Plot Summary
Ghosts From The Past
Elena "Lenny" DeMaio is a fiercely independent woman running her family's MMA gym in Houston, but her life is haunted by the abrupt disappearance of Jonah Collins, a New Zealand rugby star she once loved. Lenny's days are filled with the grind of gym management and the comfort of her tight-knit family, but she can't help but check for news about Jonah, even as she tells herself she's over him. When his name pops up in the headlines, it stirs up a storm of unresolved anger and pain, reminding her of the year he vanished without a word, leaving her to pick up the pieces of her heart and her life.
Unanswered Calls, Unspoken Truths
Haunted by unanswered messages and a string of failed attempts to reach Jonah, Lenny's frustration simmers beneath her tough exterior. She's surrounded by people who love her—her grandfather Gus, her second father Peter, and her best friend Luna—but the silence from Jonah is a wound that refuses to heal. When Jonah unexpectedly contacts Peter instead of her, Lenny is forced to confront the reality that time has run out on her ability to avoid the past. The unspoken truths between them threaten to unravel the careful life she's built, and she braces herself for the confrontation she's always dreaded.
The Return of Jonah
Jonah's arrival at Maio House is as shocking as it is unwelcome. Lenny is blindsided by the sight of the man who broke her heart, and the old anger and longing she thought she'd buried come rushing back. Jonah's presence is a living reminder of everything she lost, and his attempts at small talk only infuriate her further. She's determined not to let him see how much he still affects her, but the unresolved tension between them is palpable. As Jonah tries to explain himself, Lenny is forced to decide whether she'll let him back into her life—or shut the door on him forever.
Secrets and Surprises
Lenny's world is upended when Jonah learns he has a daughter, Mo, the result of their brief but intense relationship in France. Jonah's shock is genuine—he claims he never received her messages, and his devastation at missing Mo's birth is palpable. Lenny, who has raised Mo with the help of her family, is torn between anger at Jonah's absence and the hope that he might want to be a real father. The revelation forces both of them to confront the pain of the past and the possibility of a future they never planned for.
Mo's Hidden Father
Jonah's first encounter with Mo is a mix of awe, regret, and overwhelming emotion. He's instantly smitten with his daughter, but the guilt of missing her first months weighs heavily on him. Lenny watches warily as Jonah tries to bond with Mo, unsure if she can trust him not to disappear again. The moment is bittersweet—full of the joy of new beginnings and the ache of lost time. As Jonah promises to be there for Mo, Lenny must decide if she can believe in him again, or if she'll always be waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Confrontations and Confessions
Lenny's family rallies around her as she navigates the new reality of co-parenting with Jonah. Grandpa Gus's protective instincts flare, and Peter offers quiet support, but both men recognize that Mo deserves to know her father. Lenny's best friend Luna is a sounding board for her fears and hopes, encouraging her to give Jonah a chance. Meanwhile, Jonah faces his own family's scrutiny and confesses the depth of his struggles after his injury. The confessions are raw and real, laying bare the wounds that have kept them apart and opening the door to forgiveness.
Family Ties and Fractures
As Jonah's mother and sister arrive from New Zealand, Lenny is forced to navigate the complexities of blended families and cultural differences. Jonah's mother is skeptical of Lenny and questions her motives, while Lenny's own estranged grandmother makes a surprise appearance, dredging up painful memories of abandonment. The fractures in both families are exposed, but so are the ties that bind them. Through awkward meals and emotional confrontations, Lenny and Jonah begin to build a new kind of family—one forged in honesty, acceptance, and the shared love of their daughter.
The Choice to Stay
Jonah's determination to be a part of Mo's life is unwavering. He asks Lenny for the chance to prove himself, promising that he's not going anywhere this time. Lenny, still wary but hopeful, sets clear boundaries—if Jonah wants to be a father, he must be all in, with no take-backs. The choice is stark: be present every day, or walk away for good. Jonah's heartfelt commitment marks a turning point, as both he and Lenny begin to imagine a future where forgiveness and love are possible, even after so much pain.
Learning to Forgive
Rebuilding trust is a slow, sometimes painful process. Lenny and Jonah navigate the awkwardness of co-parenting, the skepticism of friends and family, and the ghosts of their past mistakes. Small moments—Jonah learning to change diapers, Lenny letting him into her daily routines—become acts of faith. As they share the joys and challenges of raising Mo, they rediscover the friendship and attraction that first brought them together. Forgiveness is not a single act, but a series of choices, and both are learning to choose each other, one day at a time.
