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She loved him.There was no doubt about that.But would love be enough in a place like Africa?
“Hey.”He must have seen the struggle in her eyes.“I know it’s a lot.”
“A real lot.”
“Didn’t really expect it would work out this way,” he said.“And I really didn’t expect that I would fall in love with the most amazing girl this summer.”
“But it did.”
“And I did.”
She blinked hard, trying desperately not to cry.She knew he was excited.This was what he wanted.She refused to make him feel bad when he should be happy for his future.She wouldnotbe the girl who begged and cried and tried to make him choose between the career that was so important to him, and her.
“So did I,” she said with a small smile she didn’t feel.“Fall in love, I mean.”
He brushed his thumb along her bottom lip.“I knew what you meant.”He kissed her.Soft and slow.
With his lips on hers, Maureen forgot about the impossible decision in front of her, if only for a second.The only thing that mattered was Adam.Because, at least for the moment, they were together and everything was perfect.
“You really want me to come?”
His lips curled up, transforming his handsome face.“I really do.There are plenty of opportunities.It would be the most incredible experience.Think about the difference we could make together.All the people we could help.It would be unbelievable.”
“It really would be amazing.But—”
“Don’t answer me now.”He pressed a finger to her lips.“I know it’s a major decision and I’ve had months to think about it while I just sprang this on you.”That was true.“Think about it,” he said.“Talk to your family if you like.”
There wasnoway she could do that.Maureen knew exactly what they’d say.There was no way they’d be able to stay unbiased for such a decision.
Four days.Fourdays.How was she supposed to make such a major life decision in only four days?“I wish we had more time.”
“I know.”He pulled her close.“Me too.Let me take you to dinner on Friday,” he said when he released her.“Tell me your decision then.”
“Friday.”She found herself nodding.“Okay.”
“I promise, no matter what happens, Maureen, I will always love you.”
Two Months Earlier
October
It wasn’t very often that Maureen was able to have her whole family in one place these days, even for a special occasion.Canadian Thanksgiving fell on the second weekend of October, and with the latest season ofMr.Summer,the television show that Gwen had sold based on her real-life personal blog and the events of her and Ian’s life, done filming, most of the McCormick clan was still in town and had some free time.
The television show was a bit of a family affair, with Cal starring as his older brother, Ian.Maureen worried that it would be a little strange for her youngest son, who was a mega celebrity in his own right, to play the role of his older brother, but it had worked out perfectly and Cal had even earned himself a few award nominations for his part.
Jade had taken a short maternity leave from working as the producer on the show when Clara was born but had quickly found some work/life balance by bringing the baby to work with her when Mitch had to teach his classes.The television show had turned into a phenomenon and had been renewed for another season, and Maureen couldn’t be prouder of all of them.
“It’s so nice to have you all here,” she said as they took their seats at the dining room table in her old house that Ian and Gwen now called their home.“Well, most of you,” Maureen added.
“Maybe we can FaceTime Amber and Cole later?”Gwen offered.
“Yes.”Maureen smiled.“I would like that.It’s good that they went to see Cole’s sister, but it would be nice if we were all here together.”
“It would be,” Cal said from the other end of the table.“Especially because we have something we want to say.”
“Wait until everyone is sitting down at least.”Milena chastised him, but there was a smile on her face as she stood to join him.
“What’s going on?”Evie looked to Jade, who shrugged as she fastened a bib around Clara’s neck.
