Page 45 of The Journey of a Lifetime (Tiny Homes and Happy Tails #2)

“ H ow did you like sleeping in the tent?” Maggie held out a hot cup of coffee to her mom.

Julia stretched and took the coffee. “It’s not the Hilton, but the fresh air was nice. Next time I’m using a memory foam mattress.” She took a sip of coffee and sighed.

Maggie stuck her one hand in her jacket pocket and lifted the coffee cup to her lips with her other hand. “So what are your plans?”

Julia wrapped the sleeping bag around her shoulders and eased onto the picnic table bench. “I suppose I need to get home. I have a lot of things to get sorted out.”

Maggie bit the inside of her cheek. She wanted to press her mom for more information but wasn’t sure she wanted to hear it.

Julia sighed heavily. “I want to tell you how sorry I am for not being the mother you needed. I will always regret not being more supportive of you. If I could go back in time, I would be a better mother to you.”

Maggie rubbed her finger on the edge of the handle, unsure of how to handle this new side to her mom.

“I think you did your best. And you’ll always be my mom.

I’ll always love you.” Julia’s eyes began to water, and she stood up.

She went to Maggie and enveloped her in a tight embrace. “I love you, Maggie.”

Maggie blinked back her tears. “I love you too, Mom.”

Walker came up and nudged his snout in between them. Laughing, they both bent and gave him kisses on the head.

“I guess I should ask you about your plans for the summer?” Julia wrapped herself in the sleeping blanket and sat.

Maggie glanced at the mountains. “I’m going to go to the office this morning and ask if I can extend my stay. I have enough money for another week and, after that, I don’t know. While I’m here, I’m going to write that article for Ashley’s website and maybe look for some online writing work.”

Julia cocked her head. “You didn’t tell me you were working on a book.” She arched her brow. “Remember I snuck a look at your journal.”

Maggie shrugged. “I started writing down my feelings after what happened with Mason. It soon turned into a novel.”

Julia smiled. “I like that. A novel about a strong woman who travels with her faithful dog and finds her own way in life. I think it will be a best seller.”

Maggie felt her face go red. “It doesn’t have to be a best seller. I would settle for rent and groceries.”

Julia glanced in the direction of the mountains.

“I’ve decided I’m going to leave your father.

I talked to an attorney last night and I’ve made an appointment to see him tomorrow.

I think it’s time for me to start living my dreams too.

I’ll find something affordable, a small apartment and get a job.

Who knows? Maybe my dream of having my own boutique might happen down the road. ”

Maggie smiled at her mom. “I think you’re right. I think you will achieve your dreams.”

They enjoyed their breakfast together around the campfire before Julia left to head home.

After taking Walker for a long walk, Maggie headed to the office to see if she could stay another week.

“Good morning.” Maggie greeted the campground host who was busy putting waters in the cooler.

The woman smiled. “Good morning. What can I do for you?”

Maggie winced. “I know it’s short notice but I was wondering if I could extend my stay here at the campground.”

The woman walked over to the computer and tapped on the keyboard. “Let’s have a look. What’s your name?”

Maggie stepped up to the counter with Walker. “Maggie Sullivan.”

The woman grinned. “Ah, yes. It’s already been taken care of. You have the campsite spot for the next eight weeks.”

Maggie shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

The woman chuckled. “Your mother came in this morning and paid for the next eight weeks to secure your campsite. Looks like you are here for the summer.”

Maggie stood there, stunned. Her mother did this for her?

She finally snapped out of it and cleared her throat. “I had no idea.”

The woman smiled. “She said it was a surprise.”

Maggie didn’t know what to say. She swallowed back the emotion at her mom’s sweet gesture. “I don’t know what to say.”

The woman nodded. “Be sure to call your mom and thank her.”

Maggie nodded. “I will.”

As she walked back to her campsite, she dug her phone out of her pocket. She tried calling her mom’s number, but it went to voice mail. She was in the air and had probably turned her cell phone off.

Maggie typed in a quick text. Once her mom landed, and turned her phone back on, the message would be waiting for her.

It simply said, Thank you so much for believing in me. I couldn’t wish for a better mom.