Page 77 of Romantic

Truth be told, Pepper wins the Lucky Duck most years. Her winning streak began the New Year’s after Brandon and I started dating. She wrote: Annie and Dad get married. I was so embarrassed, since we’d only been dating a few months. Edward and Elinor were engaged and still debating on a wedding date, which made Pepper’s guess especially outlandish. For a minute, I wondered if she had insider information and Brandon was on the brink of a proposal. But months passed and nothing happened. Then, on the morning of my next birthday, as the three of us were hanging our wishes on Lady Whimple, Brandon reached up through the branches and handed me a wide white ribbon.

“While you’re up there, will you tie mine?” Brandon asked. You’re not supposed to read other people’s wishes, but that rarely stops me. How could I resist a Brandon wish? I’m only human.

Annie, Marry Me!

I had to grab a branch to steady myself. I took deep breaths of the sweetest, freshest Big Sur air before scrambling down the tree. I found Brandon waiting for me on one knee in the dappled shade of Lady Whimple, surrounded by hundreds of wishes. To my surprise, he was holding a jewelry box. We had tossed around the idea of getting married for months, but we had never been ring shopping. For a minute I feared he was going to give me his grandmother’s ring. It turned out Daphne had been right about the ring—it really was hideous. I had told Brandon that it wouldn’t work.

“Yes, Brandon, I will marry you—even if that’s your grandma’s ugly ring in that box.”

“Wow! You must really love me,” he said, laughing hard as he stood up beside me.

“I do,” I said impatiently, opening the ring box. Inside was the best sort of surprise. A jade art nouveau ring with gold metalwork. I had picked it out nearly two years before. I saw it in an antique shop the summer I met Brandon.

“How did you ever find this?”

“I went back the next day and bought it.”

“You’ve had it all this time? I can’t believe it.”

“I figured it would be a good standby until you pick out the ring you want.” I loved that he bought it for me—long before we were dating. It was all so very Brandon—thoughtful, prepared, and hopelessly romantic.

I never did pick out another ring.

***

The next year Pepper predicted that Elinor and Edward were going to have a baby, and the year after that she predicted that I would buy the flower shop. She was right on both counts. Pepper now works at the flower shop, which also serves as a gift shop. I do limited weddings, but my main moneymaker is the flower boxes I create for businesses and homes.

“Did you hear the news?” Elinor asks Edward, while pointing at the prediction.

“We’re having another baby!” Brandon says with a contagious smile.

“Congratulations!” Edward hugs me and then Brandon. Six years into their business partnership and those two are as close as ever. It helps that their business has done very well. They’ve refurbished several properties along the west coast and are currently eyeing another one.

I notice that Pepper is writing another prediction on the table: Edward and Elinor have baby #2. I give her a questioning look, and she shrugs.

Fifteen minutes later we are all gathered in the front room. Brandon’s parents have arrived, as well as Edward’s mom. She likes to stay in the hotel now that there’s a luxury spa, and she has become good friends with J.J., who’s also here.

Elinor clinks a glass with a knife to get everyone’s attention. Edward stands right beside her in front of the crackling fire.

“I’m so happy to have you all here at Bumble Cottage for another New Year’s,” she begins. “This has never been a big party, but our numbers keep growing. We are really excited for this next year. I think most of you have heard the fabulous news that Brandon and Annie are having a baby in July.” This is only news to Edward’s mom and J.J. We had told Brandon’s parents just a few minutes before. They are nearly as excited as I am.

“We thought,” Elinor continues. She looks at Edward and smiles. Oh my goodness! Pepper is right again. She’s a little like her father that way. “This seems as good of a time as any to tell you we’re expecting twins in June!”

The room erupts with cheers and congratulations. Marigold and Teddy run around in circles, squealing, though I’m not sure either knows why. Twins. That’s a lot. I can’t believe Elinor didn’t tell me. Actually, I can. She’s pretty good at keeping things to herself.

After giving my sister and Edward a big hug, I find Pepper in the kitchen arranging a platter with the baked brie. She recently cut her honey brown hair into a cute bob. No more braids. She’s also traded in her glasses for contacts, which show off her beautiful blue eyes.

“How did you know about Elinor and Edward?” I ask.

“It was obvious. When Elinor told Edward you two were expecting, a look passed between them. And I just knew.”

“You really are a genius.”

“I’m always telling you that.”

“And I’m always agreeing.” So far, the teenage years with Pepper have not been very challenging. We like to think she got all of her rebellion out the summer of Project Eliminate Willoughby. She’s an incredible big sister, a good student, and my star employee.

“Who wrote this?” Pepper asks. She just noticed the prediction Brandon crossed out.