Page 122 of Whisper Sweet Nothings
“Thanks for helping set this up, and thanks for making this backdrop and for taking the photos, Winnie,” Bridger said, and I was still in awe sometimes at the effect that Emilia had had on him. The dude was all up in his feels these days.
“I’m so happy that I got to be part of your special day,” Winnie told them. She waved as I took her hand and led her out of the yard.
“Be sure you blow out all those candles before you go inside, Casanova,” I shouted, and I heard them both laughing behind me.
“That was amazing,” Winnie said with a sigh.
“It was. Thanks for doing all of that.”
“Of course. I’m glad I could do it.” She smiled up at me. “Now let’s go get our girl.”
Our girl.
We really were our own little family now.
thirty-two
. . .
Winnie
The last fewweeks had been amazing. I had one book in editing and another that was about to release, and I had a break from writing right now.
Early copies, also known as ARCs or advanced reader copies, had been sent to tons of influencers, and the early feedback was absolutely blowing my mind. People were gushing about this book, and I couldn’t wait for it to be out in the world.
Archer was so interested in the whole process, and I loved that he cared. My first two book releases were very different experiences. My father had taken me to dinner both times, because Jaden thought it was silly to chase a pipe dream and thought I should be picking up more hours at the advertising firm I worked at instead of writing.
“So you get to catch your breath a little now. And the first round of edits you got back for this last book were really positive, right?” he asked as he studied me from behind his desk. I’d stopped by his office to drop off some cupcakes I’d made.
“Yes. I didn’t have a ton to fix, which was great. Now it’s off to copy edits.” I shrugged.
“That’s amazing. So many moving parts in this business. AndWhisper Sweet Nothingsreleases in two weeks,” he said. “You’ll be traveling for release day, so we’ll have to do something to celebrate before you go. Or we can do it when you get back if you prefer.”
My breath hitched. He was so thoughtful, and I didn’t realize how much I needed that in my life.
“Thank you. Just celebrating with you and Melody anytime will be great.”
A part of me wanted to ask him to come with me on the book tour. I wasn’t looking forward to being away from them for a week. But my publisher had booked a pretty busy couple of days of signings for me, and I’d be on a plane and on the go the whole time. Melody couldn’t miss school, and Archer would need to be there for her, and he had work as well.
I wouldn’t ask him to do that. It wouldn’t be fair.
Melody was off for spring break next week, and we were hosting Easter at his house.
“Our house” was what he’d repeatedly said to me.
My father was flying in for Easter so he could meet Archer and Melody. They’d FaceTimed often, but it was important for them to meet in person now.
“I’m proud of you,” he said.
“For what?” I laughed, an attempt to shrug it off. I’d never been great with praise or attention on me.
“For chasing your dreams, Winnie. For knowing there was something else out there for you and going after it. For leaving a marriage that wasn’t working. Tuning out the voice of a weak man who tried to crush your dreams. You know what you want, and you go after it. It’s fucking impressive.”
“Maybe that’s why we get along so well,” I said. “I feel the same about you.”
“Do you now?”
“Yep. You were in a relationship that was a happy one, and you were thrown a curveball. You didn’t hesitate. You followed your gut, and you stepped up to the plate in the most amazing way for your daughter. You built a home for her and a life for her, and she’s this amazing little human. And then you started a company from the ground up, and now you employ over thirty-five people. And you never complain about being tired or not having any time for yourself. You just do it all. You’re everything to everyone.”
