“I had no idea. But you were the one that said she’d mature and come around. You were right.”
“We’ll have to see how it goes, but I’m hopeful we’re past the worst of it.”
I cupped her cheek. “You were the one that set all of this into motion.”
She patted my chest. “This was all you.”
“You ready to pick up Lilliana? I want to take her out to lunch and celebrate.”
Blake tipped her head to the side. “What about a picnic on the beach?”
“That sounds like the perfect way to pass the day.” I’d taken the day off, not knowing how long the mediation would run, but now the day stretched out before us, and I couldn’t wait to spend it with my girls.
The maze was finally done. It had taken months to get the hedges planted and trimmed properly. We'd installed stations throughout that shared the word clues, added the small square pool, and built the lookout. It was perfect, and I couldn't wait to walk through it with Blake.
I'd tested it more times that I could remember, and each time I'd get excited thinking about the moment I'd get to share it with her.
She'd cheered me on and supported me through the process and brought Lilliana to see me when I worked late nights.
She'd spent the last few months building her new business, offering classes in person at the senior center, the community center, the library, and the resort on the end of the island. There were requests for her to do more, but she was hesitant to overextend herself.
She posted daily videos with tips, inspiration, and updates on her work. The most popular were the ones of her teaching Lilliana. I found myself looking forward to each new clip. I'd made it a habit to watch every one.
The response had been so great; she'd created an online course and was considering a subscription option where she'd share more detailed instruction and more-involved projects. She made more than enough money to justify it as a career. Her parents weren't happy about her not finishing school, but her success had them keeping their opinions to themselves.
The big reveal of the maze would take place tomorrow when the senior center hosted a party for the community. And I was nervous because this was the biggest project I'd worked on outside of building or renovating houses.
There would be a ribbon-cutting ceremony, prizes for those who finished the maze, food, drink, and even a live band.
But tonight, I was hosting a private showing for Blake. Lilliana was spending the night with Ivy and Cooper.
I couldn't wait to show Blake the final product. My hard work resulted in this stunning maze that would be enjoyed for years to come by community members and tourists.
When Blake texted that she'd arrived, I met her in the parking lot and walked with her to the large balcony that spanned the length of the building. At the railing overlooking the property, Blake paused.
"It's spectacular." Her eyes shined with wonder.
I smiled with pride. The maze was something you didn't see every day. There were various corn mazes and holiday light displays in the fall and winter, but this one was permanent. It would continue to look fabulous as long as we trimmed the bushes and maintained the plants. It was a beautiful garden space.
We paused at the railing, taking in the rows of greenery, the overlook in the middle, and the gated building at the entrance.
Blake's eyes widened. "Are we the only ones here?"
I grinned. "It's a private showing just for you."
"Can we walk through it?" Blake asked.
"I wanted you to be the first to enjoy the finished project."
Blake took my hand, tugging me down the stairs and onto the lawn. She laughed when she tripped in her eagerness.
She drew to a stop in the building. Just outside the gate, there was a small fountain, flowers, and small colorful umbrellas resting on the ground in case it rained.
"This feels magical," Blake said in a hushed voice.
I'd kept that word in my mind when I was building it.
"I almost expect Mary Poppins to drop from the sky with her umbrella," Blake continued.