Building New Trust
As the weeks pass, Lenny and Jonah's partnership deepens. They become a team—"The Mo League"—united by their love for their daughter and their growing affection for each other. Old rivalries and misunderstandings are addressed, and new traditions are formed. Jonah's gentle persistence and Lenny's fierce loyalty create a foundation for something lasting. The lines between co-parents and lovers blur, and both must decide if they're willing to risk their hearts again. The possibility of a second chance at love becomes real, and the future begins to look brighter.
Facing Old Wounds
The return of Lenny's childhood friend Noah, and the reappearance of her estranged grandmother, force her to confront the unresolved wounds of her past. Noah's jealousy and regret highlight how much Lenny has changed—and how much she's outgrown old patterns. Her grandmother's attempt at reconciliation is met with honesty and boundaries, as Lenny chooses to protect her own peace. These confrontations are painful but necessary, allowing Lenny to let go of old hurts and make space for the life she's building with Jonah and Mo.
The Mo League
Lenny's world is defined by the people she loves—her chosen family, her friends, and the community at Maio House. Together, they form "The Mo League," a support system that helps her weather every storm. Whether it's Grandpa Gus's tough love, Peter's quiet wisdom, or Luna's unwavering friendship, Lenny is never alone. Jonah, too, finds a place in this circle, learning the value of found family and the strength that comes from being truly seen and accepted. The Mo League is a testament to the power of love, loyalty, and the bonds we choose.
Rivalries and Realizations
As Lenny and Jonah's relationship deepens, old rivalries flare—most notably with Noah, whose unresolved feelings for Lenny come to a head. Jonah's jealousy is both endearing and a sign of how much he cares, while Lenny's clarity about her feelings for Jonah marks a turning point. The drama forces everyone to confront what they truly want and what they're willing to fight for. In the end, love wins out—not because it's easy, but because it's chosen, again and again, in the face of uncertainty and fear.
Letting Go, Moving Forward
With Jonah's rugby career calling him overseas, Lenny faces an impossible choice: stay in Houston with her family and the gym, or follow her heart across the world. The decision is agonizing, but with the support of her loved ones, Lenny realizes that happiness is not tied to a place, but to the people she loves. Letting go of old dreams makes space for new ones, and Lenny chooses to move forward—with Jonah, with Mo, and with the blessing of her family. The leap of faith is terrifying, but it's also the best thing she's ever done.
The Proposal
On the eve of Jonah's departure, he proposes to Lenny—not with grand gestures, but with the quiet certainty of a man who knows what he wants. The proposal is both practical and deeply romantic, a promise that distance and time will never diminish their love. Lenny, after years of guarding her heart, says yes. Their wedding is small but filled with the people who matter most. The commitment they make is not just to each other, but to the family they've built and the future they're creating together.
Love Across Oceans
Marriage brings new challenges, as Lenny and Jonah navigate the realities of a long-distance relationship. Video calls, texts, and brief visits become lifelines, and every reunion is a reminder of what they're fighting for. The separation is hard, but their love endures—sustained by trust, communication, and the shared goal of building a life together. Lenny's decision to eventually join Jonah overseas is a testament to her courage and the depth of their bond. Together, they prove that love can bridge any distance.
The Final Circle of Trust
As Jonah becomes a permanent part of Lenny's life, he's welcomed into the "final circle of trust"—the knowledge of her family's deepest secrets and the unconditional acceptance that comes with it. The blending of their families, cultures, and histories is not always smooth, but it's always rooted in love. Lenny's grandfather, once fiercely protective, becomes Jonah's greatest ally, and the legacy of Maio House is passed on with pride. The circle of trust is both a shield and a home, a place where everyone belongs.
Together, Apart
The years that follow are marked by both joy and sacrifice. Lenny and Jonah build a life together across continents, raising Mo and, later, their son Marcus, with the help of their extended family. The challenges of distance, career, and cultural differences are real, but so is their commitment to each other. Every goodbye is hard, but every reunion is sweeter for it. Through it all, they hold fast to the love that brought them together, proving that the best things in life are worth fighting for.
