Page 101 of Forget me Knot
“Okay,” I say, pulling back and wiping my eyes. “Back to work. These flowers won’t arrange themselves.”
Max chuckles, pressing a quick kiss to my lips before releasing me. “Yes, boss.”
As the opening time for the fair approaches, I find myself running around making last-minute adjustments, ensuring everything is perfect.
“Lily,” Sam calls out, amusement clear in his voice. “You need to relax. Everything looks amazing.”
I pause in my frantic flower-fluffing to look around, and I have to admit, it does look pretty spectacular. The soft glow of the fairy lights creates a magical atmosphere, while the floral arrangements add bursts of colour and fragrance throughout the space.
“You’re right,” I concede with a small smile. “I just want everything to be perfect.”
“It is perfect,” Jack assures me, coming up to wrap an arm around my shoulders. “Just like you.”
I squeeze him tightly, feeling some of the tension leave my body. “Thank you. All of you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
“That’s what a pack is for,” Max says, joining us. “Now, are you ready to enjoy this fair you’ve worked so hard on?”
I nod, taking a deep breath. “Yes, I think I am.”
As people start to arrive, I’m overwhelmed by the positive reactions. Everywhere I look, I see smiling faces and hear exclamations of delight. It’s more than I could have hoped for, and the fair is soon in full swing with a whirlwind of activity and joy. Children run around with fairy wings and flower crowns, their laughter mixing with the soft strains of music playing in the background. At one corner, there’s a face-painting station where a line of excited kids wait their turn to be transformed into magical creatures, a bouncy castle at the other side of the small park and food stalls aplenty.
I spot Mrs Higgins at the bake sale table, proudly displaying her famous apple pies. She catches my eye and gives me a warm smile and a thumbs-up. It fills me with a sense of belonging, of being part of this community in a way I never thought possible.
Jack and Sam are handling the ring toss game, their competitive banter drawing a crowd. I laugh as I watch Samdramatically accuse Jack of cheating, much to the amusement of the onlookers.
Max and I are by the bookstall, deep in conversation with some of the locals. His eyes are alight with excitement, and I make a mental note to ask him about it later. Seeing him talk about writing and stories makes my heart swell with pride.
I’m just about to head over to the drinks stand when I spot an elegant woman making her way towards us. There’s something familiar about her, though I’m sure I’ve never met her before.
“Max, darling!” she calls out. I freeze as Max turns, a genuine smile spreading across his face.
“Mum! I’m so glad you could make it. Hopefully without a folder?”
“No folder!” She laughs and pulls him into a warm embrace before turning her shrewd attention to me. “Lily,” she says, her voice warm and welcoming. “I’m Cherie. It’s so wonderful to finally meet you.”
I’m taken aback by her friendliness, given Max’s previous comments about his mother’s reservations. “It’s lovely to meet you too, Cherie.”
“I am so happy that Max and the boys finally found an omega to settle down with! I’ve been pestering him, I know, but I knew the perfect omega was out there, and I didn’t want him to miss the opportunity.”
“Miss the opportunity?” I murmur.
She gives me that smile again and glances at Max before she pulls me into a hug. As she does, I’m hit by a familiar scent. Cherries.
My eyes widen, and my mouth drops open.
Cherie pulls back, giving me a mischievous wink.
And just like that, I know everything I need to know.
Epilogue
Lily
The fair was a success, and I’m thrilled to have been such an integral part of it. Now, I’m sitting outside the farmhouse, a mug of tea in my hands, watching as Emily and George make their way up the driveway. The sun casts a warm golden glow across the apple orchard. The trees we planted are still small, but they will thrive, I know it.
It’s been a whirlwind few weeks, filled with more changes and challenges than I ever could have imagined. But as I see the smile on Emily’s face as she looks up at George, I’m reminded of how far we’ve all come.
“Lily!” Emily calls out, waving enthusiastically. I set my mug down and stand to greet them, pulling Emily into a tight hug. She is a changed omega from the frail creature who crept into my shop, and I couldn’t be happier.
