Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76664 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 383(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
As the lights dim and the first speaker mounts the stage, Oliver captures my hand, giving it a tight squeeze. I squeeze his back, the first genuine smile of the afternoon curving my lips.
So far, we’re navigating our first time out and about as a recently disgraced couple pretty darned well, if I do say so myself!
Now, all that’s left is to sit politely during the ceremonies, tuck into dessert, and make a graceful exit.
Surely, we can manage that.
Grateful that the hardest part is over, I relax into my chair, nibbling on finger sandwiches as the awards are handed out.
The first honoree runs a program teaching sustainable farming to at-risk youth. The second has spent thirty years protecting wetlands from development. And the third runs a “retirement home” for elderly dogs. The small, gray-haired woman practically weeps with gratitude as she thanks the committee for the honor and the audience for their generous donations.
By the time they announce Viscount Edward Featherswallow, I’m genuinely moved.
But then, I’m a sucker for anything to do with helping animals, especially dogs. They really are the best of us. I look forward to working less in the future for many reasons, but a big one is finally having time to spoil a puppy of my very own.
Oliver’s brother looks like an older, slightly thinner, more serious version of Oliver. Same sharp cheekbones, same devastating jaw, but where Oliver has mischief in his eyes, Edward has gravitas.
He takes the stage with such quiet confidence, even the gossipy old ladies in the back stop whispering to pay attention.
“Failure is never an easy thing to admit to, but not long ago, the Swallow House Fishery was failing,” Edward begins without preamble. “It had been for years. But not because the good people who worked there weren’t giving it their all. Sadly, our previous manager refused to see that new farming methods were needed to meet the moment, and I was too distracted with other projects to realize how dire the situation was until it was nearly too late. When I took the reins five years ago, almost everyone I consulted said it would be best to shut it down.”
He pauses, scanning the room, his gaze softening as it lands on his mother, who’s beaming up at him with love and pride.
“But my mother and father reminded me that the fishery employed forty-three people,” Edward continues. “Families who’d worked those waters for generations, and who deserved better from us. So instead of shutting down, we innovated.”
Edward briefly explains how they converted to “wild-ish raised” fishing—a hybrid model that protects wild populations while maintaining jobs. How they eliminated hormones and chemicals to make their harvests more attractive to buyers, and how, in time, employment at the fishery actually increased.
“But none of that would have been possible without my parents’ care for our community, or my brother’s help and inspiration,” Edward says.
I feel Oliver tense beside me as he continues, “Oliver, a gifted architect, designed our new processing facilities to be carbon neutral. But more than that, growing up, Olly was the kind of boy an older brother could be proud of. He made me think and question the status quo, and once stayed up all night helping clean a flock of oil-damaged birds that had washed up by our home. Even though he was only ten years old at the time.” His voice roughens slightly as he adds, “We both cried when all but two of them passed away, but Olly was the one with fire in his eyes when he said we had to make things better when we were grown. He made me promise I would never stop fighting to fix all the broken things in the world, and I’m so glad he did. Everything I’ve become, all the good I’ve done, has grown from that night, and that moment of clarity.” He lifts his award into the air above the podium. “So, I must insist on sharing this lovely medal with my parents and Oliver, incredible people who I’m so honored to call family.”
The room erupts in applause and a few teary sighs as Edward cedes the microphone to the master of ceremonies to conclude the presentation.
I glance Oliver’s way, seeing him with new eyes, this mischief maker with a heart of gold. I squeeze his hand again, and he shoots an almost shy smile my way that makes my throat a little tighter.
I lean in, whispering, “I know compliments are terrible things, but I think that maybe you’re an excellent brother. And maybe it’s okay to be proud of that.”
He laughs, his cheeks flushing as he glances down at our joined hands. “Never, Darling,” he whispers back. “Pride goeth before the fall and all that.”
I hum beneath my breath. “Well, then, I guess I’ll have to be proud for you. Good job, Olly.” I kiss his cheek before murmuring for his ears only, “I’m very proud to be the fake girlfriend on your arm.”