Page 69 of Finding You

“Sure.”

“Okay. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

Carter jogged up to his room and changed into his black swimming trunks and flip-flops. Back out on the deck, Darcy’s parents sat and read books.

“Sit with us, Carter,” Josie said, tapping the chair beside her.

He joined her at the table.

“Darcy said you grew up in Flowering Grove,” Josie said. “I assume you went to school with Derek.”

Carter rested his forearms on the table. “That’s right. We became good friends in high school after suffering through geometry together.”

Ross chuckled while Josie grinned.

“My older sister and I were pretty much raised by our grandparents.” He shared how his father left when he was young and how his mother passed away when he was ten.

Josie shook her head. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thanks. My grandfather taught me everything I know about cars, and I work with my brother-in-law at his parents’ shop in Flowering Grove.”

“Family is important,” Ross said.

“That’s true.” Carter moved his hands over the smooth tabletop, wishing he could read her parents’ minds. Did they believe he was good enough to care for their only daughter? If not, would they encourage her to break up with him?

His stomach twisted at the thought of losing Darcy. Guilt filled him as he considered how he wasn’t yet being completely honest with Darcy about his health history or his financial situation. He also wondered in that moment if he should put some emotional distance between himself and her parents. After all, if their relationship didn’t last, he would have to face even more heartache if he got attached to her parents too.

“I’m so glad Darcy met you,” Josie said. “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen her smile so much.” She reached over and touched his arm. “You are an answer to our prayers.”

“Josie’s right,” Ross chimed in. “Darcy has had a hard time the past couple of years, and we were worried she wouldn’t ever recover. We’re thankful she found you.”

Carter tried to mask his surprise as more guilt nagged him. He didn’t feel worthy of their praise. “Thank you. She means a lot to me.”

The sliding glass door opened with a whoosh, and Darcy walked out wearing another vintage suit and cover-up. “What are you three talking about?”

“How amazing you are,” Carter quipped.

“Uh-huh.” She graced him with a beautiful smile. “Are you ready to swim?”

“I’ve been waiting for you,” Carter said.

Darcy held her hand out to him, and together they headed down from the deck and toward the water.

***

Later that evening, Darcy and Haven sat on beach chairs and watched Carter and Derek throw a football back and forth near the shoreline. After swimming all afternoon, Darcy and her friends had grilled burgers and served supper for her parents on the deck. They had enjoyed the meal and cupcakes before cleaning up the kitchen and returning to the beach.

Carter threw the ball to Derek, who jumped up in the air only to miss it and fall down on the sand. When Carter bent at his waist to laugh, Darcy admired his golden tan, his muscular legs, his sun-streaked light-brown hair, and his perfect nose. He was the most gorgeous man she’d known... well, since Jace.

Haven leaned over and tapped Darcy’s arm. “Earth to Darce.”

“What, Havey?” Darcy shot her a look.

“From the way you and Carter have been acting today, I take it that you two are official now, huh?”

“Yes, we are.”

“And he kissed you?”

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