Authentically izzy, p.30
Authentically, Izzy, page 30
Not only that, she had skills and talents worth using and giving. Thoughts worth sharing and challenging. A solid mind and heart worth trusting instead of hiding all of it behind the safety of silence.
“Thank you, Brodie.” Her eyes stung so she looked away, toward the rolling green countryside that lay dotted with stone houses and white sheep and . . . her future? The heat slipped from her face. A world away from home?
“I don’t believe in pretense and insinuations when it comes to matters of the heart, Karre. I want you to know up front and honestly exactly where I stand. What I think.”
Her attention pulled back to his profile. He was just wonderful. Through and through. But home? Family? Her heart squeezed to the painful spot.
His lips quirked. “To quote a popular fiction that feels rather appropriate, ‘I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.’”
His quote from The Alchemist nearly pushed her struggle to the background, but it lingered between them, waiting for an answer . . . a choice. She smiled over at him and forced the darker thoughts away. “It required an entire universe to match up two people who live an ocean apart, I guess.”
“That must be why it took so long, but it’s been worth the wait.”
She sighed away her worries and basked in the rightness of being . . . loved by him. Loved! By him! “It has certainly been worth the wait.”
Every hurt. Every insecurity. Every question why. All of them led her to him. And now.
“What does Karre mean?” She breathed out the question, her throat on fire. “You use it a lot with me and I . . . I’ve been wondering.”
He drew in a breath, his gaze catching in hers. “It has no proper English translation, but it captures a host of words, feelings really. My dear, my love, my admiration and hope. The word is meant to encapsulate them all.”
“It’s beautiful, particularly when you say it . . . to me.”
His attention fastened on her. “I don’t say it to anyone else.”
Her breath squeezed and she let his declaration soak through the worries and tremulous hope like a promise. How could she return to life thousands of miles away from her heart? How could she step back into a life of the same when she wasn’t the same anymore?
He turned back to the road and gestured ahead of them. “Port Quinnick.”
The cliffside road wound ahead and disappeared into a conglomeration of buildings hugging the side of the coastline and trailing down to the sea, as if in a race to see who could reach the water's edge first. She leaned forward, taking in the view. Buildings of all sorts, mostly older-looking structures, jutted out of the hillside as boats of all shapes and sizes studded the gray-blue sea along the coastline. A haunting ruin towered over the port city on a nearby hillside, beautiful and eerie in its position with the swirl of dark clouds behind.
“What is that?”
He didn't even look in her direction, only continued his grin. “Ah, I knew you’d like Fearnrose Abbey. Are you envisioning the burned halls of fictional Thornfield in your mind?”
She rested her elbow against the car door and leaned toward the sight, the cool wind blowing against her cheeks. “Definitely, but even with all its brokenness, it’s still such an intriguing site.”
“Perhaps because of it.” He nodded, slowing the car so she had time to take a few photos from their current vantage point. “And it has a story, should you wish to hear it.”
“Seriously.” She rolled her gaze to his. “Do you even need to ask?”
He looked at her with such unveiled affection, she nearly breached the distance and distracted him from driving with a kiss. “I hope you know how glad I am that you’re here . . . with me, Isabelle.”
To that she did lean over and kiss his cheek. “I’m glad to be here with you, too, Brodie.”
“Well, then.” He cleared his throat and drew in a breath. “Legend has it—”
“Legend has it? Are you kidding me?” She laughed. “I can already tell I’m going to love this story.”
“I can practically see your mind conjuring up all sorts of imaginings.” They began a descent toward the port. “Well, then, legend has it that there were three priests who were brothers, both in the biological sense and the spiritual sense, and all three had talents and interests in architecture. Each came to Skymar and wanted to make their mark on the people here, so the eldest two, who were considered the greater of the talents, built their own churches on separate points of the island of Ansling. Fearnrose was completed first by the eldest of the three. The second eldest built Kilnen Abbey just north near the town of Elri, a bit smaller than his elder brother’s edifice.”
“Why am I having Goldilocks and the Three Bears vibes?”
His laugh burst out. “Sorry to disappoint, but I’m not aware of a Goldilocks in this story; however, the youngest brother did assist both of his elder brothers in their endeavors, but they discouraged him from taking his somewhat unique views of architecture into developing his own place of worship.”
“But of course he didn’t adhere to their suggestions.”
“Of course not.” Brodie raised a brow. “Though he was the quietest of the three and spent many years supporting his brothers’ endeavors, he had a burning desire to create something with his own skills. To give, as he saw it, of his own talents, so he chose an unlikely island for his plan.”
Her expression must have shown her confusion, because he chuckled. “Yes, all of Skymar is made up of islands, but the youngest brother built on an islet known as Skree, which is just across a land bridge from Port Quinnick.” He pointed out the window toward the ocean and in the distance Izzy could make out the faintest hint of a small land mass among the fog.
“There he built his own offering to God through architecture. An odd sort of creation, and somewhat ignored by his brothers, but beautiful in its own way and quite providential to the future of Port Quinnick.”
