“Ohh.” Will groaned, reaching back to rub his tailbone. He’d broken her fall. “That’s gonna leave a big bruise.”
“Are you okay?”
He winced. “Yeah, I think so. But let’s get you some new patio furniture.”
She laughed and carefully helped him back up.
“Elsie! Elsie Bennet, are you hiding back here with Will Darcy? Everyone is looking for you two.” Her mom came around the corner, hands on her hips. She spied the broken lawn chair. “I don’t wanna know what you two are up to. But the party’s over, and I could use some help cleaning up.”
Will winked at Elsie. “Yes, ma’am.”
Epilogue ♥
Elsie demonstrated how to use the T-shirt press and then moved aside so her students could try it out. Teaching had never been something she’d considered, especially teaching adults. But she also never thought she’d be marrying Will Darcy in a few short weeks. She couldn’t help holding up her left hand and watching the diamonds sparkle as they caught the light.
Will didn’t tell her about his trade school or his other charity work until they’d dated for several months. He was quite the mystery man, and every day, the love he showed her was the greatest mystery of all. She’d gladly spend the rest of her life trying to match it.
“Miss Bennet, I think the font needs to be bigger.” One of her students held up his shirt, and she studied it.
“I think you’re right. But put it on to check.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, just throw it on over the shirt you’re wearing. It’s the best way to know if the size of the design is working.”
When she and Jane sold the T-shirt business, Elsie had to give up the rights to her T-shirt designs as well. At first it had felt like giving away all her hopes and dreams, but she found creating for herself, without the pressure of a deadline was freeing. More importantly, Jane could go back to teaching kindergarten, something she’d truly missed. The elementary school was over-the-moon to have her.
It was Gianna’s idea to have Elsie teach graphic design and basic computer skills at the trade school. Now, making T-shirts was strictly for fun. She and the students took their favorite new designs and created merchandise to sell at fundraisers for the school.
One of her students touched her arm. “Um, you have a visitor, Miss Bennet.”
Elsie turned around and caught Will watching her from the doorway. His smile had her tongue tied all in knots, and she blushed red as knowing glances came from all around the room. Class ended in two minutes. Without being told, her students immediately began shutting down the computers and gathering their bags.
“Enjoy your weekend, dear.” An older lady patted her on the back.
Oh, she planned to. She and Will were driving to Meryton together, and though that meant checking in on her family to see what mischief Lydia was into now, and packing up the last of her stuff, anything was better with Will by her side.
She pulled her purse out of the bottom drawer of her desk, and Will came inside, shutting the door behind him.
“Will,” she warned.
He grinned and came closer.
“Do you know how many times we’ve been caught making out in this building?”
He took her hands and wrapped them around his waist. “Not often enough if you ask me.” He kissed her softly, and she lost all willpower to resist him.
“Can’t we elope?” she whispered as he kissed just below her bottom lip. They’d agreed to wait until after they were married to take things any further, but the waiting was killing them both. In hindsight, practically living out of the guest bedroom next to Gianna was probably not the best idea ever.
“No. Because I love you, and in twenty years you’d look back and regret it.” He reluctantly pulled away, keeping her hand as they walked out to his car.
“I don’t think I’d regret it.”
“You’ll want your family there. And the flowers. And your beautiful dress I’m not allowed to see.”
She sighed. “I know. But a girl can dream. So, do you think Charlie will propose to Jane soon?”
He opened the passenger door for her and then went around and got in. “Oh, I know he will. He’s just waiting until after our wedding.”
