Story of my life. But unlike Tommy, she seemed to be on a different track. “It sounds like you’ve had some real revelations.”
She laughed. “Age will do that,” she said, and sighed. “About five years ago, I realized that I wouldn’t live forever.” She tapped the wrinkles at the sides of her eyes. “It was when these started appearing, you see. A reminder every day in the mirror that I was mortal.”
I supposed it made sense.
“Anyway, I did the thing that many people do when they age. They think about their life and wonder if they did it right. For me, the immediate answer was no. First, I was distant with your mother. You’ve seen how she turned out, though I have a feeling that, too, might change as she ages. But you were never as cold and distant as we were.”
“No, I wasted my life on a miserable man instead.”
“Yes, he was awful. When I started checking up on you about a year ago and saw how terrible he was, I knew I needed to act. Then that lovely young man enquired about the boathouse, and the idea came to me.”
“You mean Rafe?”
“Yes, Rafe. I’ve kept tabs on Charming Cove since I still own Lavender House, even though I was never able to fix it up myself. That’s always bothered me, but that’s life. Then your uncle sold the boathouse to that handsome werewolf a year ago, and as soon as I saw him, I knew he was perfect for you.”
“I thought you owned the boathouse.”
“No, dear. I just told the solicitor to lie to you.”
I felt my jaw slacken. “Malcolm lied?”
“I know he doesn’t seem like the type. But when I described your situation and my plan, he agreed it was a worthy cause.”
“What was your plan?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I knew you had the power to fix up Lavender House in a way I never could. So I set you and the boatbuilder up and forced you to spend time together, fixing up the house under a deadline.”
Oh, that was clever. “But how could you possibly have known he would help me?”
“Psh, of course I could tell. I’m not great at magic, but I can read people. And I’m quite good at plotting and scheming.” She gave a pleased smile. “Though this all worked out much better than I’d hoped.” She gestured to Lavender House, which was still bustling with activity. “The whole town has come out to help you! Why, this could make an excellent TV movie. Even the big screen!”
I laughed. “So, what next?”
“You live in Lavender House, happily ever after. The money is yours, too. I still have a bit, enough to keep me in the cottage next door, if you don’t mind your gran being your neighbor.”
“I can’t imagine anything better.” I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her. “Thank you so much. You gave me a whole new life.”
“No, darling. You built a new life. I just gave you some building blocks to get started. What you did with them is more than I could have ever imagined. You’re an incredible witch and an incredible woman.”
My eyes pricked with tears, and I smiled. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you. I love you, Isobel.”
“I love you, too, Gran.” I sighed as I looked back up at the house, searching for Rafe. “Although I’m not sure I’ll get the happily ever after with the boat builder. Do you think Uncle Albert might want to move into the boathouse instead? We can have weird family game nights.”
She laughed. “He would never.” She gestured up the hill. “As for the boat builder, I wouldn’t be so sure. Here he comes.”
My heart stuttered as I spotted him. He looked perfect, of course, with his tool belt around his waist and his close-fitting jumper pushed up to his elbows.
“Go on, now.” My grandmother gave me a little shove.
I got to my feet and went to him, unable to slow my racing heart. I stopped in front of him, gesturing to the construction chaos behind him, and asked, “How?”
“Emma. She called to tell me what happened.”
“She must have called everyone else in town, too.”
“I think that was Aria, but yes.” He smiled as he looked back at the scene. “I do think this is everyone in Charming Cove.”
I blew out a breath. “Incredible.”
He moved to stand by my side, gripping my hand. “I’m going to miss the boathouse.” He looked down at me. “That is, if you’ll have me.”
I blinked up at him. “What?”
“I’m inviting myself to move in.”
My jaw slackened. “You’re not.”
“Ouch.” He winced. “Not moving in?”
“Not staying in Charming Cove.”
“I most definitely am.” He frowned. “Why would you think otherwise?”
“Because you’ve found your pack. You told your mother you would buy that house.”
“I believe I just grunted when she mentioned that.”
“Um.” I couldn’t think of what to say. “Are you serious?”
“Yes. I love my family. I’ll visit them often. But not every werewolf stays with their pack. Most do, but not everyone.”
I gave an incredulous laugh. “So you’re saying you want to stay with me.”
“I love you, Isobel.” The corner of his mouth quirked up. “I want to stay with you always.”
The air rushed out of me. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“And, not to freak you out, but you’re my mate.”
“Your mate?”
“The one fate has decreed is perfect for me, yes. I can feel it. And I agree with fate. You’re perfect.”
This could not be my life. I was going to wake up from this incredible dream and find myself…somewhere else. Somewhere definitely not as good.
“It would be really great if you would say something.” He smiled. “I’m getting a bit worried.”
“I love you, too!” I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him. “I love you, too.”
He spun me in a circle, and I laughed, so joyful that I couldn’t hold it in. The sun was shining, and the sea breeze blew my hair back from my face. When he finally put me down, I grinned up at him. “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Believe it, because there’s no going back.”
“Perfect.” I looked around for my friends. I needed to thank them. “Do you know if Emma’s here?”
“I haven’t seen her, but Aria’s over there.” He pointed to the east side of the house, where Aria was replanting some bushes that had been pulled up.
“Come on, let’s go talk to her.” Now that he’d said he was staying, I didn’t want to let him out of my sight.
I hurried up to Aria, never once letting go of Rafe’s hand. “Aria!” I called when I neared her.
She hopped up, a big smile on her face. “Do you love it?”
“Love it?” I threw my arms around her. “It’s amazing. I haven’t even seen the inside, but I know it’s amazing. Thank you so much.”
“Thank Emma. She’s the one who called everyone.”
“Where is she?”
“Probably just waking up, if you’ve just woken. She was pretty knackered, too.”
“Of course.” We’d both drained our magic. I looked around at all the people, some of whom were still wearing pajama bottoms. “When did you get here? It’s still early in the morning.”
“I know.” She grinned. “Most of us arrived shortly after midnight.”