Page 18 of Soulmates and Slapshots (Love in Maple Falls #6)

FIONA

I stare at the ceiling of Aunt Dee’s guest room.

I’ve been awake since four am, my mind racing with what I should do next.

Admittedly I’m confused. I don’t want to leave Maple Falls, but staying also feels like running away from my problems. Sure, everything here seems easy and safe now, but what happens when I’m not on vacation anymore?

And there’s Weston to consider. The man who has brought me back to life in a very short time. He’s so wonderful, and he deserves someone who has their act together. Not a woman who is hiding out in a small town avoiding real life.

Maybe that’s what I’m doing and it’s time to face the music. I’ve extended this vacation for long enough, and it’s time to take some action.

I sit up and grab my laptop from the nightstand.

Leaning against the headboard, I type an email to my boss, Ed.

I’ve worked with him for years, and I’ve always respected his advice.

I’m hoping he will give me some direction.

Our company’s reorganization consists of a large merger, and it’s always concerning when that happens.

I truly love what I do, but maybe that season has passed and it’s time to consider other options.

The other thing on my mind is making the right decision.

I can’t ignore how carefree I feel in Maple Falls or how I feel when I’m with Weston.

I’m just not sure if we’re both caught up in the moment and exhilaration of being in a new place.

Things seem to have moved really fast for us. What if it’s too good to be true?

This is really happening.

We did it.

After weeks of digging through documents and old newspapers, and Mabel talking to Willa, we finally have confirmation. Because of the rare Blue Rock Thrush, Maple Falls Park and the surrounding land are now officially protected.

I dropped the information off at the local paper, and my heart was racing the entire time.

That MacDonald guy is about to have another bad day. First, the discovery of the time capsule and now this. Honestly, it serves him right. If he truly cared about his family’s land, he would’ve shown his face in Maple Falls instead of sending his minions.

While this is more progress, we’re not done yet.

Mabel’s mom, Mary-Ellen, reminded us that the park is only part of the land at risk. The rest of it is still vulnerable unless we can prove the bird nests in other areas. This reminded me of Weston and his idea for a birdwatching date.

Regardless, I’m proud to have played a part in helping Maple Falls. Getting involved gave me purpose and a distraction. It was a reason to extend my trip. But the clock is ticking, and I need to make some decisions.

My phone buzzes, dragging me out of my thoughts. I glance at the screen, and my heart sinks when I see Joshua’s number. He still hasn’t given up.

I let out a slow breath before answering. “Hello?”

“Fiona. Hi,” he says, like he’s surprised I picked up. I actually surprised myself, but avoiding him clearly isn’t doing any good.

“What do you want, Joshua?” I ask coldly.

“Just…five minutes. Please. I have some great news.”

I hesitate then sigh. “Fine.”

Maybe if I hear him out, he’ll finally let me go.

“Do you remember my coworker, Phil?”

“No.” I really don’t. I’ve met too many of his coworkers over the years, and none of them ever stood out.

“Well, his wife works for AirWinds Publishing, and they’re looking for new editors. I mentioned you, and she was immediately interested. She asked for your information.”

My mouth opens then closes again. I’m stunned. Joshua knew what was going on with my job, but of course that didn’t stop him from walking away from our relationship when I needed him most.

Still…this could be the opportunity I didn’t even know I was waiting for.

“You’ll probably hear from her soon,” he adds.

I chew my lip as different emotions circle in my mind. “Thank you, Joshua. ”

“You’re welcome,” he replies, his voice softer now. “It’s the least I could do after…”

He trails off. Joshua has never been great with emotional stuff, so even this small attempt seems like growth for him.

“I’m so sorry, Fiona. I made a huge mistake. I wish I could go back and do everything differently.”

I listen without saying a word.

“I was wondering,” he continues, “if maybe we could talk when you’re back in town?”

I close my eyes. “Joshua, I don’t think there’s anything left to say.”

“Is that because you’re seeing someone else?”

That’s a good question.

And just like that, Weston fills my thoughts. I think of his kind eyes, those dimples, and the way he looks at me. This causes butterflies to flutter in my stomach. There’s no doubt that I’m not ready to leave him yet.

