Page 71 of Race to the Beach

She lifted up on her tiptoes.“I love you.”

Before he could utter a response, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his.His embrace tightened, and she leaned against his muscled chest.His lips moved over hers while her heart beat in triple time.

If this was love, she didn’t ever want to be without it—without Owen.She knew they still had a lot to learn about each other, but she had this very distinct feeling she had found her happily ever after.Maybe her mother had been sending her a sign with the heart pin.

When they parted, Owen took her hand in his.His thumb rubbed against the back of her hand.“Would you like to go for a ride on the Ferris wheel?”

“I would love to.”She leaned into him.“But first, more of this.”

He definitely didn’t argue as he readily kissed her back.With the colorful lights and sounds of the carnival in the background, they held onto each other, as though they’d found their anchor.It was just the beginning of what she hoped would be a lifetime of kisses and Ferris wheel rides together.

She wasn’t sure on the details of how they’d make their lives come together, but she knew if they both tried, they would find a compromise.

When they pulled apart, she looked at him.“I have something to do.”

“Would you like some company?”

She shook her head.“I think this is something I should do on my own.”

“Okay.Just call me when you’re free.You still owe me a ride on the Ferris wheel.”

She smiled.“Aren’t you even going to ask me where I’m going?”

“I think I know.”

She arched a brow.“You do, huh?Do you think you know me that well?”

A broad smile lifted his kissable lips.“I think I have a lot to learn, and I’m looking forward to it.But you’ve been talking about giving your aunt the prize money since we joined forces.”

Realizing that she needed to get used to sharing her life, she said, “Hey.On second thought, would you like to go with me to see my aunt?”

He hesitated.“Are you sure you want me to?”

“Without you, none of this would have been possible.I can’t thank you enough.”She reached out and took his hand in hers.

Together, they walked to her aunt’s house.On the way they didn’t have much time to talk, as Maxi was besieged with Bluestar residents congratulating her on the win.She was so touched.

There was something very special about this island.Even though she hadn’t been there very long, she already felt at home.She enjoyed the sun on her face and the sea breeze brushing over her skin.It had been pushing her toward a big decision—a decision that she’d been pondering for a while now.

When they reached her aunt’s house, they found her on the front porch, sitting in one of the white rockers.As soon as Aunt Bonnie spotted them, a big smile came over her face.

“I’m sorry I didn’t stick around,” Aunt Bonnie said.“The sun just gave me such a headache.”

“It’s all right,” Maxi said.“How are you feeling now?”

“Better.What are you two doing here?”Aunt Bonnie stopped rocking.“Shouldn’t you be off celebrating?”

“Well.”Maxi sat down on the porch swing.“I couldn’t do that until we talked.”

Owen quietly took a seat next to her.

Aunt Bonnie’s gaze shifted back and forth between her and Owen.“Are you here to tell me that this thing”—her finger moved between Maxi and Owen—“is legitimate now?”

Immediately, a smile pulled at the corners of Maxi’s lips.She glanced over at Owen.“Should we tell her?”

He smiled and shrugged.“It’s up to you.”

Maxi reached for his hand before turning back to her aunt.“Yes, we’re together.”

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