Meant to Be 445 able to discover new adventures together.” Alexis had been anticipating her move to Mexico to the extent that she had been spending more time than usual practicing Spanish. And that night, she showed an enhanced facility for it at the door, hugging Meagan and Brad and saying, “Buenas noches, te amo.” (Good night, I love you.) By the second week of January, Brad and Meagan had been living together as husband and wife for a month. They kept busy, finding time to sell some of Meagan’s smaller items as well as replace the vinyl tile on her kitchen floor. There remained one more item to address – the faded bedroom ceiling. The painter would be Brad. Yet the month wasn’t entirely about repairs and adjustments. It included acknowledgment of Brad’s milestone fiftieth birthday on the twenty-third. “Don’t invite everyone,” Brad explained to Meagan. “I don’t think at my age it’s fair to expect people to come bearing gifts.”
Meant to Be 446 “But it’s an important birthday,” she said. “Part of your scheduling for retirement. Like a job monitor recording date and time. I’ll only invite Alexis.” Having determined the scope of the celebration, Meagan made it a special celebration for three. Dinner was beef stew, one of Brad’s favorites, with wine sauce broth. The trimmings included potatoes, carrots, onions, mushrooms, and bacon, all accompanied by sauvignon blanc wine. Dessert was another pleaser, with – what else? – chocolate cheesecake. The look on Brad’s face confirmed his inimitable pleasure. He reached for her hand and said, “Meagan, my darling, thank you for the best birthday dinner ever.” After dinner, they discussed Alexis’ upcoming move to Mexico. She had been in a flurry of activity for the past couple of weeks. The mover’s truck would be taking the larger items in two weeks; the smaller things and collectibles would go with her in her SUV.
Meant to Be 447 “In the meantime, I’m happy to help her,” Meagan said. “I wish she wouldn't stress herself so much. But she did a good job of searching for the best options in shipping companies.” “What did she decide to use?” “After looking at the benefits of shipping by land, sea, or air, she chose land for its good selection of routes and truckers. She even considered following the truck but realized it was a no-go.” Brad nodded. “Good thing.” In mid-February, the couple went on a ten-day Mexican honeymoon. Before leaving, Brad completed a comprehensive and ambitious backlog of material for his next two columns. He also contacted realtor Fred Vallevand to have Meagan’s house listed for sale at the beginning of March. The couple spent eight days visiting the Lake Chapala area. Alexis had moved to Mexico in early February when her home there was only half
Meant to Be 448 finished. She had been invited to stay with her new friend Marcia until completion. They had met while Alexis shopped for property to build on. Brad and Meagan enjoyed a comfortable room in a nearby motel. Most of their time was spent with Alexis exploring local sites and checking the progress on her not-yet-completed house. Near the end of their stay, they rented a car and slipped away for a two-day visit to Guadalajara. Alexis had been there before and suggested that while there, they should also go to Tlaquepaque. “You’ll love it there,” she said. “It’s less than 10 km southeast of Guadalajara and features a historical outdoor market with art galleries, craft shops, and delicious dining experiences. It’s all set among cobblestone paths and decorative arches. It’s an experience not to be missed.” The couple went to the city and the market, spending a truly adventurous two days. Meagan especially liked some of the Mexican wraps she saw.
Meant to Be 449 “So colorful and beautifully woven.” On their last day, they were again in Guadalajara for their flight home, driven there by Marcia and accompanied by Alexis. The sisters had a tearful parting, with promises to each visit the other, and Alexis happily made Brad party to it. Later that day, they arrived in Sechelt on a connecting Harbour Air float plane from Vancouver. Brad felt a bit nervous about something he had arranged with Chris and a Sechelt printer. Would it be there? As the couple got off the plane, Meagan said, “It feels so good to be back – the air, the water, the overall feel. I’m excited about being home again.” Brad used his phone to call a cab, and they were soon pulling into their driveway. “Back to our home sweet home,” Brad enthused. They paid the driver, thanked him, and carried their luggage to the house, where Meagan stopped with her hand to her face. She shook her head slowly as she read a banner hanging over the door:
Meant to Be 450 “Dearest Meagan, welcome back to our house that you’ve made into a home.” She turned and looked at him with amazement. “I’m at a loss about what to say.” “I had Chris do it.” “But, Brad, it was a lovely home before I moved in.” “And you’ve made it a more comfortable home,” he said, setting the last piece of luggage in the door. “It needed you.” She thought for a moment. “I think what you’re saying is that it simply needs the two of us. The comfort of our combined love.” He kissed her warmly and said, “You’re absolutely right, my darling.” He then swooped her up in his arms and stepped into their world meant to be. THE END