I felt someone nudge my elbow and turned around to find Ian waggling his eyebrows at me. I winced as I realized I’d forgotten to ask Emily about donating the book to the Covington. I shook my head at Ian, but he just smiled.
Max took the book from Emily and said, “And since we want everyone to cherish and enjoy the book as much as we do, we’re donating it to the children’s wing of the Covington Library, where it’ll bring happiness to children of every age.”
My eyes widened and I whipped around. “You didn’t.”
Ian laughed. “I did. I’m pushy that way.”
The crowd burst into applause again, and Ian cheered the loudest. “Champagne for everyone!”
“A toast!” Dad cried, holding up his champagne glass as Savannah’s waiters sifted through the crowd, pouring the bubbly for everyone.
Emily and Max exchanged glances, then looked at me. Emily was blushing as Max said, “We’ll be toasting with ginger ale. We’re having a baby.”
I gasped and Derek laughed as I fumbled for his handkerchief again. I couldn’t help it. I just loved a happy ending.
Kate Carlisle
