Joy wishes he’d come closer. She wishes everyone in line didn’t suddenly stop their conversations or look up from their phones to watch them. But she pays them no regard, forcing her undivided attention on Dylan and this specific moment. She’s 100 percent in the present. She has no doubt it will become the newest memory marker in her mind.

She takes a deep breath. “What if I don’t move to New York? What if I don’t accept the position at Vintage Chic and instead find a job in LA? I can gain the experience I need there to launch Surfari Soaps & Salves.” She laughs, giddy with nerves when he looks at her peculiarly. “Surprise! I just came up with the name for my business. I want to start my own company, that’s what I want to do.” She thumps her chest with a flat palm. “Vintage Chic? I don’t even wear lipstick. What was I thinking?” She tosses up her arms and Dylan’s mouth quirks. The hurt fades in his expression, replaced by something new and bright. Hope and possibilities. It gives Joy the kick in the tush she needs for what she’s about to say next.

“What if—” She blows out a rough breath and schools her face. “What if—” She looks down at the engagement ring on her left hand. Big and beautiful and expensive. Perfect for a woman who’d appreciate what it means to the man who put it on her finger.

That isn’t her.

“What if I don’t marry Mark?”

She slides off the ring and tucks it into her pocket. She flexes her fingers and looks up at Dylan. His expression is intense. She can’t read it, but she knows he caught everything she said and did. His eyes slowly track up from her pocket to her face. She meets his gaze head-on. “What if—”

“You fly to London with me?” He steps over the barrier and jerks her into his arms. Joy gasps. He embraces her hard, the notebook slapping against her back. He kisses her just as hard, bringing his hand to her face. His fingers thread into her hair to hold her head to his and Joy couldn’t be more thrilled.

She kisses him to show him what she wants. Who she is. Not Judy. Not the person she thought her parents wanted her to be. Just Joy. And it’s the best kiss ever.

“Lady . . . Lady!”

Joy rips her mouth from Dylan’s and twists her head. Dylan releases his embrace.

A stout, red-faced airport security officer glares at her. Two more guards back him up.

He thrusts a finger toward the window. “That your Volkswagen out there?”

Joy slaps her cheeks and gasps. “Oh my God! I forgot about my car. The keys! I left the keys in the car.” She starts running for the door.

“Joy!”