21. Epilogue Poppy

TWENTY-ONE

EPILOGUE POPPY

It's two days after Christmas and we are back in business and it's like there hasn't been a holiday break at all. Marigold closed the shop on Christmas Day but then we were right back to work and the town picked up where they left off searching for their next sweet and waiting in line for their favorite coffee. Christmas doesn't end around here just because we're approaching New Year's. The party is still in full blast and the excitement of love and a new year is in the air.

A woman approaches the front counter and orders a coffee. I ask for her name for the cup and she replies Madeline. She's dressed in nurses scrubs and is checking her watch.

"Are you new to town?" Marigold questions her. "If you haven't noticed we're kind of small around here, so we recognize everyone. If you are new to Love Beach Hospital then we're glad to have you."

She's older with beautiful sharp features and dark hair. She responds by saying, "I'm not really new. I've been working in Love Beach on and off for the last ten years. I'm what they call a traveling nurse and when they need an extra hand, I pop in. But it's been about three years since I've last been here."

I come up behind Marigold and put my hand out introducing myself to the woman. "Madeline? I feel like Maddox has spoken about that name. Do you know Mr. and Mrs. Baylor? Mrs. Baylor is retired now, but helps out at the hospital all the time."

She smiles softly. "Yes, Candee Baylor is a good friend of mine."

I exchange looks with Marigold and I can see her bubbling over wanting to ask all the questions but she's too nice.

So, I'll do it for her.

"Do you know Ryan Donnelly?" I ask quickly and sharply, wanting to catch her off guard. I know it's not nice to do but I want to see her reaction. All the woman does is give the same soft smile.

"I do know Captain Donnelly."

" Chief Donnelly now." She nods and smiles, not looking surprised in the least.

"Congratulations to him. He was always a great leader, I'm happy for him."

"How long are you here for now?" Marigold asks.

"I think it will be a bit longer than last time." Logan slides her coffee across the counter and the woman takes it, thanking us.

"I look forward to seeing you girls again, have a great day." She turns and leaves the bakery quickly and Marigold and I fall against each other swooning with ideas.

"She's the one, isn't she?" Marigold asks with excitement.

"I think so. Did you see the way her eyes lit up when we mentioned his name?" I say in reply.

"Yes, but they almost looked sad, too."

"There's only one way to find out if she's the one who broke his heart…"

Meet Chief Ryan Donnelly and Nurse Madeline Torre coming to you in April, 2025!

Take one more trip to Love Beach and join us for Spring Break!

Spring Break with a Fire Chief

Spring Break with a Bass Player

Have you read where it all started? Get the Baylor Twin's love stories now!

Get Marigold and Maddox's story in Summer with a Fireman . And keep reading for Isaac and Reece in Summer with a Brother's Best Friend