Page 120 of Authentically, Izzy
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From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: June30
Subject: Babies on the way!!!
I’m so glad I was near the bookshop watching the King and Queen Parade so that my phone picked up your texts! It took a little finagling, but I was able to get my flight changed to this evening. (Weekend flights are tough to find! I had no idea!) I know the babies will be born before I get there, but how could I wait three more days to see them?!? It’s not every day you become an aunt-cousin for the first time.
I won’t get to Mt. Airy until late tomorrow night, but if visitor hours are still open, I’m driving directly to the hospital. Please keep me in the know of how things are going. I should be hooked up to Wi-Fi until I leave for the airport around seven this evening, so if the newest members of the family make their debut before then, let me know.
Brodie and I are going to finish up a few things at the bookshop and then have a late lunch with his family before he drives me to catch my flight. I’ve loved every minute of being here with him. It’s amazing what you can learn about yourself and the person you’re dating when given the opportunity and the close proximity. He just keeps getting BETTER and BETTER.
And at the risk of sounding sentimental, he’s making me better and better, too, just by being who he is.
I should probably tell you guys this before I get home...
Brodie proposed! We were having breakfast this morning at a little café in Skern overlooking Brendwater (a nearby lake) and he took my hand into his, gave me the sweetest smile on the planet, and said, “Isabelle,” (in his lovely accented voice) “would you come work for Sutherland’s?”
I can hear Penelope’s disappointment from here, but I’m not disappointed at all! I’m ecstatic.
His proposal, such as it was, is actually a perfect match for me. He, his mother, and brother met last night and created a position catered specifically for my talents and interests as Creative Marketing Director of Sutherland’s Books. They even want me to offer a link on the website called the Book Matchmaker—where readers can email in to ask for specific recommendations to which I’d then refer them to our “developing” online bookstore! Oh, OH! There’s so much to do!!!! I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life, and you guys know what a big deal that is!
The plan would be to start the job virtually with a goal of moving to Ansling within a year.
I know this will cause a kink in so many plans for home and for the library, but I already have a few recommendations for my replacement.
Just so you know, Penelope, Brodie did hint around at the other type of proposal, but I have a feeling he’s waiting for a special occasion... and probably a little more familiarity. I can only imagine after becoming better acquainted with my idiosyncrasies, oddities, and mountain-size insecurities he may want a little more time to consider a lifelong attachment. Besides, it’s pretty quick for two people to email, meet, and marry within the first year of knowing each other, right?
Can you even believe it? Me, of all people? Leaving Mt. Airy for a transatlantic adventure? Who would have thought that after struggling through what I was meant to do for years and years, that my dreamfoundme instead of me finding my dream?
Okay, I’ve gotta run. One of the kids in the children’s section decided to stick a Mathlink cube up his nose and nobody seems to know what to do about it. Clearly they’ve not taught four-year-old Sunday school before.
Love you all and see you soon,
Izzy
PS: Did I mention that Brodie said he loved me?! It took me a few hours, but I worked up the courage to tell him too. Love!
PPS: I amalmosttempted to sing.
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: June30
Subject: Re: Babies on the way!!!
Izzy,
You realize you just opened yourself up to having Penelope list EVERY happy couple she knows (and even those she doesn’t) who have married after knowing each other less than a year. Maybe even less than a week. I know some of her friends. It’s terrifying. I’m just warning you so you’ll be ready for the verbal onslaught when she sees you next.
I’m really happy for your new job. The commute is gonna be a bear, though. Maybe old Blighty can invest in a private jet or boat for you. Or Floo powder.
Are there book perks for family members? Can’t wait to hear more about it when you get home.
