A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"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.

Mavis watched him struggle with all the stuff, half amused and half exasperated.

"Hey, maybe we should head back to the hotel," she suggested. "Let me carry something, at least. We can split the load."

"No way," Norton said immediately "What kind of guy lets a lady carry all this? You just keep looking around, have fun, and if you want anything, just tell me. I've got it covered!"

He didn't seem bothered at all, lugging everything alongside her, grinning like this was the best day ever.

And honestly, he made her feel good, always joking, always keeping things light. It was hard not to relax around someone like that.

At first, she'd felt a little guilty letting him do so much, but the way he acted, she couldn't help but let her guard down and just enjoy it.

A little ways behind them in the crowd, Uriah watched, keeping his distance but never losing sight of Mavis and Norton.

He knew Mavis better than most. She'd always been the type to keep people at arm's length, never letting anyone get too close.

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? noveldrama

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.