I have a brilliant, gorgeous man stroking my hand on one side and his aunt, who’s becoming more adorable by the second, on the other. It’s hard to believe what’s happening here could be real. After shutting myself away all this time, can I even allow myself to believe this might be what I want? And allow myself to give into it?
Just one step, right?
One tiny step.
I smile at Maggie, squeeze Owen’s hand, and take a deep breath. “Okay. Thank you.”
“I hear you’re a knitter,” says Maggie, who now has a layer of white flakes on her head. “If we get a minute, maybe you could help me figure out where I’m going wrong with the scarves I’m making for the animal shelter fundraiser. I haven’t knitted for years, and everything’s coming out a bit wonky.”
Knitting and animals in the same sentence. It’s like being wrapped in a cozy blanket by someone who knows how to create a loving family.
“I’d love to help.”
“Excellent.” Maggie steps back. “Now let’s go. I’m freezing in this ridiculous dress.”
I turn to kiss the top of Elsa’s head. “Back in a bit.”
“Don’t be silly,” Maggie says. “Bring her in.”
“Oh, I couldn’t. She’ll make a mess.”
“My love, you have no idea how much I miss the sound of paws on the floor and picking dog hair out of my dinner. It’s been four years since we lost Billy, and I could still shed a tear for him at any time.”
Owen appears, drapes his arm around Maggie’s shoulders, and looks at her with warmth in his eyes. “Billy was a menace.”
Maggie slaps him on the chest.
“Because he knocked you over in front of a cute girl when you were about fourteen.”
Owen’s eyes are wide with mock outrage. “And broke my leg.”
I put my hand over my mouth to hide a laugh. “Well, if you’re sure about Elsa, that would be great.”
When I open the truck’s back door Elsa hops out and immediately rushes at Maggie, leaving a long damp doggy snot smear right across her dress.
“Oh, God. I’m sorry.” I grab Elsa’s collar and pull her off before she can do any more damage. “It’s so beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Maggie straightens the skirt. “I borrowed it for the party. Had no intentions of putting it on till the last minute, but Max had a photographer come take pictures to mark the occasion. They came with a hair and makeup person too.” She taps the back of her updo, knocking off some of the snow. “So now I guess I’m stuck in it till bedtime. Anyway, I’m very happy you were there to take in Owen in his hour of need. We thought he must have found a hotel to ride out the blizzard in.” She points her finger at him. “I do hope you’ve shown Summer your appreciation.”
He cocks his head to one side and looks at me. “Well, I’ve tried my best.”
I have to turn away or my cheek redness level will shoot up from rosy to neon cherry.
Elsa strains on my arm, desperate to get closer to Maggie. “Is it okay if I take her for a little walk? She always needs a quick run-around to stretch her legs and burn off a burst of energy after being cooped up in the truck.”
“Of course. Help yourselves to the grounds. We’ll be in the kitchen, at the back of the house. Come around there and let yourself in the French doors.”
I pull Elsa’s favorite orange ball from my pocket and finally get her attention.
Owen rubs Maggie’s arm. “What’s the deal with the, er, delightful fountain?” Owen arches a brow at the concrete centerpiece in the driveway.
She turns back to me. “Those hideous…things.” She points at the pile of cherubs. “The previous owners had some sort of cherub fetish. They were everywhere. That monstrosity is the last to go. We have to wait for a big truck to come and haul it away.”
She walks up the steps with Owen, takes his elbow with one hand, and waves to me with the other. “French doors to the kitchen. Whenever you two are ready!”
I smile at Elsa, whose bright eyes remain firmly fixed on the ball, like lasers locked on their target. “She’s quite the character, huh, Elsa? And she likes you. So, I think we’re good. Okay, here you go.”
I toss the ball on the lawn to the left of the house, and Elsa takes off after it like it’s her life’s work. Which I suppose it is.
