“They have a bond,” I said. “He sees how special she is. And she sees the man he is too. You have no idea what a miracle that truly is. After what Carter put us both through, it’s amazing either one of us is willing to risk our hearts being broken again. I’d never have predicted this.”
Irene dried her hands on a towel. “Me either. Just when I’d given up, all this happens.”
“Maybe it’s time for you to get out there too.”
“Maybe I should go on the app. Or the apps, as the kids say.” Irene chuckled, tugging on her gold hoop earring. “There’s a handsome man just across the hall from me. But all the women are after him. There are fewer of them, you know.”
“Well, as an observer, I’d say he couldn’t do better than you.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. But thinking about anyone seeing this old body of mine? Dear me.” She gave a playful shudder. “I don’t know.”
I laughed softly. “You’re beautiful, Irene. And strong. Any man with sense would see that in a heartbeat.”
She smiled, her eyes bright. Then she reached for me, pulling me into a hug. “Thank you for making my boy smile again. And for welcoming Margot into your life. I’m looking forward to being part of this new family.”
I hugged her back, missing my own mother but so grateful Irene was here with us.
12
VANCE
On a warm summer evening, with my Mama on one arm and Margot’s hand in mine, I stepped through the arched gate and onto Seraphina Sinclair’s stone pathway.
“How lovely,” Mama said.
Soft exterior lighting and abundant hydrangeas lined the path. Two potted lemon trees flanked the wide, white Dutch door.
Margot had been quiet on the drive over, clutching her bear and staring out the window. She’d changed into the purple dress Mia had helped her pick out—soft cotton with little flowers embroidered on the collar. Her hair was pulled back with a lavender headband.
When she saw the hydrangeas, she stopped. “They’re pretty.”
“Lila says the whole house and gardens are gorgeous,” I told her.
“Will there be a lot of people?” Her fingers tightened around my thumb.
“Some. But Mia will be there. And all her friends. They’re excited to meet you.”
“What if they don’t like me?”
Mama squeezed her other hand. “Sweetheart, they’re going to love you. I promise.”
Music drifted from the house—something acoustic and summery—and laughter bubbled up from the back patio. The scent of buttered corn and grilled seafood teased my senses and made my stomach growl as we stepped into the front entry.
I immediately knew who had decorated this house—Lila. Every detail confirmed it. The foyer opened into a sprawling, light-soaked living room with crisp white slipcovered sofas, oversized armchairs, and a fireplace framed by built-in shelves stacked with novels, pottery, and coastal art. The walls were a creamy white, the floors a honey-toned oak. Everything felt welcoming and effortless.
Two sets of French doors opened to a sprawling patio that looked out to sea. A seafood buffet stretched across a long table like a magazine spread—towers of crab legs on ice, platters of California and spicy tuna rolls, dishes of melted butter, and bowls of sweet corn, grilled peaches, and citrus-dressed arugula.
“The food looks delicious,” Mama said.
Before I could reply, a voice called out, “Yay, you’re here!”
We turned to see Mia barreling toward us in jean shorts, a T-shirt, and sandals. Her hair was pulled into two little buns on the sides of her head. Behind her came another girl—same age, with hair the color of seagrass in late summer and big blue eyes.
“Hi, Irene. Hi, Vance.” Mia threw her arms around Mama, then me, before crouching down to Margot’s level. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Margot managed a shy smile. “You have?”
“Totally. I want you to meet all my friends.” Mia straightened and gestured toward the blonde girl. “This is one of my best friends—Grace. Grace, this is Margot. Isn’t she fabulous?”
