Teddy POV

We spent last night having my parents over and going over details before we embark on Stella's bus tour including my role. I can't believe that I have a role. To put it politely, I have been told I will be Stella's personal assistant and I will be one of several people representing Grey Publishing. Stella has been crazy all day as her book is set to be released tonight at midnight and as of right now, there are over a million pre-orders for the book, which is unheard of for a first-time author. Grey Publishing has been all over getting this book out in the media. I don't know who is more excited Stella or my mom. Of course Grey Publishing has had its fair share of big hits over the years, but nothing like this book, the hype alone is making my mom giddy. She will be joining on the second part of the tour when I'm due back to the hospital.

Bright and early Monday morning, our mode of transportation arrives at my house. Michaels has already done a thorough inspection of the vehicle and the driver, Burke, a 50-ish man who looks like a lot of fun, but has no idea what's in store for loads all of the luggage underneath. Knowing my dad, Burke has been through several security checks courtesy of Taylor and Welch.

Our first stop will be Montesano at Stella's favorite book store where she will be doing a reading and book signing. Rachelle briefs Stella as we take off that there are over 500 people who are in line a chance to see their hometown girl.

"I didn't even know there were 500 people in Montesano," she jokes. It's great to see Stella likes this. Her eyes are lit up like as little kid on Christmas.

Two hours later we pull into town and see that the line is down a couple of blocks. I know we will be here for a while so I called ahead and had my Grandpa Ray meet us at the bookstore so I can introduce him to Stella and then go out to breakfast with him. I love my Grandpa Ray, he's a really manly man and was the one who took be fishing for the first time and taught me the fine art of woodworking. I haven't seen him in a few months so it will be great to catch up. Since he is getting older his health has weaken him, but he is my last living grandfather so I like to see him as much as I can.

Pulling up to the bookstore, Stella doesn't show any sign that she's nervous, she is bouncing up and down ready to go and meet her readers even though the book has only been released for nine hours. To bring up the hype of the book, a few sneak peeks were released a few weeks ago. I haven't read the book yet, Stella wants me to wait until after I leave the tour to read it for some reason, but she's the boss.

We enter the bookstore to a full section of the store dedicated to Stella and her book. There we find my grandpa waiting for us. I bet my mom called ahead so he wouldn't get lost in the crowd.

"Is that my Teddy," Grandpa says walking over to me. He's never been into showing public affection even when we were little so I'm a little thrown back when he gives him a huge hug.

"It's so good to see you Grandpa, how are you?"

"Oh, I'm still alive and kicking and still fishing, now you know that I'm not here to see you but to meet your new girlfriend, now where is she?"

"Mr. Steele?" Stella says running up to my grandfather.

"Good to see you Stella, I see you have charmed the socks off my grandson?"

Am I missing something?

"Teddy, I guess I forgot to tell you that I grew up next door to next to your grandfather, who do you, think introduced me to your mother," Stella says hugging my grandpa.

Stella POV

I feel like I'm in a dream and I don't want to wake up. I can't believe I'm signing my own book. Growing up, I would come to this very store whenever there was a signing, regardless of the book. I just wanted to ask one question to every author and each time I got a different answer. I wanted to know how they found the inspiration to write their book. For me, the idea of Parker McKenzie came to me when I was a senior in high school. My favorite teacher of all time, Mr. Minor asked us to write about anything and the words began to flow on the paper. It was Mr. Minor who would become my first editor. After graduation, I went to Washington State University and majored in English. It was a tough first semester as my dad had just died after a long bout of cancer, but he would kill me if I didn't go to college right away. I let Parker's story go, but Mr. Minor and I kept in tough up until he passed away last year. It wasn't until after his death that I brought back Parker's story and really wanted to do get it published. I was teaching English right here at Montesano High School when I ran into Ray at the diner. I hadn't seen him in a few years and we just started chatting and he told him about his fabulous daughter who needed to read my book. He made the call and the next day I was meeting with the CEO of Grey Publishing and a few days after that, I was signed.

All I wish is that my parents and of course Mr. Minor could see me today.

Greeted by former students, I'm touched to see how many people love and support me. I stayed longer than I was supposed to, but I wanted to make sure that I signed every copy. I was exhausted and starting to lose my voice, but I don't mind, this by far has been the best day of my life.

Making my way back on the bus, I see Teddy sitting on the couch reading my book. He knows better, I asked him to wait; I couldn't take if he didn't like it.

"Stella, this is really great," Teddy says pulling me onto his lap. "I know where you got the inspiration for Parker from?"

"Well, my dad was the city police chief so I learned from an early age what it takes to solve a crime and I always wanted to help my dad on cases, but I was too young, so it was logical for me to help him solve the crimes via proxy or in this case Parker McKenzie."

"You know your dad would be so proud of you," I say kissing her forehead. "Even my grandpa read the book; he said my mom shipped him an early copy. He is so proud of you and cares so much about you. He told me that I'm very lucky to have you and that he would hurt me if I ever hurt you. You have even managed to charm the pants off of Ray Steele."

"Well, let's see if I can charm the pants off of you Mr. Grey," she says pulling me back into our room.

Teddy POV

The past ten days have been the best of my life; I can't believe I have to leave tonight. My mom and Sawyer will arrive in Houston tonight and I will take the Grey jet back home for my first shift as a resident tomorrow morning.

"You know that I would stay if I could," I tell Stella as we drive to the airport.

"Believe me I know, I'm sad to lose my personal assistant/sex slave too," she says grabbing my hand.

We make love one last time before the jet lands.

"Call me when you land, I want to know that you arrive safely. I hope your first shift goes well. Make sure that you get plenty of sleep and eat good. I've already told Phoebe to check on you and make sure your fridge is full of edible food and I did the same with Michaels."

"Stella, there is something I need to tell you."

"Whatever it is you can tell me."

"I love you." This is the first time I have said that to Stella. I know its bad timing, but I wanted to say it when it felt right and right now it does. "I'm in love with you Estella Diane Warren."

"Teddy, I love you too. Oh thank god, I've wanted to tell you for a few days but I didn't want to scare you off. You know every time the girl says it first, the boy gets scared and runs off.

"I just hate that I'm saying this and then leaving you for three weeks."

"I will be home sooner than you think."

We are brought back to reality by the knocking on the bus's front door.

"I guess it's time for me to go," I say.

"I will walk you out," Stella says.

"Please take care of my favorite girls," I say to Sawyer as I walk through the jet.

I hug my mom and go up to Stella and take her into my arms.

"You know I'm all for phone sex," she whispers.

God I love this woman.

"Love you," I say kissing her ignoring the fact that my mother is less than a hundred feet from us.