by Renee Ryan
He kissed her on the right temple, then the left. “Sophie and her new husband are joining us tonight.”
“Truly?”
“Luke and Elizabeth will be there as well.”
Gigi couldn’t wish for better company. The couples weren’t considered the most popular among New York society and were denied access to certain homes, but they were some of the finest people Gigi knew. She was proud to call them friends. “Oh, Fitz. Would it be too much if I kissed you again?”
“You have to ask?”
Moments later, both breathless, Fitz made a grand show of stepping back and putting distance between them. “Unfortunately, Caroline and Jackson are unable to attend. Your friend is suffering from severe morning sickness.”
“Poor Caroline.”
“I have more bad news.”
Gigi frowned. “I’m afraid to ask.”
“It appears your great-grandmother’s pearls are, indeed, lost forever. Mr. Ryerson has proven himself a skunk of the first order. Not only did he sell the necklace, he destroyed all evidence that it was ever in his possession.”
Though disappointed, Gigi wasn’t surprised by this turn of events. When Fitz had told her of his plan to approach the pawnbroker, she’d hoped for the best but had prepared for the worst. Mr. Ryerson was one of the shadiest men she’d ever met.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t able to buy back the pearls.”
“Oh, Fitz.” She cupped his cheek, humbled by his love. “What a good man you are. I’m grateful you attempted to recover them at all.”
He pressed his lips to her palm, then released her hand. “I suppose now would be a good time to share happier news.”
“The very best.”
“You’ll have many chances to see your friends in the future. I invested in Luke’s automobile company. I am a full partner and plan to oversee my interest personally.”
“You want to move to New York?” Gigi didn’t want that. She didn’t think Fitz did, either. Were they about to have their first argument as a married couple?
“I would never ask you to leave your family.” His gaze darkened, and he grew very serious. “And I can’t abandon my father, not for long spans of time. I thought we could have two houses, one in Boston, one in New York.”
Gigi liked that idea.
“We’ll live mostly in Boston, of course, but come to New York as often as we can. And . . . I’m making decisions without you.” He shoved a hand through his hair. “What do you think of my idea?”
“I think”—she took his impossibly handsome face in her hands—“it’s a brilliant plan.”
There was more kissing after that, and still more, and then a considerable bit more. They arrived late at the theater. No one said a word. The owner, after all, was allowed a bit of leeway.
Esmeralda put on the performance of a lifetime.
Some speculated this was due to Sophie and Robert Dain’s presence in the audience. Others suspected it was because of the new owner’s unexpected arrival. Gigi figured it was a combination of both.
After the final curtain call, Gigi and Fitz said good-bye to their friends, then went backstage to congratulate the cast on a stellar performance. Barely twenty minutes later, Fitz pulled Gigi into a shadowed corner behind a piece of scenery from the second act.
“I find I am a selfish man at heart.” He said this against her ear, his breath sending pleasant shivers down her back. “I want you all to myself.”
“I like the sound of that.” She nuzzled against him, then pressed a kiss to his clean-shaven jaw, another to his lips. “But there’s one last stop I’d like to make before we leave the building.”
“I had a feeling you might say that. Come along, then.” He hooked her arm through his and tugged her toward the nursery. “Let’s say hello to the children.”
Mrs. Tupper welcomed them with a broad smile. Lilly and Amelia showed their delight in a series of ear-splitting squeals, while Fern got straight down to business. She tugged on Gigi’s skirt and asked, “Will you read us a story?”
“What a wonderful idea,” Fitz declared, joining the little girls on the floor without hesitation.
Happy to oblige her captive audience, Gigi took her place in the rocking chair. “Which story should I read?”
“Briar Rose,” all three children said in unison.
“Because Prince is here,” Amelia explained as she climbed onto Fitz’s lap. He laughed fondly when she proceeded to tell him every major plot point of the story before Gigi had a chance to open the book.
One day that will be one of our children chattering away with Fitz. And he’ll listen with that same affectionate grin on his handsome face.
Gigi lost herself in the image for a moment. Then, with the help of an impatient prompting from Lilly, she turned to the proper page and began reading. “‘A king and queen once upon a time reigned in a country a great way off’ . . .”
It was the perfect ending to a perfect day, and the perfect beginning to a future Gigi would live well with the man she loved.
Discussion Questions
Why is Gigi visiting the pawnshop in Herald Square? What happens during the meeting with the owner that leaves her upset? How long does she have to come up with a solution?
What is Gigi hiding from? Why has she changed her name to Sally Smith and taken on the role of lady’s maid? Who is she serving now?
Who does Gigi encounter at the Summer Garden Theater? What does his appearance mean? Have you ever had a plan that was thwarted before you could put it into motion? Explain.
Describe Fitz and Gigi’s history. How did Fitz find Gigi? Why has he come now? Does his reason for seeking her out change over the course of the book? If so, how?
What does Esmeralda want Gigi to do for her concerning her daughter? How does Gigi feel about this? How does Sophie feel?
Why does Fitz seek out a medical professional? What comes of this meeting?
What happens the first time Gigi asks Fitz to let her return the pearls? What happens the second time she asks? Why has Fitz had a change of heart? Have you ever been determined to follow through with a plan only to decide to let it go? What happened?
Why does Fitz meet with Lucian Griffin? What comes of that meeting?
What happens at the church service? Why is Gigi so distraught? Does the message of forgiveness ring true? Have you ever had to forgive yourself for something? How did that turn out?
What is in the envelope that Sophie gives Gigi? Why does Gigi agree to go to the luncheon?
What happens at the luncheon? Who shows up afterward? How does Fitz “fix” the problem?
Why does Fitz leave New York? What happens during his visit home? What advice does his mother give him?
When Gigi returns to the pawnshop, what happens? What does she decide to do?
Where does Fitz find Gigi? What is her reaction when he tries to give her a way out of marrying him?
What happens when Gigi confronts her father? What does he give her on her wedding day? What wedding gift does Fitz give her? Why is this special?
About the Author
Photo © 2012 Caroline Akins / One Six Photography
Renee Ryan is the author of over twenty inspirational, faith-based romance novels. She received the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense in the Inspirational category for her novels Dangerous Allies and Courting the Enemy. She is an active member on the board of the Romance Writers of America. Ryan currently lives in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband. For more information on the author and her work, visit www.reneeryan.com.
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