Izzy squinted to make out the mass in the distance, but all she noticed were rocky mounds and a plethora of trees.
“When Vikings came to the island of Ansling a thousand years ago, they ransacked villages and cities and destroyed churches, but they didn’t burn the Kirk of Skree because they didn’t know it was there. Thousands of people crossed to the island and hid within the church, which was built of the very rocks on which it hid. And thanks to the forward-thinking of the youngest brother, Elerk, who had cultivated gardens and a self-sufficient water system, the people who fled to Skree survived in hiding without the persecution and devastation of those who remained inland.”
“What a remarkable story.”
“Indeed, and it so happened that Elerk the Younger met Katarine during his hiding, which led to a marriage and eventually, through that bloodline, the first king of Skymar, who led Skymar in its independence and to the prosperity you see today.”
The ocean disappeared behind the city buildings of Port Quinnick and Izzy sighed, nestling farther into her seat. “So that’s the ruin you’ve been hinting for me to investigate while you're in meetings this afternoon?”
He shrugged. “I imagine you will have plenty to investigate with the history of Port Quinnick and all of its marvelous shops, but I’d advise you not to miss Kirk of Skree while you’re here.”
“How can I not visit it! My curiosity is sufficiently piqued.”
“My grandfather always loved the story of Elerk the Younger because Grandfather was the youngest of three boys, and when he’d tell the story, he’d always add at the end”—Brodie furrowed his brow and dipped his chin, lowering his voice into a gravely imitation—“Brodie, my boy, remember Elerk and his story. It’s about taking what you have within you, what God-given gifts you already possess, and falling in love with them. Making them work for your future. Uniquely. That’s how you make your life worth living, for yourself and others.”
Sneaky man. “Did you make this story up?”
“Of course not!” His brows shot high. “You doubt me?”
“I doubt your very convenient moral of the story.”
His eyes rounded in pure innocence. “It’s true through and through. You can ask Mum, though I may have added a few convenient parallels for your benefit.”
“So your next occupation is historical fiction, then?”
He chuckled. “Only if you’ll help me write it.”
She quieted a moment, allowing his words to take residence around her doubts. She’d felt it. The joy of using her gifts to create something beautiful and useful . . . and to touch other lives in the process. The past two days had proven it all the more. “That’s what you’ve done, isn’t it? With Sutherland’s. You’ve found where you belong. Who you are.”
He brought the car to a stop on the side of the street, trees and street lamps interspersed among stone, brick, and a very few glass-and-steel combinations of a newer business variety, but even those somehow were worked into the picturesque display of the rest of the city.
He turned to her. “In part, yes. I find great satisfaction in living in this book world and all it encompasses.” He searched her face. “But I hadn’t really felt complete in my story, if you will, until I traveled to a little town in North Carolina and met a certain bookish beauty.”
“That line was wonderfully executed.” She leaned forward, drawn by the tenderness in his expression.
“And genuinely felt,” he whispered as he touched his lips to hers.
Aye, her heart sighed. She breathed in the pine and spice and everything nice that Brodie Sutherland offered her. The decision she’d have to make to pursue a future with him, a long-term future, quaked through her with torrential force. She’d never been the risky sort, except in reading choices. She’d never considered herself brave or adventurous or daring, but a life with Brodie required some entirely nonfictional courage. And she’d been practicing courage lately.
For the first time since giving her heart away in high school to a guy who only wanted her for her literature smarts, she completely and unreservedly released hold to Brodie Sutherland. In fact, she loved his world too. And it didn't take too much imagination to see herself living and working alongside him in his bookishness till death do they part. But even if it meant a life on the other side of the ocean from home?
She squeezed her eyes closed as his arm came up around her shoulder.
Yes. She could be brave enough for something like that.
* * *
From: Izzy Edgewood
To: Luke Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: June 30
Subject: Babies on the way!!!
I’m so glad I was near the bookshop watching the King and Queen Parade so that my phone picked up your texts! It took a little finagling, but I was able to get my flight changed to this evening. (Weekend flights are tough to find! I had no idea!) I know the babies will be born before I get there, but how could I wait three more days to see them?!? It’s not every day you become an aunt-cousin for the first time.
I won’t get to Mt. Airy until late tomorrow night, but if visitor hours are still open, I’m driving directly to the hospital. Please keep me in the know of how things are going. I should be hooked up to Wi-Fi until I leave for the airport around seven this evening, so if the newest members of the family make their debut before then, let me know.
Brodie and I are going to finish up a few things at the bookshop and then have a late lunch with his family before he drives me to catch my flight. I’ve loved every minute of being here with him. It’s amazing what you can learn about yourself and the person you’re dating when given the opportunity and the close proximity. He just keeps getting BETTER and BETTER.
And at the risk of sounding sentimental, he’s making me better and better, too, just by being who he is.
I should probably tell you guys this before I get home . . .
Brodie proposed! We were having breakfast this morning at a little café in Skern overlooking Brendwater (a nearby lake) and he took my hand into his, gave me the sweetest smile on the planet, and said, “Isabelle,” (in his lovely accented voice) “would you come work for Sutherland’s?”
