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“Logan, what about you? What’s your favorite?” I asked, turning my attention to the quiet boy.
“I like all of them,” he answered thoughtfully. “But I think yours is special, Miss Mia. It’s like you put your feelings into it.”
His observation surprised me, and I felt my cheeks flush faintly. Maybe, in his own way, Logan understood more than I gave him credit for.
As we packed up the art supplies, a small piece of paper caught my eye. Picking it up, I saw Logan’s unmistakably messy handwriting: “Max + Mia = ??.” My heart fluttered with a mix of warmth and apprehension.
“Miss Mia, can you help me pack my pajamas for the sleepover at Matty’s?” Lucy asked, bringing me back to reality.
“Of course!” I replied, following Lucy upstairs to their room. We chatted about her favorite sleepover games.
“Logan, did you remember your toothbrush?” I called out as he zipped up his bag in his room.
“Yep! It’s right here, Miss Mia,” he replied, holding it up for me to see. Despite my overwhelming feelings for Max, these mundane tasks offered a comforting sense of normalcy.
“Alright, kiddos, let’s get going,” I said, ushering them towards the door, their favorite stuffed toys and overnight bags clutched under my arms. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow over the street as we made our way to their friend Matty’s house a few streets over.
“Thanks for a lovely day today, Miss Mia,” Logan said, hugging me goodbye. “And don’t worry, grown-ups are allowed to have feelings too.”
I laughed, grateful for his innocent wisdom. “Thanks, Logan. You’re pretty smart for a nine-year-old.”
“Tell that to my math teacher,” he grinned, joining Lucy at the doorstep of their friend’s house.
“Hello, Mrs. Jackson!” I greeted the other parent with a warm smile as she opened her front door to welcome Lucy and Logan inside. “They’ve got everything they need for tonight.”
“Great, thanks, Mia,” she replied, her eyes flicking to the excited children behind me. “Do call me Sylvie, please! I’m sure they’ll have a fantastic time. And don’t worry, we’ll make sure they’re in bed at a reasonable hour!”
“Alright, you two, have fun and behave yourselves,” I told the children, giving each of them a quick hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Bye, Miss Mia!” Lucy called out as they disappeared into the house, leaving me standing on the doorstep.
“Goodbye!” I waved back, the weight of the upcoming talk with Max settling heavily on my chest. Taking a deep breath, I started the short walk home, each step taking twice as long as usual.
Chapter 20
AsIwalkedalongthe familiar path leading to the Thornton family home, the rustling leaves of the shadowy trees whispered in the evening breeze. My footsteps grew heavier with each step, my mind racing with thoughts of potential confrontation.
“Deep breaths, Mia,” I murmured to myself, trying to ease my anxiety. But it was no use; I couldn’t shake the feeling that something important was about to happen.
Engrossed in my thoughts, I barely noticed the sight of Max sitting on the porch swing outside the house, looking every bit the brooding sheriff with a serious expression etched onto his face. My heart did a sudden pitter-patter as I paused briefly, taking him in. “Hey there, Max,” I called out, trying to sound casual despite my nerves.
“Evening, Mia,” he replied, his deep voice seeming to carry on the breeze.
“Mind if I join you?” I asked, hoping my playful tone didn’t betray my unease.
“Of course not,” he said softly, and I couldn’t help but notice that his usually stoic demeanor seemed to soften just a little.
I approached him slowly, my heart still racing. As I drew closer, I allowed myself to soak in the twilight ambiance, noting how the dimming light cast a gentle glow on Max’s features as he stood up from the swing.
Lost in the moment, an involuntary comparison popped into my mind: the contrast between Max’s rugged maturity and Tim’s carefree boyish demeanor. It was a juxtaposition that seemed to have defined my recent days in Pebble Point. I shook off the thought, knowing that comparing them wouldn’t do me any good right now.
“Um... nice evening, isn’t it?” I remarked, immediately feeling awkward about such a mundane remark. I couldn’t help but notice the change in his attire. Instead of his usual sheriff uniform, he wore a relaxed linen shirt and dark jeans, making him look more human and more vulnerable. It was a side of him I hadn’t seen often, which intrigued me.
“Indeed it is,” he replied, his voice softer than usual. “I needed some fresh air. Clear my head a bit.”
“Me too,” I admitted, taking a step closer. “It’s funny how this little town can still take our breath away, even after all this time.”
“True,” he said, his brown eyes meeting mine for a moment before looking away. “Sometimes, I feel like we barely scratch the surface of what this place offers.”
