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All the tension and anger and bitterness melted from Marie’s bones. She flew to her mother, wrapped her arms around her neck, and buried her face in her hair.
Renee hugged their mom from behind, connecting her hands with Marie.
Marie broke away from her family and faced Owen.
He wiped the tears from her cheeks with one hand while his other held her daughter. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I thought it’d be better to hear it from your Mom.”
“I still can’t believe it.” She shook her head, and the breeze whipped her hair around her face. “I never had to leave with Bill. Never had to go through that nightmare. But at least I got Nora. I’ll never forgive Bill for the pain he’s caused, but I wouldn’t trade having her in my life for anything.”
Owen cleared his throat and rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “I’m glad you know the truth now. Maybe things can be different for all three of you.”
Marie glanced behind her, where her mom and sister had discreetly turned away, then back to him. “I want everything to be different. I’m just not sure how to make that happen.”
Apprehension stole her joy. Owen was about to say goodbye and drive away. Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach.
Owen dipped his chin and caressed the side of her face. “What if you could make things different by coming back to Water’s Edge with me and helping people in situations like yours?”
Marie furrowed her brow. “What do you mean?”
“I spoke with Mrs. Collins about creating an outreach program at the women’s shelter for families dealing with addiction. She loved the idea and thinks you should run it.”
Marie placed a shaking hand over her heart. “Me? Why me? I don’t have the training for something like that.”
He clasped his hand over hers and pulled her close. “You have life experience. You have compassion and understanding. You know what these families need.”
She shifted her gaze from side to side until she settled her wide-eyed stare on him. She wanted more than anything to be with Owen, but her mom and sister needed her. “It sounds like an amazing opportunity. But my family…”
Wanda and Renee flanked her.
“Your family has their own lives to live,” Wanda said. “Renee will be in college soon, and I need to learn how to take care of myself. You’ve done more for us than I should have ever expected. Now it’s time to do something for you. Build a better future for you and your daughter.”
Marie held Owen’s gaze, questions spinning in her mind. Excitement mounted in her chest, but she had one important issue Owen needed to clarify. “Is that the only reason you want me to come to Water’s Edge? To run this new program?”
Owen chuckled. “Are you serious? I love you, Marie, and I’ve loved Nora from the moment I set eyes on her. I want you both by my side, outreach program or not. But I want more for you than just moving in with me so we don’t have to deal with a long-distance relationship. I want you to have everything you ever dreamed of.”
Joy filled her soul, and a wide grin took over her mouth. “Move in with you?”
He shrugged and flashed his adorable dimples. “Only if you’re ready. I’m sure Pappy would let you live with him if you’d prefer.”
Marie tossed her head back and laughed then threw her arms around his neck. “I think the world of your grandpa, but I don’t want to live with him.”
“Is that a yes?” Owen asked, worry shining from his eyes.
Marie pulled back and locked her gaze with his. “That’s a hell yes. I love you, Owen.”
Marie’s heart filled with happiness, and she pressed her lips to his. Her life had taken a lot of twists and turns but had finally led her down a trail to happiness—it led her to Owen.
EPILOGUE
Owen parked in front of the Safe Haven Women’s Shelter and jogged around the hood of his car to open Marie’s door. Anticipation zipped through him, and he curled his hands into balls to keep them from trembling. She slid him a glance and a confused smile as she secured her hand in his and stepped out of the car.
“I thought we were going to dinner?” She smoothed her burnt orange cardigan over her floral dress. “I’m a little over-dressed for work, and even managed to get a sitter for the night.”
He tugged her hand and led her through the front door, not saying a word.
The past six months, Marie had taken her idea and his resources and created an outreach program for families and friends dealing with drug-addicted loved ones. Laura and Mrs. Collins had decided to turn the carriage house in the backyard of the shelter into a designated space for Marie to use however she wished. They’d kept their project a secret, and he couldn’t wait for Marie to see.
Pride pumped through him as he ushered Marie to the back of the old Victorian house. She’d done this—she’d worked day and night on concepts and ideas with professional counselors and social workers until the surrounding area buzzed with anticipation. Marie helped serve his community in a way he’d never imagined.
