Page 80 of Solving Sophronia

Sophie set the display carefully on her desk and embraced Detective Lester, kissing his scruffy cheek. “I cannot imagine a more thoughtful gift.”

The man’s face went beet red.

Mimi’s friends arrived, and while the older women and the younger fussed over Detective Lester and his creation and toured the office, Jonathan pulled Sophie away from the others.

He took the champagne flute from her hand and set both of their glasses on a filing cabinet, then pulled her to him. He cupped her chin, lifting her face and kissing her. “I could not be prouder of what you’ve done, Sophie.”

“I haven’t done anything yet.” She nestled against him, resting her head on his shoulder. “We haven’t even put out one paper.”

His arms went around her. “But you will. And before long, theIllustrated Police Newswill be a must-have for every morning breakfast table.”

“Right between the crumpets and butter balls,” she proclaimed.

“And many a butler will burn his fingers ironing flat your pages.”

Sophie laughed. She pulled back, putting her arms around his neck. “That will be the true sign of success. Here’s to marmalade stains and burned butlers.”

He kissed her, his lips warm and tasting of peppermint. “And to my Sophie. The nosiest, loveliest, most confusing woman in all of London.”

Sophie kissed him back until her heart felt like it would burst. The sounds of her friends and family talking and laughing surrounded her. And Jonathan—held in his arms, she felt whole and safe and endlessly loved.

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