Total pages in book: 63
Estimated words: 57407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57407 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
She kept their final destination a surprise, taking him first to eat at an Italian restaurant. Afterward, they arrived at the Vanderbilt Space Observatory and Planetarium on Long Island, leaving him in awe of how much thought she’d put into a date catered to his love of astronomy.
She’d already purchased tickets to the planetarium laser show, and after the event was over, they made their way up to the rooftop observatory to take in the clear night sky. Georgia enthusiastically pointed out all the constellations he’d taught her at the cabin, and even others that were more difficult to find.
He smiled, surprised and impressed by her expanded knowledge. “I see someone has been studying.”
She laughed, the sound light and carefree. “I admit, I’m finding astronomy fascinating. I wouldn’t have known about any of this if it wasn’t for you. Now, when I look up at the night sky, I see it entirely differently.”
He remembered feeling that same way after the first time his father had introduced him to the stars, and he’d learned about all the constellations.
She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward one of the higher-powered telescopes, where they were able to view the moon and some planets, including Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus. Based on her excitement, her interest in the solar system was genuine, and he enjoyed having a partner who liked the same things he did. It was a fun evening, and one he knew he’d never forget because that shared passion made him feel even more connected to her.
They spent over an hour finding different aspects of the planetary system together, and just when he thought they were done for the evening, Georgia withdrew an envelope from her purse.
“I have something special for you,” she said, holding the item to him.
He took the envelope and tipped his head curiously at her. “What’s this for?”
“It’s a little thank you,” she said softly. “For reminding me who I can be when I just trust myself and stick to my convictions.”
He knew she was referring to the difficult conversation she’d finally had with her mother. “You don’t need to thank me for that.”
“I wanted to do this for you,” she insisted, her eyes glimmering with excitement. “Go ahead. Open it up.”
So, he did, withdrawing a parchment paper with the words “Certificate of Registration” at the top. Unsure of what he was looking at, he kept reading the typed words: Let it be known that the star residing at the astronomically verified coordinates of RA 12.390 and Declination -2.57 is now hereby named WHITNEY DANIELS.
He stared at the certificate, stunned by the realization that she’d named a star after his sister, and there wasn’t a damn thing Drew could do about the emotion that tightened in his throat. Georgia’s gift was so special and meaningful—not just because she’d tapped into his love of astronomy, which most people tended to find boring, but because she’d honored Whitney’s memory in an unforgettable way she knew he’d love and appreciate. It was the most thoughtful thing he’d ever received.
He lifted his gaze back to her smiling face. He didn’t care whether or not they were alone. He pulled Georgia into his arms and hugged her tight. “Thank you,” he said, his voice gruff with appreciation, and so much more. “This is amazing.” She was amazing.
“You’re welcome,” she whispered. “Whitney deserves her own shining star.”
He couldn’t agree more, and he couldn’t wait to share this with his family.
When he finally released her, she had her cell phone in her hand, and she opened up an app. “Let’s find Whitney’s star through the telescope. I just need the coordinates, and then we can search the sky once we see where it’s located.”
He gave her the information off the paper, which directed them to a bright star near Ursa Major. It took a bit of exploring, but they finally narrowed in on Whitney’s star.
It was an extraordinary moment, and the emotion stayed with him during the ride home. When they arrived at her door, he gave her a soft, chaste kiss on the lips. One he swore was meant to show his gratitude and nothing more. Though he wanted to carry her inside and make love to her until the sun rose in the sky, he had no intention of following through on his desire. Knowing he was going to accept a job offer that would force him to end things between them, he had no right sleeping with her again. He couldn’t have both the career and Georgia, and the time had come to begin that painful separation.
But his light kiss didn’t stay sweet for long. A ravenous need for one more night had him lifting his hands to her face and tipping her head to the side to deepen the connection. She moaned against his lips, encouraging him with the touch and slide of her tongue against his, her fingers digging sharply into his shoulders as she clung to him, melting in his arms so perfectly.