Page 87 of Fall at Once

“No, Madi. The two of you sound like you’re on the same side. Take a breath, think about it, and you’ll see it too.”

“Okay. You’re right. That’s probably why I’m not completely devastated right now.”

“Good. Now flip what I said. Did you tell him what you need?”

I nodded.

“Were you honest?”

“Yes…”

“Clear about what you want?”

“Yeah. I mean, I think so.”

“Good. Always be forthright. If someone can’t handle it, they don’t belong in your life.”

“You’re right. I didn’t mess anything up. Not being honest with him would have led to resentment.”

“You are a fighter, Madi. I raised all of you girls to go after what you want. But you are also my sweetest girl. You are a people pleaser. You want everyone to be happy, and I love that about you. But you need to start pleasing yourself first. You matter.”

“Okay, I matter. And I’ll try to please myself first,” I repeated,not sure where she was going with this.

Deep in my heart, I had always been afraid to let anyone down. A crazy mix of hope and fear shot through my body, leaving me breathless as I contemplated the life changes I was about to make.

“Slight change of subject. I don’t want you to try to make me happy anymore. I don’t want you to return to Cozy Creek and chase after Cole, either. If he doesn’t come around, then fuck him.” I gasped. “I mean it. I want you to live your dreams. I want you to live your life on your terms, and if that means moving to Cozy Creek and taking over the Confectionery from Gigi someday, then that’s what you need to do.”

“Are you serious right now? What about the company?”

“If you don’t want your job back, Jenny wants it. And even if she didn’t, I can find someone else. You need to do what you want. This is your life, and I want you to live it.”

“I think I want to live in Cozy Creek.”

“I had a feeling about that, sweetheart, and you have my blessing. Not that you need it. But I want you to feel good. I don’t want any guilt or confusion between us. Be forthright, always. Got it?”

“Got it, okay. Wow! I’m moving to Cozy Creek.”

“I’m happy for?—”

A knock at the door cut her off.

“That must be the pizza. Hold that thought.”

I got up to answer it.

It was not the pizza.

It was a delivery person from the florist shop down the road carrying an armful of pink peonies wrapped in brown paper and tied with white lace and twine. The card attached said they were from Cole.

I shut the door and faced my mother, who was smiling ear to ear.

“Oh, honey. Maybe there is a little bit of fate happening right now. Or maybe it’s Gigi.”

Chapter 28

Cole

“I’m not sure about this. Do we really have to wear tuxedos? I’d rather be casual. Why did I let her talk me into this?” I glanced over Tate’s shoulder in my hallway mirror, scowling at my reflection as I entered the living room.

---