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I nod. “They were amazing. Every morning, your mom would let me know when you’d left for the shop. I’d only show up when the coast was clear.”

She gasps. “That’s why the shop kept getting so many calla lily orders…”

“Exactly.” I laugh. “Your mom helped spread the word. Emma, too. Riley. Even Sam, who still tries to intimidate me. They got the whole town in on it. The festival theme, the calla lilies—I just gave them the idea, and they made it magic.”

Mia’s eyes fill again, and she covers her mouth. “I can’t believe this.”

I step closer, brushing a strand of hair away from her cheek. “Believe it. Every single part of this was for you. Because I loveyou. And I wanted you to know it in the loudest, clearest, most honest way possible.”

Her lips tremble, and I swear my heart almost bursts when she looks at me like that. She’s crying—but she’s smiling. And I know, in this moment, I’d do it all over again just to see that look on her face.

“I’m here, Mia,” I say softly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

We’re still standing under the canopy of calla lilies and paintings when the crowd starts to move, clapping and cheering, people approaching us with smiles and laughter.

We start making our way through the sea of familiar faces—people who’ve known her all her life. They’re all smiling, clapping us on the back, congratulating us like we just got engaged or announced world peace.

Mia spots her parents first, and her face lights up all over again. Her mom pulls her into a hug so tight I feel it from where I stand. Then her dad, with slightly misty eyes and a proud, crooked smile, brings her into his arms next.

“You knew?” Mia whispers, voice breaking just a little.

Ben chuckles. “Sweetheart, we planned it.”

Then Emma and Sam push their way over, followed by Riley and Ethan. These are family members I didn’t know until my return to town two days ago. Mia’s mom introduced me to everyone and told them my plans. They liked me immediately, and I realized I was nervous about meeting them. Aunt Dotty is one of my favorites. I’ve never met a sweeter, completely unhinged and inappropriate old lady before. She’s such a sweetheart.

As if my thoughts materialized her out of thin air, she suddenly appears with a wide smile.

“Aren’t you both the loveliest couple?” She pouts, holding her arms out for a hug. She’s warm and homey and she gently kisses our cheeks.

“Dotty! You were in on this, too?”

“How could I miss the biggest love coupling in town? You know I have to be involved in everything.” As she pulls away, she winks at me. “Treat her right, Jack. And you’re welcome to join our book club.”

Laughing, Mia rolls her eyes and turns to the others. “I can’t believe you guys did this. Emma—Sam—and Riley, I’m shocked. Riley, how did they even convince you to do this?”

Riley smirks. “We love you, Mia. That’s it. We wanted to be involved in you finding your happiness.”

Mia blinks fast, but the tears are already slipping. “Riley…” she breathes, hugging her tight.

Sam reaches over and ruffles Mia’s hair, which earns him a watery glare. “You okay, crybaby?” he teases.

Mia elbows him. “Shut up. You’re lucky I’m too happy to slug you right now.”

“Fair,” Sam says, laughing, then wraps both arms around her.

Mia turns into him, burying her face in his shoulder. Her dad joins the embrace, and it’s like a group hug of every person who matters most to her.

I just watch for a second.

Because honestly, this is the part I was nervous about—the part I never had growing up. The part that felt impossible for someone like me. Family. Community. Belonging.

But here I am. Here we are.

Mia looks over at me, cheeks flushed and eyes glowing. She opens her arm without saying a word—and suddenly, I’m pulled into that hug, too.

Right in the middle of it all.

And it hits me again.