Tears stung her eyes as it sank in: Despite the obstacles, and thanks to Aiden and all her neighbors, her bookshop—her new home—finally had become a reality. She entered the main room where the others were making quick work of the local section and drew in a lungful of her favorite smell—new books.

Aiden rose with another empty box, his eyes locking on hers, giving her a look that aligned with her thoughts. “What do you think?”

“I can’t believe we’re almost finished. We made it.”

“Here you go, Sophie.” Ellie handed her a book on the history of Fort Macon. “This is the last one—you should do the honors.”

Sophie took the book and placed it in the correct spot on the local history shelf. The others applauded, almost as thrilled as Sophie to have all the books shelved at last.

“That was a lot of books!” Amber said. “But I’m well trained in our inventory now.”

“The store looks amazing.” Ellie’s gaze flittered around the space, her eyes filled with the kind of wonder only a book lover could appreciate. “I’m so thrilled we finally have a bookstore in Piper’s Cove. I’ve wanted this a long time.”

“I can’t thank you enough for your help.” Sophie checked her watch. “And we actually got done early. I thought I’d be here until midnight!”

Aiden chuckled. “Me too.”

“I have a few things to finish up.” Sophie addressed the women. “But after that, why don’t you let me take you to supper? It’s the least I can do after all your help.”

“That’s so sweet,” Ellie said, “but I should get home to my husband. Once the store’s open, I’ll be working a lot of hours, and he’s used to me being around all the time. Heaven forbid he should have to cook his own supper!”

“I told a friend I’d come over after I was done,” Amber said. “But thanks for the offer.”

The women cleared out pretty quickly after confirming they’d be here by nine the next morning to go over last-minute details.

And then it was just Sophie and Aiden.

She touched up a few things in the window display and set up the cardboard cutout the publisher had sent. She arranged the end caps closest to the signing area with a selection of Nathaniel’s backlist.

When she stepped away to survey her work, Aiden came up behind her and pulled her close. “Is everything the way you want it? Anything else you need done?”

She leaned back against him, her gaze sweeping the space. “I can’t believe I’m saying this at seven o’clock on the eve of the opening, but . . . everything’s perfect.”

He chuckled when her stomach gave a loud growl. “Not quite everything.”

“I’ll admit I’m starving. All I had today was that sandwich.”