Page 13 of Midnight
He surprised me by coming home early yesterday.He had booked us a cottage back in his hometown on Hummingbird Island.When he showed me the cottages, I got really excited.
They're the same ones that Kade Markson, the movie star, owns with his now wife.The cottages are right on the beach and look absolutely gorgeous.
"Taking you to my parents place wasn’t an option because I wanted this trip to be special.If I'm being honest, I'm hoping you'll fall in love with Hummingbird Island and will be happy living there with me," he says.
This is the first time that he's talked about any type of future with us in any detail, anyway.I like the idea of living near the water and if the island is anything like the pictures on the Sunrise Inn website, I know I'll fall in love with it.
As we cross the bridge that will take us to the island, the views take my breath away.
"A couple of years ago, this bridge was washed out in a storm and we were all trapped on the island.That also happened to be when Kate Markson was visiting."Nate chuckles.
He told me a bit about the story of how Kade Markson came to call Hummingbird Island home, between being stuck on the island, falling for the inn owner, and then later with the help of Nate and a few other locals was able to put a corrupt mayor behind bars.I swear the entire story was like something straight out of a movie.
When we pull up to the ocean-side cottages, Nate fires off a text as I get out, enjoying the salt air and the sun on my face.Who knew getting out of town was what I needed?Well, Nate knew, of course, he did.
A minute later, Kade himself is walking towards us, with the cutest blonde woman.
"You must be Harper.I'm Lin, Kade’s' wife.Nate here has been telling us so much about you I couldn't wait to meet you," the blonde says with so much genuine excitement.
She then leans in and gives me a huge hug, which makes both of the guys chuckle.
"Come on, let's show you to your villa," Kade says and starts walking to the adorable buildings along the beach that are across from the Sunrise Inn and the Sunset Inn next door to each other.
Each of these what Kade calls villas.They have their own little private seating area side with a fence offering privacy from your neighbor.Also each has a beautiful ocean view out the front of the building too.But when we stepped inside, my jaw could have hit the floor.I've only seen places like this in magazines.Never in my wildest dreams, did I think I'd be able to experience it myself.
This Villa looks like something out of a travel magazine advertising a tropical vacation.The bed has an ocean view, and wrapped around the four posters of the bed are twinkling lights.There's a seating area with a TV, and a bathroom that has a tub with an ocean view.
"We really get to stay here?"I ask in complete disbelief.
"Yes, only the best for you, my love," Nate says.
It's the first time he's used that endearment, and my eyes shoot to him.He looks a little stunned that it's slipped out of his mouth, but I just smile because I absolutely love it.
"How about I unpack the car and then we'll have plenty of time to go and see the island before dinner?"Nate says.
"It sounds perfect."I agree, wandering around the villa as he brings in our bags.
We spend the next hour driving all over the island.Nate shows me his parents' house and tells me about them.I'm kind of bummed that they're visiting his aunt so I won't get to meet them.
When he shows me the downtown, it’s like something off of a postcard with all the beautiful shops right along the waterfront.Continuing his tour, he shows me where his apartment was and the police station where he's stationed.
He takes me to the north side of the island and shows me the state park there.Then on to some spots only the locals know and he shares some of his favorite memories from them growing up.
Finally, we stop at the small grocery store and pick up some things to make for dinner on the grill that's on our little patio area.
As we're getting out of the car, the couple staying in the villa next to ours notices and comes over.
She's blonde with a beautiful, friendly smile and just a little bit taller than Lin.The man with her, who I assume is her husband, is scarred on the side of his face, but that doesn't seem to hinder his confidence at all as he follows the blonde over to us.
"Hi, I'm Lexi and this is my husband, Noah.We are friends with Kade and he invited us out for our anniversary.He told us you are also a friend of his and we should say hi."
"It's nice to meet you.I'm Nate.Normally I live here on the Island, but I’m currently working a job out of town.This is my girlfriend, Harper," Nate says using the word girlfriend for the first time.
Looking up at him, I smile because I really do like the term.He wraps an arm around my waist, giving it a little squeeze and smiles at me.Then he turns his attention back to the couple in front of us.
"We were just getting ready for dinner.If you'd like to join us, we'd love the company," Noah says.His words are steady in his deep voice..It’s as if he really thought out what he was going to say before he said it.
Nate looks down at me, his eyes searching my face.I can tell that he's leaving the decision up to me, so I smile and nod up at him.
