Her head tilted to the side. “And what paths were those?”
“Max and Ben.”
She giggled. “I’m glad you didn’t choose them.”
My body froze in shock. “What? What do you mean you’re glad? Wasn’t the whole point of time traveling in my dreams to bring Max and Ben into my life?”
Margaret stepped closer and smiled. “It was. But it was also for someone else as well. I think you did a remarkable job of altering Jake’s future.”
“Jake was a part of this all along?”
“Of course he was,” Margaret claimed. “My job wasn’t to tell you who you’re supposed to be with. You had to do that yourself. That’s why Max and Ben were the two options I mentioned. Meeting them was just as important as figuring out it was Jake who you wanted to be with.”
I knew it all along.
“If I hadn’t met Ben . . .”
Margaret nodded. “Then your sister wouldn’t be with her soulmate right now.”
“And if I hadn’t met Max,” I continued, “my grandmother would be alone. His grandfather healed her heart.”
Margaret clutched her chest. “Yes, he has. It’s been so sweet to watch.”
“What about Max?” I asked. “He was never an option for me, was he?”
She shook her head. “No, but he’ll make an amazing friend.”
“What about his future? I didn’t mess things up for him, did I?”
“Oh no, child.” Her smile brightened. “Max will find his happily ever after. In fact, a beautiful young professor will soon take a job at Appalachian State. Her class will be right next to his.”
Tears filled my eyes, and I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God. I was worried.”
“I know you were,” she murmured. “I’m sorry I couldn’t clarify things earlier, but you needed the time. I’m just glad you made the right choice.”
I rubbed a hand over my heart. “I always knew.”
Margaret waved a hand toward my car. “Go find him, Lydia. The boy is heartbroken right now. I wanted to hug him the first second I saw him this morning.”
She batted her eyelashes playfully, waiting for me to respond.
“Where did you see him?”
“The golf course,” she answered in a singsong voice. “I might have played a round of eighteen holes with him.”
“You can’t be serious?”
“Oh yes, I am, child. He’s a handsome young man. I figured since I was helping you two find your way to each other, I’d spend a little time with him.”
“And what did you think of him?” I asked her.
Her gaze saddened. “I think you two are lucky to have each other. It will only get better from here. I look forward to seeing it all play out.” She nodded toward my car. “Go, Lydia. The sooner you find Jake, the sooner you two can start your lives together.”
She turned to walk away, but I still had more questions.
“Margaret, wait!” When she faced me again, I could feel the magic surrounding her. It was that warmth I’d felt several times before. “What exactly are you?”
A giggle escaped her lips. “I’m a Christmas angel.”
