Page 65 of Promise Me This Christmas
He stopped in his tracks.“She offered you a job?Here in Marietta?”
Larkin nodded.“Marly wants me to start by writing some follow-up articles profiling the other amazing bed and breakfasts in Marietta.”
“Won’t Shelley be happy to hear that?”
Larkin raised one eyebrow.“I wouldn’t be doing it for Shelley.But it does seem fair to give the other establishments in Marietta their due.Anyway, after that Marly would like me to slowly take on more responsibility for the paper so that by the time she’s on her maternity leave, I’d be full-time senior editor.”
“That sounds amazing.”
“If I accept her offer, maybe we could live halfway between Whispering Pines and Marietta?That way you could keep working for your dad.And I…” She swept her hand over the view of the old courthouse and library in front of them.“And I would be close to my job.And Gran.”
“But…wouldn’t you be giving up your dreams for a big career?”
“At one time I thought I wanted bigger and better,” she admitted.“But the truth is I fell in love with theCourierthe first time I walked into the office.”Newspapers were the bedrock of the American small town.She really believed that.
And now she had a chance to live it.
Carson reached for her other hand and pulled her in for a kiss.“I love you, Lark.”
“I love you too.”
“Let’s get married.And let’s do it soon.What do you say?”
What could she say to any of that, but yes, yes, yes!
Chapter Nineteen
“To us,” Amysaid, raising her glass of wine to her husband’s.They had reached their favorite moment of Christmas.The big dinner was over; they’d said goodnight to their friends.Robin was tucked into his crib and nary a guest was left in all of Bramble House.
“To you, my love.”Chet toasted her back.“Do you realize this is the second Christmas you’ve had an emergency trip to the hospital?”
“Ugh.That’s a streak I’ve got to break.”She leaned her head against his shoulder.They were seated facing the fireplace, their feet toasty warm on the huge ottoman, while Christmas carols played softly over the sound system.As per orders, her left wrist was elevated with an ice pack.But at least she could still drink wine with her right.
“Your brother sure looked happy this morning.”
“Didn’t he?Larkin was beaming too.”
“Your mistletoe worked its magic again.”
“I didn’t think it would happen this year.But then we’ve had a lot of surprises.This is the first year one of our guests cooked breakfastfor us.”
“Yeah, and Marjorie looked so happy doing it.For me the biggest surprise was Gibson.”
Amy nodded.“I can’t believe he might feature Bramble House on his podcast.I thought he hated this place.”
“I’ve changed my mind about that guy.He’s not so bad after all.Shelley on the other hand…”
Amy’s mouth puckered.“Another story for sure.I tried to e-transfer her wages, but she declined the money.Then she sent me this really contrite email.”
“I can hear by the tone of your voice that you’re ready to forgive her.I still say we should talk to Dawson after the holidays.”
“I don’t disagree.It’s not that I feel vindictive.I just worry she could be heading down the wrong path in her life.Some hard talk from the local sheriff might help her course-correct.”
“Exactly.”
“By the way…” She shot him a playful look.“I have another little gift for you under the tree.”
She could feel him tense.“I’ve seen that grin of yours before.Is it another pair of miniature cowboy boots?”
