“That could work,” I say, a little nervous. Doug is still raring to go. “Could you send me a photo of your I.D.? I’m not sure how long I can keep this guy at bay.”
“It’ll be faster if I just drive. Trust me. Is Brandon there?” he asks.
“Yes, he’s in the tree with Annie.”
“Really? That’s great. I should be there in less than fifteen minutes.”
“You’re that close?”
“Yes—” And the call drops. Of course it does. But I don’t mind—Edward is on his way.
In happy silence, I watch Brandon reach down and help a random hiker climb up into the tree. Annie starts singing “We Will Rock You,” and they all join in.
“A pack of lunatics,” grumbles Doug.
“Maybe, but they’remylunatics.” I cross the short distanceto the tree. I remove my ballet flats, reach for the lowest branch, and hoist myself up. It’s been years since I climbed a tree, but it’s all coming back to me. Why did I ever stop? I love this feeling of being up in the branches, one with the tree.
“Elinor!” Annie greets me with a huge grin. “I knew you’d join us.” I clamber up to my sister. Lady Whimple is an amazing climbing tree with endless hand and footholds.
“You made it!” Annie says as I reach a sturdy limb near her.
“I wasn’t going to be outdone by Brandon,” I say.
“He really came through, didn’t he?” She beams up at him. Brandon doesn’t smile back. He merely squints into the sun.
“Edward didn’t order this,” I say. “He’s on his way. He should be here any minute.”
“He’s on his way?” asks Annie. “So did you two make up?”
“Not exactly. At least, not yet.”
A red Ferrari blazes up the lane. The car screeches to a stop, its tires spraying gravel, and Edward leaps out. He’s overdressed in a charcoal gray suit, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. He swaggers—actually swaggers—over to Doug and Mayor Joe. Edward pulls out his wallet and flashes his I.D. as if it’s a weapon. Doug appears properly contrite.
I can’t wait any longer. “Edward!” I call from the tree. I wave to him before I start climbing down. He waves back. He exchanges a few more words with Joe, then jogs over. Everyone in the tree cheers at his arrival.
“Mr. Beaver Tree Service is going home,” he announces. Annie starts singing “We are the Champions.” Brandon joins in with a surprisingly good baritone.
“Should I climb up?” Edward shouts to me over the singing.
“No, I’m coming down to you. I’m just waiting for the easy route down.” My mom and J.J. are carefully making their way down.
“Jump. I’ll catch you.” He steps back and widens his stance,holding his arms up to catch me.
I’m not so sure about this plan.
“You know this isn’t like when we were kids,” I call back. “I’m a lot bigger.”
“So am I. Don’t worry, Elinor. I’ve got you.”
I leap, and he catches me sure and true. His arms hold me safe as he takes one step back and lowers me to the ground.
“I got your letter,” he whispers in my ear.
“You did?” Remembering what I wrote, I feel a little nervous. “What did you think?”
“I drove straight here. To answer you in person.”
“And what’s your answer?”
