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“Of course we can,” Tim agreed with a sincere smile. “Look, I’ve always seen the special connection between you and Max. I’ll admit I was hopeful for something more with you, but your happiness matters most. And if that’s with Max, then I’m genuinely happy for you both.”
His words were like a balm to my still uncertain heart. Hearing him say those things, knowing how much he truly cared for my well-being, made me feel like everything was falling into place. The sun seemed to shine brighter, the laughter of the cafe patrons grew louder, and I couldn’t help but smile back at Tim, grateful for his maturity and understanding.
“Thank you, Tim,” I whispered, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. “That means more to me than you know.”
“Anytime, Mia,” he replied warmly, giving me a small salute before returning to his newspaper. With a content sigh, I rejoined Max at our table, feeling lighter and even happier.
A few moments later, Tim folded his newspaper with a snap, rose from his seat, and stretched out his lanky frame. As he headed towards our table, I had a brief flash of panic that he had a change of heart and would cause a scene.
“Congratulations, Max,” Tim said, extending a hand. They shared a firm handshake, their camaraderie clear in the gesture.
“Appreciate it, Tim! Knock ’em dead at your new job.”
“That’s the plan, old man! And hey, take care of Mia, alright?” Tim winked, turning back to me.
Tim exited the cafe with a last wave, leaving Max and me to finish our coffees.
“Max,” I began, breathing in the fresh morning air, “isn’t life beautifully unpredictable? Everything in Pebble Point led us to each other.”
He looked down at me, his warm eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. “It sure is, Mia. One moment, you think you know what will happen, and the next…” He squeezed my hand gently. “…you find something even better than you could’ve imagined.”
Emptying our coffee cups, we left Pebble’s Brew and took a leisurely stroll to Maggie’s quaint little house. The sight of her lovely garden, blooming with flowers of every color imaginable, never failed to bring a smile to my face.
“Ready to pick up our munchkins?” Max asked, his voice laced with affection and excitement. I squeezed his hand, feeling the warmth of our shared anticipation of the blended family we were about to create.
“Absolutely,” I replied, my heart swelling with joy.
As we reached the door, it swung open to reveal Lucy and Logan, their faces beaming with delight. It was as if they could sense the happiness radiating from Max and me, and they couldn’t wait to be a part of it. “Miss Mia! Daddy!” Lucy cried out, rushing forward to embrace us both.
“Hey, kiddos!” I greeted them cheerfully, crouching down to receive a tight hug from Lucy, her curls tickling my cheek. Max did the same, ruffling Logan’s neatly cut hair with a tender grin.
“Did you two have fun with your friends?” Max inquired, glancing up at Sylvie, who stood behind the children, her gentle blue eyes sparkling with love and wisdom.
“Uh-huh!” Logan nodded, his brown eyes filled with enthusiasm. “We learned how to make homemade jam!”
“Ooh, I can’t wait to taste it,” I said, winking at Sylvie, who smiled warmly in response.
“Alright, you two,” Max began, standing up and extending a hand to each of his kids, “let’s head home and get started on that jam-tasting session. Oh, and I think it’s time to lose the Miss? I think just Mia will be fine now, don’t you?”
Lucy and Logan nodded eagerly and took hold of our hands, uniting us as the family we were about to become. Walking away from Maggie’s home, I decided that despite life’s unpredictable twists and turns, sometimes it led us exactly where we were meant to be—surrounded by love and laughter in the arms of those who mattered most.
Chapter 25
Now,nearlyayearhad elapsed since I first stepped into the quaint charm of Pebble Point to embrace my role as a nanny. The entire town seemed to awaken from its winter slumber as springtime arrived. It was as if an artist had splashed vibrant pastel colors onto a canvas, creating a masterpiece for all to see. Wildflowers framed the pathways in a riot of colors, and their sweet, intoxicating aroma was complemented perfectly by the delicate scent of cherry blossoms wafting in the breeze. Birds sang harmoniously, adding to the symphony of nature. Against this breathtaking backdrop, I found myself walking through the town square. Every step was buoyed by the love and excitement bubbling within me. The day, which had been etched in my heart and circled on my calendar for months, had finally dawned: my wedding day.
“Isn’t it just perfect?” I breathed, twirling around to take in the scene. Children played and laughed while their parents relaxed on picnic blankets nearby, chatting animatedly like bees around a hive. It was starting to feel like today belonged not only to Max and me but to the whole small community of Pebble Point.
“Absolutely enchanting,” Ava, my bridesmaid, agreed, linking her arm with mine. “The whole town is positively glowing, just like you, Mia.”
“Thank you, Ava,” I giggled, feeling the warmth of her words spread across my cheeks. “I can’t believe my big day is finally here.”
“Believe it, sweetheart,” Grandma Evelyn chimed in, her voice tender yet firm. “You and Max deserve every ounce of happiness this town offers.”
As we continued through the bustling square, I couldn’t help but think of Max. My heart fluttered at the thought of him waiting for me at the altar, his deep brown eyes filled with love and anticipation. I wondered if he felt as nervous as I did, even though we both knew that we were meant to be together.
“Max is going to be floored when he sees you, Mia,” Ava teased, pulling me out of my thoughts. “He won’t know what hit him!”
“Let’s hope it’s Cupid’s arrow and not a wayward frisbee from one of these kids,” I joked, my laughter joining the chorus of happiness around us.