I can hear Penelope’s disappointment from here, but I’m not disappointed at all! I’m ecstatic.
His proposal, such as it was, is actually a perfect match for me. He, his mother, and brother met last night and created a position catered specifically for my talents and interests as Creative Marketing Director of Sutherland’s Books. They even want me to offer a link on the website called the Book Matchmaker—where readers can email in to ask for specific recommendations to which I’d then refer them to our “developing” online bookstore! Oh, OH! There’s so much to do!!!! I’ve never been so sure about anything in my life, and you guys know what a big deal that is!
The plan would be to start the job virtually with a goal of moving to Ansling within a year.
I know this will cause a kink in so many plans for home and for the library, but I already have a few recommendations for my replacement.
Just so you know, Penelope, Brodie did hint around at the other type of proposal, but I have a feeling he’s waiting for a special occasion . . . and probably a little more familiarity. I can only imagine after becoming better acquainted with my idiosyncrasies, oddities, and mountain-size insecurities he may want a little more time to consider a lifelong attachment. Besides, it’s pretty quick for two people to email, meet, and marry within the first year of knowing each other, right?
Can you even believe it? Me, of all people? Leaving Mt. Airy for a transatlantic adventure? Who would have thought that after struggling through what I was meant to do for years and years, that my dream found me instead of me finding my dream?
Okay, I’ve gotta run. One of the kids in the children’s section decided to stick a Mathlink cube up his nose and nobody seems to know what to do about it. Clearly they’ve not taught four-year-old Sunday school before.
Love you all and see you soon,
Izzy
PS: Did I mention that Brodie said he loved me?! It took me a few hours, but I worked up the courage to tell him too. Love!
PPS: I am almost tempted to sing.
From: Luke Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Penelope Edgewood
Date: June 30
Subject: Re: Babies on the way!!!
Izzy,
You realize you just opened yourself up to having Penelope list EVERY happy couple she knows (and even those she doesn’t) who have married after knowing each other less than a year. Maybe even less than a week. I know some of her friends. It’s terrifying. I’m just warning you so you’ll be ready for the verbal onslaught when she sees you next.
I’m really happy for your new job. The commute is gonna be a bear, though. Maybe old Blighty can invest in a private jet or boat for you. Or Floo powder.
Are there book perks for family members? Can’t wait to hear more about it when you get home.
Also, how’d the kid make out? Sounds like a booger of a time.
Safe travels,
Luke
PS: No babies yet, but I don’t think Patrick’s podiatry experiences sufficiently prepared him for Josephine giving birth.
From: Penelope Edgewood
To: Izzy Edgewood, Luke Edgewood
Date: June 30
Subject: Re: Babies on the way!!!
IZZY!!!!!!
Luke just told me to check my email (I was messaging my internship coordinator about flight details for Skymar! Squee!). Anyway, how could you lead me on like that? A job offer is NOT the same as a proposal! Though I’m beyond happy for you to find something bookish. You’re so much better with stories and spines than, you know, other things. And to get to travel? Experience the world? Oh my goodness, I’m thrilled for you, except I’m not, because then I’ll miss you terribly! Who will go Christmas shopping with me for all those hard-to-choose gifts, like . . . for Uncle Lawrence? Izzy, you have to promise to visit once a year, if for no other reason than to help me with Christmas shopping.
Luke is no help at all in the hospital. He just sits there like a stump watching me pace back and forth and occasionally humming the Wicked Witch of the West’s theme in time with the clip of my heels. He really is the most annoying brother! But he did show up with iced tea and muffins from Loralee’s, so at least he’s good for something besides exasperated-glare practice. And he’s a good hugger.
Patrick is a dream! He’s only raised his voice once and that was to call a nurse to stop his nosebleed. Evidently, Josephine, in her current mental distress, hit him in the nose. He’s still smiling, though. I overheard him encouraging one of the nurses to offer something to calm Josephine down and the nurse responded with a chuckle, adding something about nitrous. Maybe the nitrous is for him? I feel like I’ve heard the word before, but Luke is laughing so hard he won’t explain it to me.
He really is the sweetest sort of man, though. Not Luke. Patrick. I think Patrick is one of those quiet, gentle types that emotional women need to survive. I just hope that he doesn’t have a swollen purple nose in their first family photos. Though purple would likely brighten those hazel eyes of his.
Luke is still laughing, BTW. I hate him. Okay, I don’t hate him, but, well, you know . . .
I can’t wait to see you! I’m so excited for you to share all you’ve seen and learned in Skymar so I’ll be armed for the internship! They really aren’t giving us very much information to go on.
I’ve attached a list of very happily married couples I know who met online and married (not online) within a year. Luke told me to delete five of them because of several unmentionable details about their current not-so-happily-ever-afters, but I left the rest, even though the last couple no longer live in the same state as each other. Evidently long-distance works for their marriage too.
Love,
Penelope
PS: I really can’t imagine a Mathlink cube fitting inside of any child’s nose. I think you’re making that up, Izzy.
