“I’m laughing with you,” she assured me, and squeezed my arm. “Look, I never would have survived the murder in my apartment if not for you and Derek. And then I found Austin, and my life is so full now. I’m happy, Brooklyn, and it’s all your fault.”
“Okay, I’ll gladly take responsibility for you being happy.” Robin had been in love with Austin since we were in third grade.
“Good,” she said with an affectionate bump of her head against mine. “And now that you’ve worked your magic for Max and Emily, you can’t quit now.”
“That’s what I was afraid of.”
Robin chuckled again, and I let it go. I was fine with the happily-ever-after part of the equation. It was just the part about tripping over dead bodies-or having them delivered to my door-that tended to get me down.
We both used up another tissue as we watched Austin and Max in close conversation. They had reunited briefly the night Emily was kidnapped, but this was the first chance they’d had to talk. The two had been best friends growing up and Austin had mourned Max’s death as deeply as any of us. I held my breath when it looked like Austin might punch Max in the stomach, but instead he punched his arm, then grabbed him in a tight bear hug that had everyone sniffling a little.
I mingle‹›d some more, then spied Derek prowling the perimeter of the terrace. I smiled, reminded of the first time I ever saw him at the Covington Library. He’d been prowling and stalking then, too. Little did I realize at the time that it was me he’d been watching so intently.
That thought brought back something Derek had said to me a few weeks back, so I circled and met him halfway. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and held me close.
I looked up at him. “Do you remember, before all the craziness happened with Max, you said we needed to talk? What was that about?”
He nodded, then glanced around at the crowd. “It’s nothing that can’t wait until we’re alone.”
“Now you’ve got me curious. Can you give me a hint?”
He touched his forehead to mine. “I think it’s time we discussed our current living arrangement.”
Concerned, I stared into his eyes, trying to gauge his feelings. “Are you unhappy with it?”
His eyes narrowed, causing mine to widen anxiously. Then he laughed. “Not at all. But I do think we need more room.”
“You want to move?”
“And leave Vinnie and Suzie?” he said, his tone teasing. “Never. No, I simply thought I might buy the unit next door to yours and open up the wall between the two. If you’re amenable, that is.”
“If I’m amenable?” I blinked, then swallowed. “Yes, I believe I am.”
He grinned, then kissed me. “Good. We can talk about the details later.”
“Okay.” I breathed deeply, relieved and scared and still a little shocked all at the same time. This was so unexpected. I mean, we were living together, but we weren’t living together. And of course I was crazy about him, but I still wasn’t sure what to think. I decided to try to relax and enjoy the party. I’d be doing a lot of thinking about things later.
Derek gazed across the terrace. “This might be the perfect moment to give the guests of honor their gift.”
I turned and saw Emily and Max talking quietly by themselves. “Yes, let’s go.”
Emily had insisted that none of the partygoers bring gifts, but mine was an exception to the rule. Derek and I walked up to them, followed by some of the friends and family who knew about the surprise.
I handed them the newly restored Beauty and the Beast. Emily started to protest, until she saw what it was.
“Oh, Brooklyn,” Emily said, holding her breath as she opened the crimson outer case and saw the book inside. “Oh, it’s stunning.”
I rushed to explain, “I know you originally wanted to keep the book all scruffy and tattered like my friend Max here.”
Emily giggled and Max smiled indulgently.
“But I just couldn’t deal with all the negative energy inside the pages. Those were some nasty hooves holding on to this book for too many years.”
There were a few chuckles, and I took advantage of the moment to breathe. Then I continued to talk, trying to justify my decision and rationalize why I hadn’t consulted with them on the final design. “Anyway, I went ahead and restored its timeless beauty. I hope you love the new version and find it beautiful. As new and beautiful and timeless as your love for each other.”
Emily burst into happy tears. A very satisfactory reaction, except that nobody cried alone when I was around. Derek handed me his handkerchief and I sniffled along with Emily.
“Thanks, honey,” Max said, and bent down to kiss my cheek.
“Thank you, Brooklyn,” Emily whispered, as the crowd around us applauded.
Beside me, Derek wrapped an arm around my shoulder. I gazed up at him and smiled. Was everyone as happy as I was at that very moment?
Emily cleared her throat and gripped Max’s arm firmly. “Brooklyn, I want you to know that my Beast and I will cherish and enjoy this book forever.”
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
