Page 81 of Mistletoe Misses
And it’s not just her I’d lose this time. Her daughter has stolen a piece of my heart I never want returned.
“This is a nice surprise,” Mom says, finding me in the sunroom before dawn the next day. She checks the stove on her way to sit beside me on the swing. “But I didn’t expect to see you back until later. Did something happen with Carmen last night?”
“Yesterday was a big day.”
“Yes, it was. I’m proud of you for letting your heart guide you for once.”
Frustration leaks from me with a long exhale, and my body shudders. “It didn’t last once we were alone.”
“What’s holding you back?”
I pick at the hem of my sweatshirt sleeve, wondering the same thing. “Probably a host of things, but most of all, I think I’m scared to lose her again.”
“Maddox, you can’t live your life in fear based on something that happened when you were kids. You’re both different people now.”
“I know.”
She twists to face me and takes my hand. “I’m glad you didn’t give your body to her before you are ready.”
My head whips to her, and she smirks. I will NOT talk about sex with my mother. Kendall was bad enough.
“But …” she barrels on to make her point, noticing my sturdy reluctance to continue. “It was nice seeing you smile again and witnessing your big, mushy heart open up. Can I give you one last piece of advice?”
“You’ve been gearing up for it. Why stop now?”
“Such a smart boy. Here it is.” Her delicate hands, holding one of mine, tightens in a supportive embrace. She thinks I won’t like what she’s about to say. “You’ll never find forgiveness or happiness unless you reconnect with your true self. You were put on this earth to love, Maddox. You’re a teddy bear. Own it, and let people love you in return.”
With a kiss on the cheek, she disappears inside, leaving me with only my thoughts for company. Normally, that would be a concern, but the last two weeks have changed me. Carmen had been right all those years ago when she said Ember Falls was a part of me. When my self-sabotaging stopped, this place was waiting, ready to save the day and my life. I never thought healing would find me, yet here I am, thriving in the one place I thought would break me. Instead of hurting more, my heart has been pieced back together like a patchwork quilt.
For the first time in a long while, I’m free from the steel grips of pain and anger, allowing me to review all the advice and helpful pushes I’ve received with more clarity. I’m grateful for my sweet mother and her poignant words, Captain forcing me to take a hard look at myself in the mirror, Ember Falls breathing life into me, my siblings reminding me about the importance of family, and Sadie and Carmen providing a future I’m excited about.
I’ll figure out what to do about the life waiting for me in Boston later. Today, I want to watch the sun come up and bask in what it represents—a new day, a new future, a new me.
???
“There’s my girl.” I’m greeted by a wiggly and excited Trixie when I step into the bookshop later that morning. She covers my face in tiny dog kisses until I tuck her into my coat.
“Did you have fun last night?” Nana asks, catching my gaze over her readers and ancient notebook sitting open on the counter.
“I did. You ready for the pie contest on Monday?”
“Yep.” She keeps staring like there’s more she wants to say.
“What?”
“Nothing.” She goes back to her notebook as if thatnothingwasn’t laced with a whole lot ofsomething.
“Out with it.”
Setting down her pen, she straightens and crosses her arms, taking me in over the glasses tipped low on her nose. “You look different this morning.”
Playing the game, I peek down at my open coat, flannel, and jeans. “Same old clothes I always wear.”
“Nope. That’s not it. You look … more rested.”
“That can’t be it. I spent half the night on Mom’s swing then watched the sunrise. Quite the view.”
“You didn’t do anything else last night? Nothing that would wear you out for a good night’s sleep?”
