Page 67 of The Unbound Bookshop
“Maybe you should open the envelope.” Edwin took the rest of the steps two at a time, almost as if to prove to himself he could still do it.
Sage stared after him, completely off-kilter by the entire exchange. “Wait,” she shouted again, not willing to let him walk away that easily. “Why did you do it?”
“Do what, my dear?”
“The competition. The champagne and caviar. All of it.” She may have lost her dream, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t owed a few answers.
“Oh, that’s quite simple to explain.”
I doubt it, Sage thought. She doubted anything the man did was simple.
“My Mira was a bit of a matchmaker, you see. Lost love…. That plight was her favorite.” His rugged features softened at the mention of his late wife. “She loved a challenge, too. You and Flynn, you two were next on her list.”
“Her list?” Sage blanched. Surely there wasn’t anactuallist.
“She always said you two were the sweetest couple. Plus, Flynn shared her love of sailing, which made her even more invested in your love story. When I saw you both wanted her sailboat, it felt like a sign. I knew Mira would’ve wanted me to get you two back together.”
Upon finally hearing the truth behind the unorthodox endeavor, Sage wasn’t sure how to feel. Annoyed? Flattered? Manipulated? Grateful? There was something sweet about Edwin’s tribute to his late wife. He obviously loved her dearly. But just because he had the means and opportunity didn’t make it right to play with other people’s lives. At least he meant well, no matter how misguided his attempt.
Although, in this case, his scheme wasn’t even successful.
“I’m sorry it didn’t work out the way you’d hoped,” she offered, deciding to put the whole ordeal behind her.
His eyes dancing, he wrapped one hand around the doorknob. “And who says it didn’t?” Without another word, he slipped inside.
Sage stood at the edge of the garden, utterly baffled.What a bewildering man.
When she finally gathered her wits, she opened the manila envelope. A handwritten letter rested on top of the title.
The instant she saw the familiar penmanship, her pulse fluttered in her throat like a thousand tiny wings, making it difficult to concentrate.
Sage,
I’m so sorry about last night. I don’t blame you for ignoring my calls and texts, but I need you to know the truth.
My mom acted alone, against my knowledge. I turned down the promotion. I’m not going anywhere.
I want to stay in Blessings Bay—with you.
If you’ll have me.
But even if I ruined any hope of being together, there’s something I need to make right.
Mira is yours. The town needs your bookstore. It needs you and your passionate belief in the power of stories.
I’d like to show you something.
If you’re willing, meet me at the marina—on our dock—at noon.
I’ll be waiting.
Love,
Flynn
By the time she’d read the last word, tears had muddled her vision.
He wanted her to meet him in the very spot where he’d broken her heart.
