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Ron was a companion, and though we had our intimate moments, they were obligatory and not enjoyable for me.
“Ron never got me the way Upton did and does,” I say with a sigh as I slip out of the dress. “Your father has always been special to me.”
Nora grunts when she picks up the dress from the floor. I change back into my regular clothes while she puts the dress on the hanger.
“I’m Team Dad all the way,” she says. Her smile is youthful and hopeful. It reminds me so much when she was a little girl. I almost burst into tears.
“It’s taken us a long time, but we’re figuring it out. I’m figuring it out. I think this was all part of your dad’s master plan.”
She flashes me a triumphant grin. “About time.”
Once redressed, I pull my daughter to me and hug her tight. She smells like coffee. We Everharts love our coffee. I’m sure the clerk would like for us to vacate the dressing room of the boutique, but I enjoy the slow moment with my baby girl.
I forgot how Budgie Bay makes you relax and appreciate everything around you. It’s slow, but not in a behind-the-times kind of way.
I’ve missed this place so much.
And now it’s my home again.
Nora eventually breaks away because she has to use the restroom. The baby is sitting on her bladder. While she excuses herself, I take my purchase to the register.
“Special occasion?” the cashier asks as she scans the tag.
“My daughter’s wedding reception is this week.”
“Congratulations.”
We make small talk, but my mind is back on Upton’s kisses from last night. Once I drop Nora back off, I’ll head up to Wild Petal and help Isabel out again.
I shoot Nora a text that I’ll be in the car, warming it up, and then step outside. A new Christmas song plays from a speaker nearby and I smell something cinnamon in the air. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
“Do we have time to pop into Sweet Opaline before you have to go to work?” Nora asks when she joins me. “Please, please, please, Mommy.”
I snort out a laugh. “Why does that always work on me?”
“I don’t know and I’m not complaining. I’ll continue to do it until I’m old and gray.”
She hooks her arm with mine and we make our way down the sidewalk toward the candy shop. Mom’s death and then finding Dad broke me, but moving back here to be with him and my daughter is healing me again.
And then there’s the icing on my sweet little cake.
Upton Asbury.
My mind is on the most handsome man I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing but is quickly brought to the here and now when we walk into Sweet Opaline. It’s bustling with customers eagerly peering into display cases, admiring beautiful chocolate, sugary candy, and even some festive Christmas cookies that are too pretty to eat. Lively Christmas music plays loudly from behind the counter and people dressed as elves dance to the music as they help eager customers.
Budgie Bay truly is a magical place.
I realize I’ve always love it here and only left because the love of my life flew out of the nest. But he’s back and so am I.
Our happily ever after begins now.
10
upton
“Happiness is in the little details.”
The only time I ever saw my mother truly happy was when our father was alive. He made her glow in a way that was beautiful. When he passed, the light was snuffed out.
