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My heart squeezes at the thought of this being over. It’s been fun so far, and we haven’t even gotten to the good part.

I glance at the clock. Five hours until the meeting with Peter, and then I can get to that.

My core clenches as I imagine what Finn has in store for us tonight. I wanted it, wanted him, last night, but he was so adamant that our first date be a real date. Even though it was unnecessary, it was sweet. It meant something to him. And a part of me really loves that a simple date with me was important to the man who could have anyone and anything.

I look up as a knock echoes through my office, and Joshua pokes his head around the corner.

“Hey, you,” I say, smiling at him.

“You and I need to talk.” He chuckles, coming inside and closing the door. “Word at the coffee station is that you’re engaged to a man named Finn Miller. Now, you can imagine my face when a little bell went off in my head.”

I laugh.

“So?” He crosses his arms over his chest. “You didn’t introduce him as your fiancé on Saturday. Did this just happen or what?”

“Yeah. It did. It was a total surprise.”

He makes a point of looking at my finger.

“I don’t have my ring,” I say, holding up my left hand. “It’s getting sized.” Way to think on your feet, Pop.

“Well, congrats. I’m so happy for you. And, just saying, if you have an engagement party, I buy great gifts.”

I laugh as he opens the door. “We’re taking it slow, so if you don’t get an invite, don’t take it personally.”

“Congrats again, Poppy.”

“Thanks.”

I turn back to my email and spot the one from Ann Walsh that’s been in my inbox since Friday afternoon. I’ve read it repeatedly but have been afraid to answer it.

It doesn’t feel real, along with everything else in my life.

A ball of excitement begins rolling in my stomach. This is real. My gaze lifts to the email Finn forwarded me. This is going to happen. Even if just the Siggy’s deal goes through, and my math is right, that’s about two hundred thousand dollars in my pocket after Finn pays Chuck and his taxes and before I pay mine.

That’s enough money on its own to start Someday Now.

We have a few contracts to consider. I can send them your way if you’re bored at work.

I click on Ann’s email, copy her assistant’s email address, and start a new message.

From: Quinn, Poppy

To: Belcher, Kennedy

Cc: Walsh, Ann

Re: Schedule

Hi, Ms. Belcher,

I spoke with Ms. Walsh last week and would like to schedule a meeting with her at her earliest convenience. She asked that I reach out to you to do that.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your assistance.

Best,

Poppy Quinn