Page 136 of Appointing

“I like being behind-the-scenes, Sarah. As her secretary, when she went to a party before, I was either at home, or I was off to the side. No one had a camera on me or expected me–”

“Do you love Elin, Ingrid?”

“What? Of course, I do.”

“Do you not think she’d give you everything in the world if she could?”

“I don’t–”

“Meaning, that she’d help you figure this out, whatever you want or don’t want. If you don’t want to be a big public speaker or something, I’m sure she’d be fine with that. If you want to be more behind-the-scenes, just tell her that. You’ll have to be out there a little, I’m sure, but you loved working at the palace before; I know you did. You liked making a real difference in Norway and in Europe. Now, you’re working with Dad pushing papers.”

“Wehavecomputers, Sarah Anne.”

“I just picture him sitting behind a huge desk, not knowing how to turn the thing on, so he’s just sharpening a bunch of pencils or something.”

Ingrid laughed a little.

“Look, I’m not saying this is the easiest thing in the world or trying to tell you that it’s not complicated. It is; I get that. I’m just saying that I’ve never seen you happier. Even before you realized how you felt about her, you loved your job. You loved working with her and spending time with her. And now that that’s evolved, you’re even happier. That’s amazing, Ingrid. Not everyone gets the happily-ever-after thing, and you could really have that with her.”

“I know,” Ingrid said.

“Maybe take tonight to just think about what you want, but you need to talk to her either way. You can’t help who you fall in love with, Ingrid. And it isbeyondclear that you’re in love with her.”

Ingrid’s phone buzzed in her purse.

“Speak of the devil,” Sarah Anne said before Ingrid had even pulled it out.

“How did you know?”

“Who else would be calling you? You haveonefriend, andI’mhere.” She stood up.

“It’s just a text. She wants to know if we can talk before she goes to bed.” Ingrid smiled down at her phone.

“Oh, God… You aresogone for this girl.” Sarah laughed.

“She’s awoman, Sarah.”

“You’dknow,” Sarah replied. “Was it really that good? Sister to sister.”

Ingrid looked up at her, smiled, and nodded. “I’ve never felt more complete in my entire life, Sarah. It was everything all at once and, somehow, still not enough at times. I needed more, and even when I got that, I wanted more of her still, and I…”

“I think you know what you’re going to do,” Sarah Anne said. “Just say goodnight to her tonight, Ingrid. You wait to tell her that you love her until you’re in person. Thewomandeserves that.”

CHAPTER 38

“And how did it go?” Mari asked.

“She said goodnight. I said goodnight. That was pretty much it,” Elin replied, sipping on her tea.

“She called you, said goodnight, and then you two hung up?” Lillian asked.

“We talked for a few minutes. She asked about the event, Palmer and Elizabeth, and the kids.”

“And what did you askherabout?” Mari asked.

“Her sister and work,” Elin replied.

“So, you’re back to being secretary and boss then, basically?” Lillian teased. “How boring, Elin. She’s your girlfriend.”

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