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“How are you so understanding about all of this?”

“Because I wanted to understand why you left, so I tried to put myself in your position.” Hazel sighed. “In order for this to work, we need to promise ourselves that the next time we have a fight, or something like that happens, we’ll talk to each other.”

“Of course. I’m never leaving you again.”

“Where did you go anyway?”

“Lucas’s place. I turned my phone off because I wanted to make sure that when we spoke, I said the right thing. I knew if I saw you call, I’d answer. I didn’t want to push you away, but I did that anyway by leaving.”

Hazel rested her body against his. “It’s okay now. We all make mistakes. Goodness knows I have. I wasn’t exactly straightforward with you about my decision. You’re a good man, Sam. You’ve shown me that time and again.”

Sam nuzzled his face into her neck and ran his fingers through her hair. “Come home with me. I can’t be without you for another second.”

“Okay,” she said with a grin.

“And bring everything you own.”

“Everything I own?”

Sam nodded. “Move in with me.”

“It’s not too soon?” Hazel asked with a laugh. “It’s only been, what, a few months?”

“A few months too long. You know, I fell in love with you the minute you bumped into me.”

“Um, you bumped into me!” Hazel retorted before she paused. “Wait, what?” Her mouth parted slightly.

“I fell in love with you the minute we met.” Sam’s eyes crinkled.

“You did?” Hazel cocked her head to the side, not quite believing him.

“I did.” Sam kissed the tip of her nose. “So, please, move in with me. I feel like I’ve already waited an eternity.”

Hazel’s lips curled into a grin. “Okay, fine,” she said dramatically, a playful twinkle in her eye.

“I meant what I said before. I’m never letting you go again.”

“Good. I don’t want you to.”

Sam held her in his arms, and Hazel felt it, the magical feeling of belonging. Belonging somewhere, to someone. To him.

Epilogue

Six Months Later

Hazel sat in her studio. She toyed with a piece of amethyst as she sat back in her chair and felt her gaze travel to the window. The trees outside were alive, the sound of rustling leaves audible as they danced in the wind. If she looked hard enough, she could see a glimpse of the ocean, the deep blue sparkling in the sunlight. She’d chosen this room for that view.

It was a whole set up now. Sam had worked on it for weeks, installing cabinets along the walls, putting together a desk for her computer and admin tasks. He’d refinished a large timber table he found on the side of the road, which Hazel used for making her jewellery. It also served as an excellent backdrop for product photographs and other content.

Rosie Wilder had exploded just after Christmas. A ‘behind the scenes’ social media reel she’d posted had gone viral, and within four hours, all of her stock had sold. The Tides collection had been a massive success. Since the viral post, Hazel had sold out of everything a further six times, and she’d just started accepting orders for bespoke pieces.

She had her own website now, no longer selling her jewellery on Molly’s online store. They’d still kept the Sunday night dinners at Molly’s going, even though they no longer needed to do the weekly stocktake together. Sam and Hazel had recently started bringing their new puppy along. Spike, a long haired dachshund, had been adopted at the end of summer when Hazel had seen a photo of him in the Bells Bay Local Community Newspaper. She’d thought Sam would protest, but he’d fallen in love at first sight. Again.

Spike was currently sleeping in his bed by her feet, tuckered out after spending the morning chewing up Sam’s new pair of trainers. Hazel had already ordered him a replacement pair, even though she knew he wouldn’t really mind. Spike’s adorable face helped him get away with a lot.

Hazel turned her attention back to the amethyst in her hand. She’d been stuck for days, trying to think of a new theme for her next collection. Her eye caught the painting Molly had given her a few days earlier. A full moon shone against an inky night sky, tiny bright stars scattered across the black. The moon reflected off the ocean and highlighted the wave that was climbing up the sand. Streaks of indigo, teal and plum popped against the onyx backdrop. It was moody, but also mystical.

In an instant, Hazel could see it. Mystic. Layered necklaces with moons and stars, pearls and moonstones. Bracelets with charms and coloured quartz. She could even do zodiac inspired pieces. Wanting to sketch her ideas, Hazel reached her hand out to grab a pencil. Glinting in the light, she couldn’t help but smile as she glimpsed the ring on her left hand.