Faith sat there in stunned silence as Olivia looked at her, tears rolling down her cheeks now. She pulled her hands back and set them in her lap, unable to form words.

“Faith, did you hear me? The DNA test showed that my aunt was related to you which can only mean I’m your birthmother.”

“But, how? I mean, did you know all this time?”

“No, of course not! I had no idea until Brandon told me your story and then your birthday was the same as Bella’s.”

“Bella?”

“That was what I named you,” she said softly.

“Bella,” Faith repeated. It was weird to know that she once had a totally different name.

“When you found me at the bakery on your birthday, I was doing what I do every year. I buy a cupcake, say a prayer for my daughter and then throw it away.”

“Why do you throw it away?”

“Because if she can’t eat it, then I’m not going to either.”

Something about that seemed so sacred yet sad. “So when did you know?”

“I started to wonder when Brandon told me your story, honestly. But I didn’t want to get my hopes up. He called me about the DNA last night after talking to Jackson Parker.”

“Wait, what did Jackson know?”

“He was one of the only people in town who knew about me being pregnant. I met him at school and confided in him. I was very petite, so no one ever really knew I was pregnant because I just wore baggy clothing to cover it. I ran away when I was seven months pregnant and gave birth in Virginia.”

“How in the world did you end up in Virginia?” Faith asked, eager to know the details, but still reeling from the news. She didn’t know how to feel.

“I literally ran until I had no money left for bus fare. Gave birth at a hospital there, CPS came and took you and that was it. I don’t really know all the ins and outs, honestly. I just knew I couldn’t be a good mother to you at sixteen years old. I was terrified if I kept you, you’d end up in the system just like me. So, I signed what they told me to sign and came back to January Cove because it was the only place that actually felt like it could be home. A couple of years later, I finally aged out of foster care and started my life over as best I could.”

“And my birth father?”

“Just a one night thing. He took advantage of me being so young, Faith. I’m sorry.”

Faith sat there, shell shocked. “You were fifteen when you got pregnant?”

“Yes. I still remember taking the test and telling my foster mother at the time. She slapped me across the face and called me a slut.”

“Oh my goodness. That must’ve been awful, Liv.” It felt funny to call her Liv now. Should she call her Mom? That felt weird too.

“It was. I felt so alone in the world. But I had you. I wasn’t alone anymore. Those nine months were the most wonderful of my life because you were with me.” She reached and squeezed Faith’s hands. “I never forgot about you. HOPE was created to help these young kids so they never have to face what I did. And Hope was your middle name, originally at least.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. This is a lot to take in, for me and for you. I just want you to know that I wanted to keep you more than I wanted to take my next breath. But I was a lost kid myself, and I wanted to break the cycle. And I see now that I did. It was worth all the years of suffering to know that you had a good life, and you turned out to be the most amazing woman.”

It suddenly hit Faith like a ton of bricks that she was holding her mother’s hands. She began to cry, sob actually, as she felt the weight of her search ending and the enormity of knowing that Olivia was her mother began to hit her.

The two women sat and cried and laughed for a few minutes, no words exchanged between them. Faith stood up, walked around the table and pulled Olivia into an embrace. She was hugging her mother, the woman who actually gave birth to her.

“You’re not angry with me?” Olivia finally asked, pulling back to look at her daughter.

“Of course not! Why would I be angry?”

“For abandoning you,” Olivia said, tears rolling down her face.

“You didn’t abandon me. You did what was right at the time, and I can’t thank you enough. As bad as the last year has been, I had a great upbringing. Now I see these kids at HOPE and what my life could’ve been like had you not made that very difficult decision at sixteen years old. You’re my hero.”

Olivia smiled and hugged Faith tightly. “You’re never getting rid of me again!”

“Ditto!” Faith said with a laugh.

* * *

Brandon was nervous. Olivia had told him she was meeting with Faith this morning. He kept checking his watch over and over, but time seemed to be passing very slowly. Would Faith be mad that he didn’t tell her first?

“Knock knock,” he heard Olivia say from the side of his house. She walked around and up the stairs to his deck where he was sitting drinking his third cup of coffee. The caffeine certainly wasn’t helping his nerves.

“Hey. So…”

“I told her.”

Brandon took in a deep breath. “And? How’d it go?”

“She was shocked, of course, but I think she was actually happy.” Olivia was smiling from ear to ear, her eyes still red from what was obviously an emotional meeting with Faith.

“Good. I’m glad it went well,” Brandon said, relieved.

