Page 63 of Whispers at The Bookshop Pretty Beach
'Then that's what you tell them. He's your friend who's also a bit more than a friend.'
'They won't understand that.'
'They're remarkably good at sensing when the adults in their lives are happy.'
'When you're with Miles, are you happy?'
Daisy thought about the way Miles made her laugh. About how he listened when she talked about the bookshop or the girls, or her worries. About how he never made her feel like she was too much or not enough. About how safe she felt with him. 'I am happy.'
'Then that's what matters.' Annabelle said firmly. 'The girls will see that. They want you to be happy.'
'Do they, though? What if they think he's trying to replace their dad?'
Maggie and Annabelle exchanged a look.
Maggie spoke carefully. 'Daise. The girls barely remember their dad. They were babies when… let’s not go there.'
'But they know about him. I've told them about him.'
'That's not the same as them having a relationship with him. They've never had a father figure in their lives.'
'Maybe that's for the best.'
Annabelle leaned forward. 'You can't keep the girls in a bubble forever. At some point, you have to let people in. At some point, you have to trust that good things can happen.'
'What would you do?'
'Honestly?' Maggie asked. 'I'd be just as terrified as you are, but I'd do it anyway.'
'Because?'
'Because the alternative is staying exactly where you are forever.'
Annabelle nodded. 'You deserve to be happy, Daise. You deserve to have someone who loves you and wants to be part of your life. And the girls deserve to see what a healthy, loving relationship looks like.'
Daisy drained the last of her wine. 'So, you think I should do it? You think I should invite him for Sunday lunch?'
'Yes.’
'And if it goes wrong?'
'Then we'll be here to pick up the pieces.' Maggie was firm. 'That's what sisters are for.'
'You promise?'
'We promise.' Annabelle said without hesitation.
'Right then.' Daisy took a deep breath. 'Sunday lunch it is.'
Annabelle raised her glass. 'To taking chances.'
'To taking chances,' Maggie echoed.
Daisy raised her glass, though her hand was trembling slightly. 'To hoping for the best and preparing for the worst.'
'That's very you.' Maggie grinned.
'Shut up,' Daisy said, but she was smiling, too.
