Page 18 of Our Forever Moment

Cedar Springs was bustling with activity.It seemed that over the years, the summer solstice festival had only grown larger.Maureen hadn’t remembered so many vendor stalls set up along Main Street before.But it was more likely that the passage of time had affected her memory.

She hadn’t been to the festival since the boys were little.She’d attended a few times, and then when they were older and needed her less, she’d insisted that it was a good opportunity for their father to spend quality time with the children.Over time, it turned intotheirthing and Maureen was left alone to sit with her memories.

Now, as she walked slowly down the busy street and took in the sights, she knew she’d been wrong to avoid it for so long.She’d been wrong about a lot of things, but there was no point in dwelling on those things because there was nothing she could do about it now.

“Mrs.McCormick!”

Maureen spun at the sound of her name to see young Jonah running through the crowd toward her.At once, a smile lit up her face, and she bent to catch the boy in a hug.Evie’s son, Declan’s soon-to-be stepson, was a very affectionate nine years old.Maureen had fallen for the boy right away.They’d bonded over ice cream and treats the way all goodgrandparentrelationships should, and she’d very quickly started to think of Jonah as her own grandson.

“What did I say about calling me Mrs.McCormick?”she gently chastised him and ruffled his hair.

He shrugged sheepishly.“But then I don’t know what to call you.Mom says I can’t use your first name because it’s not ’spectful.”

“Respectful?”She tried not to laugh.

“Yeah.That.”

“What about Momo?”

“Momo.”Jonah tried out the name.“Momo…yeah.I like that.”

“So do I.”Maureen stood and offered the boy her hand.“What are you doing, running around?Is your mother here somewhere?”

“She’s got a table set up.”He pointed down the street toward Evie’s store, Live, Love, Lake.“Come on.I’ll show you.”

With little option, Maureen let herself be led through the crowds toward the booth Evie had set up outside her storefront.Just like the shop itself, the little booth was full of beautiful things.There were a variety of cups and mugs with cute sayings on them.Yummy scented candles and bath products and a selection of locally made jewelry.Evie truly had an eye for gorgeous things, and Maureen wasn’t the only one who thought so.Evie’s store had been very successful with both tourists and locals, and judging by the lineup of customers waiting to talk to her now and ask her questions, it looked like the summer solstice would be another busy day for her.

“Hi, Mom.”Declan emerged from the shop and placed a box under the table before straightening up and looking at her again.“Mom?What are you…you never come to the festival.”

She opened her arms for a hug as Declan moved around the table to join her and Jonah.“I thought it was about time,” she said when he released her from the embrace.“Long past time, actually.”

Declan nodded.“I agree.”There was a small, knowing smile on his handsome face.

Out of all her children, Declan was the most in tune with her feelings.Truthfully, Declan was more in tune witheveryone’sfeelings.He had a huge heart, which was exactly why he’d spent his life helping others with his charity organization.There’d been a time when Maureen worried that Declan spent so much time immersed in other people’s lives and problems so he wouldn’t have to think about his own life.She’d been so concerned that her kind-hearted son would spend his life alone.

She needn’t have worried because Evie, who was just as warm-hearted as Declan, and her beautiful son had created the perfect family for Declan.

“Why didn’t you come to the festival before, Momo?It’s awesome.”

“Momo?”Amused, Declan looked between Maureen and Jonah with a raised eyebrow.

“Yes, Momo.”

“I like it.”

“So do I.”She grinned and turned her attention to Jonah.“I agree, Jonah.The festivalisawesome.I never should have stayed away as long as I did.”

“Why did you?”

“Yeah, Mom.”Declan didn’t bother to hide his grin.“Whydidyou stay away for so long?”

Maureen knew she wasn’t going to get away without fessing up, even a little bit.She shot her son a look but bent down to look into Jonah’s eyes.“Have you ever had a place that reminds you of someone or some time in your life?Like maybe the playground reminds you of a certain friend?”

The boy nodded.“I think I know what you mean.Like every time I play Mario Kart, I think of my dad because we play it a lot whenever we’re together.”

“Yes.”She smiled warmly.“It’s kind of like that.And Mario Kart is a good memory, but sometimes places or things, well…they make you think of sad memories.Or the memory is so good that it makes you kind of sad to be reminded of it.”

Jonah screwed up his face.“What’s so good it’s sad?”

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