Page 66 of Just Like Magic

Shefelt as though her entire world had narrowed to the two of them, alone in the darkened room, the sounds of a family gathering wafting up from below.Likeshe was in a bubble made of hopes and dreams and things she’d thought she’d never have after her divorce.

“It’sthe only thingIwant,” he said hoarsely before claiming her mouth in a deep, lingering kiss.

“Dinner’sready!”Chloecalled up the stairs, and they pulled apart with a rueful chuckle.

Theyheaded back down the stairs hand in hand and took their seats at the table.Hazel’smouth watered at the scents that greeted her, and she piled her plate high with chicken schnitzel, salad with the most delicious lemon dressing she’d ever had, and homemade mac and cheese.

Everyonedug in, and for the first few minutes, the conversation died down as everyone savored their food.Throughoutthe meal,Adam’sthigh was pressed to hers, anchoring her in the moment.Itwas a moment she didn’t want to leave.BeingwithAdamand his lovely, welcoming, fun family was a kind of happiness she’d never really experienced.She’dnever had that closeness with her family, orSeth’s, so finding it withAdam’sfelt like a special gift.

“Ican see why you do this everySunday,” she said. “Thankyou again for including me.”

“You’revery welcome,” saidJulie, sipping her wine. “Ihave a feeling this won’t be your lastShephardSundaydinner.”Warmthbloomed acrossHazel’schest atJulie’swords.Hazelwas very much hoping the same thing.

“So,Hazel,” saidAutumn, that mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “How’syour book coming?Anynewsto share?”SheshotAdama pointed look.Hecleared his throat and glanced atHazel, and she nodded.Ifhe wanted to tell his family about their project, she was on board.

“Actually, we have some news,” saidAdam, and the room went silent. “HazelandIare co-writing a book.”

“You’rewriting again?” askedJulie, clapping her hands together. “Really?”

Henodded. “Yeah.We’vebeen working on it for a little while now, and we’re hoping to have it published byHazel’spublisher.Infact, we’re going to the city next weekend to talk about it some more.”

Ahundred questions exploded around the table about what the book was about, if it was related toHazel’searlier book, how they were managing the co-writing, when it was going to be published, and more.Hazellaughed as they fielded the questions, feeling like she was at a press conference with very enthusiastic journalists.Bythe timeJuliebrought out the desserts she andAdamhad brought, the questions had died down, but the excitement in the air was still palpable.

Itwas utterly heartwarming how much they all cared for each other, how badly they all wanted success and happiness for the others.Hazelhad never experienced anything like it.

Afterdinner there was tea and second helpings of the chocolate cake, and a highly competitive game ofScrabblebetween her,Adam,Oliver, andJulie.Anequally competitiveMarioKarttournament was happening in the family room.Bythe time the evening was winding down and it was time to head home,Hazelfelt completely sated in every single way.

Herheart was full, and she felt as though she’d been shown something she hadn’t even known she wanted.Butshe did.Shewanted this cozy, happy life filled with love and support.Whowouldn’t?

Theysaid their goodbyes, withAdampromising to bringHazelagain in two weeks—since they’d just be getting back from the city the next weekend—and he held the door open for her as she slipped into the passenger’s seat of his car.

Amoment later, he pulled smoothly away from the curb, and she reached across, laying her hand on his thigh.Shelet out a wistful sigh and he glanced at her, the question in his eyes not needing to be spoken out loud.

“Iwish my family was like that.”

Hesmiled softly. “I’mhappy to share mine with you.”

Herstomach swirled and her heart fluttered wildly as two words blazed through her mind.

HazelShephard.

She’dnever takenSeth’slast name.She’dnever wanted to, because he’d never felt like hers.Notthe wayAdamalready did.Shereplayed their conversation from earlier again, her stomach flapping with butterflies every single time she heardAdamsaying “one or two might be nice” in her mind.

“Iwant to stay,” she blurted out.

“Stay?” he asked, glancing back and forth between her and the road ahead.

“InGossamerFalls.Ithink…IthinkIwant to move here.”

Hepulled the car over to the side of the road, turned his four way flashers on, and leaned across, kissing her breathless.

“Thenstay,” he said.

TWENTY-FIVE

Adamnormally didn’t considerhimself a lover ofNewYorkCity.Havinggrown up only a hundred miles north, he’d been dozens of times, but he’d never really enjoyed it.He’dalways found it too noisy, too crowded, too smelly, too chaotic.Itusually made him long for his cabin and a cup of tea and a book.

But,Adamhad never been toNewYorkCitywithHazelbefore, which changed pretty mucheverything.Thenagain, he was pretty sure he could visit a garbage dump with her and still have a good time.

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