Page 21 of Meant for Me (Magnolia Bay #3)

Zoey grinned. “Just a little longer. Then we can bail.” Felt like old times, leaving a birthday party together, making excuses for each other or using the other as the excuse. Canceling plans last minute to go out on his boat or taste test a new beignet recipe, instead.

The familiarity of him—of them—healed a bit of the ache that thrummed in Zoey’s temples. Her shoulders relaxed. “The guys giving you a hard time over there?”

He shifted his weight. “Not too bad. I just kept changing the subject to Noah’s mayoral campaign.”

“Smart.” Zoey gestured to the bench seat across from her and Amelia. “Want to sit?—”

“Time for gifts!” Mama D clapped her hands so loudly, Amelia dropped a fry. “Zoey? Why don’t you and your hunky new husband take a seat at the bar stools, here.”

Her stomach flipped at the foreign word.

Husband . Amelia scooted from the booth to let Zoey out, and the gathered crowd parted as she and Linc made their way to the counter.

Did Linc feel any kind of reaction to hearing his new title too?

Certainly didn’t seem like it—though she knew from experience his somber poker face was strong enough to take down Doc Holliday.

“How in the world did anyone have time to buy presents?” Linc grumbled as he eased one hip on the high seat. Half in, half out.

Hopefully that wasn’t some kind of symbolism.

Zoey took the stool next to him, in front of a stack of brightly wrapped packages and gift bags. The heat from his side warmed hers, and she fought the urge to lean into him. Once upon a time, she wouldn’t have thought twice about bumping her hip against his, grabbing his arm, pulling him along.

Somehow now, a simple touch felt very, very different.

“I know, right?” She eased away a few inches, sitting fully on her own stool. “We only got the marriage license yesterday.”

“It’s Magnolia Bay.” Mama D cackled as she rummaged through the pile of presents. “We keep some magic tucked away for rainy days, you know.” She shoved a white box with a pink bow into Zoey’s arms. “Now start unwrapping.”

“You too, sugarplum.” Madame Paulette nudged Linc’s arm, which Zoey knew from experience was a bit like tapping concrete. “Help your bride, there.”

He frowned a little but obliged, reaching for the ribbon on the box.

The crowd gathered in, pressing on all sides, sipping punch and nibbling cupcakes.

Sadie and Harper smiled at them while holding their own cups.

Rosalyn and Elisa stood with Noah and Cade, while Owen and his older brother Sawyer stood clustered with their father, Pastor Dubois, and August Bowman, the local attorney.

Miley’s frown as she sipped a soda guaranteed good coffee later.

“Little lovebirds.” Standing back from the counter, Mama D shook her head with a contented sigh.

Madame Paulette linked her arm through Delia’s, stacked bangles clanging on her wrist, and released a matching sigh. “Have you ever seen a cuter couple?”

“Hey.” Noah offered a mock frown.

Elisa reached up and patted his cheek. “I still think you’re the cutest, sugar.”

Linc had worked up to a full scowl now as he yanked at the tied ribbon. “I hate surprises.”

Not sure if he meant the gift or the impromptu party in general, but in either case, Zoey had to disagree. If she couldn’t have a real wedding, it was kind of nice to be doted on with a party.

Still—she shot him a warning look. “Be nice.”

“This one is a together gift,” Madame Paulette offered with a grin. “You should be able to figure out why.”

Ah, it was from her. At least that explained why the wrapping smelled like essential oils.

Linc’s expression lifted a little as he fumbled with the box flaps. “I guess a new coffeepot wouldn’t be awful.”

“Or baking sheets.” Zoey winced. “I sort of burnt that one you had.” She opened the lid to reveal several layers of tissue paper. “Here, you do the honors.”

Linc reached into the box. Then he frowned, ducked his head to look inside, and froze. His eyes widened and he abruptly shoved the package away.

Madame Paulette cackled. “All clear on the together part now?”

Judging by the fact Linc’s face had turned as burgundy as Mama D’s lipstick, it must not have been a baking sheet or a coffee maker. Zoey rummaged under the tissue paper, and her hand brushed something silky.

Make that several silky somethings. And was that lace?

Oh, dear.

She tucked the flaps back into the box and cut her eyes at Linc, who had started chugging a glass of water. Leave it to Madame Paulette. “Um, thank you…”

“Here.” Elisa shoved another present into her hands. “This one is from Mrs. Peters.”

