Page 58 of Designing Love
Me:Hey. Let me know when we can talk about your notes for the Miller House? I’m not exactly sure how to proceed.
Claire scoffs, leaning over to read. “Very romantic. Maybe add a nice ‘sincerely’ at the end?”
Before I can reconsider, my phone chirps immediately.
Sophia:Is now good for you?
My heart practically stops. I stare dumbly at the screen, speechless.
Claire pokes my shoulder impatiently. “Well?”
I slowly turn the phone around. Claire reads, grins wickedly, and smacks my shoulder. “Tell her yes, you idiot!”
I quickly type back.
Me:Yeah, now’s perfect.
“See?” Claire says smugly. “Not so complicated.”
Before I can reply, there’s a confident knock at the front door, and Sophia walks in, radiant as ever, holding a beautifully wrapped envelope tied neatly with a pale blue ribbon. Her smile is warm but tentative. “Hi, strangers! Didn’t know we were having a party!”
I stare at her, mouth dry. “Sophia. You’re... here?”
She tilts her head, amusement flickering. “I just got in from Pearson, made good time. I wanted to surprise you. Surprise!”
Claire coughs conspicuously behind us. “Well, I see my work here is done. I’ll leave you two to your Hallmark moment.”
She exits, leaving us alone. Sophia steps inside, pushing the envelope toward me. “I brought you something.”
My eyebrows arch.
“Just read,” she urges softly, unfolding a crisp page and laying it on the table. She points firmly to a brightly highlighted line.
My eyes scan quickly:
Herein, Daniel Butler formally withdraws his appeal regarding the Miller House property and irrevocably agrees to cease and desist from any further interference, claims, or actions pertaining thereto.
I frown deeply, confusion settling uneasily in my chest. “What — what exactly does this mean?”
Her smile brightens confidently. “It means I fixed it. Daniel’s appeal is officially gone now. And the business is dissolved. We can finally get back on track with the remodeling.”
“That’s fantastic for your business. We also got the go-ahead for the house yesterday when we met the mayor.”
Sophia’s smile widens. “That’s excellent news.”
She steps closer. Her hand brushes mine cautiously, sending sparks racing up my arm. “Ethan, listen. I — I’m free.”
My breath catches sharply. “Free?”
She nods softly, eyes shimmering with emotion. “It’s done. No strings, no drama. Just me.”
I can’t move, my entire body frozen. Sophia inches closer, hesitant yet determined.
Heart pounding, I lift my hand slowly, cupping her cheek tenderly. Her skin is warm beneath my palm, her breath hitching slightly.
“You really do love dramatic reveals,” I say softly, voice unsteady.
Her lips twitch playfully. “Maybe I learned from an impulsive guy who buys rundown houses on a whim.”
