Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 104037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 520(@200wpm)___ 416(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 520(@200wpm)___ 416(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
I was so happy for her and sad for me because I felt the shift back then. It’s the one she’s feeling now that I’m finally steady on my own feet, full memories intact, and head over heels in love with Laird. I say, “It’s not looking likely, but I will always be there for you, Marina.”
“I know. Same for you. Always, Poppy.” I hear a little sniffle that I think she tries to muffle before she says, “Tell me about the cookbook.” I’m good with the topic change. It helps ease the sadness I started feeling. I’ve been missing her, but Laird’s been back on the road for a week after I left him in Phoenix, and I feel like a shell of the person I usually am. I’m ghosting our home and sleeping with his pillow for comfort.
I promised myself never to get wrapped up in a man like my mother. Look at me now. She’d be so proud . . .
The difference is Laird. He’s nothing like my father or anyone else she’s dated. The list is too long to even compare.
Marina adds, “What’s the latest with the book deal?”
I spent my twenties doing any job that would hire me in the food industry while attending culinary school. Just touching my thirties, I want to focus on me, my health, my relationships, my love, and although it’s not something we talk about, I want children with Laird. He’s restored my faith in all ways. I can’t wait to see him as a father.
“I haven’t heard back. It’s been weeks, so I think it’s a no.”
“Don’t give up yet,” she says. “Publishing is like the movie industry. It’s a slow-moving juggernaut until something hits, and then it’s a chaotic life.” She knows firsthand how fame strikes like lightning. I suppose Laird does as well, but he makes it easy to forget the outside world when we’re together.
“Not giving up. Just anxious to hear one way or the other.” I’ve been avoiding the topic as much as I can when talking to others because the stress is rough when it comes to my mom’s wedding. I need to release some, so I say, “I leave next Monday for Nashville.”
“Ah.” She knows without me having to spell it out. “Are you sure you don’t want me there? I can help you in the kitchen—”
“No, because she’ll parade you around as her favorite daughter because you’re famous. I don’t want to give her the satisfaction of your presence.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment, Pops.” Her cheerful tone has me smiling. It feels good to let go of some of the sadness I carry from Laird’s absence. “I know it’s been standing between you and the tour. You’re traveling with him right after?”
Seeing the card stuck to the fridge, I’m reminded of what he told me when he gave it to me. “That’s the plan.” I remove the magnet and start for the extra bedroom.
“I need to run, but call me soon!”
“I will.” When we hang up, I start digging through my bins and then open two boxes. I don’t find what I’m looking for until I lift the lid of a hat box. I take the note to the bed and sit on the edge of the mattress. I’ve read the card a million times and have the words memorized, the number of times for the note could easily be doubled. But when I lay them next to each other on the bed, my heart feels so full it could burst.
I love you. L.
What more needs to be said when those three words capture our universe in them?
I study the handwriting, having seen it enough I could copy it by heart. If I had only known the clues were right in front of me all along.
I’m so going to marry that man.
“This is the uniform you ordered for me.”
“You’re confused, Poppy. Why would I order a uniform instead of a dress? You’re my daughter. Everyone knows who you are. You can’t traipse around my wedding and reception looking like . . . like . . .”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I can’t keep my foot from tapping. “Like what, Mom?”
Lowering her voice, she whispers, “Like event staff.”
I start for the door. “I don’t know what to tell you. This is what you ordered for me, so this is what I’m wearing.”
“Don’t you have some frock you can throw on at least during the ceremony?”
There are three suitcases full of clothes from sexy to sweet that I packed for when I join Laird on the road after this, but I’m not feeling the need to play her games anymore.
“No. Happy wedding day, Mom. You look beautiful,” I tell her because she does. Despite our disagreements, this is my mom, and I also know it will make her feel good to hear.