‘What’s going on?’ Elle heard Jenny whisper to Irene, who shrugged.
‘Aiden, spill the beans! Come on, what are you doing here? Please tell me you haven’t gate-crashed the event.’
He smiled and motioned towards another door. ‘I’d like you to come and meet Sam Stone – my godfather.’
‘Yourgodfather?’ Pippa raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
Elle stared at Aiden, open-mouthed.
‘You’re kidding us, right?’ Noah probed.
‘No. He’s my father’s best friend.’
‘You kept that quiet,’ Pippa trilled at the top of her voice. ‘And your dad never said a word last night!’
‘He was sworn to secrecy because I wanted to surprise you. Are you ready?’ he asked Elle.
‘I think so,’ she replied, feeling her pulse race. ‘I can’t believe he’s your godfather.’
Aiden was still smiling as he opened the door and swept his arm towards the man standing in the middle of the room.
‘He’s very handsome,’ whispered Irene. Elle had to agree.
‘Which one of you is the talented Elle Cooper?’ Sam smiled as he walked over towards them with his hand stretched out.
‘I’m Elle,’ she replied shyly, shaking his hand.
‘I’m very pleased to meet you. Your competition entry touched my heart in many ways and I’m not ashamed to say it actually brought tears to my eyes. It was an inspiring personal journey, full of raw emotion, and it deserves to be published. You’re very talented. Have you ever thought about a career in writing?’
Elle felt herself blushing at all the compliments. ‘Thank you,’ she replied. ‘And no, I haven’t, but I work in a library and – can I just say – I love your books.’
‘Thank you, that is very kind and who have you brought along with you today?’
Pippa stepped forward. Her smile couldn’t have been any wider.
‘This is Pippa. My best friend.’
Pippa didn’t hold back. ‘Fangirl moment!’ She shook Sam’s hand. ‘I’m your biggest fan, I’ve read all your books, and I’ve loved every one of them,’ she went on in a rush.
‘And … breathe,’ whispered Elle, making everyone laugh.
Pippa turned to Aiden. ‘And I can’t believe you never told me! What a cool godfather to have!’
Aiden smiled at her. ‘I would have in time.’
‘Does this explain where the signed book came from?’ Elle looked from Aiden to Sam.
Aiden grinned.
‘Guilty as charged,’ Aiden said. ‘I knew Sam was your favourite author and I wanted to spill the beans so many times, but I’d planned to bring him to the library this week when Dad was up visiting me – he lives relatively close, you see. But then you won the competition.’
Elle swiped Aiden’s arm playfully.
‘And this is Noah Jones, a fellow author,’ said Aiden, continuing the introductions.
‘Yes, I’ve heard of you,’ Sam said, shaking Noah’s hand.
‘Thank you,’ replied Noah.
