Page 100 of Cupcake of the Month
“Your great-great-aunt’s diaries helped. The book practically wrote itself,” Rob said.
“Don’t be so modest,” Wendy said. “All your years of researching for other people combined with your talent for the written word? You have a best seller on your hands.”
Jordan let the murmurs of conversation flow over her as she basked in the rightness of being back with her friends. And telling them she was going to make it permanent. Make moving back permanent. She’d deal with the logistics of it all later.
A small part of her was missing, but she ignored it. It wouldn’t do her any good to dwell on it.
Eulalee popped her head in to say goodnight, followed by Paul and Alec leaving. Wendy and Rob stayed ensconced by the window. The fire was blazing hot, and Jordan was lulled by the cracking sounds and the whispers of conversation.
She startled awake when Brandi mentioned Josh. “What was that, now?” she asked.
“Barb’s company is doing the catering,” Brandi said.
“For Rob’s party?” Jordan asked. A thrill ran over her skin, followed quickly by an ache in her heart. She rubbed at her chest. Would she still get that rush of excitement seeing him? Would heget a rush of excitement seeing her?
If only to settle the goodbye, to make it final.
“I have to admit Rob probably would’ve invited Josh even if we hadn’t hired Barb. He invited everyone we knew,” Wendy said. “The package delivery guy, Paul’s little sister, the person whose mail we keep getting. Everyone.”
“You have a plus one?” Rob asked.
“My friend Lana. And her boyfriend, if that’s okay,” Jordan added.
“As many as the bookstore will fit, I’m willing to host,” Rob said. “Are you sure we shouldn’t have had it here, Jordan? The place where the story started?” He placed a kiss on the back of Wendy’s hand. “If it hadn’t been for our ancestors a hundred years ago, we might’ve never met.”
“Yes, it’s all very romantic. But a better subject is you daring to question my expertise.” She raised her eyebrow. “What did I already tell you?”
“Macon is bigger and will attract more people.”
“And?”
“And having the party here would mean Wendy, Brandi, and Paul can’t enjoy it.”
“Damn straight,” Wendy muttered.
“And?”
“And we can do here it later, once news of the book has spread.”
“I think the story of a moonshiner being hunted by a government man on these very grounds is compelling enough, but adding falling in love and lost treasures?” Jordan said. “The Claremont Chamber of Commerce is going to name a day after your ancestors.”
“I hope so.” Rob took a deep breath and shook his head. “I have to head up to bed. My family is coming in early tomorrow and I’m picking them up at the airport.”
“Mom sends her congratulations and apologizes again for not being able to come,” Wendy said.
“My parents can’t come either,” Sebastien said. “They’re not on this continent. And are, you know, busy running a country.”
“My mom’s probably on this continent, but I don’t know for sure,” Brandi added.
“Mine are in Connecticut,” Jordan said. “You want I should give them a call?”
“I don’t think they can get here in time. But thanks for the offer,” Rob said. He tipped Wendy’s chin up with a finger and gave her soft kiss on the lips. “Good night, my love.”
He nodded to the rest of the group and left the parlor.
“Hey.” Brandi nudged Jordan’s foot with her own. “You’re all right with Josh being there, right?”
Hearing his name brought a flutter to her belly. “Yeah, it’s fine. Especially if he makes those meatballs.”