“So, listen, I think you need to tell Faith the truth.”

“Liv, I can’t do that. Not until…”

“I know it’s a risk, Brandon, but she thinks…”

“I know,” he said, putting his hand up. “But better that she’s mad at me than the alternative. I can’t do that to her. I’d rather shoulder the burden myself.”

“You’re stubborn,” Olivia said with a laugh as she pinched his arm.

“Takes one to know one.”

“True.”

“Anyway, I’ve got an important meeting today. I better go grab a shower.”

“Call me when it’s over. I’ll be waiting to hear.”

“Will do,” Brandon said. He walked to his back door and turned back around. “You know, I never realized how much our lives would change just because Scooter got loose that day.”

“I guess you need to thank Scooter,” Olivia said as she walked down the stairs. “I hear he likes filet mignon.”

* * *

Faith was shell shocked. She walked around for two days, sometimes smiling and sometimes shaking her head. How was this possible? Was God such a practical joker that he ended up putting Faith and Olivia together through HOPE and then waited for them to figure it out? If so, he had a great sense of humor.

It was already different between her and Olivia. For a day, it felt weird. Awkward, almost. She wasn’t sure what to call her. They finally settled on the idea that “Liv” was fine. She might never feel comfortable calling her “Mom” given their close ages, but maybe one day. Whatever happened, they’d be okay with it because they’d found each other.

They’d spent the next evening walking on the beach, talking about their lives and families. Faith had heard some awful stories about things Olivia had gone through, but she’d been inspired by her strength. Even more encouraging was that now she knew she had that kind of inner strength inside of herself. Genetics are a powerful thing.

Faith had shared stories of her storybook upbringing, followed by tales of the takedown of her father. Olivia had asked a lot of questions, wanting to know the most minute details from when Faith had lost her first tooth to the first boy who’d broken her heart. His name was Toby Allgood, she’d told her.

Now, sitting at her desk, Faith stared off into space. The spot in her heart and mind that had been filled with questions was now gone, replaced with visions of a future with her newfound mother. She’d even met Olivia’s husband, Ed, who was a super nice guy and a perfect match for Liv.

But there was still a hole in her spirit today as she thought about Brandon leaving soon. She didn’t know the details, didn’t really want to know. Maybe it’d be better if one day he just wasn’t there, had already hopped on a plane bound for the other side of the world. And yet, she knew she wanted to say goodbye, thanks, farewell, see you later, ask him to kiss her… No, forget that last part.

“Don’t forget we have to pack those lunches this afternoon. We have way too many snack cakes, so put two in each bag, okay?” Olivia said as she breezed through the office. “Faith? You okay?”

“What? Yeah. Two snack cakes. Got it.”

Olivia sat in the chair across from Faith’s desk. “It’s Brandon, isn’t it?”

“I miss him.”

“I know you do. Why don’t you go see him? Better yet, why don’t you come to a party I’m throwing for him tomorrow night?”

“A party? Is it his birthday?”

“No. It’s a… congratulations party.”

“Congratulations? For his ‘new adventure’, you mean?” she asked, using air quotes like a teenager.

Olivia paused for a moment. “Yes.”

Faith stood up and paced back and forth behind her desk. “I can’t. I’d just be a downer.”

“Faith, he helped put us together. The least you can do is just go and support him.” Ouch. Motherly advice at its best. Tough and to the point.

But she was right. Brandon had single handedly helped her change her life. She needed to buck up and be the good friend he’d been to her.

“Okay. Where and when?”

“Actually, we’re having it at his house tomorrow night at six.”

“He’s hosting his own party?”

Olivia laughed. “Just using his space. I’m doing everything else.”

“Can I bring anything?”

“Just an open mind and that beautiful smile,” Olivia said, pinching Faith’s cheek before she walked out the door.

An open mind? What did that even mean?

* * *

Faith felt nervous. She hadn’t talked to Brandon in days, and she felt bad about that. After all, he’d changed her life by figuring out Olivia was her birthmother. So many times, she’d wanted to call him or go see him to say thank you. But she’d chickened out every time. Not because she wasn’t thankful, but because she was afraid she’d beg him to stay.

“Faith, I’m so glad you could come,” Brandon said as he opened the front door. He was all smiles, which made her happy and sad. It meant that he was glad to be leaving January Cove to go help people, but it also meant she was losing him.

“Thanks for having me,” she said, her stomach filling with a million butterflies. How in the world was she going to say goodbye without breaking down?

