Page 81 of Authentically, Izzy
Subject: Isabelle
Brodie,
You know I meant no offense whatsoever, but the financial benefits have to play in the back of your mind a little, don’t they? Truly, it’s a win all around. A darling romance for you, a speedier surgery for Fiona, and a bit of additional support for the bookshops. I don’t see how you cannot think about the possibilities. But I shall refrain from alluding to the Foreign Spouse Initiative any longer.
And thank you for the photos! Isabelle is absolutely lovely! And won’t she stand out over here with all that dark hair and those eyes! I have to think very hard to recall any one of my acquaintances who has dark eyes. I cannot wait to meet her! It’s no good taunting us from a distance if we won’t get the chance to see for ourselves, is it?
Just this afternoon she emailed me with some examples of graphics and she offered to make some for Sutherland’s to show how they could appeal to different populations. Her creativity never stops. I love her for it. Brodie, if you don’t marry her, would you at least give her a job? Or both! What a wonderful pairing you two would make both privately and professionally. And as the stipend report suggests, marriage AND employment offer an extra financial benefit! (Excellent thoughts, if you ask me.)
I’m utterly amazed at Isabelle’s ease in coming up with ideas that perfectly fit what we need. She reads voraciously. From websitedesigns to social media graphics to even some fun in-store activities to engage the locals and tourists alike, her initiatives boil over. She’s a whirlwind of creativity and so generous with her ideas. In fact, I believe she’s energized by . . . what did she call it?Brainstorming. How delightful! I’m not certain how to enact all of these things, but I imagine you and your mother could help. I’m attempting to watch a few videos on building websites and graphic design for marketing. Whether I can make the computer program work for me or not may be the issue at hand.
Brynna
PS: I hope you can convince Isabelle to come to the islands! It’s truly a perfect fit for everyone.
From: Ellen Sutherland
To: Brodie Sutherland
Date: May8
Subject: What a match!
Brodie,
I spoke with Brynna at the office today and we were both fairly enraptured over your new friend. Brynna took me to Mt. Airy’s library website and I couldn’t help but see the creativity you boast of in Isabelle on every page. And the videos of the Book Parade? Oh my heart! I don’t think she realizes what a natural gift she has for celebrating books. She seems to have no idea of the gifts and talents she possesses with all this self-effacing and second-guessing. She draws people to stories and fairly exudes a love for them, and people, if you will note. She’s always reachingout to help others in those videos. How lovely! And the video of her promoting a new release? Despite her introversion, she fairly beams on the screen when she discusses those beloved stories! She is certainly a young woman after our hearts, isn’t she?
There’s something unique about her uncanny way to match books to people. Is she a book whisperer? Yes, I laugh at that notion as well, but I cannot shake the underlying reality. Could you be in her life for much more than only a possible romance, but within the growth of your relationship you help her realize her true talents? That is what your father did for me. I would never have ventured into illustrating children’s books if he hadn’t used his endearing machinations to orchestrate opportunities. Even as he helped your grandpapa operate the bookshops as I took care of you children at home, he’d reserve one day a week to relieve me so that I could pursue my art. Every week. He was the dearest man in all the world and saw something in me I hadn’t even realized yet. Love is a beautiful sort of magic in that way, isn’t it?
I don’t know what may evolve between the two of you, but from all you’ve shared, I can see some of myself in her—the uncertainty, the wandering spirit—but also potential. Oh, my dear boy, when a man loves a woman well, and she is a woman of any worth at all, she not only blooms beneath his love but takes every opportunity to love him in return. She cannot help it. And what a story that is to watch bloom!
Fiona and I look forward to your next report.
With love,
Mum
PS: Fiona asks for you to ring her. She misses your voice.
Chapter15
Text from Izzy to Luke:Eli sent me another bouquet of roses. How many of those mean that he hasn’t quite understood the “friendship” thing yet?
Luke:The fact that you’re asking is probably your answer.
Izzy:Time to reiterate the “just your friendly editor” conversation.
Luke:Be clear, Izzy. Men need clear. So... be less southern.
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood
Date: May10
Subject: Sonnets and romance
Brodie has completely redefined romance for me. How could I have settled for those other guys? Was I just so messed up in my head and heart that I took whatever I could get? If I’d known a relationship could be like what I’m beginning to understand with Brodie, I’d have saved myself a lot of undue hardship. Yes, he’s dorky and incredibly quiet around strangers—and even around Luke at times—so I’m the one generating conversations (weird, right?), but when we’re together it’s a constant flow of either excellent conversation or contented silence. There’s comfort and excitement and anticipation and sweetness all wrapped up into these interactions. And he wants tohearfrom me! My ideas, my thoughts, my voice. What is that!!!
