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Sometimes people have to make their own mistakes and learn life lessons the hard way.
Just like Connor had.
“Has anything changed in his life?”
Abby sniffed. “His dad is expecting a baby with another woman. They’re getting married this fall.”
Bingo.
“If Liam thinks his dad doesn’t have time for him, he could act out for attention or to make a point.”
“What kind of point? That Nat can’t handle him?”
Connor shrugged. “Possibly. Think about it. If Nat can’t control Liam, and he keeps getting into trouble, she may send him to live with his dad.”
“Nat mentioned the possibility of alternative living arrangements for Liam after the summer ends. It was an offhand comment, though. Not sure she’d really send him away.”
“See, his plan—assuming that’s his goal—may already be working.”
They watched as Ethan got in the car and they took off.
“I guess you have a valid point.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “For the most part we grew up without a dad. But he died. It’s not like he was an hour away. It’s been a struggle for Nat trying to juggle everything.”
“Understandable. I’m sure she’ll figure it out. We’ll support her with whatever she needs.”
“You don’t need to take this on. It’s my family.”
“And we’re dating, which means it’s important to me, too.” He kissed her. “And in case I’m not being clear enough, I’m talking forever, Abby. I want marriage and kids…with you.”
“Is that a marriage proposal?”
“I wasn’t sure you wanted to go there this soon. You wanted to take things slow.”
She wrapped her arms around him. “When have we ever done anything slow?”
She had him there.
He reached for her left hand and kissed it. “Abby O’Connell, what do you say we act like grownups and get hitched?”
“I say it’s about damned time, Connor Maguire.”
Epilogue
Abby and Natalie stood next to Mayor John and posed for the camera before cutting the ribbon in front of their new store. That, along with a loud cheer from the crowd gathered on the boardwalk, and Soap Sisters was officially open for business.
Friends and family filled the store, oohing and aahing over the displays. After some heated deliberation, Abby and Natalie had settled on a beach theme decor. The primary display was a mermaid statue Maddy had found with help from Emma. Connor and Jason had built a rock platform, complete with actual running water. The mermaid sat perched on the rocks with various soaps in dishes all along the rocks. Soap shaped like fish and frogs sat in boats and on lily pads.
They’d kept the mermaid theme throughout the store and added shells and treasure chests with soaps inside.
The two women they’d hired had been godsends. They were quick to learn the sales app Maddy helped them set up, and more than willing to learn about the products. They even had suggestions and ideas for other displays, which were incorporated. One of the women’s sisters made jewelry out of sea glass. Abby asked if she could contact her about selling a few items on consignment. It was good to grow and support other local businesses.
The coupons they had handed out with the sample soaps had been a hit and, along with the ads and other marketing, enticed customers to the store. They had a steady stream of people all day, and it wasn’t until late afternoon that Abby found a moment to slip into the back and grab more stock. At this rate, she’d have to step up her production sooner than she’d expected.
A definite win from her perspective.
Warm arms circled her waist. “Hey, pretty darlin’. How’s my favorite business owner?” Connor pressed a kiss to her neck.
“Exhausted, but happy. People are coming and buying stuff.”
