Page 20 of Soulmates and Slapshots (Love in Maple Falls #6)

FIONA

I never imagined I’d be facing the most difficult decision of my life when all I wanted was a nice, relaxing vacation.

Another sleepless night has come and gone, leaving me frustrated and lost in my thoughts.

I spent hours tossing and turning, replaying every possible scenario in my head, reliving my evening with Weston over and over hoping for a light bulb to go off with the answer I’m looking for.

The Halloween party at the lodge was wonderful.

It made it easier not being back in New York with my friends.

But it was the ending that is stuck playing on repeat in my mind.

Those moments on the terrace with Weston, they were exactly what I didn’t know I needed.

Even though they made everything complete and confusing all at the same time.

I was foolishly hoping he’d ask me to stay, even though I knew better.

Weston’s not the type to hold someone back from their dreams, even if it means letting them go.

But that kiss we shared was otherworldly.

So electric, like something out of the romance novels I love so much.

Maybe it was his way of asking me to stay, without saying the words.

Now I’m in limbo. Waiting for the job offer that could take me back to New York.

Back to the life I’d been working toward for years.

The Ice Breakers have an away game today, which means I have time to think and try to make a decision that makes sense.

If they were playing at home, I’d be in the front row without a doubt, wearing the team colors and cheering louder than anyone. Exactly where I want to be…

What makes this even harder is the fact that everyone around me seems to have their own idea of what I should do.

Aunt Dee has been campaigning for me to stay in Maple Falls since I arrived.

She’ll refer to the town slogan about never wanting to leave.

And then she’ll remind me that she was the one who insisted I come here in the first place.

Then there’s Hayley. She never holds back, always giving me a dose of reality. She’ll remind me that New York is where I belong. That it’s my home. And the truth is…she’s right, too.

How is it possible to feel torn between two places that both feel like home? How do you choose between what you thought you wanted and what you never saw coming?

Weston has been amazing through all of this. He has never once tried to sway me in one direction, which only makes it harder. Because sometimes, I wish he would tell me what to do. It would be easier if someone would just make the decision for me.

I roll onto my back and stare at the ceiling, something I seem to do more often than sleep these days. Eventually, I sit up and grab my phone. It’s four am here, which means it’s already seven on the East Coast .

I don’t hesitate and scroll until I find the number I need.

“Fiona, honey? Is everything okay—it’s early,” my mom answers. “Danny. Fiona’s on the phone!” she yells for my dad, making me pull the phone away from my ear.

“Hi, Fee,” my dad calls. Just hearing his voice brings a lump to my throat. He’s the only person who has ever called me by that nickname.

“You’re on speaker now,” my mom says. It only takes a few seconds for the tears to flow which catches me off guard.

Although I’m sure the lack of sleep is contributing to my emotional state.

My voice cracks as I try to put my thoughts into words explaining everything that’s been happening—from meeting Weston, the uncertainty about my job, and the big decision about going back to New York or staying in Maple Falls.

“I just…I don’t know what I’m doing,” I wail between sobs.

“Oh, sweetie,” my mom murmurs, her voice cracking slightly. “I’m so sorry.”

“So am I,” my dad chimes in. “Although I can’t say I’m surprised. Denise said this might happen if you went there.”

“Oh, stop,” Mom snaps defensively. My mother has never been Aunt Dee’s biggest fan. Her reaction brings a smile to my face even in the middle of my meltdown.

“She did say Fiona would love it there,” Dad retorts.

“And she was right,” I admit, giving credit where it’s due. “I do love it here. Maybe too much.”

There’s a brief silence as we process our conversation.

“So what do you really want?” Mom asks gently, steering us back on track.

I let out a long, exhausted sigh. “I want someone to decide for me.”

Mom chuckles. “Really? Since when? You’ve been determined to make your own choices since you were old enough to talk. You do get that from your Aunt Denise, whether I like it or not.”

“I know,” I whisper. “I guess I’m just scared. After everything that happened with Joshua…I was so sure about him. And that didn’t exactly go the way I thought it would.”

“Forget that guy. He’s a punk,” Dad grumbles.

I laugh as I dab the corners of my eyes. “Speaking of that guy…he called me.”

“What?” Mom exclaims.

“He says he made a mistake, and he even convinced Hayley to go to bat for him. He’s been relentless, trying to get me to hear him out. He even got me a lead on a new job.”

“Of course he did,” Mom says knowingly. “He wants to win you back.”

“I hope you told him to pound sand,” Dad says flatly. “He had his shot, and he lost it.”

“I did. I told him we’re done. There’s nothing left to say.”

“Good,” Dad mutters with satisfaction. “He might be business savvy, but he’s clueless about everything else.”

Mom exhales softly. “So…what about this new guy? What is it about him you like enough to consider such a big life change?”

I take a few seconds to gather my thoughts as I picture Weston in my mind. There are so many great things about him I don’t even know where to start.

