Page 117 of Authentically, Izzy
I have no words.
Luke
From: Josephine Martin
To: Penelope Edgewood, Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: June29
Subject: Re: The Book Matchmaker
Izzy,
I’m sorry I haven’t responded to your emails. I’ve been reorganizing Patrick’s sock drawer, the kitchen pantry, and Grandmother’s sewing room underneath the stairs. It really is amazing what you can find in a place no one’s touched in nine years. I think I located someone’s missing hot-pink scrunchies and Penelope’s violin. Why the violin would be in that untouched place, I have no idea. Needless to say, I now have enough space to store Patrick’s golf paraphernalia.
I’m so glad you are having such a nice time on your little vacation, and I’d like to reiterate one point about your self-reflection. You have always been a part of our family, Izzy. I’ve never thought of you as anything else. If I seemed to gravitate toward asking for your help or relying on you for important things, it’s only because I always found you fully capable and willing. Maybe I tried to give my advice too much and guide you in certain directions, but I would never want to lead you somewhere you were not meant to go. I think I can say this for Luke and Penelope, too, that we’ve always believed in you. In fact, there are more days than not that I envied your creativity, passion, zeal, and love for what you do. There aren’t many people who ever truly find their place or niche in the world. Most of us just do what needs to be done. But you’re oneof the unique few whohaveand we want to celebrate that with you.
Maybe that’s why Mom encouraged you to take the library job, because she caught a glimpse of that passion inside you and wanted to see what you’d do.
I need to stop writing because I’ve started crying again. Just know I love you and whatever decision you make about books or romance or annoying bookish shirts, I will love you still.
Josephine
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Penelope Edgewood, Luke Edgewood, Josephine Martin
Date: June29
Subject: Re: The Book Matchmaker
Josephine,
Your note brought me to tears and I’m not even pregnant.
I’m so grateful that I’m learning that love comes in all different shapes, sizes, and personalities. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to see that love gives me freedom, not chains me down. Even if you guys don’t agree with me, you’re going to love me, and I think that’s the part I needed to really understand most of all.
And I hope you have the best time ever organizing the rest of the house, Josephine. I’ve never felt that type of passion for the organization of anything... Well, except maybe books.
Izzy
Text from Izzy to Luke:So that’s where you put Penelope’s violin!!! I always wondered.
Luke:Someone had to be man enough to protect the living.
***
“Thursday was our biggest sales day in ten years, Isabelle.” Brodie’s grin unhinged as he steered the car along the motorway, his hair fluttering in the sea-salted air blowing through the windows. “One day. And Mum said that today is already superseding yesterday. You’re like a miracle worker.”
Izzy smoothed her palms down her slacks, warmth branching through her chest. From her talk with Luke, to Josephine’s email, to her absolute delight in spending time with Brodie and his bookshop, she couldn't seem to tame the dizzying excitement coursing through her. If life was going to wait until she was thirty to start happening, then it sure hit with an explosion of confetti.
“I can’t thank you enough for trusting me with your family’s legacy.” She sighed and leaned back into the car seat. “I’m honored and overwhelmed.”
“You’rethe one thankingme.” He gave her fingers a quick squeeze before returning his hand to the steering wheel. “After all these months of growing to love you and learning about who you are, it was as much a pleasure to see you explore all of that magnificent imagination of yours as it was to watch the people swarm into the shop.”
Had he saidlove? She pinched her hands together, determined to hold back a junior-high squeal. Of course he loved her. He’d shown her in his actions and words and gentleness—heat soared into her face—not to mention his kisses. She embraced the awareness and her heart’s ready response. “I’m so glad,” she whispered.
“And now you’re the Book Matchmaker?” He laughed. “How perfect is that!”
