Page 56 of For Butter or for Worse
“I want to be in your orbit for a change. You—”
I cut her off with a kiss, but I don’t have the same restraint she did. I’m greedy. I wrap my arms around her back and tug her against me because that roller coaster of emotions broke down what little inhibitions I had, and I need her body next to mine.
But something crinkles between us, reminding me of the letter Vanderman handed me outside the bakery. Though I’m tempted to ignore it and continue with what I was doing, that feels a bit like dishonoring the dead, so I pull the envelope out of my pocket and hold it out to show Georgie.
Her eyes go wide as she looks at the names on the front. “That’s Bill’s handwriting!”
“Vanderman gave this to me after I showed Lane to the parking lot.”
“What does it say?”
“No idea.”
Since I’m just standing here, staring at the letter, Georgie takes it out of my hand and breaks the seal, pulling the folded piece of paper out of the envelope. She leans against me so we both can see, and then we read it together.
Royal, if you’re reading this, it means I’m gone. I know that’s what they always say in the movies, and I hate being a cliche, but there’s really no other way to put it, is there? If this letter is in your hands, it means I’m not around to tell you this in person, and I can’t say that I’m not surprised. It seems to be the Kingston way, going too early, and I can only hope you’ll be the one to break the pattern because you deserve a long and happy life with Georgie.
Georgie, I know you’re reading this too because that was the point. This letter was only supposed to be passed on if the two of you have finally made your peace and accepted that you are meant to go through life together. I’m not a fortune teller or psychic, but I have known you both for a long time. I know you were and always will be better together, which is why I made sure the bakery would stay within the family. I hoped it would be a push in the right direction, and it must have worked because here we are.
It’s yours, Georgie, and I know you’ll make something great of it. I started Kingston’s because I wanted to share a bit of happiness with the world, and when I met you, I could see the same passion in your eyes. You reminded me a lot of me. Sometimes, that made me sad.
I made a lot of mistakes in my life, and one of them was thinking a bakery could be more important than a family of my own. I had you, Royal, and while the circumstances were heartbreaking, I’m so glad I got to watch you grow into the man you are now. Raising you, or at least pretending to, softened my regrets. But if I could go back and do it all over again, I would take every chance I got to find a partner. Someone to share in the trials and triumphs that come with every life.
Georgie, when you left Willow Cove, you were ready to take on the world, and I couldn’t have been prouder. But I was also worried. I worried you would forgetwhat truly made your summers so happy. It wasn’t about the pastries or perfect recipes. It was about living your life to the fullest and doing the things you enjoyed. Every time we talked after you left, you seemed to forget more and more how much you used to light up when you saw Royal. Our conversations in the kitchen were always about the things you did the night before. The trouble you inevitably got into. The laughter you enjoyed.
I wish I had tried harder to help you remember what really mattered, but we both know how stubborn you are. You had to learn for yourself.
You both had to learn on your own, no matter how much it hurt to stand back.
Royal, you were so afraid of dreaming bigger. I don’t know if it was because you figured it wouldn’t matter in the end because you’re a Kingston or if you were simply heartbroken. I’m glad you finally found your way, and I hope you know by now there is more to this life than what Willow Cove can offer.
I hope you both stay, but if you don’t, I hope you make a home somewhere that feels right.
As long as you stay together, I know the two of you can live the life of your dreams. I wish I could be there to see those dreams come true, but apparently my time on this earth is done. Take it from a sort-of-old man: don’t waste any more time.
I love you both.
Bill Kingston
I’m speechless. I can barely breathe. I didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t any of this, and I can do nothing but shake my head as I stare at the words written in my uncle’s bold hand.
Georgie isn’t so tongue-tied. “Nota fortune teller?” She lets out a single, disbelieving laugh. “Are you sure this isn’t some weird prank? Coop trying to get back at me for blackmailing him?”
Wrapping my arms around her from behind, I close my eyes as I let all of this sink in. “Is that how you convinced him to fly off without me?”
She laughs. “Coop is pretty easy to persuade when you have the right dirt on him.”
“What kind of dirt do you have on Cooper Heyes?”
“Unimportant.”
She’s right, and I let out a sigh of contentment as I hold her against me. I don’t want to think about Coop right now. I want to think about her. “Bill really knew us better than we knew ourselves, didn’t he?” I say.
“I’m sad to think he had so many regrets, but he did have his own family. It just didn’t look like they usually do. I feel bad that we didn’t make things easier on him; you and I were clearly difficult children.”
I press my lips to her neck, enjoying the fact that I can do this without needing someone around to witness. In fact, I would rather not have a witness ever again. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I was agreatchild.” Never mind that the guys think I tend to lose all common sense when I’m around Georgie. Life is more fun with Georgie. It always has been. “You were the weird stray who thought working in a bakery was a fun way to spend your summer vacations.”
Leaning into my kisses for a moment, Georgie twists in my arms and then places her hand on my cheek. “I did think that was fun. But I also think Bill was right, and I always liked you more than I liked the bakery. I still do.”
