“Is it Peter?”
Katie shook her head. “It’s my agent,” she whispered before saying, “Hi, Nalini. How are you?”
“Better than I was last week. How’s Montana?”
“Cold, dark, and filled with the smell of hot chocolate and marshmallows.”
“Spoken like a true country girl. I’ve got some news.”
Katie sighed. “Brad Pitt just walked into your office and wants to buy the film rights to my books?”
“Not quite, but close. I just heard back from the editor at Plumridge Books. They want to talk to you about writing a new series of children’s books.”
“Are you serious?” On Katie’s list of most preferred publishing houses, Plumridge Books was at the top. Her agent had sent her manuscripts to them and each time they’d been declined.
“I’m as serious as you are about hot chocolate. The editor’s daughter was reading one of your books and loved it. After her mom read it, she bought the rest of the series and called me.”
“Why didn’t they want the manuscripts when we first approached them?”
“They’ve had a change of staff and focus. They like the way you mix genres and create a world that resonates with children. Anything that combines magic and adventure themes is flying off the shelves. There’s something else they want you to consider. I’ll email you the details.”
Katie glanced at her mom. Mabel had finished laying the quilting fabric on the table and was looking excitedly at her. “When do they want to talk to me?”
“As soon as you can organize a flight to Los Angeles.”
With a pounding heart, Katie smiled at her mom. “I’ll check the flights and call you with some options.”
“Sounds great. If I don’t answer my work number, call me on my cell phone. Congratulations!”
“Thanks, Nalini. I’ll be in touch soon.” After she ended the call, Katie’s eyes filled with tears. “Plumridge Books wants to talk to me about writing a series of books for them.”
“That’s fantastic. I’m so happy for you.”
Katie’s hand was trembling so much she almost dropped her phone. “I don’t want to get my hopes up. It’s only the first conversation. They might not want to go ahead after we talk.”
“Nonsense. They’d be crazy not to sign you up, then and there.” Mabel hugged Katie tight. “I’m so pleased for you. It’s everything you’ve ever wanted.”
Katie’s smile disappeared. It wasn’t everything, but it was close.
* * *
Peter pulledhimself out of his truck and took a deep, cleansing breathe. With snow causing havoc on the roads, the usual hour it took to travel from Kalispell Airport to Sapphire Bay had taken four. Regardless of the slow drive, it felt good to finally be back.
He could have stood on the sidewalk for a lot longer, enjoying the view of the quaint stores and snow-capped mountains, but he’d sooner find Katie, wrap her in his arms, and tell her how much he’d missed her.
“Peter! When did you get home?” Penny, Katie’s sister, stepped onto the sidewalk holding a reciprocating saw.
“I just drove into Sapphire Bay. What are you doing with the saw?”
“The blade is bent and I need to buy a new one. Dad said he had some spares in the general store, so that’s where I’m heading.”
“Katie said I’d find her in the general store, too. I’ll walk with you. How is the remodeling of the cottages going?”
“Really well. The construction team is amazing and the plumbers and electricians start work tomorrow. We’re trying not to get too far ahead of ourselves in case we have a problem sourcing building supplies.”
“That makes sense. Ethan was looking for some reclaimed wood for one of his projects and couldn’t find any. There seems to be a shortage of everything at the moment.” Peter stopped in front of the general store. “It’s good to be home.”
“Katie will like that you said Sapphire Bay feels like home.” Penny opened the door. “Hopefully, it still feels like home to her, too.”