Ah, the librarian. That one should be safe to open in public. Zoey’s shoulders eased from around her ears, and she cast her friend a grateful look. But just in case…She glanced at Linc. “Why don’t I open this one?”

“Be my guest.” Linc set his empty glass on the counter with a clank.

She carefully tore into the box, peeked inside. A toaster. Perfect.

A normal hue returned to Linc’s face as they made their way through the remaining pile.

Gift cards to Amazon from their friends.

A basket of produce and canned salsa from Farmer Branson.

A leather-bound set of books from Sadie.

Stationery from Peggy at August Bowman’s office.

And a coffee maker from Mama D, much to Linc’s delight.

Or, at least, as delighted as Linc ever got.

“This one is for you, sugar.” Elisa gestured for Amelia, who had been hovering in the background with her bag of fries, to open the remaining package on the table. “We all went in together.”

“For me?” Amelia’s eyes widened, and she shot a half-panicked, half-hopeful look at Zoey.

Fighting the swell in her throat, Zoey gave her an encouraging nod. Maybe Linc and Zoey didn’t have a lot of family in the Bay, but they had some really good friends.

Zoey glanced at Linc, the way his eyes softened as he watched Amelia cautiously tear off the gift wrap.

He looked away long enough to meet her eyes, smile.

He rested his hand lightly on her shoulder, and she leaned into him.

Not for appearances, not for obligation.

Just appreciating the nice moment together.

The moment that seemed to prove their hasty decision had been the right one.

Amelia unearthed a picture frame and another gift card, this time a generic one that could be used anywhere credit cards were accepted.

Elisa stepped forward, hands clasped in front of her. “We thought you could use some money of your own for shopping. Clothes, your room, whatever you want.”

“Thank you.” Amelia’s whisper barely carried, but it was genuine, along with the small smile lifting her lips.

Linc squeezed Zoey’s shoulder, mouthed a thank you to Noah, who nodded in return. Zoey smiled at Elisa, who offered a quick wink.

“And the frame is for a photo of your family.” Rosalyn leaned across the counter and pointed with a smile. “The three of you.”

Amelia’s smile faltered. She stared down at the white ceramic square in her hands, back growing rigid. The room quieted. Zoey shot Linc a look of concern, but he was also frowning, clearly unsure what was happening.

She turned back to Amelia. “Hey, are you?—”

The girl dropped the frame on the counter with a clatter. It cracked down the side, and without looking back, she bolted for the door.

* * *

It was Linc’s turn to run after her.

His loafers pounded on the sidewalk, cramping his toe with every step.

He was faster than Zoey had been the other day when she chased Amelia—not that in all his years of cross training he’d imagined needing endurance for this particular reason—and he caught up to her less than a block from the diner.

“For the record, you’re not my family.” Amelia spun in front of Chug a Mug, lobbing the words like a grenade.

Linc stopped. Cracked his neck to shake it off. “What are you talking about?” The descending sun cast long shadows across the sidewalk, swathing half of Amelia’s face.

She crossed her arms, holding herself together. “You heard that blonde lady. I’m supposed to put a photo of my family in that frame.” She swiped at her nose with her wrist. “What family ? You’re a stranger. And Zoey isn’t my mom now just because you two got married on a whim.”

“It wasn’t a—” Well, it sort of was a whim. But not in the way she meant. He cleared his throat, unsure what to address first. “No one is trying to make Zoey your mother.”

“Good. The last thing I need is three uninvolved parents.”

Linc briefly closed his eyes. They were back to that. Why wouldn’t she believe him? “I’m telling you, I never knew you existed until the other day. That’s the truth.”

Amelia’s eyes shone with unshed tears. “ Mom always said otherwise.”

Of course she did. Because Kirsten lied. About love, about loyalty, about life . Linc wanted to punch a hanging bag, break a board. Bench press three hundred— something to let this frustration free.

He settled for a deep breath, squeezing his fist. “And you’re going to believe her? She wasn’t exactly mother of the year, you know.”

“At least she was there.”

“Until she wasn’t.”

They stared at each other.

More harsh truth…maybe too harsh. What had Zoey said—something about truth gently delivered?

He was ruining this again.

