Page 106 of Happily Ever After

“I want to hold off making anything official until he’s started college in the fall,” Ollie continued. “And until I’ve put more distance between myself and the divorce. For the sake of both my kids. And our sake, too. I don’t want this to be seen as some rebound thing.”

Maude loved how much he cared about his kids, and how much he cared about doing this right. She couldn’t have loved him more in that moment.

“That’s all fine with me,” she said. “It makes a lot of sense.”

“I’m not going anywhere. You know that, right?”

She nodded. “I do. And neither am I.”

“Good,” Ollie said. “I just didn’t want to pretend I haven’t been thinking about this, because I have since the first day I saw you on this beach.”

Maude smiled and looked out at the water. Nolan was gliding smoothly now, more sure of himself with each pass.

“Yeah,” she said finally. “It’s crossed my mind a few times, too.”

He reached over and took her hand. They sat there, shoulder to shoulder. Milo snored softly at their feet.

Her heart was beating faster than it had in a long time. She closed her eyes, wanting to be sure this wasn’t a dream. That the man who was holding her hand and talking about the future, the same man she’d been in love with since she was a teenager, wasn’t just a mirage.

She opened her eyes. Ollie was still there.

And her future was as bright as the sun in the sky.

Chapter Forty-One

Paige glanced over the spread, making sure she’d remembered everything.

There was a pitcher of water with lemon, along with a bottle of white wine already chilled and in a marble cooler, plus all the accompaniments for coffee and tea.

Foodwise, she’d set out a bowl of salted pistachios, another of honey-roasted peanuts, and a platter of assorted fruit, washed, cut up, and ready to go. Next to that was a round of brie with a little dish of honey for drizzling and a variety of crackers.

She’d put out plenty of napkins and little plates, and on the coffee table in the living room, she’d set a small stack of coasters. By her chair, she had her book and a few discussion notes, although she knew there would be plenty of non-book-related talk.

This had been a big week.

Paige took one last look at her reflection in the darkened glass of the sliding door. She’d chosen an open-weave linen sweater in pale blue with a matching tank underneath it, and white jeans that made her feel skinny and who wouldn’t love that? Her accessories were silver, her hair was brushed smooth, and her makeup was all Luminelle, although she’d kept it light.

Tonight was going to be interesting, mostly because Gigi DeLuca was coming. Paige could only hope things went smoothly and that inviting Gigi wasn’t a mistake.

The doorbell rang.

Paige’s heart gave a small leap, then she laughed as she crossed the living room and opened the door.

Althea stood there, upright and composed, cane in one hand, her white hair neatly styled. She had a light cardigan draped over her shoulders despite the warm evening.

“You look like a woman about to host a gala,” Althea said, stepping inside.

Paige let out a little chuckle and gave the older woman a quick hug. “You look very nice, too.”

“So,” Althea said as they parted. “Is she really coming?”

“If you mean Gigi, then yes, she is,” Paige confirmed. “And before you say anything, please remember she’s not the enemy.”

Althea arched a brow. “I haven’t said a word.”

“You don’t have to,” Paige replied, then grinned. “Your eyebrows do plenty.”

Althea’s mouth curved and she gave a little shrug. “Fair.”