“Sooo . . . you know that book I wrote . . . the one that caused so much trouble.”
Liam huffs, creating clouds of frozen breath. “I’d be fine if you never mentioned it again.”
“Alright . . . but I think you’ll like this.”
“Okay?” he asks warily.
“Um... well, so, that book has sold a lot and made a lot of money. So much so that I put in my notice at the community college... I’m moving back to Sacramento... in January.” He doesn’t say a word. We walk past a couple houses before I break the uncomfortable silence. “Liam, is that okay? I thought you’d be happy.”
“Lettie.” His voice cracks. “You’re moving to Sacramento?” I nod. And then I realize why he hasn’t said anything. He’s crying. “I didn’t know I could be this happy.” He wipes away a tear with his leather glove.
I pull one of my brand-new handkerchiefs out of my coat pocket and hand it to him. “Here!” He wipes his face and smiles at me. Heartfelt delight suits him.
“Oh, Liam!” I throw my arms around his neck. We embrace in the middle of the neighborhood. We only break when Fitz strains at his leash, barking at an approaching dog.
On Boxing Day, Liam and Tilly take over the kitchen to bake macarons and binge-watchThe Great British Bake Off. I supervise by tasting the cookies for quality control. I also find the mistletoe my mom hung in front of the fridge very convenient.
Two days later, I fly out with Liam to Tahoe for New Year’s. We have more fun than I imagined possible, and I have a good imagination. I was worried about Liam’s mom not liking me, but she welcomes me like a daughter. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m only a girlfriend of a couple weeks. Everyone treats me like I’m already part of the family. Honestly, I feel like I am. Georgie is an absolute delight. She wants to help me plot my next book, the one in which Ivan Pennington is redeemed and the Noah character ends up in prison. The real Noah has so far evaded such a fate. But on the bright side, Lydia got the photos he stole from her phone taken down, and she swears she will get her revenge. In my opinion, Noah should be scared.
I learn from Anne Darcy that Noah didn’t actually quit Bennet Parties as he told me. He’d been fired. When Anne Darcy found out he was working for the company last June, she had a conversation with Priscilla, warning her about Noah. Priscilla, already concerned about some of the drama he’d caused in the office, quietly dismissed him. What I find the most shocking about this revelation is that Priscilla managed to keep a secret. I didn’t think it possible. Then again, when will I learn that I’m not exactly the expert on human behavior like I want to believe I am?
I fly home only to spend a few days to say goodbye and pack up Lady for my triumphant return to Sacramento. I go the long way via Los Angeles. With this route, I skip most mountain passes in January and have the bonus of visiting my cousins. Liam flies down to meet me in LA. He is adorably starstruck upon meeting April, Freddy, and my Uncle Dean. After a satisfying visit, Liam drives with me back to Sacramento. He is almost beginning to like road trips—or at least road trips with me.
Char welcomes me back with only a few told-you-so’s, reminding me that she said I should stay in Sacramento and date Liam. “I told you he’d make you happy.” I’m way too happy to mind.
All I can say is, “You were right, Char. So very right.”
***
Normally, I hate winter, but the pasttwo months have been the best of my life. Dating Lettie has changed everything. It also helps that Joe Whittaker agreed to an early retirement after the holidays, and my mom decided to be his replacement on the board, making life at Pemberley so much better.
Lettie and I attend the hospital fundraiser once again. But this year, the evening does not end in a fight. It ends so much better.
Lettie now frequently asks me to read her writing. She often reads a chapter out loud to me, asking for my opinion. The best is when she’s working on a kissing scene and asks me to help her work out the logistics. I always approach this as a challenge—to kiss her so thoroughly that she forgets all about her writing. I’ve become quite skilled at this.
Not only is my mother back on the board, but she’s resumed planning all the Pemberley Parties. She’s been especially excited about today, the first Blossom Days since my father’s death. Blossom Days are simple enough. We open the small orchard at our home to friends and family to wander and take in the glory of the almond trees in full bloom. We hire several excellent photographers so that guests can get professional photos. And, of course, we provide a bountiful picnic spread.
I amble through the rows of trees blooming with white flowers with just a hint of pink. Sweet, scented petals carpet the ground. The trees above tremble with the buzz of bees. I’ve always loved the sound of them humming in the trees. The only thing that could make this orchard more beautiful is the woman waiting for me with a dazzling smile and Fitz beside her.
“There you are!” Lettie greets me with a kiss, and so does Fitz.
“Sorry, it took me a minute to get away,” I say. The party ended an hour ago, but the after-party is still going strong.
“Is Caroline still here with her date?” Lettie asks.
“We’re going to have to drag him out.”
“I can’t believe she stooped so low as to invite Colin.” Lettie takes my hand, and we begin ambling through the orchard.
“I seem to recall another young lady who did the same thing.”
“I was trying to make you jealous.”
“It worked,” I say.
“You’re kidding, right?” She looks at me with amazement. “You couldn’t have been seriously jealous of that guy?”
“Not exactly jealous, but I hated it when he put his arm around you.”
