Faith laughed. “I probably looked like a deer in the headlights. I absolutely had no idea that was going to happen. Julia and the rest of the family really did an amazing job planning the party.”
“I agree with that,” Sally said heartily. “It was a resounding success. Faith didn’t suspect, which is the most important part of a surprise party, and then it was so much fun for everyone. There were so many fun games, and so much food. It’s the kind of party we’ll all remember forever.”
Julia grinned, delighted to hear Sally’s compliment. She adored planning things, and when the events that she constructed turned out well, it always brought her a special kind of happiness.
“I’m so glad you liked it,” she said, smiling affectionately at the older woman. Julia was extremely fond of Sally, as everyone in her family was, especially Vivian. Sally and Vivian had struck up a somewhat unlikely friendship a few months prior. Bothwomen were restaurant owners, but instead of viewing each other as competition, they’d teamed up to offer each other advice and support. Both of their businesses were now thriving better than ever, and the two of them had found a much-needed support system in their friendship, especially Sally.
Faith and Sally both used to feel isolated and alone,Julia thought.I’m so glad we welcomed them into our family circle. It’s lovely to see how much they’ve blossomed, being part of a loving community.
Sally took their order, promising to have it back to their table in a jiffy. She bustled off to the kitchen, and Faith sank back against her chair, sighing happily. “That party really was amazing, Julia. It completely blew my mind. I never would have thought I’d have that many people in my life who wanted to celebrate my birthday with me.”
Julia reached across the table and squeezed her cousin’s hand. “Of course you do. Everyone here in town adores you, Faith. Especially Ryan.” She winked.
Faith laughed and blushed a little. “Thank you. It was fun to be totally shocked like that, and then the party itself was so much fun. There were so many things to do and to eat.”
“Good.” Julia grinned. “Initially, we’d been concerned that you wouldn’t want us to make a big deal out of your birthday. You’d said that you never really celebrated it in the past, so we weren’t sure if having the party would feel like too much to you.”
Faith shook her head. “If you’d asked me if I’d wanted a party like that, I would have said no. I’m just not used to being the center of attention, and my birthday has always made me really miss my parents. I did miss my parents last night, but not in a way that hurt. I just wished that they’d been able to see what a great, supportive group of people I’ve found here. I know it would have made them so happy.”
Julia nodded, tears springing into her eyes.
“I think having that surprise party was the only way to truly get through to me just how loved and accepted I am here,” Faith said. “I never would have expected all those people to want to come to a party for me, let alone buy me gifts. It… well, it really touched my heart. I’m so grateful to all of you. I already appreciated everyone here in town, but now I feel more than ever how lucky I am to live here.”
“We’re lucky you live here. Rosewood Beach is a better place because you’re here, Faith. I mean it. You’re always so kind to everyone, and so helpful.”
Faith beamed at Julia. “Thank you. I remember being so nervous when I first showed up here. One never knows how they’ll fit into an atmosphere that they’re unused to. I didn’t know if I’d fit in here, but I really wanted to, and that made me get out of my comfort zone a little. I think wanting to be accepted can help teach us to reach out, which is what we need to do to really be accepted into a community.”
“I think that’s true. If you hadn’t reached out, we never would have known you wanted to spend time with us. We might have assumed you weren’t interested in being party of our community.”
Faith nodded. “But I definitely was. And the next thing you know, I’m getting the world’s best birthday party.” She laughed.
“We loved putting it together,” Julia said, feeling elated. “It was almost as fun planning it as it was being there. Well, for me it was anyway.” She laughed. “And who would have thought that Delilah Bates would end up being there? Now there’s something I never could have planned.”
“Ah, I know!” Faith squealed, grabbing the edges of the table and leaning forward with excitement. “That was basically magical. And can we talk about her and Tom?”
“Yes!” Julia clasped her hands together. “I can hardly believe it. I noticed it the other night after family dinner night. I, uh—Imay have accidentally overheard Tom asking her to go for a walk with him.”
“Tom.” Faith shook her head, laughing. “Look at him go. Asking out Delilah Bates. It seems like that walk went pretty well. Did you see them holding hands last night?”
“I did!” Julia’s voice became a little too loud because of her excitement, and she dropped her next words to a whisper. “It was the cutest thing. They’re absolutely adorable together.”
“Like a couple of teenagers,” Faith agreed, also whispering, since a few of the other patrons had turned their heads curiously in their direction.
“And they really seem to bring out the best in each other,” Julia said. “Tom seems happier and more confident than ever, and Delilah looks so peaceful around him.”
“Agreed.” Faith took another sip of her coffee and looked as though she was about to say something else, but at that moment Sally appeared, bearing a tray with their breakfast on it.
“Here you are,” the café owner sang out, plopping the hot plates down onto the table with practiced dexterity. “Hot and delicious, and sure to satisfy any pregnancy cravings.”
Julia laughed. “You’re a life saver. I think even the smell is helping satisfy my cravings. This smells amazing.”
Sally smiled. “Enjoy! Holler if you need anything.” She waltzed away with the tray, and Julia and Faith inhaled the smell of their breakfast eagerly.
“Looks amazing,” Julia said, cutting into her chocolate chip waffles. “I never would have expected this combination for breakfast but look at how amazing it is.”
“Just like Tom and Delilah,” Faith said with a grin. “I never would have expected the two of them to go together, but look at how amazing they are as a combination.”
Julia grinned back at her cousin. “You’re so right. I really hope they stay together somehow. I don’t know how it wouldwork out, since their worlds are so different, but it would be wonderful if they manage to stay in touch after she goes back to Hollywood.”
