DECEMBER 22

It wasn’t hard to find him. His publisher’s publicity team made sure of that. He was at a bookstore in Indianapolis, then would move on to Fort Wayne, Indiana, before ending his tour. It was just three days before Christmas, and the flights were slammed. To make things worse, there was a storm in Minneapolis that shut down flights across the US, leaving thousands stranded.

I got bumped off my flight to Indianapolis, then, after waiting in the airport for six hours, my replacement flight to Fort Wayne was cancelled.

An exhausted but sympathetic airline employee suggested that I take the last seat on a flight to Dayton, Ohio, and figure out how to get to Fort Wayne from there.

It was going to be close. I had trouble finding an Uber who would drive that far, and by the time I found someone, I was afraid I was going to miss the signing. But I had to try.

It was a quarter to nine when I arrived at the bookstore in Fort Wayne. To my relief, there was still a line of maybe fifty people. I grabbed a book and walked to the back of the line. A bookstore woman intercepted me.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, we cut the line off an hour ago. Mr. Harper’s been signing since four.”

“It’s okay. He’s a friend of mine.”

She smiled skeptically. “I’m sorry, ma’am. The line is done.”

I stood there for a moment trying to decide what to do, when I heard someone say, “It’s okay, Martha. She’s a friend.”

I looked over. Carlie was standing on the other side of the line.

“Thank you,” I said.

She managed a small smile. “Good luck.”

When I got near the signing table, I could see how weary Lee was. He looked miserable. His head was down, and he was uncharacteristically focused on the books as the staff pushed the remaining books through. It was past nine and the store was closed, which was made clear when the Christmas music on the PA system abruptly stopped leaving the store in a noticeably uneasy silence.

Lee wasn’t even looking up when I set my book on the table in front of him.

“Who would you like that signed…”

He stopped speaking when he saw me.

I was trembling. I swallowed. “I already signed it. For you.”

He looked at me with sad, tired eyes. I couldn’t read what he was thinking. I suddenly realized what a foolish thing I’d done in coming to him. I had treated him awfully. Twice. I didn’t deserve his forgiveness. I didn’t even deserve his courtesy.

“Let’s see what you signed,” he said, opening to the title page.

To my dearest Lee,

I don’t deserve your forgiveness.

I don’t deserve you.

But if you’ll give me one more chance,

I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you how much I love you.

In all the ways, Beth

He looked at my inscription for what seemed like forever. Then he looked up, his weary eyes joining with mine.

“How would you like me to sign your book?”

I was suddenly just another fan, another reader on the other side of the table. I couldn’t keep the tears from falling down my cheeks.

Everyone around us was quiet. I guessed they sensed that something unusual was happening, even if they didn’t know what it was.

Lee just looked at me, waiting for my answer. Finally, I said, “I’m sorry to bother you. I’m sorry for everything. You don’t need to sign it.”

I reached to take back my book, but he put his hand on top of mine.

“Beth, how would you like me to sign your book?”

I took in a deep breath, then said, “Would you please sign it to Beth.” I swallowed, then said, “In all the ways. And then just your signature.”

He took his pen and wrote,

To my Beth.

I forgive you. I love you.

In all the ways.

Your Lee

Then he stood up and walked around the table. We kissed like no one was watching.