Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 145574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 582(@250wpm)___ 485(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145574 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 728(@200wpm)___ 582(@250wpm)___ 485(@300wpm)
“Happy birthday, Georgia,” she said softly, hugging me gently, then releasing me with her usual two pats.
“Mom?” Shock wasn’t an adequate word.
She swallowed nervously, her eyes flying to Noah’s and back. “Noah invited me. I hope you don’t mind. I just wanted to be here to wish you a happy birthday and say congratulations. This is quite an accomplishment.”
Was that really the only reason she was here?
“You and Ian?” I asked tentatively. Had they fallen apart? Was she only here to pick up the pieces under the guise of patching up mine?
“Oh, he’s fine. We’re fine,” she assured me. “He sends his best. I’m sure you understand why he’s not with me.”
Because I couldn’t stand him and he knew it, which was actually pretty considerate when I thought about it.
“How was the flight?” Noah asked, breaking the tension with that easy way he had.
“It was good. Thank you so much.” Mom took a deep breath. “In the spirit of full disclosure, Noah bought my ticket.”
“Oh.” Full disclosure? She and Ian were fine? “That was really sweet of you,” I said to Noah, leaning into his side.
“My pleasure.” His hand flexed at my waist. “It’s not my present, though. That’s waiting for you back at the house.”
“I told you not to spend money on me!” I chastised, but there was a tiny thrill of curiosity thrumming in my chest.
“I didn’t, I promise.” There was that grin again. He was up to something.
“I can’t hog the birthday girl all night. See to your guests,” Mom said with a watery smile. “Thank you for letting me be here. Your birthdays have always been…” Her smile faltered. “I’m just glad, that’s all.” Her gaze swept over the gallery. “This is phenomenal. I’m so very proud of you, Georgia.”
“Thank you for being here,” I told her, meaning every word. “It means a lot to me.” The advance had been paid, and any other royalties from the book would go straight to Mom’s account. She was happy with Ian. It looked like her life was going well, too, which meant she wasn’t here because she needed something from me—she was here because she wanted to be. And sure, it was only one night, in a lifetime of them, but it was enough.
I was all smiles as I made my way around the room, watching the smaller pieces disappear as they were purchased.
“This is awesome!” Hazel wrapped me in a tight hug. “And is that Lydia’s daughter behind the register?”
I nodded. “I think it might be going well.”
“It is. Trust me.” Her eyes narrowed as she stared over my shoulder. “Whoa. Who is Noah—” Her eyebrows hit the ceiling.
I turned around, blinking in confusion as Noah embraced a strikingly beautiful woman near the door. He looked up, searching the room, then grinned as he found me. He said something to the woman, then led her past the ice crown to where I stood with Hazel.
The woman’s hair and eyes were as dark as Noah’s, and her complexion the same sun-kissed olive. A man with sandy-blond hair, green eyes, and a well-tailored suit came to her side.
“I hope you don’t mind that I invited one of my closest friends, too,” Noah said with a smile. “Georgia, this is my little sister, Adrienne, and her hostage, Mason.”
His sister? Men didn’t invite their sisters to meet their flings, did they? My chest warmed, my heart aching with the possibility that this was something more to him, that we could really be more, even after he finished the book. Maybe we didn’t need the self-imposed cutoff date.
Adrienne arched a single, perfectly plucked brow at her brother, but her smile for me was instant and starbright as she swept me into a tight hug. “And I’m thrilled to meet you, Georgia. He talks about you constantly, even though he meant to say my husband Mason,” she corrected, releasing me.
“But did I?” Noah teased. “Good to see you, man.” He embraced Mason, then hugged his sister so tight, he lifted her off her feet. “You too, squirt. Good flight?”
“You know it. Stop paying for first class. It’s a waste of money.”
“I’ll spend my money however I like.” Noah shrugged.
“Hope you like arguing, because they do it a lot,” Mason said, offering his hand with an easy smile.
“Going to be honest—I’m a little overwhelmed.” I shook his hand, and his smile deepened, revealing a dimple.
“Don’t blame you one bit, and your gallery is incredible!” Adrienne said. “Oh, and happy birthday! No rush—it’s a little busy in here—but later I need to hear all about how you knocked my brother on his ass in that bookstore.”
I laughed and promised her details before she and Mason walked off to look around, taking Hazel and Owen with them.
“Have I told you how beautiful you are tonight?” Noah’s lips skimmed the shell of my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.