AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Are you kidding?” I laughed. “I’m pretty sure the town gossip network is faster than a speeding bullet.”
“Ah, right? So, Superman’s got nothing on them, huh?” he teased, his laughter sending a ripple of happiness through me.
It felt like the entire town was celebrating with us. Even the birds seemed to chirp their congratulations. The air was thick with the sweet scent of victory - or maybe that was just the bakery down the street.
“Who knew being engaged would make the world look so much brighter?” said Max, squeezing my hand gently.
“Maybe it’s not the world that’s changed, but the way we see it together,” I mused, feeling as though my heart would burst from joy.
We continued walking, our laughter and love intermingled with our fellow townsfolk’s whispers. As we approached Mrs. Henderson’s flower stall, she flashed me a knowing wink and handed me a fresh red rose.
“Congratulations on the engagement, Mia!” she beamed, her eyes twinkling with delight.
“Thank you, Mrs. Henderson!” I blushed, feeling both surprised and touched by her gesture.
Max leaned in close, whispering in my ear, “You’re officially the queen of hearts now.”
“Or at least queen of roses,” I chuckled, twirling the stem between my fingers.
As we continued down the street, Jackson’s Bakery came into view. Old Mr. Jackson stood outside the shop, waving us over with a grin that stretched from ear to ear.
“Come here, you lovebirds,” he called out, his voice as rich and warm as melted chocolate.
We crossed the street to join him, our hands still intertwined. Mr. Jackson presented us with a box, lifting the lid to reveal a dozen freshly baked croissants nestled inside.
“Always knew you two were meant for each other,” he said, his eyes crinkling with mirth.
“Aw, Mr. Jackson, you shouldn’t have,” I gushed, inhaling the buttery aroma. “But I’m so glad you did!”
“Indeed,” Max agreed, his stomach rumbling in agreement. “A match made in bakery heaven.”
“Here’s to many sweet years ahead!” Mr. Jackson exclaimed, raising an imaginary glass in a toast.
“Cheers to that!” I chimed in, squeezing Max’s hand as we walked away, our hearts full of gratitude and joy.
“Max, why don’t we stop by Pebble’s Brew for a coffee break?” I suggested, feeling the need to refuel after our eventful walk.
“Great idea, Mia! And I could use an extra boost of caffeine myself,” Max replied with an enthusiastic nod.
As we stepped into the cozy coffee shop, the door chimes announced our arrival. To our surprise, some regulars lifted their mugs in a silent toast, welcoming us as a newly engaged couple. Zoe, the barista, glanced up from behind the counter and flashed a warm smile before beginning to whip up our usual orders.
While Max went to find a table, I couldn’t help but notice Tim sitting in the corner, engrossed in a newspaper. Our eyes met, and there was a moment of unspoken acknowledgment between us - a mutual understanding of everything that had transpired over the past days.
“Hey, Tim!” I called out, trying to keep my voice light and breezy despite the sudden knot in my stomach.
“Hey, Mia,” he responded, his eyes crinkling as he smiled genuinely. “Congratulations on your engagement.”
“Thanks, it’s been quite a whirlwind,” I admitted, fidgeting with the rose in my hand. “We’re both really happy.”
“Couldn’t have happened to a better couple,” Tim said, folding up his newspaper and looking at me earnestly. “You two deserve all the happiness in the world.”
“Thank you, Tim,” I murmured, touched by his sincere words. “That means a lot coming from you.”
As Max returned with our coffees, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the love and support we’d received from everyone in Pebble Point - including Tim.
My heart fluttered like a butterfly caught in the wind, but I knew this moment was important for all of us.
“And I hope we can be friends even though things have changed,” I said.