Home Is Where You Are
As time passes, Lenny and Jonah redefine what home means. It's not a place, but the people they love—the family they've built, the friends who've become family, and the memories they've created together. The sale of Maio House is bittersweet, but it marks the beginning of a new chapter. Lenny's legacy is not the gym, but the love she's given and received. Together, she and Jonah create a life that honors the past while embracing the future, teaching their children that happiness is found wherever love resides.
Legacy and Goodbyes
The story comes full circle with the passing of Grandpa Gus, the man who taught Lenny everything about love, loyalty, and fighting for what matters. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the lessons he imparted, and the love that endures long after he's gone. Surrounded by family and friends on a Hawaiian beach, Lenny reflects on a life well-lived—a life defined by courage, forgiveness, and the willingness to choose love, even when it's hard. The best thing, she realizes, is not a person or a place, but the family and love that make every struggle worthwhile.
Characters
Elena "Lenny" DeMaio
Lenny is the heart of the story—a tough, sarcastic, and deeply loving woman who has built her life around her family's MMA gym and the people she loves. Raised by her grandfather Gus and his partner Peter after being abandoned by her parents, Lenny is fiercely independent but carries the scars of past betrayals. Her relationship with Jonah is both her greatest joy and her deepest wound, and her journey is one of learning to trust, forgive, and open her heart again. As a mother to Mo, she is protective and nurturing, determined to give her daughter the love and stability she never had. Lenny's growth is marked by her willingness to confront her fears, let go of old hurts, and choose love—even when it means risking everything.
Jonah Hema Collins
Jonah is a world-class rugby player whose physical strength is matched only by his emotional vulnerability. After a devastating injury and a period of depression, he disappears from Lenny's life, missing the birth of their daughter. His return is marked by genuine remorse and a fierce determination to make amends. Jonah is quiet, humble, and deeply loyal, struggling with shyness and the weight of family expectations. His love for Lenny and Mo is unwavering, and he is willing to fight for a place in their lives, even when he doubts he deserves it. Jonah's journey is one of redemption, learning to forgive himself, and embracing the family he never knew he needed.
Mo (Madeline Hema DeMaio)
Mo is the unexpected gift at the center of the story—a bright, happy baby whose existence brings Lenny and Jonah back together. She is the embodiment of hope, possibility, and unconditional love. Through her, both parents are forced to confront their pasts and imagine a new future. Mo's presence softens old wounds, bridges cultural divides, and inspires everyone around her to be their best selves. She is the "best thing" that happens to both Lenny and Jonah, a living symbol of second chances and the power of family.
Gus DeMaio (Grandpa Gus)
Gus is Lenny's grandfather and the patriarch of the DeMaio family. A former world champion boxer, he is gruff, sarcastic, and unafraid to speak his mind. Beneath his tough exterior is a heart of gold—he loves Lenny and Mo with a ferocity that shapes every decision he makes. Gus is both a mentor and a guardian, teaching Lenny the value of loyalty, hard work, and fighting for what matters. His eventual acceptance of Jonah is hard-won but deeply meaningful, and his passing leaves a legacy of love, resilience, and the importance of chosen family.
Peter
Peter is Gus's partner and Lenny's second father, a calming presence who balances Gus's intensity. He is gentle, wise, and endlessly supportive, offering Lenny a safe space to share her fears and dreams. Peter's love for his family is quiet but unwavering, and his relationship with Gus is a model of enduring partnership. He is the glue that holds the family together, guiding Lenny through her darkest moments and celebrating her triumphs with quiet pride.
Luna
Luna is Lenny's best friend and confidante, a source of unwavering support and honest advice. She is kind, patient, and always ready with a listening ear or a gentle nudge in the right direction. Luna's own journey into motherhood parallels Lenny's, and their friendship is a testament to the power of chosen family. She encourages Lenny to take risks, follow her heart, and believe in her own worth. Luna's presence is a reminder that true friends are the family we choose.
Sarah Collins
Jonah's mother, Sarah, is a formidable presence—skeptical of Lenny and fiercely protective of her son. Her initial judgment and cultural expectations create tension, but beneath her sharp exterior is a mother who wants the best for her children. Sarah's journey is one of learning to accept the family Jonah has chosen, embracing Mo as her granddaughter, and finding common ground with Lenny. Her evolution mirrors the broader theme of blending families and cultures.
