“Lucinda—”

“Let me finish before I come to my senses and say something about your ridiculous shoes or something,” Lucinda cut her off. Taking a deep breath, she continued. “I have always come between him and what he wants and I don’t want to be that girl anymore. I know he loves you and that I have once again gotten in his way. Despite what you might think, I do want him to be happy.”

“I appreciate you coming here and saying this, Lucinda. I have to admit this seems very strange to have a conversation with you that was not intended in some way to bring me harm, but I definitely could get used to it.” Sophie smiled sincerely. She knew how difficult this must be for Lucinda. “I don’t know if it is even possible to fix the mess I made between Ashton and me, but I would like to start over between us.”

Lucinda looked at Sophie with a confused expression. “Do you really mean that?”

“Yes, of course. We aren’t in high school anymore. Let’s leave the past in the past.”

“I would like that.” Lucinda eyes glistened with unshed tears. “You probably think I deserve the mess I have gotten myself into.” Sophie was taken aback by Lucinda’s confession. There was desperation in her words that scared Sophie. Lucinda felt lost and alone, it was written all over her. “Why are you being nice to me after all I put you through? This is your chance to hit me while I’m down.” Lucinda took a shaky breath.

“My mother raised me as a single mother, so I know how hard it can be. No one should be alone.” Sophie reached over and put her hand over Lucinda’s. “You are strong and you will get through this.”

Lucinda stared at Sophie’s hand touching hers. “I don’t have any friends, you know.” A tear fell down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away. “Or family anymore…”

“For what it’s worth, you have me,” Sophie encouraged.

Lucinda looked at Sophie with a shocked expression, like she couldn’t believe what Sophie just said. Lucinda leaned over and hugged Sophie tightly. “That means a lot. Do you think you can ever forgive me?”

“I already have.” Sophie was surprised by Lucinda’s affection but she could see that she was broken and Sophie wanted nothing other than to help her. She let go of all the pain Lucinda caused her, letting it fall away. She was amazed to see how deep the relief ran as the weight lifted off her shoulders.

“Ashton will wait for you. He has always been waiting for you since he first saw you. I’m sorry for the way I treated you. You’re a good person, Sophie.”

They were interrupted when Lori approached their table with a cake in hand and a big bright infectious smile. “Sorry for interrupting but we wanted to wish you good luck, Sophie. We’re going to miss you here.” Behind Lori’s beaming face was everyone else from the restaurant standing behind her, surrounding their table. Sophie looked at everyone who was standing before her to wish her well. She was surprised to see Megan in the group since they hadn’t spoken since the incident.

“Thank you. This is so nice of you guys.” Sophie laughed as they set the cake down in front of her.

“You’re always welcome back, Sophie,” Sam offered brightly as he wrapped his arm around Lori’s shoulders. Sophie looked at Lori, who winked at her. Things had progressed between Lori and Sam and Sophie could tell from the looks on their faces that they were happy.

“I love you guys, and don’t take this personally, but I hope I never have to come back,” Sophie teased, causing everyone to break out in laughter.

“We knew you weren’t a lifer.” Sam patted Sophie on the shoulder. Lori leaned in and hugged Sophie tightly. “I’m gonna miss you. Don’t worry about Megan—she already found a new obsession.” Lori nodded toward Megan, who stood beside a new server who had started last week. He was handsome with a rugged appeal, reminding Sophie of a good old fashioned farm boy. Megan had her sights set. If only the poor boy knew what he was in for.

Lucinda stayed while everyone shared the cake and had a few drinks. She seemed friendly and made an effort to mingle with Sophie’s friends. When the evening wrapped up, Sophie walked Lucinda out to her car. “Thank you for tonight, Sophie.”

“You’re welcome. You will stay in touch, right?” Sophie asked, still a little unsure about this new development between them.

“Actually, I have an ultrasound tomorrow…” Lucinda trailed off. She suddenly lost her nerve.

“I’ll be there. Let me give you my number,” Sophie jumped in, hoping it was what Lucinda was fishing for.

A bright smile spread across her face. “Really?”

“Really.” Sophie confirmed.

Lucinda wiped tears from her eyes. “Stupid pregnancy has me all emotional.” Sophie was surprised when Lucinda suddenly wrapped her arms around her, squeezing her tightly.

“I honestly never thought we would be here,” Sophie confessed.

“I know. It’s weird but nice.” Lucinda pulled away. “Am I still allowed to tell you how horrible your shoes are, because they really are horrid?”

Sophie shook her head and smiled.

***

“Have you totally lost your fucking mind? You can’t be serious…tell me you’re not serious.” Wide-eyed disbelief pulled at Mel’s features as they stood outside their cookie shop.

“I’m serious. That’s why I’m late.” Sophie said. She knew that Mel would have a hard time processing the fact that she had a change of heart where Lucinda was concerned.

“Are we talking about the same cold hearted bitch who made your life miserable? That Lucinda?” Mel was waving her hands around dramatically. She looked at Sophie like she had just grown another head.

“Yes, the same Lucinda. I want to help her and I really think we can be friends. Just give her a chance,” Sophie insisted.

“What? Are you expecting me to go to her next doctor’s appointment with her too and hold her hand? Be all buddy-buddy with her after what she did? I don’t think so,” Mel fumed. “Now there is no question you lost your mind.”

Sophie grabbed her hand. “Mel, you are my best friend. I need you to understand. I forgave her for the past and I told her that I would be her friend. She’s pregnant and alone without any family to help her. This feels right and I need to do this. Please be supportive. Everyone deserves to be loved.”

“Argh…don’t look at me like that…fine. As long as you promise to love me the most and she won’t weasel her way between us. ’Cause if she tries to steal you away from me, it doesn’t matter if she’s pregnant. There are plenty of places to hit a pregnant woman without harming the baby, like that bitchy face of hers.” Mel stomped her foot.

“That’s all I ask and who could possibly replace you?” Sophie smiled.

“So true.” A smile took over her angry composure and melted it away. “It’s funny that you think everyone else deserves to be loved except yourself. You deny yourself the one thing that will make you the happiest.”

Sophie didn’t know how to respond. Mel was right. She was denying herself the love she felt for Ashton for no other reason than for fear of things she could not control. When Sophie sat beside Lucinda in the hospital room, holding Lucinda’s hand, watching the new life growing within her, Sophie realized that she had it all wrong. Love was not something to be scared of. Looking at that little baby she knew it deserved to be loved. That strong little heartbeat was ready to take on life. Sophie knew she shouldn’t live her life in fear of what she might lose but instead she should live it for what she could gain. That little baby was proof that hearts were strong and should fight for love because it was what gave life.

“Anyway, we have lots of work to do.” Mel climbed up the ladder and pulled down the tarp that was covering their sign. “What do you think?” Mel waved toward their café triumphantly.

Sophie looked up at the sign that was on display for the world to see. “Wow. It looks amazing.” Bold lowercase letters spelled ‘eat my cOOkie!’ It made her smile to see their vision brought to life. The two o’s in the word cookie looked like two large chocolate chip cookies.