Page 127 of Positively, Penelope

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Text from Penelope to Matthias:I’m sending a pic of the twins in their reindeer costumes I bought them. Would you show Iris? I know she’ll love them.

Matthias:Iris says they are the cutest reindeer she’s ever seen. BTW, the Christmas gift for Iris just arrived in the post, but I’ve told her she has to wait for Christmas to open it.

Penelope:Ooh, it got there early! You know what it is? A Just Like Me doll! A doll specially designed to look like Iris, with all the gold curls! And I bought the princess dress to go with it. AHHH!!!!

Matthias:Are you certain you bought the doll for Iris?

Penelope:Hush. Of course I did. There’s a magic wand in there too. That goes with the dress. And a crown.

Matthias:Thank you for outshining any possible gift I could give her this year.

Penelope:I’m farther away. I have to make a bigger impression since I can’t be there in person.

Matthias:Luv, you are forever impressed upon the minds of me and Iris. I assure you.

Penelope:Are we still on for our usual video chat tonight? I may have a red nose when we talk because we’re getting ready to drive Izzy to the airport for Skymar. I almost booked a ticket along with her and it’s only been a WEEK since I saw you! Ugh.

Matthias:I’ll await your call, with or without the red nose. And just keep in mind, you begin your coveted position on January2. You’ll love it.

Penelope:I’m pretty sure I love you more, but I can’t back out on JMC now. She’s announced it in all the local papers, which means my name is toast if I don’t follow through. Everyone loves JMC. And the Ashby!

Matthias:You are exactly where you’re supposed to be, luv. See you tonight.

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Text from Matt to Luke:Would you have time for a phone call today? I’d like to enlist your help on a certain project.

Luke:If the project involves transforming my pathetic sister from this mopey person to her happy self, I’m all in. I never thought I’d miss her singing, but her silence is a hundred times worse.

Matt:I’m not certain what “mopey” means, but I get the general idea. However, I think my plan may prove useful to the both of us.

Luke:I’ll call you in five.

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From: Izzy Edgewood

To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood, Josephine Martin

Date: January9

Subject: Missing you

I know it’s been only three weeks since I left, and I still know I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, but I’m missing our winter movie nights a whole bunch. Brodie has been a sweetheart, and when I was having a day of missing you all, we drove to Fiacla to visit The Darling House. Oh, Penelope, what a beautiful theater. And everyone I met just sang your praises. You are so loved here. And Brodie was right, of course—somehow being around people who know you made me feel better too.

Grandpa Gray was a darling and Gwynn is a fun take-charge sort of person.

I can’t believe you’re coming to Skymar in March, Luke. The idea of you being here about the time I REALLY start missing home is just wonderful. I know Brodie would love to show you his home of Waithcliff. Pictures really don’t do it justice.

Penelope, didn’t you start your new job this week? What was it like to be back at your childhood theater in such a new position? Matt said you were really excited and have already hit the ground running by going through inventory and meeting with local businesses. (BTW, I really liked Matt. And Iris was adorable. She was wearing your old princess headband. Matt said she only takes it off for bedtime, bath time, and church.)

Josephine, now I realize why Penelope was always asking about the twins! Do share photos!

Love you all,

Izzy

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