Page 70 of Rumors in Bayberry
“But that’s your apartment.”
“It was my apartment.I’m planning to put down permanent roots.I was thinking of getting a house—one big enough for a family.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist.“Aren’t you getting a little ahead of yourself?I haven’t even proposed.”
“But you will.”She truly believed it.“And I only want to buy a house once.Maybe you should help me pick it out.”She grinned at him.
“Um… Okay.”He smiled back at her.“These offices you’re offering me, are they for anything special?”
She nodded.“They can be a satellite office for theRumor Quill.Because you aren’t going to want to travel as much now that we’re together.”
“I’m not, huh?”Happiness flickered in his eyes.
“And miss out on this?”She lifted up on her toes and pressed a kiss to his lips.Before he could kiss her back, she pulled away.“Right?”
“I feel like you are way too good at negotiations.”
“I’m just watching out for you.”She continued to grin at him.“What do you think?”
“I think we have a lot to discuss, but first I need more of this…” He dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers.
Things were working out just the way she’d dreamed they would.She kissed him back.The next time would be her turn to give in.But she would worry about that later.Right now, she had more important things to think about—like how long they could stay in each other’s arms before her parents came looking for them.
Epilogue
Christmastime, Bayberry
Itwastree-lightingnight.
Sadie was so excited about the holidays.Being with Reed made Christmas extra special.He was the most amazing man she’d ever known.And he’d taken her up on her offer to move to Bayberry and set up a satellite office for theRumor Quill.
And she’d ended up agreeing to sell theBayberry Gazetteto theRumor Quill.It was the only way they could make it work with his partner and the attorneys.They’d both done a bit of give and take.It hadn’t made their relationship weaker.It had made it stronger.
While construction of the new offices was on hold until springtime arrived, they’d found temporary dwellings above the Steaming Brew.It wasn’t a perfect setup, but they were finding ways to make it work.
Reed had just shown up to escort her to the tree lighting.He checked the time.“We have to hurry.The tree lighting in the square is at seven.We have to get going if we want a good spot.”
She eyed him suspiciously.“You’re really excited about this.”
“Of course, I am.After all, it’s Christmastime.”He wore a big smile that made his eyes twinkle.
He was up to something, but she had no idea what it was.And she had a feeling that if she asked him, he wouldn’t tell her.He enjoyed surprising her.
“I just need to finish this.”She looked back at the computer monitor.
The smile slipped from his handsome face.“The paper is closed for the weekend.Remember?You instituted more realistic work hours for everyone, and that includes you.”
“I know.I just want to finish this article.”
“Come on,” he said.“This is my first tree lighting.I want it to be special.And it won’t be, if you aren’t there with me.”
When she looked into his pleading eyes, she felt her resolve melting.It wasn’t like the work wouldn’t be waiting for her another time.And now that they only went to print twice a week, the pressure to have articles completed had lessened considerably.
“Okay.”She saved the document and then shut down her computer.“Let’s go have some fun.”
Knowing they’d be attending the tree lighting that evening because Reed couldn’t stop talking about it, she’d made sure to wear layers.She pulled on a red sweater with a white snowflake pattern.Then she put on a red puffer coat, a white knit hat, and matching white gloves.And last, she put on a pair of black lined boots that would keep her feet warm.
Then she turned to Reed and gave him a quick onceover.He had on a pair of casual ankle boots, jeans, a blue sweater she’d bought him for his birthday, and his winter coat.“Is that all you’re wearing?”