“Fiona?” Joshua’s voice rings in my ear. For a second, I’d forgotten he was still on the phone.

“No, this doesn’t have anything to do with him,” I say firmly. “This is about you and me .”

I take a deep breath as I prepare to speak my piece.

“You ended our relationship without talking to me, Joshua. No warning, no explanation, you were just done.” My voice shakes slightly, so I pause for a few seconds.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think since I left New York.

It’s given me time to reflect, and I finally see things clearly.

I know what I want and what I deserve . ”

I clear my throat before continuing. “You made your choice, and now I’m making mine.”

There’s a long silence before I add. “There’s nothing more to say. Thank you for the reference. I truly wish you all the best. Good-bye, Joshua. ”

And with that, I end the call.

A rush of relief floods through me. I didn’t even realize how much I needed to get that out. The frustration and the second-guessing are gone. Well, maybe it’s not gone, but it’s released. And it feels good.

I sit for a moment to gather my thoughts then reach for my phone again and scroll to Hayley’s contact.

She answers almost instantly. “Hey! I was just thinking about you.”

“Really?” I ask, eyebrows raised. “Have you talked to Joshua?”

“No, I swear,” she replies quickly. “Why? What’s going on?”

I tell her about the reason for his call and everything I said to him.

“Wow,” she breathes. “That’s…a lot.”

“Please don’t tell me I’m making a mistake,” I say before she can say anything else. “I’m not changing my mind.”

“I won’t. I promise.” she assures me. “Anyway, I was thinking about Halloween. This is the first year in a long time we aren’t celebrating here in the city.”

Halloween? Honestly, I haven’t even thought about it with everything that’s been going on. I’ve really been so distracted.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” I blurt out before I lose my nerve. “I’m thinking about moving away from New York.”

Silence.

“Hayley?” I ask cautiously. “You still there?”

“What do you mean you’re moving?” she shrieks. “Like—leaving forever? This is your home.”

I chew on my bottom lip, unsure how to explain how I’m feeling. “I don’t know for sure,” I admit. “But I’m considering it. I’d need to find a job first…”

“You have a job here ,” she exclaims. “And your friends, and me.”

Her words make my heart sink because I know she’s right. Leaving the people would be the hardest part of all.

“Look, I get it,” she says, a little calmer. “New places can feel exciting, but Washington is so far away. It’s not like moving neighborhoods. Have you even talked to your parents about this?”

“Not yet,” I say. This is partly because I don’t want them to think my aunt is pressuring me. Aunt Dee is my dad’s sister, but my mom and her are cordial at best. Despite this, they’ve always supported me, and I’m hoping they will continue to do so no matter what I decide.

“And what about the hockey player?” Hayley asks.

I roll my eyes, though I know she can’t see me. “What about him?”

“So you’re telling me this sudden move has nothing to do with him?”

“There are a lot of things influencing my decision,” I reply defensively.

“Fiona, I love you like a sister,” she says, her tone softening again. “Just promise me you’re not making a rash decision. Come back and then figure things out. You might feel differently when you’re here.”

“I haven’t decided anything yet,” I remind her gently.

“Okay. Good.” Her voice is still laced with worry.

“In the meantime, I sent an email to Ed. Just asking for direction, seeing what my options are.”

“Fiona…” She sighs. “Let me ask you something. Are there any big publishing houses in Maple Falls?”

I frown. “No. ”

“So you’d be walking away from a career you’ve built? A career you love .”

“I don’t know,” I admit. “Seattle’s not far. There could be opportunities there.”

“Seattle is not New York.”

I sigh deeply, the weight of it all pressing on my chest again. “I know.”

It’s clear this conversation isn’t going anywhere, so I tell her I’ll keep her posted then quickly end the call before she has a chance to say anything else.

I know Hayley is coming from a good place. She’s always been a fixer. And when she sees a mess, she tries to make it better. I love that about her. And whether I end up back in New York or somewhere else, that kind of friendship is forever.

Wherever I go from here, I don’t plan to lose any of the important people in my life, including those in Maple Falls.