He leans in so our foreheads touch. “I adore everything about you, Elinor Margaret Greenwood,” he says softly. “Even when you’re rolling your eyes at me, or mocking my car, or being so stupidly sensible that you keep us apart. I’m so glad that you’re willing to give me a chance. Because I am totally, hopelessly in love with you.” His hand rests against my cheek as I recklessly stare into his adoring eyes. I’m so happy, I’m lost for words. So instead I raise my lips to his. His mouth meets mine, and we kiss in the sunlight, hardly aware of the chorus of friends and family in the tree singing “We are the Champions” and hooting and whistling.
“I didn’t expect you so soon,” I say between needy kisses.
“Did you think I could wait after reading your note? I came straight here.” He pauses. “Well, I did make a detour at work to give Lucinda my two weeks’ notice.”
“You didn’t!”
“I did. She was not pleased.”
“And by that you mean she went ballistic.”
“Indeed. I’m ninety-nine percent sure she sent the chainsaws.”
“Sounds like her,” I say.
“Of course it was Lucinda,” chimes in Annie. My sister’s voice pops our blissful bubble. Edward and I are both suddenly aware of how tightly we’re clasping each other in front of a crowd of people. He steps away a little but keeps my hand. Likewise, I lean into him. It’s so good to be close to him after weeks of uncertainty.
“Why did you quit your job?” asks Annie, who is now back on the ground, standing with Brandon and a jubilant Pepper.
“You did it!” Brandon breaks into one of his rare smiles. “Good for you.”
“I’m so glad you came and chased off Doug,” says my mom, “I hope you can join us for dinner, Eddie.”
“Hey! Brandon helped too,” says Annie.
“We definitely want Brandon and Pepper to join us.” My mom turns to them. “What do you say?”
“Yes!” Pepper yells before her dad can say anything. Brandon laughs, “I guess that’s a yes.”
Edward squeezes my hand. “Are you okay with me having dinner with your family tonight?”
“Of course; don’t be silly.”
“I didn’t want to assume,” he says sheepishly. “Last time we spoke you had some reasonable concerns. We should talk them over.”
“That’s the sensible thing to do,” I agree.
“And you are always very sensible.” He leans in and whispers, “That’s one of the many things I love about you,” and my heart flutters like one of the wishes on Lady Whimple’s branches. “Do you think we could go somewhere private?” asks Edward.
“How about my office?”
“Perfect. I have lots of business to discuss with you.”
“Business?” I ask, one brow raised.
“Yes, business—real business... but maybe we can fit insome other business, too.”
His situation indeed was more than commonly joyful. —Sense and Sensibility
28
Edward
“Turns out I like this even more when it’s not raining,” Elinor whispers after a particularly dizzying kiss. She rests on my lap with one arm draped around my neck, her fingers playing with my hair. Needless to say, we’ve spent the last few minutesnotdiscussing business.
“That rainy kiss wasn’t so bad,” I say.
“No... not at all. Except I hate that Annie was right.”
