AN: I will be posting the rest of the story today!

Thank you for reading!

Chapter 38: Dreams of Bright Lights and the Big City

"You kicked him in the groin? That's my girl!"

Garrett was proud of me and I was beaming. I sat nestled in his arms on the couch. Pickles sat at our feet snoring softly, while El Diablo groomed himself in a window sill. That cat had no shame.

I felt so relaxed after telling Garrett my tale of Edward's visit. After protecting him from a pumpkin muffin that smelled oddly like fish, I admitted all that occurred. In true Garrett fashion, he just wrapped his strong arms around me and told me he loved me.

"He won't stop trying," Garrett said softly.

I rubbed his cheek slowly. "He'll get bored. Order a Russian bride over the Internet."

"He's a horrible person, but a horrible person that loves you."

"I'll pass on his amore, thank you very much." I kissed Garrett's nose. "I love you."

Garrett's face lit up for a second, but grew serious. "I have a proposition for you."

"What's going on here?"

"James wants to move here." Garrett plucked at my shirt sleeve.

I looked confused. "What? I thought he and Alice would take Jasper back with them to whatever pretentious penthouse they were living in."

"Why would he be with Alice Cullen?"

"They're engaged!" I looked at Garrett like he was crazy.

Garrett mirrored the way I was looking at him. "Why would my brother be marrying Cullen's sister?"

"Oh...you meant Jamie!" Why didn't he just say that?

"I didn't think I needed to clarify which James." Garrett laughed, as he kissed my head.

I huffed, "It's a popular name and I've had one Hell of a day. Cut me some slack."

"Given...so...umm...he was wondering if I could do him a favor," he said looking nervous."

"Spill it, Walker."

"The paper he owns a share of needs someone to be its new editor. It would really be just a stepping stone to bigger opportunities in Washington." Garrett put both of his hands on my cheeks and looked into my eyes. "He wants me to do it."

"Move to Seattle?" I started to feel dread creep into my bones.

"No." He sighed and put his forehead on mine. "New York."

"Oh God...you're going." I tried to stop tears from flooding my eyes.

Everyone leaves me.

"Sweetness, shush. Don't cry," he pleaded, as moved his arms around my body and held me tight. "There is only way I'll go."

"That is?" I sniffed, feeling like a fool. I thought I was stronger than this,

Garrett smiled sweetly. "I'll go if you'll come with me."