Page 119 of Positively, Penelope

She’d have melted to the closet floor if he hadn’t been holding her up, because he took the time to appreciate the first part of Audrey’s quote quite thoroughly.

He pulled back rather suddenly. “I think I know what we need to do next.”

“You were scheming while kissing me?”

He chuckled and took another taste of her lips. “Kissing you likely inspired my creative thinking.” He took her hand and tugged her toward the door. “Here’s what I think we should do. Take your idea to Grandfather while I ask Dani for his help on some things.”

“All right.”

“And if you don’t mind, I’d love to take you out to dinner tonight on an actual date and we can make more plans.”

Her smile bloomed and she squeezed his hand. “I’d love that too.”

“Good.” He bent and kissed her once more, lingering and warm and oh so wonderful, before he dashed down the hallway toward the stage.

Penelope watched his retreating back until he disappeared from view and then she closed her eyes with a sigh. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.”

***

Text from Penelope to Izzy:Remember what you said about the right kiss with the right guy?

Izzy:Oh. My. Goodness! What happened?

Penelope:Now I understand why they’re so powerful in fairy tales. I can’t go back to anything less after this.

Izzy:Exactly.

Penelope:And I know it’s not going to be easy, but he’s worth it, Iz. Whatever “it” is. He’s worth it.

***

Text from Alec to Matt:The museum pieces are at the boathouse.

Matt:Do you want to meet me there so we can talk?

Alec:I’m not ready for that, but at least I could try to make one thing right.

Matt:You’re still meeting with Grandpa tomorrow?

Alec:Yes.

Matt:I’m sorry I was so lost in my own grief that I didn’t recognize you needed a friend.

Alec:That wasn’t your responsibility. Tell Penelope that I’m sorry.

***

Matt’s faith in Penelope’s ability to create miracles proved solid.

Well, Penelope’s ability along with the help of several dozen other people.

The opening weekend ofPeter Panwent off without trouble. In fact, it outperformed any production of the past four years. Whether it was from the added publicity of the vandalism and news of Emblem “stealing” Darling’s show, or the fact that everyone’s hard work had paid off—or perhaps some combination of the two—Penelope and Gwynn, with a little help from Iris and Matt, put the museum back together at record speed, just in time for opening night.

And after a meeting with some of the community theater members, the idea of performingThe Sound of Musicwas beginning to take shape. Whether they could pull it off in three weeks was yet to be seen.

But at least the main response showed more excitement than terror, which, as Penelope reminded him, “usually led to a healthier and more positive outcome.” Matt no longer attempted to curb his grin when Penelope came to mind, even with their uncertain future. He couldn’t remember ever feeling so... happy in love.

The simple fact she reciprocated with so much... enthusiasm—his neck warmed at the thought—only made the budding relationship even better. And they found ways to show their mutual affection on a regular basis, even if it included storage closets and “helpful” trips to the kitchen or office together. Evidently, kissing practice calmed his worries, too, because he’d even taken up humming again. Iris’s smile and laugh came in droves, proving all the more that this little trio was well worth the future heartache distance was sure to bring.

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