“She actually scared the owner!”
“This is hilarious! Never seen anyone this good before!”
Off to the side, Norton grinned and asked, “So, wanna keep playing? If you’re having fun, let’s go another round. If not, we can just move on.”
He already had his wallet half out, ready to pay for another game if Mavis said the word.
If she wanted to keep going, he’d pay without hesitation. But if she was done, he’d just take her hand and keep walking.
“I think that’s enough,” Mavis said, eyeing the arcade owner, who looked like he might burst into tears any second.
“These are just Nerf guns after all. Next time, let’s do something a little more legit,” she joked, handing the plastic blaster back.
“Honestly, yeah,” Norton agreed, laughing, “these toy guns just don’t cut it. When we get back, I know this awesome paintball range out by the woods. It’s a blast!”
“Deal,” Mavis replied, handing the toy gun to the frazzled owner.
The guy shoved two plushies into her arms and stammered, “Thanks for going easy on me, miss! Seriously, you’re amazing!”
He’d been ready to just pack up shop and call it a day, but clearly, these two had more mercy than he expected.
“No problem,” Mavis said, accepting the stuffed animals with a smile.
They were actually pretty cute. She figured she’d give one to Callie, one to Portia—those two would love them.
They’d had their fun, and the prizes were already mentally divided up for the kids.
Norton, arms piled high with bags and a giant stuffed bunny slung over his shoulder, led Mavis down the boardwalk.
Growing up the way she did, she learned early not to rely on anyone. She hated owing people. If she could do something herself, she did it, no exceptions.
Yet here she was, letting Norton carry all her stuff without a second thought. She was comfortable with him. She trusted him. That meant they were close—way closer than she’d ever let anyone else get.
Uriah’s hands balled into fists, jaw clenched so tight his knuckles went white.
She always kept her distance from him, always kept up her walls. But with Norton? She was completely at ease. Had she forgotten everything he’d taught her?
Biting back frustration, Uriah followed, watching as Norton bought her whatever she wanted, no questions asked.
And Mavis didn’t push back, didn’t refuse, she just smiled and accepted it all, so much more relaxed than he’d ever seen her with anyone else.
It was like she’d finally found someone she could let herself be real with, and that stung more than Uriah could admit.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust
Why are chapters locked...
When will chapters be uploaded? I love this story!...