Page 18 of My Secret Valentine

“I found this when I was packing,” she says softly. “I think it should go in the hallway with the others.”

My heart swells with love for this woman who understands that new beginnings don't have to erase beautiful endings. “I think that's perfect.”

She sets the photo carefully on the dresser, then turns to me with shining eyes. “Take me home?”

I hold out my hand. “You are home.”

And as we walk down the hallway to our room I know that some love stories don't end with dramatic declarations or grand gestures. Sometimes they end with simple truths. Family can expand, love multiplies rather than divides, happiness can grow in the quiet moments between storms.

And sometimes they don't really end at all.

They just keep beginning.

EPILOGUE

Lainey

One Year Later

“Mrs. Jacks?”

I look up from where I'm arranging cookies on a platter to find Jenny Peterson hovering in the kitchen doorway. Six months have changed a lot, including Jenny's attitude toward our family.

“Come on in,” I say, sliding the plate toward her. “You can be my official taste tester.”

She grabs a cookie and perches on one of the bar stools, legs swinging. “Maddie said you're writing a book. About your love story.”

“Not exactly.” I wipe chocolate from my hands, smiling at the simple gold band on my finger. The spring time wedding had made Sarah fifty dollars richer and the whole town misty-eyed. “More like a children's book about blended families. About how love makes room for everyone.”

“Like how you didn't replace Maddie's mom, you just added more love?” Her face is serious, thoughtful. “That's what my mom says now. She's sorry about the pictures.”

“I know she is.” And she is – the transformation of Jo Peterson from our biggest critic to one of our strongest supporters has been something to witness. “Sometimes people just need time to understand.”

“Moooom!” Maddie's voice carries from upstairs. “Have you seen my sheet music? Piano recital's in an hour!”

“Check the garden room!” I call back. “You were practicing in there yesterday!”

The sound of running feet overhead makes Jenny giggle. Some things haven't changed – like Maddie's tendency to thunder through the house like a happy elephant.

“Found it!” More thundering, then Maddie appears, sheet music clutched triumphantly in her hand. “Jenny! You're early!”

“My mom said I could come help set up for the party.” Jenny takes another cookie. “Is your dad getting the cake?”

“And Grandma's bringing her famous punch.” Maddie steals a cookie of her own. “But that's not the only surprise.”

“Maddie.” I give her a warning look, but she's practically vibrating with excitement.

“What?” Jenny leans forward. “What surprise?”

Before I can stop her, Maddie blurts, “I'm getting a baby brother! Or sister. We don't know yet. But Mom's having a baby!”

Jenny's eyes go wide. “Really?”

I press a hand to my still-flat stomach, warmth spreading through me. We'd only told family so far, wanting to wait until after the first trimester to make it public. But Maddie's enthusiasm is impossible to contain – just like her father's was when I told them both last week.

“Really,” I confirm. “But maybe we keep that between us for now? Until after the recital at least?”

“I can keep a secret,” Jenny says solemnly. “Not like before. I'm different now.”

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