My eyes narrow at her as we move toward the door.“You think so?”
“The oleander clue and the Tar Heel reference were especially clever.Oh, and I love the movie and the posters.”
“Little Shop of HorrorsandYou’ve Got Mail, just for you.”
Stopping at the door, she twists around again, seeming to examine every small detail.“I love it.It’s perfect...but perhaps it’s best not to tell them that it only took me eight minutes.It might make them think it’s too easy.”
I reach for the door handle, but hesitate.“Yeah, but youarea genius.”
She nods.“True.Let’s say it took fifteen.”
“Ready to escape?”I ask with a grin.
“With you, I think I’m ready for anything,” she says, taking my hand in hers.
I open the door, and Olly practically falls inside and launches into an excited report of the evening’s highlights for Venus, who listens attentively and asks thoughtful questions as he leads us to the cake.
Venus
EPILOGUE
“So, you’re staying?Forreal?”Ivy says, her blue eyes bright with excitement but also suspicion.
“Yes, I’ll still travel for work and pleasure, but Wilmington will serve as home base,” I explain to the group assembled around the rear deck of the fairy house.The fans Christie installed swirl overhead, taking the edge off the humidity.The solar-powered twinkle lights pop on across the backyard, over the garden paths, inside the greenhouse, and along the deck.Everyone smiles, as if marking the start of a pleasant evening.
“That’s wonderful news, sweetheart,” Fred says, squeezing Maggie closer by the shoulders.“Ain’t it, Mags?”
“Wonderful,” she repeats with an easy smile on her face.
“Good thing we upgraded that mattress up there,” Christie says.
“We’re delighted to have you,” Dad says.
“Oh, I’m not stayinghere.I mean, for now, yes.Thank you.But not for long.”
“Are you moving in with me and Olly?”Henry perks up, his lopsided smile widening with the idea.“We’d love?—”
“No, I’m not doing that either, but thank you for the offer.”The group stares expectantly, awaiting my explanation.“I have money saved.I want a house with a yard and a garden.I want a greenhouse, an art room, a study, and a porch.”I turn to Henry, locked at my side, and hope he’s not disappointed.“Your apartment is very nice, but it simply won’t accommodate me.Oh, and I want a dog.”
“AHHHHHHH!Buster’s getting a cousin?”Ivy yells, rousing the dog at her feet.He yaps his usual“what”as if he missed my big announcement.
“Don’t worry, Henry.I’ll invest in air purifiers so you and Olly will be comfortable staying with me, because I want you to stay frequently.I’m thinking Olly’s room should have an archaeological theme, but I’m open to discussion.”
“A dog?My own room?”Olly recaps, abruptly stopping his race around the deck with Mango flying through the air.“Can we get one just like Buster?Can I have a bunk bed?Can we paint stars on the ceiling?”
“Maybe, maybe, and yes,” I answer.
Satisfied, he flies Mango around the deck again, this time with Buster in tow.
“Ivy, will you accompany Olly and me to pick out my new pet, since you’re more experienced?”I say.
She bounces on her sparkly sandals, the ruffles in her skirt swaying, before she takes my hand and spins me around like we did in the parking lot.“I’d be happy to!We can take our dogs to Grady for check-ups and spa days?—”
The doorbell interrupts her dancing.
“Oh, speaking of the Tripp family, that’s Gil.”She rushes along the deck to greet him at the front door.
Christie rounds the group with wine, refilling our glasses.He wears a green scarf around his neck that reminds me of my collection.He leans in to whisper, “He’s a dreamboat, Vee.I’m so happy for you.”
