Page 125 of Fairy Godmothers Aren't Cheap

“Really?” I leaned forward, kicking the fuzzy cocoon off me, as if I’d be able to hear better without it. I pressed my palm against my hot cheeks, barely breathing.

I’d given the local television crew a soundbite when they’d popped by, but they’d made it sound like it wouldn’t air as there was some bigger international news blowing up at the moment.

The front door opened, and James called out a hello.

I popped up; the TV forgotten.

“In here,” Otto said.

“Got you this.” James passed me a strawberry milkshake from Peter’s after kissing me hello, one arm squeezed tight around my waist like he’d missed me.

I gasped in delight, taking the chilly cup in hand. “My love language!”

“Your love language,” he confirmed, leaning in to give me a more heated, lingering kiss that made me want to drag him away for more privacy.

“Also my love language,” I murmured, like a contented cat who’d found the perfect sunbeam.

“Keep it down!” Otto grumbled, cranking the volume.

“Come watch,” I said, pulling James over to the couch. “There’s a bit about the park!”

The clip finally played, and Otto hollered to Sally, “The kids’ park is on!”

The kids. I was part of ‘the kids,’ and it felt great.

I leaned into James, who was working his way through his chocolate shake. The soundbite was good. I looked exhausted and grubby from laying the sod. But even I could tell how happy and proud I was.

Sally beamed at me from the doorway. “I’m going to bake you some celebratory cookies. Confetti chip with macadamia nuts.” She reached into the room, giving my shoulder an affectionate squeeze, her eyes damp with pride.

“Well done,” Otto said, looking at me like I’d impressed him. “Really impressive.”

“Thanks. I didn’t do it alone. James helped a lot.”

“I know. But we also know how hard you worked.”

“Yeah.” I felt my eyes well from the recognition. From the feeling of being part of their circle, of feeling like family. Someone who they wanted to share the triumphs with, the people who’d backed me and housed me when I’d needed it the most.

I tipped my head back, sniffing discretely as Otto’s attention went back to the television. James wrapped an arm around my shoulders, drawing me in, placing a tender kiss on the crown of my head.

It didn’t really matter what next week brought. I could be broke, homeless, and jobless, and I wasn’t scared. Because now I had it all. All that mattered.

Family.

Coziness.

Home.

CHAPTER47

~ Char ~

Thursday morning, I transferred the park to the city, feeling relieved, but also like I was handing my newborn baby over to a babysitter for the first time.

Unexpectedly, I’d left the lawyer’s office with a cheque. The city had changed the zoning of my two lots from Industrial to Special Purpose, and had adjusted my already-paid property taxes accordingly. In other words, I’d overpaid and now had enough for the deposit on the little garage apartment without going into overdraft. Samantha, my sweet, moneyed friend, would be so proud.

I kissed the cheque while I walked, feeling unbelievably lucky.

Today I was free at last. I didn’t have to work. I was no longer on dog-walking duty as I’d quit a few weeks back due to a lack of time, and I had nothing to do for the park other than send off a few reports and thank-you notes to sponsors.

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