“It seems you’re well qualified. A degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Articles published in Ladies’ Home Journal.” Elissa skimmed the resume Miss Graham had provided and glanced up. It still seemed strange being seated on this side of Father’s desk, but it was a peculiarity Elissa relished. She focused on the young woman opposite her. “My main question is, why do you want to be a journalist at the Review?”
Miss Graham straightened in her seat, her large brown eyes peering at Elissa from under her stylish cloche hat. “It’s always been a dream of mine.” Her smile blossomed. “I’ve enjoyed writing articles. I truly have, but there’s something about stepping out from the confines of my desk and working in the field. The adventure of finding that one story. It’s thrilling.” She folded her hands in her lap and dipped her thick lashes. “I apologize for being starry-eyed. I have a weakness of getting carried away when discussing journalism.” Her rosy cheeks matched the piping on her long-waisted dress.
“I know the feeling, Miss Graham. Too well.” Elissa smiled and ran a thumb over Cole’s pen. “What you believe to be a weakness, I consider a strength. Never lose that drive.”
Miss Graham gave an enthusiastic nod. “I won’t.”
“And always arrive at your station promptly at seven a.m.,” she said with a wink.
The young woman lifted her head, mouth slanting in a gracious smile. “Thank you. I’ll work my hardest.”
Elissa rose and shook Miss Graham’s hand. “I have no doubt you will. You start Monday.”
With a bounce to her step, the new scout reporter exited the office.
Elissa slid the resume into the filing drawer and glanced at the clock on the window sill. Father should arrive any moment. A smirk curled her lips. Just because the former publisher had resigned hadn’t meant he wouldn’t swing by for several hours throughout the week. When Mother allowed, of course. Laughter bubbled in her chest.
“Mrs. Parker.” With a hip cocked against the doorjamb and arms crossed, her husband regarded her with a crooked grin. “Got some news for you.” He stepped forward, closing the door with his foot.
They’d been married eight months, and butterflies still invaded her stomach when Cole walked into the room. She hoped that never went away. “That reminds me, I have something for you too.”
“Oh really?” His smile hitched, and that gleam in his eyes brightened. “Is there a lip-locking session in my near future?”
Laughing, she playfully smacked his shoulder. “I’m not talking about kissing.” She scooped up a folder from the desk and handed it to him. “Here’s the latest financial statement. Can you check over it for me?”
“I will, but you’re the genius around here. It was your idea to rent out the press, and we’ve been gaining momentum ever since.” He hooked an arm around her waist. “We’ve always made a great team, Spark.” He kissed the side of her head.
“But you trimmed our expenses and brought in more advertisers than we’ve seen in decades.”
“I’m a natural-born salesman.” He winked and snatched his hat from the rack. “If I could convince a woman like you to marry me, then anything’s possible, right?”
“It’s a privilege to be your wife.” She adjusted his tie and slid her hand to cup his handsome face. “I love you, Cole.”
His dark eyes zeroed in on hers, stealing her breath and warming her heart. “I love you too.” He took her hand in his. “Now back to business. I got us a whopper of a lead.” He released her and retrieved her burgundy overcoat.
She bit her lip, excitement gripping her bones. “This better not be another one of your tricks to get me alone.”
“I wish it were.” He wagged his brows and assisted her with her coat. “But no, this is a verified tip from our favorite private detective.”
“Sterling?” Her pulse kicked up another notch. Cole’s cousin no longer worked for the police force, but he’d remained close with several officers whom he’d hoped would eventually slip information. “Is it a substantial lead?”
He snagged the belt of her coat, reeling her to him. “Heart-stopping.” He pressed a kiss to her neck. “And so are you.” His lips trailed her jaw until claiming her mouth.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, and Cole deepened the kiss.
Someone rapped the door.
Cole groaned. “If it’s Frank, I’m going to kick him in the pants.” He adjusted his hat, which had been knocked askew, and opened the door.
Father stood there, brows raised and eyes suspicious. “Do I have to separate you two?”
Elissa laughed and bussed his cheek. “Not necessary. We’re off to check out a story.” She grabbed her purse and flashed a cheeky grin at Father. “You think you can hold the fort while we’re gone?”
“I’m pretty sure I can handle it.” His words were flat, but the twinkle in his gray eyes gave away his delight. Alfred Tillman remained a newspaperman through and through.
She snatched her gloves from the drawer and met Cole by the door.
With a wave to her father, Elissa slid her hand into Cole’s, a prayer of thanks filling her heart.
Her dreams had been elusive like a breath of wind, but her value wasn’t found in triumphs. Or failures. God’s love defined her. Cole’s love embraced her. Her life’s story remained unfinished, but blank pages no longer meant insufficiency. Just the privilege to fill the bare spaces with adventure, excitement, and living her days to the fullest. While her future remained to be chronicled, the narrative was His to pen.