27. Epilogue
December, Bluestar Island
Christmastime had arrived with the season’s first snow.
Maxi was excited for the holiday season.
It was the first Christmas she was going to spend on Bluestar Island with her aunt and Owen.
Since last summer, she’d made so many changes in her life.
She’d sold the family home, not without shedding a few tears.
Owen had been there to lend her his shoulder.
He never told her what to do; he only ever asked her what she needed. He was so sweet.
Before the house was officially sold, Owen told her it was all right if she changed her mind. He would move to Virginia. She knew he’d meant it, and it touched her. But after learning about her mother’s wish for her, she found the courage to strike out on her own.
She was now working at the Welcome Center on the island. She loved meeting people and telling them about her new home. And when she wasn’t working there, she was studying to pass her GED and getting ready to apply to a junior college.
Owen had struck out on his own too. He was no longer designing games for a big company. He’d partnered up with a co-worker, and they now had their own business. He didn’t have to say it. She knew he was happy. They both were.
And now that the holidays were here, she had been working on a special Christmas present for him.
She was experimenting with water colors.
She was working on a beach setting with a brilliant sunset in the background.
So far it was coming along pretty well. She only had a week until Christmas so she had to finish it soon.
This evening her aunt was throwing a Christmas party.
She was holding it at her house, which had just been fully remodeled thanks to the prize money and the generosity of the Turner family pitching in to help.
The whole house refresh came with all new appliances and furniture at cost, thanks to Owen’s brother and parents. Her aunt was so touched.
All of the Turner siblings and their spouses were in attendance.
And there were grandchildren. Some were walking and talking.
Others were cradled in loving arms. Melinda and Liam were expecting a baby girl in February.
The whole family was excited about the upcoming addition to the family, especially big brother, Tate.
“Hey”—Owen stepped up to Maxi as she stood near the Christmas tree—“are you having a good time?”
Maxi smiled and nodded. Then the smile slipped from her lips. “Why? Don’t I look like I’m having a good time?”
“No.” He sent her a reassuring smile. “You’ve just been so busy making this evening happen that I wanted to make sure you were slowing down and enjoying it too.”
“I am.” She leaned back against him as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Growing up, I always wanted to be a part of a big family, and now thanks to you, I am a part of one.” She turned so she was facing him. “Thank you for sharing them with me.”
He lifted his hand and tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear. He looked deep into her eyes. “Thank you for showing me how love is supposed to feel. You brought the sunshine back to my life. I love you.”
“I love you too.” She lifted up on her tiptoes to press a quick kiss to his lips.
“I was going to do this later, but I feel like now is the perfect time.” He had a mischievous smile on his face.
She had no idea what he was up to. And then he removed something from his pocket and dropped to his knee. There was an audible gasp that passed through the living room. And then a silence fell over the room.
As her heart pounded, Maxi watched as Owen opened a ring box and held it up to her.
“Maxi, I knew since the first day you fell into my arms that you were someone special—someone that I needed in my life. You have filled my heart with love, and I couldn’t imagine my life without you in it. Will you marry me?”
Happy tears rushed to her eyes. “Yes. Yes, I will marry you.”
There was applause and cheers as he placed the diamond solitaire on her finger. No ring had ever looked prettier. When he straightened, she leaned into his arms and sealed their fate with a kiss.
This was the best Christmas ever.