Page 52 of Sincerely Not Yours

“Love is not always easy. People make mistakes, sometimes big ones,” Nonna started, surprising Gigi. “No one is perfect, andforgiveness is an important part of marriage. It’s an important part of any relationship.”

Gigi pressed her lips together, taking in this piece of advice. “But how do I know if I can trust him again?” Her voice sounded small, unsure, thinking of the part of the revised proposal where Harris had expressed his desire to step away from Ryan & Ryan. Was he already on the next flight, back to his life in New York? The thought of permanently losing him sent Gigi into a tailspin, despite what she’d learned in the past twenty-four hours.

“If there’s genuine remorse and a willingness to change, it’s worth considering forgiveness.” Nonna offered a consoling smile, as if she could see the conflicting emotions pouring through Gigi. “Trust is built with time and effort. It sounds like Harris realized his mistake and is trying to make amends. If he’s willing to fight for you, then maybe he deserves a chance to explain himself.”

Gigi swallowed, wanting to believe Harris cared for her, that he wanted to be with her. But could she risk demolishing her heart by putting it on the line one more time? Before she could respond, there was a knock at the door. Gigi looked up, puzzled. “Who’s that?” Someone was stopping by on Christmas Eve?

“I’m not sure.” Nonna started to rise from her chair, but Gigi stood quickly.

“I’ll get it. You finish your dinner.” Gigi strode to the door, opening it to reveal Paige’s and Alice’s smiling faces. They stood in the hallway, each with garment bags slung over their shoulders.

“What’re you doing here?” Gigi asked, her surprise clear, even though she was excited to see them. Paige and Alice exchanged a glance before stepping inside.

“We have a mission,” Paige announced. “To get you ready for the Christmas Ball.”

“What?” Gigi asked, spinning to watch her friends march through the apartment. They slung the garment bags over the back of the couch.

“Holy moly, those are heavy,” Paige said, rubbing a shoulder.

Alice grinned at her, before they each hugged Nonna, offering Christmas greetings.

“Did you say something about a ball?” Nonna asked, and Alice nodded.

“Harris came to my bookstore just before closing last night,” Alice started, pure excitement on her face. “He begged for me and Paige to help, saying he really messed up, and that he needed to make it up to you, and he wanted to do it in person.”

Nonna raised a wise brow. “He said that, did he?”

Alice bobbled her head at Nonna. “He asked if Paige and I could deliver a letter to you.” Alice raised her hand, and Gigi zoned in on an envelope, her heart skipping a few beats. “And four ball gowns.” She waved at the garment bags like she was Vanna White.

“Do you have any idea how hard it is to get ballgowns on the eve of Christmas Eve?” Paige raised her brow before her expression softened. “He must really have it bad for you.”

Gigi’s heart was now pounding. She didn’t know what to think.

“Do you want to read it?” Alice asked, offering the letter.

“Please,” Paige added. “I’m dying to hear what it says. I wanted to read it on the way over here, but Alice wouldn’t let me.”

Alice smirked. “I had to wrestle it away from her.” She held the envelope out in front of her, as if she’d stumbled on Santa’s naughty or nice list.

Gigi tentatively took it from her. As she opened the envelope and unfolded the letter, her hands trembled. In the quiet that followed, Gigi absorbed the neat, black cursive on cream paper.

Dear Gigi,

I couldn’t bear to put any more words into an email or a text. I had to at least put pen to paper to try to convince you to meet with me.

What I really need to say must be done in person. I know you’re upset, and you have every right to be. I should’ve been upfront with you, telling you what I’d proposed to my father. I hate that you discovered that when you overheard our conversation. It should’ve come from my mouth.

If you read through the proposals I sent you, you can see that I changed my mind about SheTime. You did that. You showed me all the potential I couldn’t see in spreadsheets and charts. I hope you know I meant every single word I said to you. I know how amazing you are, what a catch you are for any man or any company.

But what I really need to say to you has nothing to do with business. Your lovely friends obliged me by delivering my message, and a selection of dresses for you to choose from.

Will you meet me at the Christmas Ball? Please hear me out. I’ll be waiting to see your beautiful face at seven o’clock at the fountain. I’ve enclosed your ticket.

Sincerely, truly, madly, deeply . . . falling for you,

Harris

Gigi peeked inside the envelope, finding a ticket to the ball. She looked up at her friends and Nonna, too stunned for words. All three of them were leaning forward, like they might hear her thoughts as she’d read the letter.

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