Chapter 24
Wesley
It was really happening. I’d been talking to Livvie for weeks about her plans for renovations. I’d be staying in Bluewater for the duration of the project. It would bring me closer to Toby and Porter, which was a big plus.
Not to mention, Toby’s parents were seriously looking at properties to buy. Seemed like all of us were contemplating a move to Maine.
The renovation project was pretty big, but I was getting excited. Maybe I’d figure out while I was there what it was about the town that made everyone want to settle down and never leave. And get mated in the process.
“Hello, Wesley,” a soft voice whispered.
I stiffened and turned, dreading laying eyes on my ex. I’d heard she was in town visiting her parents, but I’d hoped I wouldn’t have to run into her. No such luck.
As much as I wanted to be cordial, the way things had ended between us left me feeling pretty bitter.
“I was hoping to see you.” I looked down at her black hair and tried not to remember the way it usually smelled like strawberries. “I wanted to try to make amends with you. We left things so badly.”
“I harbor no ill feelings toward you,” I said stiffly. “Who am I to question fate?”
I finally let myself look at her fully and realized she had a round stomach, swollen with her mate’s child. My heart splintered a little bit more. That should’ve been my baby.
“Wes, I know your someone is out there. You’ve got to go out there and find her. I want you to be happy.”
I knew Kristen. There was nothing fake about her words. She had loved me. But the mating pull was more than she could deny. I knew in my head that was true, but my heart wanted to tell her she was… well, a lot of things I wouldn’t actually say.
“You’re probably right.” I picked up my basket of fruits and vegetables and nodded at her. “I wish you happiness, Kristen.”
One day, I’d really mean those words.
All the way home, I tried to think deeply about what would really make me happy. What did I want out of life? Where were my ambitions?
I wasn’t particularly unhappy. Maybe a little stagnant, but I was happy enough.
But Kristen’s words sat with me. Maybe I did need to go out there in the world and find my happiness, or at least some semblance of it.
When I got home, I checked my email and found another one from Livvie in Bluewater. She’d sent me measurements so I could start some planning before coming out.
Out of curiosity, I clicked on the link to her website.
A picture of her popped up on the screen. She stood outside a big window, holding a beautiful cake, and grinning from ear to ear.
She was absolutely beautiful, but even in the photo, something behind her eyes looked haunted.
I could relate.
I didn’t know what it was about her, but the pull toward Bluewater grew as I sat there entranced with her dark blonde hair and bright blue eyes.
Who knew? Maybe the magic in Bluewater would have some effect on me, too.