Page 96 of Happily Ever After

Brick turned as he stopped. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” she said, pulling the phone from her pocket. “It’s the group thread. And I think the text we’ve all been waiting for.”

She read Paige’s message quickly, then again, slower this time to really take it in.

Final count: 2,383 signatures. I’m taking them to the Colony office as soon as it opens. Also—reminder that book club is tonight. Gigi will be here. But don’t worry, we’ll be able to talk about what we accomplished. I have a plan…

Blaise let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

“Wow,” she said.

“It’s the signature count, isn’t it?” Brick asked.

“Yes. Two thousand three hundred and eighty-three,” she said. “We actually did it.”

Brick’s mouth curved into a slow smile. “That hard work paid off.”

“It sure did.” Blaise blew out a breath. “Give me just a sec to answer.”

She typed back a quick response: That’s incredible. See you tonight. Then she hit Send, slid the phone into her pocket, and started walking again.

Brick shook his head. “Maybe Paige has more pull than she realizes.”

“I think she does,” Blaise said. “Whether she wants to admit it or not. She certainly doesn’t act like she’s got that kind of influence.”

“Might be why it works.”

They finished their usual loop through the neighborhood and headed back toward Brick’s place, Beau trotting happily between them now, clearly satisfied with his thorough investigation.

When they reached the house, Brick bent to scratch Beau behind the ears. “Suppose I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“You want to walk with us in the morning?”

“I do.” He gave her a little smile, then leaned in and kissed her lightly. It was the kind of kiss that demanded very little but still left her breathless.

She gave Brick a wave as he headed inside, then she went through his backyard and through the gate into her own.

Once she and Beau were in, she kicked off her sneakers and got him fed. She stood at the sink for a moment in the quiet. She loved mornings like this. Full but unhurried, the day still open in front of her. She thought about what stories she’d add to her book today.

After talking to the publisher, she was more eager than ever to get to work writing.

She showered, letting the water run hot over her shoulders. By the time she stepped out and wrapped herself in a towel, her mind had shifted fully to the work waiting for her.

She knew exactly what she was going to write about, as soon as she finished the chapter she was currently in.

She dressed simply in loose knit pants and a light top, then went into the kitchen to make breakfast. Scrambled eggs with some diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of grated parmesan. And, of course, a big cup of coffee. She carried it all to the table by the window and ate slowly, watching Beau play with one of his chew toys as she did.

When she finished, she cleaned up, then took her laptop to the couch along with her refilled coffee mug.

She opened her document, the cursor blinking back at her, waiting patiently for her to start writing. Blaise read the last paragraph she’d written, then the one before that, easing herself back into her place in the book.

She put her fingers on the keyboard and started typing.

Time slipped away like it always did when she was writing. She liked to think progress was measured not in minutes but in pages. When she got stuck, she went back and revised a section she’d had some doubt about, surprised by how easily the words fell into place.

It felt like something had loosened in her since Miami. Or maybe since the call yesterday. Or maybe she’d finally stopped doubting her ability to master a project like this. After all, she was actually getting it done.

Her phone chimed.