Natia Collins
Jonah's sister Natia is a breath of fresh air—open, friendly, and quick to embrace Lenny and Mo. She serves as a bridge between the two families, helping to ease tensions and foster understanding. Natia's warmth and humor make her an instant ally, and her support is instrumental in helping Jonah and Lenny navigate the challenges of blending their lives. She represents the best of family—unconditional love, acceptance, and the willingness to show up when it matters most.
Noah
Noah is Lenny's childhood friend and former confidant, whose unresolved feelings and jealousy create conflict. His inability to accept Lenny's new life with Jonah forces her to confront the limits of loyalty and the importance of setting boundaries. Noah's presence is a reminder of the past Lenny has outgrown, and his eventual exit from her life marks a turning point in her journey toward self-acceptance and happiness.
Rafaela
Rafaela is Lenny's biological grandmother, whose sudden reappearance dredges up old wounds of abandonment and rejection. Her attempts at reconciliation are met with honesty and boundaries, as Lenny chooses to protect her own peace. Rafaela's presence serves as a foil to the loving, chosen family Lenny has built, highlighting the importance of forgiveness, closure, and the freedom to define one's own legacy.
Plot Devices
Dual Timelines and Unanswered Messages
The narrative structure weaves together Lenny's present-day struggles with flashbacks to her relationship with Jonah, using unanswered calls, emails, and texts as a motif for unresolved pain. These messages serve as both a literal and symbolic representation of the distance between them, heightening the emotional stakes and building anticipation for their eventual reunion. The device of missed communication underscores the themes of regret, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to reach out—again and again—when the heart is on the line.
Found Family and Chosen Bonds
The story explores the concept of found family, contrasting the warmth and loyalty of Lenny's chosen circle with the pain of biological abandonment. The "circle of trust" is both a literal secret and a metaphor for the boundaries and acceptance that define true belonging. The blending of families—across cultures, generations, and histories—serves as a backdrop for the characters' growth, illustrating that home is not a place, but the people who love and fight for you.
Slow-Burn Romance and Second Chances
The romance between Lenny and Jonah is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, marked by awkward reunions, honest confessions, and the gradual rebuilding of trust. The story resists easy resolutions, instead allowing the characters to earn their happiness through vulnerability, forgiveness, and the willingness to risk their hearts again. The proposal and marriage are not grand gestures, but quiet affirmations of commitment, reflecting the story's emphasis on real, lasting love.
Intergenerational Wisdom and Legacy
The wisdom of older characters—especially Grandpa Gus and Peter—serves as a guiding force, offering perspective on love, loss, and the importance of fighting for what matters. The legacy of Maio House, the family gym, is both a literal inheritance and a symbol of the values passed down through generations. The eventual sale of the gym marks a shift from clinging to the past to embracing the future, reinforcing the theme that true legacy is found in the love we give and receive.
Humor and Emotional Honesty
The story balances heavy themes with sharp humor, witty banter, and moments of levity—often delivered through Lenny's sarcastic voice or Grandpa Gus's antics. This humor serves as both a coping mechanism and a way to deepen emotional connections, making the characters feel real and relatable. The willingness to confront pain with honesty and laughter is a hallmark of the narrative, inviting readers to feel the full spectrum of emotion alongside the characters.
Analysis
Mariana Zapata's The Best Thing is a profound meditation on forgiveness, resilience, and the transformative power of chosen family. At its core, the novel asks what it means to truly love and be loved—not just in the romantic sense, but as a parent, a child, a friend, and a partner. Through Lenny's journey from abandonment and guarded independence to vulnerability and trust, the story explores how the wounds of the past can shape us, but do not have to define us. The slow-burn romance between Lenny and Jonah is both a love story and a redemption arc, showing that second chances are possible when both parties are willing to do the hard work of healing. The novel's humor, emotional honesty, and richly drawn supporting cast create a world where love is messy, complicated, and ultimately worth fighting for. The lessons are clear: happiness is found in the people who show up for us, legacy is built on the love we give, and the best things in life are often the ones we never saw coming. In a modern world where family is often fractured and connection can feel elusive, The Best Thing is a testament to the enduring power of forgiveness, the courage to choose love, and the beauty of building a life—imperfect, but deeply meaningful—together.
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