“Come on in. Everyone’s here.”

When she walked inside, the place was packed with people she knew and some she didn’t. Of course, the Parker family was in full force with Jackson, Rebecca, Addy and Clay milling about. Addy waved from across the room.

“Hey, Faith! Good to see you!” she said, smiling. Since getting her new job, Faith had finally moved out of Addy’s last week and into a bungalow about a block from her office. It was a big change to be alone all the time, but she was loving her new place.

“Good to see you too,” Faith said. It really was good to see Addy. She missed seeing her everyday at the inn. “Boy, do I miss your vegan pancakes!”

“I got pretty good at vegan cooking while you were there, huh?”

“Yes, you did!”

“Well, honey, you can come by anytime and eat with us. No invitation required!”

“Thank you.”

“So, any idea what this big announcement is?” she whispered, grinning.

Faith swallowed. “Not a clue.”

“Brandon seems so excited about it. He can barely keep from smiling.”

“Yeah. He does look happy,” Faith said, a totally fake smile pasted on her face. She hoped Addy didn’t notice that her hands were shaking.

Faith walked to the kitchen where Brandon was standing alone for a moment. “Can I talk to you?”

“Sure,” he said, putting his tea on the counter and walking out onto the deck with her.

“Listen, before the festivities begin, I wanted to say thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Without you, I wouldn’t have found my job or my mother. No matter what, I just wanted you to know that I’m grateful, Brandon.” She spit the words out as fast as she could, afraid she’d chicken out or possibly throw up on his shoe if she didn’t get them out.

“Faith, you don’t have to thank me.”

“Yes, I do.”

“Brandon, are you ready?” Olivia asked, poking her head out of the door.

Brandon smiled and nodded before looking back at Faith. “I guess it’s time for my big announcement.”

“I guess so,” she said, trying to smile but feeling like running down the beach. Instead, she followed him inside.

Brandon walked to the other side of the living room, and Faith moved next to Olivia across the room from him. This was it. This was when he said goodbye for God knew how long. Maybe years?

“First, I want to say thank you to everyone who came tonight. As you know, I have something exciting to share. It’s life changing, and I hope you’ll all be happy for me as I take on this new adventure in my life.”

Not really new, right? I mean, he’d gone to the Middle East before. Everyone knew that. Faith started to wonder what the big hullabaloo was even about.

“A few months ago, I met this crazy woman when Scooter knocked her down on the street…”

Wait. Why was he talking about her?

“Over the last few months, our friendship has meant so much to me. She doesn’t realize it, but she’s changed who I am as a person. She’s also helped me realize what’s been missing in my life all these years.”

Faith’s cheeks were turning red. Was he proposing or something? Because that would be way out of her comfort zone. Not that she didn’t have feelings for him, but that’d be a big jump. From their “almost kiss” to a marriage proposal?

“Her love for the kids at HOPE and the inner strength she’s shown after a really hard few months gave me perspective about my own life.”

Where was he going with this?

“A few weeks ago, I made a big decision. I’ve always wanted to help people. I even went across the world for years to do just that. And I thought that going back there was the only way to help, the only way I could affect lives in a positive way. I thought it was the only way I could contribute to changing this world for the better…”

Wait. He thought. He wasn’t leaving?

“And then one day I realized that changing the world can start right in your own town. In your own home, even. And with that, I’d like to formally introduce you all to…” he said, walking across the room and opening a door in the hallway, “my daughter.”

Amelia. Amelia was standing there. She was wearing a beautiful pink dress with the biggest smile on her face. She made eye contact with Faith and waved like a giddy child who just found out they were going to Disney World. Brandon picked her up and she hugged his neck tight as everyone applauded.

Faith felt hot tears rolling down her cheeks. She wiped them away as best she could, trying not to miss any of the scene in front of her. Brandon had adopted Amelia? How? When? She had so many questions, but the sound of applause and cheers pounded in her ears as her heart practically leapt from her chest.

“Everyone, this is Amelia James. She’s my daughter, and we’re going to take on the world together, aren’t we?” he said looking at her. She high fived him as everyone laughed and cheered.

Faith couldn’t catch her breath as she watched the scene. Olivia put her arm around her, seeming to notice she was overcome with emotion.

“Surprised?” she whispered.

“Shocked is more like it. Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“Because Brandon didn’t want to disappoint you if things didn’t work out. He’s been working on this for weeks now.”

“But I was so mad at him.”

