Page 99 of Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

Declan stood there, nodding. Had he been making his family and what they wanted for him his god? Had he been seeking their love and acceptance—their forgiveness—over God’s?

His grip on the stone loosened, and it slid from his palm to his fingertips, waiting. What would it be like to let it all go? To fling away the burden of his family’s expectations? The fear that he’d lose them all? The worry that he’d never be known for who he really was?

With a twist and a step, Declan tossed the stone Arnie had handed him across the surface of the lake.

The rock neatly skipped and skipped and skipped until Declan couldn’t see it anymore.

He took a deep inhale of the fresh air, closed his eyes, and started—finally, for real—talking to God.

* * *

And now she didn’t have a clue what to do with her life.

Light streamed through her childhood bedroom window, and Lily flipped over in her bed, facing the wall she’d once upon a time painted a bubble gum pink. The true-life application to the dreams in her head. Happy. Fun.

Too bad real life hadn’t matched her expectations.

She snuggled deeper into her thick white comforter. Maybe she’d stay in bed for the next three days. A week. Whatever. It wouldn’t matter. Nothing changed the fact that she’d ruined everything.

How could she have accused Declan and his family of sabotage? The fresh air and some ranting to her parents had helped her see the truth.

Cody had warned her about the pipes. If she’d been a smart and savvy business owner, she’d have gotten them fixed ASAP.

Instead, she’d spent her time dreaming and kissing and falling in love. Same old head-in-the-clouds Lily, doomed to repeat her mistakes.

Lily sighed and closed her eyes again, but a knock at her door had her sitting up.

Mom poked her head inside. “Hey, sweetie. Can I come in?”

“Sure.”

Nudging open the door, Mom came in. She lowered herself onto the bed beside Lily and stroked Lily’s hair. “You should know, Declan stopped by last night.”

Yes, she’d heard him. And her father’s words after he turned him away.

She’d nearly gotten up, nearly gone down to apologize, but what would it matter?

She’d already lost everything.

“It’s almost two in the afternoon.”

“What?” She sat up.

“Yes. Dani and Mia stopped by after church, but you were still sleeping.” Mom studied her a moment, sighing. “I know things are hard right now, but theywillget better, love.”

“I’m sorry, Mom.” The whisper eked from her lips.

“Sorry for what?”

“For being an airhead. For not focusing on the right thing. For losing the shop.” She leaned back against her headboard, pressing her lips together. “I’m such a failure.”

“Don’t talk about my daughter that way. You arenota failure.”

“What would you call it, then? I’m certainly not a raving success.”

“Success is overrated, and so subjective.” Mom held up her hands. “You think I don’t have days I feel like a failure because my body doesn’t work the way it used to?”

“That’s different. That wasn’t your choice.”

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