Page 60 of The Runaway Bride of Blitzen Bay (Blitzen Bay)

He nods his head slowly and sighs. “I’m sorry, honey. I know it can’t be easy.”

“Thanks, Dad. I’ll be okay.”

“Are you sure you want to stay in L.A. by yourself?” He narrows his eyes. “I’ll worry about you being there alone.”

“I’ll be fine. All I know right now is that I want to start law school in a few weeks.”

He takes a deep breath. “Then you’re going to have to find a cheaper place to live.”

“I’ve got it. I’ll get a little studio or something. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay, but if you’re struggling, call me. I don’t want you starving or anything.”

“I’m not going to starve, Dad. I promise.” I smile and pat him on the hand. “You better get outside before Mom drives off and leaves you here.”

He laughs as he stands up and hugs me. “She probably already has. I love you, Noelle, and so does your mom.”

“I know, Dad. I love you guys, too. I’ll call you when I get everything set.”

He nods. “Do me a favor, okay?”

“Anything.”

“Find a guy who puts you first—above everything. Someone who will always have your back.”

I nod as he hugs me again. He looks over to Kit.

“See ‘ya, Kit,” he says, smiling. “Safe travels back to Spain. Sorry about the slap.”

“It’s all good, Uncle Dres.” She runs over and hugs him.

As I watch him walk out the door, Kit puts her arm around my shoulder. “Babe, I’ve got to go, too or I’m going to miss my flight. Walk me outside.”

“Okay, but you better give Nash a hug before you leave,” I say, laughing through the tears that are starting to form.

“Hell no. I’m not touching him either.” She waves to Nash. “Bye, kidnapper. Thanks for rescuing Elle.”

“Bye, Kit,” he says, smiling. “It’s been interesting.”

“Of course it has,” she says, pulling me out the door. She gives me one last hug. “I’ll see you in March. And we’ll talk every single day until then. Okay?”

I nod at her as she wipes the tears off my cheeks.

“Grandma would be so proud of you.”

“You think?” I say quietly.

“I know. You saw what she had with Grandpa. She wouldn’t want her precious Elle to have anything less than that.”

“You’re right.”

“I know I am,” she says as she gets in her car. “I love you, Baby Elle. I’ll call you from the airport tomorrow.”

“Love you, Kitten! Merry Christmas!”

I wave until her car drives out of sight and then collapse on the bench in front of Izzy’s.

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