Page 130 of The Lost Book of First Loves

“How was it?”

She couldn’t find any words adequate to convey the impact.

“It is a lovely book. Heartbreaking, bittersweet, sad. But filled with hope, too.”

Alison studied her features, probably taking in her reddened eyes and the tearstains that were likely still on her cheeks.

“Will it be hard for me to read?”

June considered. “Maybe. But it’s uplifting, too.”

“What do you think about publishing it? I keep thinking Dad had reasons for not putting it out there in the world. Maybe we should honor those reasons.”

“That’s a decision for you and Beck to make as Carson’s literary trustees.”

Ali made a face. “Nice try, but you’re not getting out of it that easily. You’re part of this now. I know I speak for Beck, too, when I say your input is absolutely necessary before we make any decisions. We won’t do anything without your okay.”

She wasn’t sure Beck would agree, especially after the way she had pushed him out the door the other night.

“Read it first. Then you can decide whether or not to publish it. I’m interested to know what you think.”

“I will.”

Alison took the box containing the book and the small keyand set it on the table in the hallway. It was all June could do not to snatch it back up and hold it tightly in her arms.

“If we decide not to publish it, I will at least have it typed up and formatted so we can print bound copies for the two of us and for Loretta and Beck. A friend of mine worked with a print-on-demand publisher a few years ago and the small-run print edition of her book was stunning. I’ll check into it.”

“That would be lovely.”

“Would you like coffee or tea or something? Grandma also has some banana nut bread in the kitchen or I could find you some toast or something.”

“I’m good. I’ll head back home so you can return to your studying.” She paused, bracing herself. “I need to tell you something. I’m going back to Seattle this week. Day after tomorrow, actually.”

Ali stared. “You can’t go yet. You’re still recovering.”

“I’ve been here long enough, Ali. I’m doing well. I’m stronger every day. It’s time I start easing myself back into my regular life.”

“I don’t want you to go.” Alison’s distress hurt, mostly because she shared the other woman’s feelings. Her sister had become important to her since she had come to Wyoming, possibly the dearest friend she’d ever had.

“We’ll still be in touch,” June assured her. “As you said, I’m part of this now. I want to be in your life and in your grandmother’s life.”

“Ourgrandmother’s life,” Ali corrected.

“It will take me time to get used to that. But yes. Our grandmother’s life.”

“She’ll be sorry she missed you today. I know she would love to see you again before you go.”

“I’ll stop by before I leave, at a time when she’s home.”

“We should have a goodbye dinner tomorrow. I would invite you tonight, but I actually have a date. I could cancel it, though.”

She said the words with a hopeful tone in her voice that made June wonder. “With your cowboy again?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t sound all that excited.”

“I should be. I know I should be. I’m just—” Her voice trailed off. “I think I’m in love with my best friend.”

---