Page 90 of Just a Distraction

I break open the envelope’s seal and slide the letter out. Unfolding it, I can barely read the words through my tears.

My Dearest Rose,

As you can see, my book’s been published. Here’s an Advanced Reader Copy for you.

When I got an agent, you were the person I wanted to tell. When I heard the news, that a major publisher had picked it up and wanted to fast track its publication, again, I wanted to tell you immediately.

So, naturally, I had to send you a copy because you helped me make it what it is.

I have missed you more than I can find the words to explain. And you know how much I love words.

I want you to know I finally told my family that I’m a writer . . . an author. It’s freeing. And you were right: they’ve been hugely supportive.

Things with the publication have been going so fast. There’s a small book tour scheduled. And my publisher is putting together a launch event in Denver next month.

Greenleaf heard of my impending publication. They granted my request to defer, citing that it would help with their publicity and marketing to have a writer with a book already published by the big five join their program.

Rose, I’m going to email you two round trip plane tickets for you and Callum to Denver for the weekend of the seventh. I want you there at the launch event with me.

Will you please come? My beautiful Rose, I’m willing to wait for you to realize we’re meant to be together. I can’t wait forever, but I love you, and I believe in you. And I know this is scary, but I also know you can take this chance. I want you to take that chance with me.

If you don’t come, I’ll know you’re not interested, and I won’t contact you again.

I love you,

MKT

I can’t catch my breath. I may just pass out right here, right now.

Milo included another paper with the details of the launch party.

My heart stops. It’s tomorrow.

Callum’s exploring the office and the woman’s mouth tuts when he disappears behind the counter and starts getting into her stuff.

“Sorry!” I say as I run around the counter and grab Callum by the hand.

“You have to stay by Mommy,” I tell him. I set the letter down on the little table by the door. When I crack the book open, there’s a slight pop. There’s nothing like the sound of a brand-new book opening, is there?

I thumb through the cream-colored pages, stumbling upon the dedication in the front, laughing, my soul burning with love as I read it.

For Rose.

And then in thin-point permanent marker right below, Milo has written:I welcome you eating the entirety of every ice cream cone you come across because I’m not afraid of having a family with you. I’m not afraid of spending my life with you.

I love you, Rose.

Milo Knox Tate/Thaddeus Blackthorn.

Chapter 35

Rose

Why did I let her talk me into wearing this?I mutter to myself, smoothing a hand down the front of me, my fingertips gliding along the tight bodice of the black gown I borrowed from Leila. She wore it to her senior prom, only a few years ago. She assured me it’s still in style, and once I squeezed myself into it and walked out of her bathroom this afternoon, the look on her face told me it’s going to do its job.

And its job is to turn Milo’s head at his publisher’s book launch party.

Now, I’m here, and small round high tables of appetizers flank the room. The chandeliers glitter, accenting the sparkle in the sequins that cover my dress. A few separate gatherings of people dot the shiny hardwood floors.

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