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Connor wasn’t the pushy type; seeing that Edith genuinely couldn’t recall meeting him before, he let it go and didn’t press the matter.
After exchanging numbers, Connor gave a nod toward the entrance. “My friend’s just arrived to pick me up, so I’ll get out of your hair.”
Edith glanced at the time–her cousin Lauren should be coming out any
minute now.
She smiled politely. “Well, Mr. Grant, I’ll go find my cousin, then. Let’s have dinner together sometime soon.”
Connor grinned. “Sounds good.”
On the massive overhead screens, arrivals scrolled by one after another.
Edith spotted Lauren’s flight; it had landed nearly half an hour ago. For a moment, she’d worried she was running late.
But when Lauren still hadn’t come out, Edith started to feel uneasy. Maybe something had happened?
Finally, Lauren strode over briskly, cheeks flushed with irritation. Edith’s shoulders relaxed in relief.
She squinted, smiling as she linked arms with her cousin. “Rough time on an international flight? Did you pick up a bad mood along the way?”
Lauren was usually the picture of patience. Today, though, she looked especially exasperated.
Edith took the suitcase from her and kept her arm hooked through Lauren’s, studying her cousin’s annoyed expression.
Lauren launched into a rant. “You will not believe what just happened. I bumped into some guy in the restroom–looked totally normal, but turned out to be a total creep. He tried to sneak into the ladies‘ room to take photos! I caught him in the act and called the police right away. He kept making excuses, but honestly, the officers here are amazing–showed up
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in minutes. Let him explain himself to them!”
Edith couldn’t help but laugh. “Trust you to run into something like that. What a stroke of bad luck. Let’s shake off the travel stress–I’ll treat you to some real hometown cooking to welcome you back!”
Edith was always close with Lauren. Even now, she was pushing the suitcase with one hand and refusing to let go of Lauren’s arm with the
other.
Lauren squeezed her arm a little tighter. She’d always adored this cousin, though it was a shame The Shaw Family’s business had moved to Seastone City. Once Edith had started college and Lauren had left the country for grad school, chances to spend time together grew rare.
When news of Beckett’s death reached them, Lauren had been swamped with finals and unable to come home. She’d worried endlessly about Edith, afraid her cousin might not be able to cope.
But seeing Edith now–smiling, steady–Lauren felt a huge weight lift from
her heart.
Lauren was several years older and had practically watched Edith grow up. Edith had always been stubborn as a mule, and Lauren secretly
feared she’d never move on.
When rumors started circulating about Edith remarrying, Lauren hadn’t believed them for a second.
Yet here they were. It was true after all.
In the end, though, Lauren was just glad Edith seemed to be moving forward. She had her whole life ahead of her.
“I’ve been craving Northcrest’s comfort food ever since I left the country,” Lauren said, brightening a little. “Especially Auntie’s sweet and sour ribs. No restaurant abroad can ever get them right.”
Hearing that, Edith’s eyes lit up. “Why don’t we just go back to The Sumner Family house for dinner?”
She’d barely finished the suggestion before Lauren waved her off. “No, no,
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no! I might live abroad now, but I still remember Northcrest traditions. A newlywed isn’t supposed to visit her family home–except for that ‘three days after the wedding‘ thing–for a whole month.”
Edith groaned. “Oh, come on. I don’t believe in all that superstition.
Besides, I’m remarried now–it’s not the same as a new bride. Who really cares?”
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Chapter 137
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.