“Look.” Linc tried to soften his tone, though the words felt like sandpaper on his tongue. “I didn’t have a mom either, you know.” He swallowed. “She died when I was really young.”

“Well, did you have a dad?” Amelia glared. “Because I didn’t.”

Linc struggled not to physically step backward at the emotional sucker punch. Did teenagers come with a manual on how to best hit a parental target where it hurt? Amelia was two for two. “I had a father for a minute.”

“And then what? You just chose to do life on your own?” She scoffed. “Guess I get that from you.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t want me here.”

“You don’t want to be here.”

She narrowed her eyes, dark like his. “Nice evasion.”

“Back atcha.”

Another stare-down. Linc refused to blink. If he let her win, she’d never respect him.

But maybe it didn’t need to be about respect right now. Maybe it needed to be about trust.

They had to start somewhere.

“Amelia…” Linc looked away, giving her the win. He scrubbed his hands down his face. Good grief, this collar was too tight. “I never said I don’t want you here. You were just a surprise.”

Her nose scrunched. “A bad one, apparently.”

“I didn’t say that, either.” He waited, letting that sink in—if she’d let it.

A car drove down Village Lane. A few yards ahead, a couple walked hand-in-hand inside Chug a Mug, releasing the scent of freshly ground beans into the early evening air.

“Are you finally willing to admit you were a surprise, at least?”

Amelia lifted her chin. “Maybe.” Then she rolled in her lip. “You did seem pretty shocked.”

“Trust me, I’m not a good actor.”

She started to grin a little, then caught it.

He wanted more of those. Maybe she’d eventually relax enough to laugh with him.

She studied him. “Maybe I should drag you to the lamppost. Just to make sure.”

He raised his eyebrows. “You know about that?”

“Zoey told me.”

Of course she did. “I’ll go if you want. If you’ll believe me.”

Amelia squinted, a smile still peeking just below the surface. “Too hot to walk that far.”

He agreed. “Look, the truth is—I’m sorry the frame freaked you out, but there’s no pressure or obligation with it.” He held up both hands in surrender. “It’s just a frame.”

She sobered. “Felt like more.”

“Put a photo of a rock in it, for all I care. Throw it away. Whatever you want.”

“Really? I can do that?” She quirked an eyebrow, surprised.

“Better than running away every time something stresses you out.” Linc shrugged. “We both gotta be able to say what we think. If you don’t want the frame, say so. Let’s be honest with each other.”

She opened her mouth, and he quickly interjected. “Don’t worry. I’m working on trying to be honest in a nicer way.”

Her mouth snapped shut and she tilted her head. “I can do that. I think.”

“We’re not going to get all of this right—especially me. But just know there’s a bunch of people in that diner who barely know you and already care about you. ” He hesitated. “Including me.”

There. It was out there. She could believe him or not.

Amelia studied him, assessing. He stood still, fighting the urge to cross his arms. He tried to look open.

Unintimidating. Unafraid—despite his heart about to pound out of his chest. How could Amelia not know how much she mattered?

And yet he couldn’t tell her the lengths he and Zoey had already gone to for her.

Guess they were just going to have to live it out until she did—together. That part brought comfort, at least. He wasn’t in this alone, and neither was Amelia.

If she’d just believe it.

“So?” He couldn’t bear the silence anymore. “What’s it going to take for you to give me a real chance?”

Amelia tilted her head, hope rising in her expression. She took a tiny step forward, out of the shadows. Her brow arched. “There is maybe one thing you can do…”

Uh-oh. He shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on the heels of his loafers, working to keep his expression relaxed.

Casual.

Not panicked. “Name it.” He was going to regret this, wasn’t he?

“Help me get my stuff out of the old apartment?”

Oh . He frowned, mind racing with the logistics. They had probably already cleared the space, maybe thrown everything away? There was no telling when the lease technically ended or where the belongings had gone. “Amelia, I don’t know if that’s poss?—”

The disappointment immediately clouding the hope in her eyes snapped his mouth shut. He drew a deep breath, stared down at his shoes. Swallowed against the tight collar of his shirt. This was a problem dads would figure out, wasn’t it? And he was a dad now.

So he’d do it. He’d figure it out.

He looked back at her. “Sure. Of course.”

Relief flooded her young face, and a bit of the hope in her expression wormed its way into his heart. For her, he’d make a way.

He’d figure all of this out.