Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27220 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 136(@200wpm)___ 109(@250wpm)___ 91(@300wpm)
“A good family. One that loves each other and makes sure everyone fits together.” He gets it. Graham always has. He lived it with his own family. I even believe he waited for me because Graham doesn't do anything in halves. He's all in or out, and I was the only girl he ever wanted to be all in with.
“And I love you, Graham, more than anything in this whole world,” I tell him.
“I love you, too.” Graham leans down, pressing his mouth to mine.
All that truly matters is that I belong to Graham. I trust and believe in him to know that with him, I’ll always be safe in every way. He’ll forever be my family.
Epilogue
GRAHAM
“Darling, these centerpieces are so clever,” Mom coos. “Tell me the secret.”
Small boat-shaped candles float above the table. The theme tonight is travel and adventure, and all the auction items are related to getaways, whether it’s Louis Vuitton luggage or oceanfront cabanas in the Maldives.
The money is to be used for study abroad programs for the kids in the new admissions track for the Academy. Tuition is now a thing of the past for that school. It’s all funded by donors, and students get in via testing and recommendations. Because it’s expensive to run, the Wests are always asking for donations. Luna has taken an interest in it and now runs two or three fundraisers for it each year. They’re the highlight of the social season.
There are over five hundred people coming tonight to open their wallets, and Luna had to turn people away. “Next time,” she promised them. “I’ll take your money then.”
“It’s magnets. I placed the power underneath the tablecloth. The candles were handmade by a local artisan. She’s a very sweet girl who is single, so if you know of anyone, maybe we could do some magic.”
Mom claps her hands to her chest. “You know the way to this old woman’s heart, Luna dear.”
“You’re hardly old.”
“You’re my favorite daughter,” Mom declares. “If I’d met you and you were married to some other man, I’d have to ruin your marriage and steal you away for Graham.”
“I can do my own stealing and relationship ruining,” I interject.
“You did steal her away from that Montclair boy.” Mom nods. “Good job, son. I’m off to be with the grandkids. Place all of these on the trip to Paris.” She hands Luna her blue auction chips. “I want to take Deva there for her thirteenth birthday. Don’t argue with me. It’s a done deal. Oh, there are your girlfriends. It’s sweet you’re all here.”
She gives Nat and Frankie cheek kisses and then bustles off before Luna and I can object to the Paris trip.
“Your mom always looks so great.”
“Weekly med spa treatments,” I tell them.
“I should start going.” Nat pinches her cheeks.
“If you looked more beautiful, a war would start,” Dylan disagrees.
Frankie makes fake vomiting noises, and Luna rolls her eyes.
”Congrats on your big deal,” I say to my friend. Dylan’s knit line is going international. A major retailer in China has picked it up, and they’ve signed K-pop idols to be brand ambassadors for the launch.
“Congrats on making back your investment.” Dylan daps me up. Dylan turning into a fashion icon wasn’t something I’d anticipated, but I always back my friends. No matter what.
“I’m expecting a big donation,” Luna says primly.
“A month stay in a castle in Normandy, along with a private chef and an in-home style consult with the creative director of DN.” He lays the invitation that was done in yarn on the table.
“I’d kiss you, but then Nat would attack me and Graham would attack you, and then the event would be ruined, so please accept my deep gratitude from this safe distance.” Luna steps back into my arms and waves.
We all laugh because she’s absolutely correct.
“Speaking of donors, did you know that Montclair contacted me and wanted to donate something?” Frankie informs us.
“Gosh, you’d think he would have given up by now. They ask every year.” Luna shakes her head.
“They want back in so bad.” Nat moves the invite down the auction table to a better spot.
“I’m not keeping them out,” Luna protests.
”That would be me.” I throw my arm around Luna’s shoulders. She’s looking extra fine tonight. Even though Montclair is in her past, she had contemplated marrying the roach, so he’s not allowed within five miles of her at any given time. He doesn’t deserve to look at her. No one does, really. No one but me.
I drop my hand to her shoulder and then run it down her arm. Her skin prickles under my touch. I hear her breath catch, and suddenly the room is too crowded, too noisy.
“Mrs. Bennett is trying to catch your attention.” I point aimlessly toward the edge of the crowd.
“We’ll man the table,” Frankie says. “Go do your thing.” She shoos us away.