“Sort of,” she admits with a bump to my hip before laying her head on my shoulder. “Ford will be in town, and I told him I was only available for one night. I need an excuse so I don’t end up inbed with him two nights in a row. I fear I’m catching feelings for the old man.”
“There’s nothing wrong with feelings, Sarah. And I believe you once told me, it’s time to let love in.”
She’s quiet for a moment then says, “I’m so happy for you, Jade.”
“Thank you, Sarah.”
Later that evening, we’re all sitting around the fire when the soft patter of small feet in the grass behind me has me turning around. “Excuse me, Jade?”
I smile at the little girl before me. “Yes, Maysie?”
“Now that you live with Uncle West, does that make you my auntie?” She looks up at me with big, beautiful blue eyes and my heart melts.
“’Cause I would really like it if you were,” she says, almost nervously.
I look around at all the people watching us, and seeing the gleam in Astrid’s eye and the grin on West’s face, I know in my heart I want to be this girl’s aunt.
I reach out and tug her up onto my lap and then look in those bright-blue eyes. “I would like it very much if you would call me Auntie. It would be an honour.”
“Yay! So now can I be a flower girl?”
The group laughs, and West and I share a secret smile. Maybe not anytime soon, but I can definitely see a wedding in our future.
That night, lying in bed next to West after an amazing evening with friends and family, I finally feel healed.
The following week flies by, and before I know it, it’s time to pack up my house. I’m looking forward to a night with my friends this evening. The day after the BBQ, I listed my house on the market, and I already have a buyer. I’m going to miss this little house and its beautiful views of the valley.
I’m sitting on my steps when a little blue SUV pulls into the driveway and the new owner of my house steps out. I wave at the beautiful blonde as she makes her way over to me.
“Hi. You must be Jade?”
“I am.” I hold out my hand, smiling. “And you must be Mabel?”
“Yes! It’s so nice to meet you!” She looks around and takes the neighbourhood in. “I can already tell I’m going to love this neighbourhood.”
I giggle, because once she meets Mrs. Ira, that may change.
“It’s a great place to live.” I tell her. “Come in and I’ll give you a tour.”
We step inside, and I take in these rooms for the last time. “I have to admit, I’m shocked you wanted to buy it without seeing it in person first.”
“I’m recently divorced and honestly couldn’t afford much. As soon as I saw the pictures of your place and that the price was in my budget, I snatched it as soon as I could.”
“You mentioned in the emails that you’re from Vancouver? What made you choose Lavender Falls for your new start?” I ask, trying to keep a steady conversation as I begin leading her through the house.
“Actually, it’s my hometown. Do you know the Golding’s?”
I think about the last name and realize that I do. “Nora and Theo?”
“Those are my parents.” She nods in confirmation.
Nora and Theo are a lovely couple. They come into the bakery often. I hadn’t realized they had children.
“I left a couple years ago after losing a dear friend. Married a bit too quickly, if I’m being honest, and now I’m back. My mama has been begging me to come back, so when a position at the elementary school opened up, I applied. You’re looking at the new kindergarten teacher of Lavender Falls.” She smiles with pride, and I’m not surprised to hear that she works with children. She’s very friendly and seems quite spunky. Her hair is in space buns, and she has on a long maxi dress with a chunky cardigan with apple shapes for pockets.
“My niece starts kindergarten this fall, so you’ll get to meet her.” I smile and hide the blush staining my cheeks at calling Maysie my niece for the first time.
“Oh, how lovely! What’s your niece’s name?”
