that no matter what happens in the future, in this moment you've made me feel like the luckiest person. You are by far my favorite new comer in town – Lucy." 

I cannot look him in the eye after that but the smile on his face makes me feel better. He stares at the page for a little longer, takes a picture of it on his phone too and says," this is the first time someone has written something like this for me. I'll keep this with me always. Thank you Lucy." 

"Mark wanted me to say hello to you. He says that all the preparations for the weekend are almost done. I guess having Ashlyn there must have helped. She really is a good planner, even during College, she threw the best parties. By the way, what gift would you like for your birthday. When Mark told me about the party I was caught off guard and well, I want to know if there's something you'd like" he adds.