Millie then accepted Simon’s hug and kiss to the cheek and grinned back at them. She suspected it was the cheesiest, happiest grin on the planet, but she didn’t care in the least.
“I’m glad you were. Because I had no clue.”
Max had stood back while his brothers stole her attention. The contentment on his face spoke to her heart, settling there and spreading through her veins, warmth engulfing her.
Her bottom lip trembled and Max stepped forward, his hand cupping her jaw.
“Hey, you,” he whispered.
She threw her arms around his neck and held him tight.
“Hey, back.”
His arms tightened and he pressed his face into the crook of her neck. “I don’t think it’s possible for this day to get any better.”
Millie hugged him harder and smiled into his neck.
She happened to agree with him, there.
Epilogue
Millie piled anotherbox into Finn Avery’s arms and grinned at the raised eyebrow she could see above the top one.
“Seriously, Mil? I can’t see where I’m going.”
Darby laughed and patted his arm as they walked toward her parked car. “Youdidoffer to help. Big mistake, my friend. Huge.”
“How long are you back for, Finn?”
Finn had moved to Canada almost five years ago, to go live near his father. They’d run into him coming out of Maxine’s Café, a satisfied, slightly excited expression lining his face, catching her attention. Finn was younger than both her and Darby by a couple of years, but the town was so small they all knew each other anyway.
“A few days. Maybe a week. Depends.”
Millie raised a brow at Darby and she could see the other woman was thinking exactly the same thing she was. A sly smile twisted Darby’s mouth and a cheeky light entered her eyes.
Depends.Depends on a certain person, perhaps.
“You’re here for Mason’s birthday party?” When he nodded, Darby continued, “How’s your dad? I haven’t seen him in forever.”
“Yeah, good. He’s running a camping store just outside Vancouver.” Finn laughed, a deep rumble that made Millie smile just at the sound. He’d always had a contagious laugh. “It’s his happy place.”
“Have you ever thought of moving back here, or is business too good over there in Canada?”
Finn shrugged awkwardly and the top box teetered precariously. He carefully shuffled it back into place.
“The café is doing really well. It’s been a hit with the locals and ex-pats alike.” He chuckled. “It’s the only place you can get a decent cup of coffee.”
Darby laughed and Millie nodded thoughtfully. He hadn’t answered her question.
They reached Darby’s car and Millie opened the boot. Darby had stopped work a few weeks earlier, her baby’s due date only days away now. Darby pulled a face as Finn carefully placed the boxes into the rear of the car for them.
“You okay, Darby?” he asked, concern lining his face.
Millie smiled to herself. He was such a sweetie. He’d always been helpful, friendly, and kind to anyone he’d met.
“Yeah. At least, I think so.”
That caught Millie’s attention and she turned to face her fully. Darby’s face seemed pinched, pulled tight at the corners of her mouth. “What do you mean, youthinkso?”