Page 91 of Swept Up In You

“It’s what I’m here for.” Taylor grinned, puffing out her chest.

They turned to join the group, catching the end of a conversation about dying houseplants. “How am I meant to fix yellowing leaves if it tells me it could be from underwateringoroverwatering,” Hayley was saying.

“Right!” Alex agreed, “It’s so confusing. It’s why I stick to succulents.”

“And the Malabar spinach I got you,” Will added.

“That’s basically a succulent anyway. It’s way too easy to look after tonotbe a succulent. Plus, it’s prettyandedible?—”

Taylor tinked her keys on the beer bottle. “Sorry to interrupt. The woman of the hour is finally free of her work shackles.”

The group whooped and hollered, Marie barrelling straight into Sam for one of her signature hugs. Sam barely kept the wine in her glass as it sloshed around the rim.

“Congratulations on your last day of work. It’s so great to see you again, and I am SO happy for you and Taylor.” Marie beamed at her. “I had an inkling at games night—didn’t I, babe?” she called out to Hayley.

“Totally. Would not shut up about the both of you and the ‘vibes’ after I’d got home. So annoyed I missed it. Next games night though.” Hayley made finger guns at them both. “Well, virtually for you ladies, but still.”

“Oooh, could we come too?” Will inquired. Sam shot Taylor a look and a smirk.Told you so.

“The more the merrier,” Adam piped up.

“Hell yeah, bring it on,” agreed Heath.

She honestly didn’t mind a little extra competition, and it would be great having all their friends in the one room for catch-ups—two birds, one stone, and all of that jazz.

The night was flying by way too quickly. Friends and customers mingled around the yard, the low chatter of voices and laughter filling the air. She passed George talking with acouple of ladies from the local women’s sailing club. They all gave her a wave as she walked past.

“Haven’t eaten any more jellyfish?” she called out to George, the tops of his ears turning crimson.

“What’s this?” Both ladies’ eyes lit up, knowing there was a juicy story about to be told. George, put on the spot, turned back to them to regale his unfortunate tale.

Sam moved around to every group, making sure they all knew how much it meant to her they’d come to see her off and say goodbye. By the end, though, Sam wasn’t sure she could take another conversation going into the details of the trip or sharing another childhood story from her time growing up in the shop.

Thankfully, there was a loud wolf whistle, the source coming from Jase. As the conversation died down, all eyes went to Sam’s dad, who stood atop an overturned Esky. They were all class here. He cleared his throat, one hand shoved in his jeans pocket, the other adjusting his cap over his messy, untamed hair.

“Uh, thanks everybody for coming tonight. It means a lot to us that you’re here. Some of you have known Sammy since she was still learning to walk, while others are new friends I’ve already heard so much about.” He adjusted his cap again. Her dad wasnotone to make speeches, so she stood in stunned silence, hanging on to his every word. Taylor came up alongside her, warm fingers threading through hers. She felt the touch ground her as she leaned in closer.

“Those who know us, know that Sam has been through a lot in her life, from a young age. Despite being dealt the cards our family has, she has always persisted in everything she’s set her mind to. From teaching herself to cook—and me, let’s be honest—to buying her first boat and getting it ready to circumnavigate the entire country. I am in awe, and so incredibly proud of the young woman standing in front of me right now. Your mum—Carol, my wife—would be too.”

That did it. The dam broke, and tears flowed freely down her face. She didn’t bother to wipe them away this time as Taylor’s arm wrapped around her, bringing her in even closer. There were a few other sniffs amongst the crowd. It was a moment she’d never forget.

“If you have a drink, can we please do a toast?” Her dad waited a second for everyone to raise their glasses. “To new beginnings,”—he tipped his bottle towards Taylor, making Sam press into her more—“new adventures, and finally, to following the brightest star.” He winked at Sam and raised his bottle into the air.

Cheers erupted around her, a deafening roar as she hiccupped on a sob. Her heart was overflowing, so full and so loved. Taylor hugged her, as hands patted and clapped her on the back in support and celebration.

The rest of the night passed in a blur—more laughter, more tears, especially when it came time to say goodbye to Alex. Even though it wasn’t like they wouldn’t see each other again, it still felt like a big shift. Sam would miss their semi-regular catch ups at The Wharf, but was excited by the news Alex and Will would be able to hopefully meet up with them along the journey.

They had a good ugly cry together, holding each other tight, their respective halves probably looking on in bewilderment at their display. She didn’t care. She was going to miss her best friend, and she was going to miss this part of her life as she knew it. Even if she was ready and eager for this next chapter, change was still hard.

The party had finally wound down. Her dad tossed the last of the bottles and cans into the recycling bin, Taylor doing the same with a few scattered paper plates. Now, the exhaustion started to seep in.

“I think that’s everything,” her dad said, brushing his hands off and making his way over to give her a hug goodbye. Heplanted a kiss on her forehead as he pulled her in. “Go get some rest, Sammy. You too, Taylor.” He gave Taylor a quick hug next.

“I’m not even going to argue,” Sam replied, taking Taylor’s hand and walking the very short distance home. She’d make sure to appreciate every single night left in a real bed before cabin life became their new normal.

Chapter Thirty-Three

This was it.

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