Page 352

Beau studies me.

“Was? Something holding you in Chicago?”

I think about Bishop. About Darcy sleeping on his side of the bed. About pancakes with peanut butter and Christmas mornings and a man who wears twenty-two because he once made two wishes. And I was one of them.

Then I think about the girl who left Evergreen believing she had to move somewhere new to become somebody.

“I've built a life here,” I say.

Beau nods slowly.

“Someone special?”

I smile.

“Very.”

“And you don't want to leave him.”

“No.”

I lift my chin.

“But I don't want to give up my career either.”

“Good,” Caroline says.

I look at her.

She smiles. “You shouldn't have to.”

Beau leans back in his chair. “You know, Delaney, I've spent a long time in this business. One thing I've learned is that a career isn't always a straight line. The first draft is never what gets published.”

He glances toward the manuscript sitting beside my bag.

“Just like a good love story.”

I laugh softly.

“My grandmother would've liked that.”

“What would she tell you to do?”

I think about it.

Then smile.

“Probably quote Jane Austen at me.”

Beau laughs.

“Which one?”

I look down at my hands.

“There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart.”

Caroline smiles.