Page 73 of Race to the Beach

“For me?”When she nodded, he asked, “What is it?”

She grinned.“It’s a surprise.Now wait here.I’ll be right back.”

She ran upstairs and grabbed her drawing pad.She felt bad that she hadn’t framed it or anything, but there was just no time.The past week had been so chaotic.

She rushed back downstairs and found that her aunt still hadn’t returned with their drinks.Maxi sat down next to Owen and handed him the sketch book.“Go ahead.Open it.”

A smile came over his handsome face.“You drew me something?”

She nodded.

He opened the pad of paper.He didn’t say anything at first.She couldn’t tell if he liked it or not.She started to worry.

And then his gaze lifted to meet hers.“Is that supposed to be me in the Mustang?”

She nodded once more, not trusting her voice.

His gaze returned to the sketch.“I love it.You’re so talented.I’m going to frame it and hang it above my desk.”

“You don’t have to hang it.”

“Yes, I do.And when you draw more, I’ll have those up on the wall too.”

“I don’t know if I’ll have time to draw much.I have a new job I’ll be starting.”

“A job?Wow.You’ve been busy.What sort of job?”

She smiled.“I’m applying for a position at the Welcome Center.I really like working with the public.”

“Well, all right then.Sounds like everything is falling in place for you.”

“It is.I have a new boyfriend too.I want to spend all of my spare time with him.So, I don’t know if I’ll draw more.”

“A new boyfriend, huh?”

“Uh-huh.”She grinned.“And I love him very…”

Her words were smothered by his kiss.It didn’t last long, because her aunt returned with refreshments.It seemed that her aunt got sidetracked by Birdie calling to send her congratulations on the win.

After they finished their drinks, her aunt went to call her other friends and tell them the news about Maxi moving to the island.Maxi and Owen headed back to the carnival.This time they left the cart behind and instead strolled hand in hand.

The carnival was hopping, but they were able to ride the Ferris wheel.Owen held her hand as they rose in the air.When they reached the top, the ride stopped.Maxi looked around, amazed at the view.“Look there’s a big boat on the horizon.”

Owen let out a laugh.“I think when they are that size, they’re called ships.”

“Oh.”Her cheeks flooded with heat.“I guess I still have some things to learn about living on the island.”

“And I’ll be happy to tutor you.”

She smiled at him.“Looking forward to it.”

“But first, I’d like to volunteer my services to help you with everything you have to do in Virginia.”

She looked at him to see if he was just saying the right words or if he really meant them.“I would really like that.I honestly don’t have a clue where to begin.”

He gave her hand a squeeze.“We’ll figure it out together.”

She had a feeling that very good things were in their future.At last, she was home.

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