Page 82 of The Inn Dilemma

Chantelle steps back from Nova, giving her a little space. “I don’t need a graphic designer; I need an artist with a vision.”

Nova looks from Chantelle to me. “I’m mostly a painter.”

“She can draw too,” I interject. “She’s a phenomenal artist all around.”

Nova’s cheeks flush.

Chantelle clasps her hands in front of her and bounces on her toes. “So? What do you say? Want to give it a shot?”

Nova purses her lips to the side, and I can see she’s fighting back a smile. “I’ll try. But no promises.”

Cheers erupt from outside, followed by a round of “Happy Birthday” coming from the other side of the trees.

Nova’s gaze snaps to mine and she settles her hands on her hips. “Holt Graves! What did you do?”

Without answering, I wrap my arm around her and guide her to the surprise party Aunt Birdie and I planned with the help of Nova’s parents.

We’re greeted by countless friends and family members as we make our way to the white tent.

My phone dings with a text and I check it.

Leaning down, I whisper in Nova’s ear, “I have one more surprise for you, SuperNova.”

She looks up at me with adoration shining in her eyes. “How much more can you do for me?”

I scratch the back of my neck, nervous about the huge gift I’ve been working on for weeks now. But her smile dissolves any of the uncertainty.

Cupping her cheek, I say, “There’s no limit to what I’d do for you, my SuperNova.” I lean down and press a soft kiss to her lips.

After I pull back, she blinks up at me and rests her hand on her chest.

“Let’s go; your surprise is waiting in the parking lot.”

She tilts her head in confusion and narrows her eyes.

With that, I grab her hand and tug her in the right direction.

“Elise?!” Nova screeches as a petite woman comes into view.

Elise runs to her and wraps her in a tight embrace. Tears stream down Nova’s face when she pulls back to look at her French friend.

“What are you doing here?” Nova asks, wiping her cheeks.

Elise says in a thick accent, “Coming to celebrate my friend’s birthday, of course.” She tilts her head to the side and gives Nova a playful glare. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.” She points an accusing finger at her. “You promised to stay in touch.”

Nova hangs her head. “I know, but…”

“But nothing.” Elise wraps her arms around Nova and pulls her into another hug. “You are my friend. No time or distance will ever change that.”

They hold each other for a long time before a man who I assume is Elise’s husband, Bernard, comes out of the house and greets Nova with a quick hug.

Aunt Birdie practically skips to usand greets Elise as if they’re lifelong friends and aren’t officially meeting for the first time. “Oh, it’s so nice to meet you in person! Did you get your things in your room already?” Aunt Birdie directs the question to Bernard.

He nods in confirmation.

“So this is why you wouldn’t let me see the guest book!” Nova accuses Aunt Birdie.

Aunt Birdie doesn’t look one bit ashamed. “Guilty!”