“Object? I couldn’t have made a better pick. I’m thrilled! But I’m still surprised. I’m surprised you accepted.”
Alicia slouched in her chair. “Grant and I have been getting along a little better. I think it’ll work out. Unless his other ex-es are as crazy as his first. What’s he have? Three more?”
“Yeah, three more. I don’t think we can survive three more like Lydia.”
“Well, if you have to, I’ll be right by your side to face them.”
Julia’s features crinkled with a mix of happiness and love. She rose, pulling her sister into a hug. They clung tightly to each other for a moment, celebrating their new lives.
Julia pulled back, giving her shoulders a squeeze. “Well, looks like I won’t have to beg you to stay for just a few more days, and we’ll have lots of time to spend together.”
“Nope. We’ll have tons of time together. I just have to break the news to Ethan.”
“I hope he stays, too. I really want you both here.”
“Me too. I think we can work things out.”
Julia squeezed her close again. “Oh, I hope so. I’m so excited. And now, I think I need to go thank my husband for that.”
“He didn’t tell you he was asking me?” Alicia asked.
“He didn’t. This must be one of those surprises he keeps promising me.”
Alicia bobbed her head up and down. “Must be. Well, you can go tell him he hit it out of the park with this one because he made two ladies very happy.”
“I will.” Julia crossed to the door, twisting to face her sister before she stepped through it. “Ally?”
“Yeah?” she asked.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, Juju.”
Julia stepped into the hall, floating on air as she navigated to the stairs and descended down them to Grant’s office.
He stepped through the door as she hit the marble floor. “Hey, did you speak with Alex?”
“I did,” she said as she slipped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
“Wow. It must have been some goodbye. Not that I’m complaining.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.
She grinned at him. “Actually, we need to discuss that but first, I think I need to thank you.”
“For?”
“Hiring Ally.”
“Oh, that. So, she told you. Are you happy with that decision?”
Her smile broadened. “She told me, and I am very happy.”
“I’m glad,” he said, leaning closer for a kiss when Sierra’s voice interrupted them. He groaned as he pressed his forehead against hers.
“Julia, what isthis?” Sierra asked as she waved a thick stack of papers in the air as she stomped her way down the stairs.
Julia twisted to face her. “My manuscript.”
Sierra hit the marble floor, her eyes wide. “It’s romance.”
