Page 98 of The Pumpkin Pie Book Nook

“That was amazing,” she said, her long, deep-brown hair spilling over her shoulders. She sounded genuinely shaken by it. “Such a beautiful story. And the store—my God, Robyn. It looks better than it ever did when I ran it.” She glanced around again, softer this time. Her hands clasped in front of her chest. “You have a gift. Truly.”

Robyn swallowed. “Thank you,” she managed. “I had help. Lots of help.”

Tyler’s mouth curved. “Don’t let her fool you. We just do as she says.”

Robyn shot him a look that was part gratitude, part Don’t make me cry again tonight.

Meg squeezed Robyn’s arm and then turned as she was pulled into another conversation.

Tyler motioned to the other woman beside him. “Robyn, this is Claudia Spenberg. She’s an editor friend of mine from New York.”

Robyn blinked. “Oh.”

Claudia stepped forward and offered her hand. Her grip was firm, confident. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” she said. “I’ve heard so much about you. And I love your writing.”

Robyn felt her cheeks heat. “Thank you. That’s… wow.”

Claudia didn’t waste time. She had that polished, purposeful energy of someone who knew how to seize a moment.

“I’m going to be direct,” Claudia said, lowering her voice slightly as the crowd swelled around them. “Tyler sent me your work—the AfterHoursAuthor blog. I read it. My team read it.” She smiled, and it was the kind of smile that came with certainty. “We want you.”

Robyn’s brain stalled. “I’m sorry—what?”

“We’d like to publish your romances,” Claudia said. “Major release. Real distribution. The full dream.” Her eyes flicked toward the crowd. “And after seeing this tonight? The community. The demand. The voice? I’m even more convinced.”

Robyn’s mouth opened.

Nothing came out.

Tyler’s hand brushed the small of her back. It was a gentle touch, centering her, reminding her that this was her life. And she could build it however she wanted to.

Claudia continued, calm as if she were discussing weather. “We’re prepared to offer a significant advance. We see this selling strongly in the US and internationally. We’ll move fast.”

Robyn stared at her, heart pounding. The bookstore noise dimmed, the room narrowing to this impossible moment.

“A-an advance?” Robyn echoed, because her brain had chosen that one word to cling to.

Claudia nodded. “Yes. Here’s what’s been approved.” She handed Robyn a slip of paper.

Robyn opened it and was stunned. She’d heard of authors receiving six-figure advances, but never thought she’d be one of them.

Robyn looked at Tyler. His expression was careful. He looked hopeful, but he wasn’t pushing. Like he’d opened a door and was letting her decide whether to walk through it.

Robyn’s throat tightened.

She thought of Yale. Of her parents. Of Maple Falls. Of Emma tucked into Zoe’s workshop with cats and fear. Of the bookstore shelves and lantern glow and the way this place had started to feel like home.

“I—” Robyn swallowed hard, then forced her voice steady. “Yes. Yes, I want that.”

Claudia’s smile sharpened into satisfaction. “Perfect. I’ll have legal send the official offer tonight, and we’ll schedule a call this week.”

Robyn nodded, still stunned. “Okay.”

Claudia shot her another winning smile, said something to Tyler, and then turned to explore more of the bookstore.

She turned around and sought out Meg before her courage could evaporate. Thankfully, she was still right behind them.

Meg rejoined Tyler and Robyn.