I smiled. A huge grin broke across Griffin’s face. He was happier than I was. The article was peppered with pictures of me sitting at the bar with Griffin and my cocktail, pictures of me throughout the restaurant mingling with guests at different tables, pictures of me sitting alone in a booth scribbling notes and looking pensive. There was a picture of me laughing with Lea. Accompanying the pictures was an extensive article that Annabel had woven together from our outings over the last months. The article about me was linked with an enchanting review of the restaurant. My eyes darted from picture to picture and word to word.

“Sit down, Bae. Read the entire article.”

Annabel asserted I had saved VERT, but in my estimation, it was the other way around. The truth bobbed somewhere in the middle. A section titled “Small Bites” had a picture of my mother’s ring and some quotes I had given Annabel that day.

“In case you’re wondering, Annabel gave Henry and me the tapas version. We share a page toward the back of the magazine.” I didn’t think I could’ve been happier. Griffin always had a knack for improving things. He sat down beside me. “Do you know what today is?” I shook my head. I’ve always been bad with dates. “You have been a free woman for exactly three days. Your check from Elliott and the papers arrived day before yesterday.”

“You mean I’m free? We can—Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because. You were enjoying living.” We tarried together on the sofa in happy silence and togetherness until Griffin got up. I looked at him.

“I’m going out to get some warm brioche and peanut butter,” he said. I just looked up at him, at this good man whom I had loved before anyone else and would love after everyone else. I smiled and grabbed his hand and pulled him toward me. “Brioche can always be toasted. Later.”

Chapter Sixty-Two

Chapter Sixty-Two

The beauty and crispness of the November weather suited the occasion perfectly. An outdoor wedding. Thanksgiving loomed. Togetherness dwelled. Happiness floated like the white clouds over-head. The reality surpassed even my vision.

My brother looked so handsome. Hank served as the ring bearer. In a fitting role reversal, I served as Henry’s best person. Griffin had another duty. He would walk Lea down the aisle as Henry, Hank, and Lea became a family.

In the weeks that followed Annabel’s article, I heard from Reggie and Elle. Mac and I exchanged texts including: “Thank God I’ve got you locked in already. Rest those pretty little eyes of yours.” I had a raft of possible new clients calling and emailing—including an Ivy League cafeteria!