“I tried to get him to tell you the truth, but he preferred you to be mad at him than to be heartbroken if the adoption fell through.”

“Oh my gosh… But the texts…”

“Those were from me, Faith. And the notepad was old. Just a bad combination being that they were beside each other.”

Faith covered her face. She was embarrassed and mad at herself for jumping to conclusions.

“Hey,” she heard Brandon say from behind her. Olivia slipped away into the crowd and left them standing in the kitchen alone.

“Brandon, I’m so sorry I jumped to conclusions.”

He put his hands on her shoulders. “It’s okay, Faith.”

“No, it’s not. I was so mad… so hurt…”

“That kind of makes me feel important,” he said with a smile.

“You are important. So important that I couldn’t imagine you leaving.”

“Well, I’m not leaving. I have a daughter to raise.”

“I have to know… Did you adopt her for me, Brandon?”

“No. I adopted her because she needed someone who cared. She needed a stable home. And I have the means to raise her in the way she deserves. I realized at the carnival that I could be a great father to her. I’ve spent a lot of time with Amelia over the last few weeks. We had counseling sessions together, and I took her on day trips so we could get to know each other. I love her. She’s my kid. She may not be my blood, but I love her like she is. Her mother decided that it was better to let her be adopted than send her into the foster care system.”

“How’s Amelia doing with all this?” Faith asked.

“You tell me,” he said, looking into the crowd where everyone was swooning over her. Faith had never seen Amelia smile like that. She looked almost angelic as she chatted with the guests and ate a doughnut.

“She looks so happy.”

“I think she is. I had her bedroom decorated with princesses. Even got one of those big canopy beds. Almost didn’t get the darn thing in the house it was so tall,” Brandon said laughing.

“I can’t wait to see it.”

“I might be spoiling her just a bit,” he said, wrinkling his nose.

“She deserves it.”

“Miss Faith?” Amelia said from behind Brandon.

“Amelia! I’m so glad to hear this happy news!” Faith said, leaning down and hugging her.

“Thank you. I love it here!”

“I bet you do! Sounds like your Dad is spoiling you rotten already.”

“He is, but I like it! Do you want to see my room?”

“Absolutely!” Faith barely got it out of her mouth before Amelia had grabbed her hand and started dragging her up the stairs. It was the first room on the right, overlooking the beautiful ocean view. It was all pink and white and frilly. She couldn’t believe Brandon had done this by himself.

“It’s beautiful, Amelia. I know you’re going to love it here. Look at that view! I’m so jealous!”

“I love to watch the dolphins in the morning. They come up so close,” she said, looking out the window and pointing. “Last night, Dad let me eat dessert on my balcony and I saw three dolphins.” She held up her little fingers and grinned.

Dad. She was already calling him Dad. Faith’s heart swelled.

She turned to see Brandon leaning against the doorframe, smiling. Faith scanned the room and noticed all the little details. A fluffy bean bag chair. A teddy bear almost too big to fit in the room. A tall chest of drawers perfectly painted the starkest shade of white to complement the pink walls. The epitome of a little girl’s dream bedroom.

“Did you do all of this?” Faith asked softly as Amelia waved at party guests from her small balcony above the deck.

“I did. You like it?”

Faith walked toward him slowly. “It’s amazing, Brandon. You’re amazing.”

“Amelia?” Olivia called from the bottom of the stairs. “Come get your banana split!”

Amelia flew past them in the doorway and ran down the stairs. Brandon and Faith were left alone, standing just inside the pink room. With over twenty people milling about downstairs and outside, the volume was loud, but Faith could hear nothing but the ragged breaths she was taking as Brandon closed the space between them.

“You’re the amazing one, Faith. You inspired me to do this. Watching you overcome everything these last few months… watching you literally change who you were because you knew you could be a better version of yourself… it made me realize that I could never leave this place again. I could never leave you. It’s killed me to have this space between us the last few weeks…”

“It’s killed me too,” Faith said, a rogue tear rolling down her cheek. “I just couldn’t take someone abandoning me again.”

He brushed the tear away with his thumb. “I’d never abandon you. And I’ll never abandon Amelia. You’re my family.”

“But we haven’t even kissed yet,” Faith said with a giggle.

Brandon smiled and slid his hands behind her neck, cradling her head in his hands. “Well, let’s remedy that, shall we?”

And with that, his warm lips met hers and Faith McLemore knew she’d finally found her real home - in Brandon James’ arms.