Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23292 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 116(@200wpm)___ 93(@250wpm)___ 78(@300wpm)
“Mom.” I go over and hug her. “I love you too.”
“I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve kinda missed you too,” I admit.
“I wanted to come sooner, but I knew you needed some time.”
“I did. Flynn and I had some lost time to make up for.”
“How about I make you ladies that tea?” Flynn offers.
“I’d like that,” my mom says, and the tension in the room eases as we fall into conversation. Mom wants to know everything we’ve been up to.
When I tell her I’m pregnant, her face lights up, and we spend the next hour talking about a baby shower. I can’t stop smiling when Mom goes to leave and gives Flynn a hug.
“So?” I ask my husband when the door closes behind my mother.
“I’m happy you’re happy. That’s all that matters.” He smiles before sweeping me off my feet. “But I was in the middle of something before your mother showed up.”
“Hmm.” I tap my finger against my lips. “What was that?”
“You were going to be a dirty girl for me.” His smile is devilish as carries me up the stairs.
“That’s right,” I agree before he sets me on the bathroom counter. “You know I’d do anything for you too,” I confess, and Flynn cups my cheek.
“You’re already doing everything just by being mine.”
Epilogue
FLYNN
Fifteen Years Later…
* * *
“Are you sure about this?” Zelly is so nervous she’s fidgeting like crazy, but all I can do is smile as I take her hand.
“Are you really asking me that?” I raise a brow at her, and she shakes her head.
“No.”
“This is a great idea, beautiful. It’s great for the community, it's great for you and the kids.”
“But what about you?” She cuts me off and looks up into my eyes.
“Me? I’m the one getting the most out of this because I get to see how happy this makes you.”
She softens, and I feel some of her tension leave as she leans into my side.
“Better?” I ask, and she nods.
“Much.”
Zelly takes a deep breath, and then they call her name. I hate letting her go, but when she doesn’t move, I have to nudge her a little toward the stage.
She’s being honored by the city today for donating the land for the newest community garden. It’s multiple acres we’ve had put into a land trust so that it can remain protected from development.
For years, Zelly worked in the gardens I had designed for her, and as soon as our kids learned to walk, they were out there helping right beside her. The more the years went by, the bigger it got until it was more than one family or anyone in our extended family could use.
Zelly started by donating produce to our local food bank, but pretty soon after, she started making food to donate as well. It didn’t take long before she recruited a list of dedicated volunteers and created a place where people could not only shop for produce but eat for free.
Once she outgrew that space, I helped her set up a nonprofit so she could teach people how to grow their own gardens and offer classes on canning so they could preserve food for longer. Even after all that, she designed a food delivery service for seniors in our city.
I knew that there wasn’t anything Zelly couldn’t do, and seeing her heart continue to grow has been my greatest joy in life. She finally found the cause that meant something to her and one that didn’t require fancy parties and snotty auctions. She gets in and gets her hands dirty, literally.
When she asked me about donating the land, I couldn’t have been prouder. I agreed instantly and knew it was the right thing to do. Now these gardens will be protected for a lifetime to come, and the community can benefit all year long.
She continues to amaze me in every way, and seeing her honored today is truly special. Of course, I tell her all the time how incredible she is, but seeing the city acknowledge it is especially sweet.
They say a few nice words, and when they hand her the little plaque, she looks at me with tears in her eyes. I blow her a kiss, and she laughs and then winks at me.
A few people from the community speak about how this will impact them and how grateful they are for all of Zelly’s work.
Our kids are beside us, and they cheer the loudest when it’s time to clap. Her mother and Ella and Leo are all here today too along with their kids. Seeing everyone so supportive of her work is all I’ve ever wanted for Zelly. Having her family here today was important to her, but part of me wishes we were alone. I’d love nothing more than to pull her in my arms and kiss the shit out of her.