Page 22 of The Summer I Stayed
I raise an eyebrow at her statement. “Maybe not as fast, but you would’ve found a way.”
She laughs softly, shaking her head. “You’ve been great, Jake,” she says sincerely. “Not just with this booth, but with everything at the house too.”
“You’re not too bad yourself.”
Maggie turns to me, a light blush spreading across her cheeks, and she lets out a soft laugh. “Don’t tell me Jake Hollis just complimented me.”
I roll my eyes in response as I tuck my hands in my pockets. “No promises it will happen again,” I tease, my tone lighter than it’s been for a long time.
She laughs in response, a sound that rings in my ears like a melody. There’s something about the way she takes things in stride, the way her eyes light up when she talks about her blog and fixing up the house. She’s captivating in a way that no other woman has ever been.
I can’t deny it anymore. I’m falling for Maggie Wilkes.
Chapter Twelve
Maggie
I hit publish on my latest post about the lake house updates and the Summer Festival’s photo booth as I sit in my sun-drenched living room. I’ve been here at the lake house for a few days now that the major things are done and we finished my bedroom. We’re almost done with renovations, and I’m excited to be staying here now. I won’t say my feelings haven’t been conflicted, though.
Lying in bed the first night, there was a pit in my stomach thinking of how Steven should be here beside me. But I know he’s in a better place, and life here, well, I have to just keep going. Keep living. And make the most of my time here, that’s what Steven would have wanted. I can honor his memory while also building new ones. So that’s what I’m going to do.
My phone buzzes from the coffee table.
Alison
Proud of you, Mom! The festival sounds like it’s going to be fun. Wish I could come visit!
She’s been on her own adventure with college and seems to be adjusting well, which I’m grateful for.
Lila
Girlfriend, you have truly outdone yourself! Can’t wait to hug you at the festival and see the lake house in person!
Caroline
Yes! Excited to see you! Any single prospects? *winky face*
I chuckle at Caroline.
Me
Maybe this is your summer to meet a hot firefighter *fire emoji*
Lila
Oh La La!
Caroline
Yes, please!
I wander out onto the porch, staring at the serene lake before me, and a sense of calm washes over me. Blue AlderCove has always held a special place in my heart. And now, it’s a place where I found myself again amid loss and change. A place I came to mend, but ended up mending myself in return. I almost don’t recognize the woman who drove into town that first day.
My blog’s success is an added bonus I hadn’t anticipated. It reconnected me with a wonderful community. Gemma, Edna, and the rest of the town, as nosy as they are, have welcomed me with open arms and supported me in my journey here.
And Jake…Jake has been a significant part of that journey too. He’s become a close friend, someone I can rely on. Not just with the renovation work (or a little eye candy), but being there when I needed someone and sharing our life stories.
A moment of clarity washes over me. I know what I want.
