But fall is more than leaves and doughnuts; it also marks the return of college football. We live close enough to Iowa State that on game day we can hear the cheers from the stadium in my backyard.
What is fall like there? I also want to know so many other things? Did you really grow up on a farm? I’ve been to your house, and it’s not very farm-like. Do you have a favorite Halloween costume? What have you been baking?
With a mouth full of doughnut yumminess,
Lettie
P.S. Tell Fitz I miss him.
Such a charming man! So handsome! So tall! —Pride & Prejudice
19
From: [email protected]
Subject: So many questions!!!
Lettie,
After seeing the picture you sent of the doughnut cat, I’m convinced my life wouldn’t be complete without one. I love doughnuts.
Now, to answer your many questions. I’ll start with my childhood on the farm. Until I started middle school, we lived on the ranch about 40 minutes out of the city in a 100-year-old farmhouse that my great-great-great grandfather built. I absolutely loved it. In addition to being surrounded by orchards, we had livestock: cows, pigs, and chickens. I had chores starting at about five-years-old, and when I was six, I was driving all over the property on an ATV. At nine, my dad taught me to drive an old, rusted Bronco without doors; I felt so grown up and capable. I’d love to give my kids the same childhood. But my mom never took to the farm. She didn’t like being so far from the city or living in an old house. Over the years, my dad spent more time in the corporate office. Eventually my parents bought land closer to Sacramento and built their dream home. I honestly had no idea we were rich until we moved into such a wealthy neighborhood and my dad bought a sports car.
I’ve always thought we had the best fall. At least compared to the rest of California. But it sounds like I really need to check out autumn in Iowa.
Liam is totally angling for an invite. And I’m tempted to give him one. But once we see each other in person. It will become so much more real and scary. I really want to pursue this relationship, I do. But I’ve created this timeline in my mind, where we have until December. Moving any faster freaks me out. But at the same time, December feels so far away.
We started harvesting in August. First, the tree shakers shake the nuts out of the trees—pretty cool process (I’ll have to show it to you one day). Then we leave the nuts on the ground for a week or so to dry—and pray it doesn’t rain. Now, it’s October, and we’ve wrapped up the almond harvest.
How are you doing? Bored yet? I suspect your eyes are glazing over at this point. Georgie is always telling me to rein in the almond talk. I give her weekly updates because I still hold out hope that she’ll decide to come back to Pemberley. The whole Noah thing soured her on the company. Which is a shame since she’d make a far better CEO than I do. She has much better people skills. I can’t wait for you to meet her.
Liam always writes comments like this, mentioning a future where we will meet each other’s families. I must admit that the idea of a future with him is appealing. Also, reading what he said about Georgie joining the company makes me think of another lie Noah told me. He said Liam didn’t believe in having women in the boardroom. Whenever I think of Noah’s lies, I cringe. I’m so ashamed of believing them. At least he’s no longer working at Bennet Parties. The people I know are safe from him.
I’ve been helping my mom bake her famous pumpkin muffins for the Pumpkin Hunt. If you give me your address, I’ll send you some. I’m not sure about my favorite Halloween costume. As a kid, I was always Spiderman. I mean, who doesn’t like Spiderman? I was Obi-Wan Kenobi because ofStar Wars(sorry to remind you of the greatStar Wars/Twilightdebate. Too soon?), but my strangest Halloween costume was when I was eight. My mom readCharlotte’s Webto me, and I thought Templeton, the rat who steals all the food from the fair, was the coolest. I begged my mom to make me a rat costume. I’ll send you a picture.
Now, it’s my turn for questions. Basically, answer all the questions you asked me. Plus, are you a night owl or an early bird? I can’t decide from the various times you send emails. Or are you a superhuman who never sleeps?
Yours,
Liam
From: [email protected]
Subject: Reply to: So Many Questions!!!
Liam! My Sweet Templeton!
Thank you for that picture of you as a little boy dressed as a rat. It’s my new screensaver and brings me endless joy. Also, I love that your mom made you a Halloween costume.
Not to make too big of a deal about it. But the more I read Liam’s letters, the more I see some similarities in our families. His mom made his Halloween costumes. And she embroiders like my mom. I bet she has a beautiful sewing room in that gorgeous house. Suddenly, I really want to see it.
I also was obsessed withCharlotte’s Webas a little girl, but I didn’t dress up as Templeton. I wanted to be Charlotte, of course. My mom was all over that spider costume. She always gravitates toward challenging costumes. My Charlotte costume was amazing. But like all the best Halloween costumes, absolutely no one recognized it. I got so tired of people thinking I was the spider fromHarry Potter. Couldn’t they tell with my long lashes that I was a lady spider?
As for sleep, I like to stay up late because that’s when the house is quiet, and I can finally write in peace. For the same reason, I also wake up early. I’m a huge napper. I love naps. Napping is basically my superpower. I would ask, but I already can tell you’re an early-morning person.
