Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 108974 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108974 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 545(@200wpm)___ 436(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
“I was not sleeping with anyone except Brynn.” He needed to put those rumors down. “And I am trying very hard to sleep with her again, but you weirdos are going to scare her off. Tell everyone that I was a massive ass and that’s why Brynn decided to rightly put me in my place. And I would appreciate it if everyone would stay out of my business.”
“What fun would that be?”
Major stopped because he knew that voice. That voice haunted his dreams and made his stupid heart leap with excitement every time he heard it. That voice had made her a star, and now it just might make her the center of his whole universe.
He turned and Brynn stood there, a smile on her face.
“You came.”
If Brynn noticed that half the town was watching them, she didn’t show it. “Of course I came. I’m meeting a blind date.” She glanced around. “He’s supposed to be here at noon. I hope I’m not late.”
Yep, every eye was on him, and he might have made a terrible mistake. “It’s me. I’m the date. I’m so sorry if you thought it was someone else.”
“Could you talk louder, Major?” Mike asked. “Momma’s hearing aid is out.” He turned to his elderly mother and started shouting. “The pretty actress lady thought she was on a blind date, but it turned out to be Major, who she already dated. She’s probably very disappointed.”
Brynn simply moved forward and held out a hand. “Hi. I’m Brynn Pearson. I’m new in town.”
Relief flooded his system. She was here and she was ready to try again. He took her hand in his. “Major Blanchard. I can’t tell you how nice it is to meet you. I hope you’ve had a good morning.”
She squeezed his hand. “I did. I found a place to live while I’m here. I’m taking half of a duplex. Turns out the other half is owned by some friends of mine. They bought theirs a couple of months ago when the owner moved, but the unit I looked at was still for sale.”
“She’s taking Darlene Cooper’s old place,” Mike shouted at his momma.
“Darlene’s gone?” Mike’s momma shouted back. “Did she die?”
“No. She moved to Beaumont to be with her grandkids,” Mike replied.
“You took the one next to Roxie and Zep?” He was going to ignore everyone but her. If they gossiped about them, he was okay with that. It was all part of life here in Papillon.
She nodded. “Yes. It was the best of the bunch, and at least I know I like my neighbors. It’s close to town so I can walk to the park, and it’s got the loveliest lemon tree in the back. It’s a good size for Duke, too. Not to mention the light is beautiful.”
He’d thought that would be the one for her. He’d been to Roxie and Zep’s place many times, but there was something about the other half of the duplex that had him picturing Brynn and Duke there. “I’m glad.”
“She said she likes the lemon tree,” Mike announced.
“I’m going to need some help getting my studio ready, though,” she said.
He could do that. “I think you’ll find me very handy. But you should know I’m going out of town soon. I’m taking my dad to see some of his old friends. He’s got a lot of plans, lots of things he wants to see this year.”
He couldn’t say it. Not yet. He couldn’t say before he dies. He was going to take it one day at a time, enjoying each for the gift it was.
Brynn moved in, taking her hand back and then wrapping her arms around him. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
For the first time in days, the world felt right. He held her for a moment.
“I thought she just met him.” Mike’s mom was a bit confused. “You know, she looks like that little girl from Janie’s World.”
He felt Brynn chuckle.
“Why don’t I take you two to a table?” Lisa hid her smile behind the two menus she held.
He stepped back, offering Brynn his hand again. “Can I get you some of Papillon’s best gumbo, Ms. Pearson?”
She took it. “Absolutely, Deputy Blanchard.”
They walked into the restaurant, ready to begin again.
epilogue
PARIS, FRANCE
Eighteen months later
“Who sent a limo?” Major stared at the well-dressed man holding up a sign indicating that he was waiting for Brynn Pearson and TW.
“Who do you think?” Brynn turned her face up, grinning his way. “That’s pure Ally right there. We’re lucky she didn’t send a Guber.”
“I don’t think those are street legal in Paris.” They weren’t legal in Papillon, either, but that hadn’t stopped Greg from winding up on the cover of Vanity Fair along with Ally Pearson, who’d been named one of Hollywood’s hottest actresses. The cover had sported a glamourous Ally in a designer gown hanging on to the side of her now infamous golf cart transport. She carted Greg and his Guber to every shoot she could.