Page 75 of The Christmas Grouch
Daniel turned toward Penny. “My next book is about a stubborn author, way too sure of himself, who meets a wonderful woman — a smart, compassionate, insightful, beautiful bookstore owner — who opens his eyes to everything he’s missing in life.”
It took a second for Penny to absorb what he’d just said. Her heart started thumping. Murmurs swept through the crowd as everyone realized who he was talking about. Cameras swung toward her.
In the front row, Donald and Hettie Mae exchanged a triumphant glance.
“Mr. Bedford!” Eva yelled out, her hand shooting up into the air. “A question! An important question!”
“Yes, Eva?” Daniel said, his eyes still firmly fixed on Penny.
“Will your next book be an epic romance?”
“I very much hope so, Eva. I very much hope so.” He turned to the crowd. “Everyone, thank you for being here today. The press conference is over.”
And just like that, he stepped away from the podium and walked right to Penny, as serious and intense and handsome as ever.
Penny flushed, extremely aware that the entire room was now focused on them. “Daniel,” she whispered. “What are you doing?”
“Penny,” he said, his eyes full of emotion, “I’m done being professional with you.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
He took hold of her hands. “I’m ready to share how I really feel about you. No more holding back.”
Emotion rushed through her. “Daniel….”
“I’m sticking around,” he said, his voice suddenly husky with emotion. “I’m not going anywhere.”
She gasped. “You’re not leaving?”
“Heartsprings Valley has captured my imagination.Youhave captured my imagination. Leaving this town — leavingyou— is something I don’t want to do.” He slipped his arms around her and pulled her close. “I don’t ever want to say goodbye to you, Penny Quinn.”
The strength of his arms around her felt wonderful. His dark brown eyes were alive with feeling. The room faded away.
“Tell me,” he whispered, leaning closer. “I have to know. How does this story end? Does the guy have a shot at getting the girl?”
With a trembling smile, Penny reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Kiss me and find out.”
He leaned in and pressed his lips against hers — and her world soared. Oh, my, everything about this man and this moment felt soright. His arms felt so good wrapped around her. Everything about him breathed sincerity and tenderness.
His lips moved to her ear. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured.
Faintly, she became aware of folks in the audience applauding and evencheering. With a small laugh, she pulled back. “Oh, gosh.”
“Ignore ’em,” he whispered, his eyes alive with feeling. “That’s my advice.”
She smiled. “Ignoring the media is terrible advice. But maybe, just this once, I can go along with that.”
“I am so grateful I met you,” he whispered. “Merry Christmas, Penny.”
“Merry Christmas, Daniel.”
Then she pulled him for another kiss, reveling in the knowledge that the two of them were ready to move forward in life —together.
The End
