Page 27 of Romantic

My mom makes a humming noise. “I liked your father the moment I met him. I was definitely attracted to him . . . but it wasn’t love at first sight for me.”

“Mom! You’re crushing my childhood dreams,” I say with intentional drama.

“Sorry, it’s the truth. Falling in love isn’t really that hard; people do it all the time. I think what you’re really asking is who do I want to commit to? I needed to know more about him before I decided he was worth committing to. I needed to know if we had enough to build a life together. Not just shared values but shared interests. As well as trust and open communication.”

“Mom! This is shockingly unromantic stuff you’re saying here.”

“I know . . . but I’ve seen too many women give their hearts to undeserving men, and I just can’t bear the thought of that happening to you.”

“Are you saying Jack is undeserving?”

“No, not at all. From what I can see, he seems to be the real thing. But if your heart is with Brandon . . .”

“Can we not talk about Brandon anymore? Everyone talked me into liking him, and I listened and all I got was my first taste of heartbreak. Then Jack shows up. And he’s all in. I think the Universe is telling me something.”

I take my berries and stride off to Bumble Cottage. I’m angry all over again at Brandon, and I can’t even say why. I’m so confused. I’m desperate for some clarity. Lady Whimple has her work cut out for her.

***

I’m just taking the pan of berry bars out of the oven when Pepper knocks on the door. Her hair is in respectable French braids. I can picture Brandon braiding them with his usual look of intense concentration as he holds the elastic in his mouth. The thought fills me with guilt. He is such a good father. How could I have ever said that to him?

“I came to apologize,” she says, holding out a bouquet of wildflowers and weeds. She’s hamming it up a bit for me. But I don’t mind. I would do the same thing at her age. Or even now.

“So tell me, did you set the tarantula in Jack’s cottage?”

“I did.” She’s frowning, but her eyes twinkle. “I’m sorry—please forgive me.”

“I already have. I’m sorry if I got you in trouble with your dad.”

“He pretends to be strict. But he’s an old softie.”

“I know.” I think of how Brandon’s eyes soften whenever he is talking to his daughter.

“Would you like some berry bars for second breakfast?”

“Yes, please! Dad and Edward are off doing boring work stuff.”

“I’m surprised that he’s letting you roam free.”

“It’s killing him, but I am ten now.” I hide my smile as I cut us each an olallieberry bar.

“Your braids look great.”

“Dad’s getting pretty good.”

“He is. But now that you’re ten, maybe you would like to learn to do them yourself?”

“Yes! Then I wouldn’t have to wait on him.”

“My morning’s free. If it’s okay with your dad, we can work on braids till noon.”

I text Brandon.

Annie

Pepper’s here. Is it okay if she hangs out with me till lunch? I promise to be a good influence. No shenanigans. Pinky promise

Brandon