She swallowed back another surge of emotion. “For the sake of your career, of course.”
“Of course.”
“In the years and decades to come, I hope to read many more Daniel Bedford novels.”
For a long moment, they just stood there in the crowded aisle, not moving, gazing at each other.
“Tell me what you hope I do,” he finally said.
She took a deep breath. “If, in two days, you still feel that your essay is right, then by all means, say that to the world.”
He nodded silently, his eyes not leaving hers.
“But my hope is that you feel differently, and that you choose to share why.”
CHAPTER 18
After the argument they’d just had —Penny wasn’t sure if “argument” was the right way to describe what had just happened, but the term was definitely in the ballpark —the task of picking decorations for the tree proved straightforward. Daniel was quick to agree with her suggestions and she with his. With tinsel, ornaments, and lights in hand, they made their way back across the square to the cafe. To the west, the sun was nearing the ridge — dusk was fast approaching.
As they stepped inside the cafe, a frigid gust followed them in.
“Whoa,” Holly said, glancing over from the counter. “I felt that.”
“We’ll be getting an inch or two in a bit,” Penny said.
Holly nodded. “Danny, your car is all-wheel-drive, right?”
“It is.”
“Be careful on the road back to the orchard. There’s a stretch about a quarter mile from the county road turnoff that gets icy, so slow down there.”
“Got it.”
The cafe door opened and Eva rushed in. “I’m back!” she announced. “What did I miss?”
“We just got back ourselves,” Daniel said.
“Perfect!” The girl pulled out her phone. “I can’t stay long, unfortunately. My mom wants me to drive home with her for dinner.”
“No worries,” Penny said.
Aware that time was pressing, they turned to their task. “Holly,” Penny said as she unpacked the shopping bags, “any preferences about what you want the tree to look like?”
“As long as the tree is festive and fun, I’m good,” Holly said. “I need to do some stuff in the back for a few minutes. Holler if you need me?”
“Will do.”
Penny looked around the cafe, which was now empty except for them.
“What first?” Daniel asked.
“Lights. Always start with lights.”
Together, they unwound the string of white lights, then carefully walked it around the tree.
“Okay,” Penny said when they were done. “Turn it on.”
Daniel plugged the lights in and —voilà!
