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)
By the time I finish, his eyes are as round as our coffee saucers. “Well, hell. That’s completely mad, but…it looks like your plan worked.”
“Thanks to Ronan and his midnight ride upon a concrete lion,” I add.
“I mean, that didn’t hurt,” Edward agrees with a laugh. “But you were well on your way to putting the scandal to bed on your own. You’re a charming couple. And for two people who have known each other such a short time, remarkably natural together.”
“It’s so easy to be with her,” I agree, hating how mundane that sounds. “I know that doesn’t seem like a meaningful thing, but it is. For me, at least. I’ve never felt so comfortable with a woman. Or so…happy.” I exhale, frustrated. “I don’t know, I’m doing a shit job of explaining it, but it’s special. She’s special.”
Edward’s lips curve into a slightly patronizing smile. “Aw, my baby brother’s in love.”
“Oh, shut it,” I say, rolling my eyes. “I know it’s too soon for that. I’m not completely mad.”
“Who says it’s too soon?” he counters, surprising me. “I knew I was in love with Matty ten minutes into her speech at that climate conference. I took one look at that gorgeous, nerdy science girl, passionately defending the preservation of habitat for endangered grouse and…that was it. I had to know her. I followed her around the cocktail party afterward like a puppy, wagging my tail until she finally noticed me and let me fetch her another glass of champagne.”
“That’s a sweet story,” I say.
“It’s a true story,” Edward assures me. “And I’ve never regretted going all in, right from the start. Connections like that are too precious, and too rare, to risk letting them slip away. But then, I’ve never been the best at navigating social situations in the typical way. You’re definitely the cool one.”
I exhale a self-conscious laugh. “I don’t know about that. Better at playing at it, maybe, but deep down… Well, I don’t think I ever realized what a relief it would be to completely drop the mask with someone.”
“Someone who clearly adores you without it,” Edward murmurs. “I’m happy for you, Olly. Truly.”
I glance up, grateful for this rare, vulnerable conversation. Edward and I have always been close, but we’re also British and from a noble family. Sharing our deepest, squishiest feelings isn’t something society encourages for men like us. We do share an “I love you” now and then, but it’s always a little awkward, and we move on quickly. Like at the luncheon.
He’d never told me how much our night cleaning the birds meant to him before. His speech was the first I’d heard of it.
Suddenly, I want to tell him that we should talk more often. Really talk. And I can’t help but feel like Emily is part of this, too. She really is breaking my heart open in strange and wonderful ways.
Before I can find the words to express my thoughts, however, my phone rings.
I reach for it, a little embarrassed at how disappointed I am that it’s not Em.
“Grandmother,” I tell Edward as I silence the ring. “I should step outside and take it. You know how she is. If I don’t answer, she’ll keep calling until I do.”
Edward glances around at our mostly empty corner of the café. “I think you’re fine to take it here. You won’t be disturbing anyone.” I hesitate, and he adds with a nod toward the door, “And if you step outside, you might have trouble hearing. Looks like Father Christmas is strapping back into his pipes.”
Nodding, I agree, “All right, I’ll be quick.” Accepting the call, I say, “Good morning, Grandmother. How are you on this lovely Monday?”
“Oh, Oliver, darling, I’m lovely on this lovely Monday!” she gushes with a giddiness that’s rare for her. At least when she’s sober and discussing something other than her dogs and whatever adorable thing they’ve just done. “And I have wonderful news! Well, not wonderful for dear Gretchen. She’s taken a tumble, the poor thing. Princess Fluffy Nugget was mucking about underfoot again, and one thing led to another, and now we’re in the A&E.”
“Oh, no,” I say, frowning. “Is she all right?” A tumble can be a serious thing at Gretchen’s age.
“She’s fine,” Grandmother hurries to assure me. “Just a hairline fracture on her wrist. Her hip is fine, thank God. That’s always the major concern for people of a certain age. But this has solidified a decision she’s been wrestling with for a while now.” Her voice takes on that gushy note again as she adds, “She’s decided it’s time to rehome Nuggy to a younger family, and she’s chosen yours, darling!”
I blink. “What? Grandmother, you know I adore furry things of all—”
“I know you do, darling,” she cuts in, steamrolling on before I can explain that adopting a dog might be difficult at the moment. “You’ve always been fantastic with animals. But if I’m frank, it’s Emily who Gretchen truly wants for Nuggy. They had such a powerful connection at the Christmas party. We all agreed it’s Fate that brought her into Nugget’s life at the perfect time. But since you and Emily are together, you’ll get to share in the joy, too. Oh, I’m so happy for you both. Can you put Emily on the line? We should discuss how we move forward from here. There will be papers to sign, of course, and Gretchen would love it if Emily would—”