Today, I accompanied Bridget to the stationery store. We're giving the final approval on the foil-pressed invitations and RSVP cards before they send out later this week. Bridget is distributing 200 invites, but she's only expecting 150 of those to actually show.

"I don't know, Bridget," I say as I look on. "I happen to really like the gold color."

We're standing with the owner Melanie at one of the tables, peering down at the almost-final product. Bridget is slightly panicking because she thinks that the silver color might have been the better option.

"Are you just saying that because we're pressed for time?" she asks me.

"No," I honestly state. "I think that these came out beautifully. Plus, didn't you mention that the giveaway bags are a champagne color? All the more reason to stick to a gold theme."

"I guess you're right, Lily. I think I'm just being in my head. It's only because I want everything to look absolutely perfect."

"I get it," I smile. "I'm the same way. But I wouldn't lie to you. I know how much this night means to you."

She smiles at me sincerely and then looks at Melanie. "Okay, Mel, you heard the girl. We're all set with the gold."

It makes me feel good to know that Bridget values my opinion. In fact, she often shows me that she does. I think she admires the fact that I'm strong enough to voice it and encourages that I continue to do so by agreeing with me in the end. Not because she feels like she has to, but because she trusts me. It really means a lot. That she listens to me, that she hears me. Most people in her position probably wouldn't. Especially since the gala is like her baby.

"Fabulous," Melanie remarks. "I'll get these approved in our system, printed out, and shipped by the end of this week. Since all your contacts are local, each recipient should receive the invitation sometime next week.

"Lovely. Music to my ears," Bridget says. "Thanks again, Mel. I know how difficult I can be."

"Pshh," she says, swiping her hand down. "You're one of my favorite clients."

After the stationery store, Bridget asks me if I want to grab lunch. Thinking that we're going somewhere casual, I'm not prepared when we enter this 5-star restaurant instead. Sure, the Bennetts have a lot of money, but they're not snotty about it. I've recently discovered that they surprisingly love diner food just as much as fancy food.

The seafood restaurant overlooks the water, so Bridget requests a table out on the terrace. The maître d' doesn't even think twice before he leads us there. I mean, his eyes pretty much sparkled the second that he saw Bridget walk in. I guess Raegan's right, the Bennetts are like Newport royalty.

Bridget orders the dover sole, and I go with the ahi tuna salad. She also orders a glass of white wine and then asks me if I want one. "I won't tell your mom, I promise," was what she said when I declined the first time around.

I love spending time with Bridget. And while my mom's my biggest role model, Bridget is right up there in terms of her work ethic.

"So," she says, scooting her chair more into the table, "how are things with you and Teddy?" This is the first time she's asked. She's been really good about letting my relationship with Teddy be its own thing, separate from all the work stuff.

"Things are good. I mean, how can they not be with someone like Teddy? He's so pure and kind. Sometimes, I don't even know what he sees in me."

Bridget covers her top lip with her bottom one. "Lily, sweetheart, yes, Teddy's great, but don't put yourself down like that. Teddy's smart; he knows a great thing when he sees it. And that's what you are to him."

I dip my head down, feeling unworthy of accepting such a compliment. "I hope you know, Bridget, that being with Teddy wasn't part of my plan. I didn't take the job with you for any other reason but to work."

She reaches for my hand and covers it with hers. Her brows cross as she looks at me sympathetically. "Oh, sweetheart, I know that. You don't have to explain anything to me. I'm protective over my boys, but just like Teddy, I know a great thing when I see it. That's why I hired you," she smiles.

"I hope you know that it meant a lot. You taking a chance on me."

"I didn't see it as taking a chance. It was more than that. I believe in you, Lily. And I want you to believe in yourself."

"Thank you," I smile. "Sometimes it's hard to, but for the most part, I do."

Our waiter dressed in a bow-tie uniform approaches the table with our dishes, and Bridget and I place the napkins on our laps before digging in.

Since we're on the topic of Teddy, I decide to keep it going. "So, what exactly did he say about me the day that we met at the grocery?" I joke, though, I really do want to know.

"Are you asking me to spill my son's secrets?" she teases.

"Maybe," I laugh, and she smiles at me. 

"He said that you were the prettiest girl he's ever laid eyes on. And that he hoped to see you again soon."

I immediately beam at the compliment. I'm fully aware that the Bennett boys can have any girl that they want. It's not even about their looks. It's about their reputation. And while Lucas is known to be an asshole, the Bennett family is highly respected in this town. If not, the most respected. And me? I just moved here. I'm a nobody to everybody. I'm not criticizing myself or devaluing my worth, but it's the reality of the situation. Teddy and Lucas are worshiped in Newport, so it makes me feel extra special to know that someone as amazing as Teddy – someone as kind, as cute, and as gentle – sees my worth.