Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 147733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 591(@250wpm)___ 492(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 591(@250wpm)___ 492(@300wpm)
When they finally let us up, we’ve got two hellhounds between us.
I look at Coffee. “Not cool, dude. You made my girl move.”
Jenn stands and I come up on one knee again.
“Why are you still on your knees?”
“Because there’s one thing you didn’t let me do.” I take the ring from the box and slide it on her finger.
“Miles, it’s gorgeous,” she whispers.
I’m inclined to agree.
We enjoy a quiet moment, entirely lost in each other, until the elevator dings again. The unexpected flash of light makes Jenn jump and burrow her face into my chest.
“Excellent timing, you guys!” The photographer steps out of the elevator.
Jenn blinks at me in shock.
“Before you ask, yes, you can use it as promo for the wedding packages, but I wanted a few for us first.” I get back on my feet, pull my fiancée tight, and slide an arm around her waist. “We’re the first engagement shoot here.”
She beams like the sun. “I love your insanity so much.”
“Love you, too, kitten.”
29
No Final Offer (Jenn)
Four Months Later
I’m standing in front of the full-length mirror in Gram’s old room, absolutely awestruck.
My heart skips every time I do a slow turn.
Is that girl in the mirror really me?
With a smile so happy it breaks me, Mom adjusts the veil around my updo. “Oh, Jennifer. You’ve never looked prettier in your life.”
“Thank you.”
She hugs me, releasing a long sigh that turns into a nervous laugh. “Silly me. You’re a bundle of nerves and I’m the one who’s not ready for this. Promise me you’ll visit as often as you can?”
“Mom, I’m fine. I’m just a few hours from Seattle, and I already lived here. Not much is changing.”
“Not quite,” she says gently. “My baby girl is all grown up and she’s marrying a billionaire.”
“You’re being way too dramatic.”
“One day, Jenn.” Her eyes mist over as she clasps her hands. “One fine day, you’ll be a mom, and then you’ll understand.”
Will I? We’ve never talked much about kids.
And for now, I’m okay with that.
Everything with Miles has always been about the journey more than the destination.
“I don’t know if he even wants children,” I say.
“He doesn’t get a choice. You owe me grandkids—human children who aren’t beasts that can knock me over.”
“That’s not what I meant, Mom. It just hasn’t really come up yet, and I’m cool with that.”
I am cool, aren’t I?
She shakes her head like she knows. “Don’t go down that road. Everyone gets the jitters on their wedding day, but these things always work themselves out.”
I hope she’s right. I hope she’s—
Knock! Knock!
“Who’s there?” I call. My mind is racing now with a million things that could go wrong today.
What if it’s Miles?
What if he just realized he doesn’t know if I want kids?
“What now?” Mom rolls her eyes and approaches the door. “You’re fine, hon. The kind of men who build lighthouses to propose aren’t the sort who’d leave their bride jilted at the altar.”
“Mrs. Landers? Hi. Your husband told me I could come up for a minute. I’m Waldo Spencer, Lottie’s estate attorney. Is Jenn around?”
“Yes, but... forgive me, does she really need a lawyer on her wedding day?”
“Mom, it’s fine.” I step forward, my curiosity piqued.
“I’ll only be a moment.” Waldo studies me, a slight man with perfectly round spectacles. “Miss Landers, you are stunning. I’m sure your grandmother would agree if she could see you. My sincerest congratulations.”
“Thank you.” I smile. “But is something wrong, Waldo?”
“Nothing at all. I just have a special delivery from your grandmother, per her instructions.”
I blink. “How is that possible?”
“She left a letter and instructed me to deliver it on your wedding day. I always take care of my clients’ requests, however unorthodox, so here I am. Of course, I’ll stay for the reception,” he says with a wink.
“Thank you.” I grab the letter he holds out before he walks away.
“Wow. That was sweet of her,” Mom says once she closes the door. “What does it say?”
“Let’s find out.” I rip the envelope open and take the letter out.
It still smells faintly like her, this bright summery scent of flowers and honey that’s totally Gram and hard to pin down. I fight back a tear at the corner of my eye as I begin reading.
Dearest Jenn,
You finally did it! I hope your wedding day is as beautiful and magical as you. Most of all, I hope you’re happy.
If you’re reading this, then Waldo knows you’ve decided to marry your neighbor, Miles Cromwell.
You’ve probably figured out by now that I tried to give you the tiniest nudge toward destiny.
Wasn’t it Shakespeare who said, ‘All’s well that ends well?’
I’ve lived my entire life like an open book and now that I’m gone, I’m not one to start keeping secrets.
Here’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but, or may lightning strike me down (again, I guess).