“Sis, that’s awesome.” Miles pulled me into a hug.
“But,” I said, breaking out of Miles’s hold to deliver the kicker to Val. “I told them that I could only accept such a position if they offered me a package deal, with one Val Locklier.”
The instant my words registered, Val shook her head. “But, Molly, I haven’t worked as your assistant in months now—”
“Which is why I didn’t tell them you were my assistant. I told them you were my business partner.”
Her mouth hung open as she stared me down. “Molly . . . I don’t even, I’m not sure what to even say.”
“Say you’ll think about it.” I rushed to take her hands in mine. “I know your folks are still in Alaska, but you could make a good life here, Val. For you and Tucker. There are some great schools for Tuck, and you could live with me until we find you a place you love. I have every reason to believe Sophia would offer you a very reasonable wage.”
“I was impressed by Sophia’s attention to detail,” Silas added generously. “She’s very thorough.”
“I’m sure I could ask around, too. As far as availability on local properties go,” Miles said. “There are quite a few real estate brokers at the church.”
Though Val looked absolutely flabbergasted, I didn’t miss the glint of excitement in her eyes. Perhaps it was time for her to start a new adventure.
“Was that two out of three?” my brother asked. “Since you made your job offer a package deal with Val?”
“You’ve always been so good at math, Miles.” I smiled at him, and he promptly rolled his eyes. “Which is going to come in quite handy, since we’re going to be recruiting a lot of free help soon.”
Val and Miles shared a questioning glance, then immediately looked away from each other.
I nudged Silas. After all, this should be his news to share, especially since he hadn’t stopped smiling since the president of the trustee board had called to congratulate him. “If all the necessary permits get approved on time, it looks like we’ll be breaking ground sometime next spring.”
At the sight of their stunned faces, another round of hugs ensued, which quickly multiplied into a mob when several residents rushed in to join our celebration a few minutes later. And as I stood in their midst, enjoying the exuberance of so many people I loved sharing the same space, I couldn’t help but think that this impromptu, spontaneous moment was a billion times better than the fancy black-tie event I’d spent months planning.
I felt a pressure at my back and then a familiar whisper in my ear. “Do you know what I never imagined?” Silas wrapped his arms around me and held me close. “That the woman who came into my office with all her sparkle and grit would be the same woman I’d want to write all my future off-the-page goals with.”
I spun toward him and hooked my hands around the back of his neck, smiling as I recalled my words to Silas that spring day not so long ago. “That’s good, because the only thing I like better than making goals is crushing them.”
The End
Acknowledgments
God: Even in the midst of a global shutdown, your constant love and strength sustained me throughout the writing (and apple-fritter eating) of this book. Thank you for your many, many promises to me and to all your beloved children.
Tim, my self-proclaimed number one fan for eighteen years and counting: Thank you for destroying all records of the apple fritters I purchased and consumed during my 2020 writing deadline. “What happens in a global shutdown, stays in a global shutdown.” And thank you, as always, for remaining a constant example of the kind of love I pray our children find with their spouses one day . . . but not a day before they turn twenty-five, of course. Haha! I love, love, love you.
Preston, Lincoln, Lucy: Mommy loves and appreciates you all. Thank you for yet another crazy deadline season where you’ve shown me patience and grace beyond your years. I adore each of you.
Connilyn Cossette and Tammy Gray: There are never enough words to explain just how much your support and love have meant to me through the years—and through the dozen or so full-length drafts we’ve shared and critiqued for one another so far. If not for you, my loyal writing sisters, I would have lost my joy of first chapters and happy endings long ago. Some may think I’m exaggerating (which I may be prone to do from time to time ?), but as Molly and Miles would say, “Reverend.”
Coast to Coast Plotting Society: A huge thank-you to my girls—Amy Matayo, Christy Barritt, Connilyn Cossette, and Tammy Gray. Our annual plotting retreat is my favorite week of the year (unless it’s the year I finally get to go to Ireland . . . but you know what I mean). Each time we’re together, my gratitude for your input in my books and in my life increases tenfold. Thank you for being my people.
Kristin Avila, a.k.a The Story Queen: Thank you for answering my panicked phone call that cold day in April when I needed your story expertise (and a swift kick in the behind) the most. I’m so very, very thankful for your friendship (though I still abhor the 1,824 miles between us). And thank you (and Dan) for guiding me in the ways of the Enneagram One hero. “Super Silas” is forever in your debt.
A special thanks to Sarah Loudin Thomas: Thank you so much for returning my call last summer when I was feeling a bit lost on how to solve a few logistical issues I’d created by hosting a privately run program (like The Bridge) at a co-ed campus (like Fir Crest Manor). Your professional
