Page 108 of Single Mom's Undoing
“Well, I’m really fond of the Hawaiian culture, especially the parts about family. I guess I’ve seenLilo & Stitchso many times with Matty and Shy-Shy that it’s rubbed off on me. Hawaii just felt like the right place for us to celebrate our union and our growing family.”
“That’s actually incredibly sweet,” Margot tears up.
“Plus, the beaches are fantastic,” Jodie adds. “Pack plenty of lotion, sister, because that pale skin of yours will suffer.”
“And you called me a Debbie Downer not five minutes ago,” Margot mutters. “Oh! I almost forgot!”
“What?” I ask.
She takes a deep breath, making sure Ella is still asleep before she sets her in the carriage just behind her seat. Once the baby girl is nestled safely in her nap spot, Margot raises her grape juice glass and offers a warm, generous smile.
“I have a wedding gift for you.”
“Margot, come on. We said no gifts,” Carter replies.
“Very funny,” she says, then looks at me. “You’re gonna love it.”
“I’m already loving it,” I say.
She frowns slightly. “You don’t even know what it is yet.”
“It’s coming from you. Already loving it.”
“Dammit, girl. Making me cry again.” She takes a deep breath for composure. “So! I’ve been listening to you drone on and on about opening an art and design school in this county for months now. Your future project and how it’s going to positively impact so many of the struggling youth across fivedistricts. Peace and love, art and architecture, brighter future for the kids, yadda, yadda.”
Jace laughs. “She really sold you on it.”
“And then some!” Margot replies. “I figured I’d help you with an actual physical location,” she adds and presents me with a small white box. “Here.”
I stare at it for a moment. “What is it?”
“Open it!”
I do as I’m told. Inside is a set of house keys with an acrylic chain shaped like a white lily. I look up at her in curiosity.
“Remember the summer house?”
“Oh, you mean the place where we were almost killed?” I shoot back, half laughing. “The place that got raided by the Feds?”
“It’s yours,” Margot replies. “Felt like karmic justice.”
My mind goes blank for the longest second before I understand what she just said to me. Slowly, I turn to look at Carter, Jace, and Damon. They’re smiling broadly, not at all surprised. They knew this was coming.
Jodie, on the other hand, sits with her mouth agape.
“Margot, you can’t be serious,” I manage, my voice trembling with emotion.
“It has everything you need to set up a proper design school. Spacious rooms for specialized classes, common areas, studio spaces, and plenty of outdoor spots, as well. Then there’s the peach orchard next door,” she adds. “I need it to collect new and better memories, Clara. My brother and I had wonderful moments there until our father ruined it. AndI can’t think of anyone more worthy to take over and build something beautiful with it. Nor can I think of anything more beautiful than an affordable art and design school for at-risk kids.”
“Oh, Margot, I can’t believe this,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes as I clutch the keys close to my chest.
She gives me a warm smile. “Believe it. Because you deserve it.”
“She most certainly does,” Carter adds and pulls me in for a deep, heartfelt kiss.
I most certainly do, don’t I?
Who’d have thought?
Six years ago, I was running away from the love of my life and my hometown, fearing for my future and my safety. Today, I’m married to three phenomenal men, raising four amazing kids, and now in charge of Blackthorn Falls’ first specialized art and design institute for at-risk children all over the county.
Yes, I deserve it.
And so do they.
