Page 164 of Sugar & Shadows

I frowned, confused.

“I want to have fun and go out with a bang. Rather than fielding pitying looks and casseroles, I want to live my final months in peace. And I’ve had so much fun.”

My hand shook, making the teacup rattle against its saucer. Was she saying what I thought she was saying?

“Don’t do that,” she chastised. “I’m ninety-one. I’ve enjoyed a long, healthy life. I’ve had love and adventures and a shitload of fun. It’s my time, sweetie. It happens to all of us.”

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat.

She was so calm and accepting. It pissed me off. One by one, the people I loved became photographs on side tables, and she’d just cemented her place along with them.

“Thank you.” She leaned over and patted my hand. “There was one more thing I wanted to do before I left this earth. I wanted to save this town, the place I’ve spent my whole life. Where I was born and grew up and fell in love and have so many beautiful memories.

“We can be a bit stuck in the past, but this isn’t some generic place. The people here?” She sighed. “We’re something special. And now that you’re here, I know things will work out.”

“So that’s why you joined TAP?” I asked.

She nodded. “Bitsy and her gang of naysayers have been driving us straight off a cliff for a decade. And I’ve been having the time of my life with you girls. Harper’s got me dancing on TikTok and Nina makes me laugh. I’ve felt more alive these past couple of months than I have in years. And that’s because of you.”

“Me? I haven’t done anything,” I scoffed. “And after the last forty-eight hours, I’m pretty sure I’ve made Maplewood’s situation worse.”

“Nonsense,” she chided. “I see things. Patterns, attitudes changing. You have had a tremendous impact. And your mayor?”

“He’s not my mayor.”

She pinned me with a glare. “Don’t waste my time, dear. I’m dying.”

I held my hands up in surrender and fought back tears.

“The two of you.” Eyes sparkling, she put her fingertips together and kissed them. “Perfection. I only wish I could attend the wedding.”

My heart leaped into my throat.

“Everyone needs a purpose. It’s what makes life worth living. And no, selling your services to the highest bidder is not purpose. What you have here—TAP, the town, Mayor Harding, this baby.” She gestured at my stomach. “That is purpose, kid. Don’t deny it.”

My hand drifted to the tiny swell that reminded me I was carrying a human.

“You’ve been better here. Less uptight. You laugh and smile more. You sleep better and have great friends.”

I stared at her. How did she know all that?

She was right. Somewhere between maple cams, town meetings, and Gabe’s annoyingly handsome face, I’d built a life in Maplewood.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” I said softly. “With Gabe…” I trailed off, my fears choking me. My life was nothing but one unknown after another. Usually I could navigate situations like these. But Gabe and whatever was happening between us? It was terrifying. Letting myself love him was maybe the biggest risk I’d ever faced. And bringing a child into this? A child who was wanted and loved but would kick my ass in ways I couldn’t even begin to imagine? I couldn’t even say it, never mind think it.

“I know what I see. It’s love. The real shit.” Her words landed and burrowed into my chest. To a deep part of me I’d walled off years ago.

“You can deny it all you want, but I know. I was married. Bobby was the love of my life.”

She closed her eyes and smiled. “Damn heart attack took him thirty years ago, and I miss him every day.”

She stood and shuffled over to an end table that was covered in photos.

“Here we are.” She plucked one frame from the surface and turned it so I could see the muted photo it contained. “Young and in love. His parents were horrified that he was marrying a country girl. They wanted more from him. Thought he’d be a legal bigshot in New York.”

She shook her head, reaching for another. “Joke’s on them. He was circuit court judge of Windsor County for twenty-one years.”

“Here we are in college.” This photo was sepia-toned, and Marigold was rocking a full-skirted dress and a fifties curled bob. A tall man stood next to her, grinning from ear to ear.