“I like everything about him,” I admit. “His kindness, sense of humor, his humility. He’s a professional athlete but doesn’t have an ego. He cares about his team, and his fans. He’s patient and supportive and has never once tried to pressure me to stay, even though I think that’s what he wants.”

This is met with silence .

“Well,” my mom says at last, “that’s quite a list.”

“Yeah,” I murmur. “It really is…and there’s more.”

Thinking about Weston brings a smile to my face.

“I feel like I’ve known him forever,” I continue.

“From the moment we met, things clicked, like we were old friends who hadn’t seen each other in a while.

And after that, it was like the universe kept nudging us together.

We kept running into each other in the most random places, and it was so easy and comfortable. ”

I pause, remembering that moment Weston was there when I needed someone.

“And when Hayley and Joshua called, I told them I was going out with Weston. He backed me up with no questions asked.” I could continue except I’d leave out that I spent eight thousand dollars to win him in a bachelor auction.

My dad doesn’t need that information right now, or ever.

“But it’s not just about him,” I continue. “Maple Falls has something magical I can’t explain. The sense of community here is real; they all want to help each other. I’ve been welcomed with open arms by everyone I’ve met. And the slower pace has been invigorating and peaceful.”

I finally take a breath, waiting for them to say something. Despite my uncertainty, I feel like I’ve made a solid case for a future in Maple Falls.

“Anyway,” I continue. “I’m still waiting to hear back about that other job. And if I do move, I’ll need to find a job here. Maple Falls isn’t exactly the publishing capital of the world.”

That reminds me of what Hayley said the other day. I’ve worked hard to build my career. Starting over seems so daunting. Would I be throwing away everything I’ve done to get to where I am ?

“Maybe you could work remotely?” my dad offers. “Or look for something nearby on the West Coast?”

“Yes, I’ve thought about talking to Ed about that possibility,” I admit. “But with the merger and all the uncertainty, who knows if they’d even consider it. Everything feels so…up in the air.”

“Well, whatever you decide, we’re behind you one hundred percent,” my mom assures me.

“Absolutely,” Dad agrees. “And hey, we’ll come visit you in Maple Falls. Your mother’s long overdue for some quality time with her favorite sister-in-law.”

“Very funny,” my mom snaps. “But to be fair, I do appreciate her. When you needed a break from New York, she welcomed you. Of course I’m grateful for that.”

"Me too," I say softly. "And honestly, I think she’s really enjoyed having me here. She’s been alone for a long time, even though I know Maple Falls has been good for her. She’s happy here."

"Has she been trying to convince you to stay?" Dad asks.

I let out a small laugh. "Only since the day I arrived.”

He chuckles. "Yep, that sounds like my sister. When she wants something, she doesn’t hold back."

A yawn escapes before I can stop it, my sleepless night finally catching up with me. I thank my parents for the chat and promise to keep them in the loop once I figure out what I’m doing.

After we hang up, I roll onto my side, eyes getting heavier. Maybe a short nap will clear my head. And when I wake up, the answer I’ve been looking for will be obvious.

My phone buzzes somewhere in my sheets. Groaning, I fumble around until I find it. When I look at the screen, I see a missed call from Hayley.

I sigh and place the phone face down on the nightstand. I hate ignoring my best friend, but I can’t handle more pressure right now.

The call with my parents helped me to rest, even if they didn’t hand me the answer I’d secretly hoped for.

“Knock, knock,” a voice calls from the hallway.

“Come in,” I mumble.

My aunt steps inside, balancing a tray piled high with breakfast. Tears prick my eyes as the scent of coffee fills the room.

“What’s all this?”

“It’s my way of saying thank you,” she says cheerfully. “For helping with the Halloween party last night.”

“You don’t have to thank me. You’ve let me stay here way longer than planned. I think I’m the one who owes you a thank you.”

She sets the tray down beside me on the bed. “You are welcome to stay as long as you need. Or indefinitely, if that’s what you want.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Did my dad call you?”

Her eyes go wide. “Nooo…why?”

“You’re a terrible liar,” I say with a smirk.

She snickers, giving herself away. “Okay, fine. He texted me this morning and said you’re having a hard time making a very important life decision. ”

I nod, slowly.

“Well, for what it’s worth,” she continues, sitting on the edge of the bed. “He asked me not to pressure you. And demanded that I give you space and let you figure it out on your own. So I promise I’m not going to push.”

“Thank you,” I say quietly.

She pats my leg and stands. “All right, I’m off to meet Mary-Ellen, then heading to the lodge.”

“Have a good day,” I tell her, already reaching for the coffee.

“You too.”

When the door closes behind her, I get up and open the curtains. I stand in front of the window, letting the sunlight pour over me, filling the room. It’s a gorgeous morning in Maple Falls, only adding to my confusion.

I crawl back in bed and sip my coffee, taking time before I jump into the day ahead. On the agenda, follow up on all job possibilities. It’s all on me to decide what comes next.