Page 72 of Race to the Beach

Aunt Bonnie beamed with a bright smile as she clapped her hands.“Oh.Yes.I knew it.You won the race and the guy.You’re having a fantastic day.”

“More like a fantastic month.”Maxi glanced over at Owen.“Then again, it’s more like a fantastic year.”

“How about a fantastic future?”Owen stared deep into her eyes, making her heart beat faster.

Maxi nodded.She was so excited about their future—together.But first she had to do something.She turned back to her aunt.“I want to give you something.”She reached into her pocket and withdrew a white envelope.She held it out to her aunt.“This is for you.”When her aunt was hesitant to take it from her, Maxi said, “Go ahead.Take it.”

Aunt Bonnie took the envelope and opened it.As soon as she looked at its contents, she started shaking her head.“But this is yours.”

“I’ve already endorsed the back of the check.It’s all yours.”

“I don’t understand.Why are you giving me your winnings?You earned this.”Aunt Bonnie held the envelope out to her.“Here.Take it back.”

Maxi didn’t make any motion to take it back.“You are the reason I entered the race.”

“Me?”Aunt Bonnie pressed a hand to her chest.

“Yes.When I learned about the prize money, I was determined to win.You’ve always been there for me since my mom died.I wanted some way to pay you back.”

Aunt Bonnie shook her head.“I never wanted you to pay me back.I did it because I love you.”

Maxi’s heart swelled with love.“I know you do.And I love you too.So, will you please take the money?You can go on vacation or make some of those repairs on the house that you’ve been talking about.I know it won’t cover everything.”

Aunt Bonnie gasped.“But I can’t.It… It wouldn’t be right.”She waved the envelope at her.“Please, take this back.”

Maxi smiled and shook her head.“I can’t.It’s yours.”

Her aunt sighed.“What am I going to do with you?”

“Maybe you could take me in.”When her aunt’s brows scrunched together with confusion showing in her eyes, Maxi said, “I’m going to need a place to live when I move here.”

“What?”Owen’s voice held a note of surprise.

At the same time, Aunt Bonnie said, “What are you talking about?”

Maxi grinned.It appeared that she’d caught them both off-guard.It wasn’t exactly what she’d been planning.In fact, she hadn’t planned any of this.For the first time in her life, she was just going with her gut.And it was telling her that this island was her new home.

“I’m going back to Virginia to sell the business and the house.Then I’m moving here to be with my family.”She glanced at her aunt, and then she looked at Owen.“And my guy.This is where my future is.”

Owen reached out and took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze.The love showed in his eyes.She leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to his lips.

When she pulled back, she looked at her aunt.“Would you be willing to let me stay with you while I search for a place of my own?”

“Of course.You can stay here as long as you want.”Aunt Bonnie’s gaze lowered to the envelope.“Are you really sure you want me to put the money into the house?”

Maxi nodded.“I want you to do what you want with it.I love you.”

“I love you too.”

While Aunt Bonnie went to get them some cold drinks to celebrate everything that had taken place that day, Maxi turned to Owen.“I hope you liked my surprise.”

He slid over closer to her.“I loved your surprise.”His arm slid over her shoulders as his face grew sober.“Are you sure about your decision?I don’t want you to give up everything in Virginia just because you think it’s what I want you to do.”

“I’m positive.I would do this even if you and I weren’t together.My aunt isn’t getting any younger, and she’s all the family I have left.I would like to be close to her.Plus, I love the island and the people.This is where I want to be.”

“Good.Because I love having you here.”He stared deep into her eyes.“I love you.”

“I love you too.”After a brief kiss, she pulled back.“Wait here.I have something for you.”

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