Page 49 of A Breeze Over Rosewood Beach
Oscar sipped his lemonade contentedly as he watched the joyful scene unfold. When the speeches were over, many people returned to the food and beverage tables, refilling their glasses and piling their plates high with Monte Cristo sandwiches and slices of warm pie.
This is so much fun, Oscar thought. We’re only talking and eating and drinking—and I guess some people are dancing—but it’s not like any party I’ve ever been to before. How can it be so enjoyable if I’m just sitting here like this? But it is.
He had been to plenty of parties with wonderful food and interesting people. But they hadn’t filled him with joy like this party did. It was lively and slightly chaotic in the best way, a celebration stitched together with heart and laughter rather than ceremony and polish.
After another minute or two had passed, Sally sat down quietly in the chair next to him, slipping her hand into his. “Hey, stranger,” she whispered. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
Oscar looked at her with a warm smile on his face. “Immensely,” he said without hesitation.
She grinned at him. “Really? I would have thought that it doesn’t quite measure up to New York celebrations. I figured any wedding receptions that you went to out there in the Big Apple must have been extremely posh, with even better food—although I can’t believe I’m saying that. I’m sure our quaint little party can’t measure up to something that spectacular.”
Oscar laughed. “I wouldn’t want it to,” he said. “This is better than anything I ever went to in New York. It’s real. And fun. And full of people who actually care about each other. I’m happy here, Sally. Not just at the party but in Rosewood Beach. I think Vivian’s speech did a good job of summing it up. This town is really something special, and I’m truly happy here.”
Sally blinked, her eyes gleaming with tears of happiness. “I love to hear you say that, Oscar.” There was a stray strand of hair wisping out to the side, near her cheek, and he tucked it behind her ear. His hand lingered for a moment before dropping to his side.
“I’ve been thinking,” he continued, turning his chair to face her more fully. “I don’t want to just be a renter in Rosewood Beach anymore. I think it’s time I make my move permanent. I’m going to start looking for a house.”
She gasped eagerly. “That sounds splendid!” She squeezed his hand. “Can I help you look? There aren’t many houses available, but I bet some of the people who run Airbnbs or rentals through their cottages would be willing to sell to you. Luckily for you, I know all the right people to ask.”
“Wonderful.” He brought his face closer to hers so he could look right into her eyes. “I would love your help. Picking out a new house with the help of my girlfriend sounds like a fantastic time.”
“Girlfriend?” she echoed, blushing slightly.
“Well, of course.” His eyes traced over her face as he smiled. “That’s good with you, right?”
“Oh, definitely. Boyfriend.” She laughed breathlessly.
Oscar leaned in and kissed her, a kiss that felt as though it was filled with hope for the future. Around them, the music carried on, the laughter bubbled, and the twinkling lights glowed like stars. But for a moment, their worlds quieted.
When they broke apart, Oscar caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. Vivian stood across the room, watching them. She gave him a sly wink and a firm nod, her smile speaking volumes. The message was clear: she approved.
Oscar felt his spirits lift up. Having Sally’s heart meant everything to him, but knowing he had Vivian’s blessing too? That made him feel more at home in Rosewood Beach than ever. He squeezed Sally’s hand and she squeezed back.
“Looks like you passed the final test,” she teased, nodding her head in Vivian’s direction.
He chuckled. “I’ll take it.”
They sat there together, savoring the quiet between them amid the joyful chaos. The future stretched out in front of them, not glittering and perfect like the New York skyline, but grounded, colorful and beautiful, like a well-tended garden of flowers.
And Oscar knew, without a doubt, that Rosewood Beach had given him more than a place to stay. It had given him love, and a home for his heart.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Sally sang quietly to herself as she arranged a bouquet of flowers on the counter. It was another busy afternoon at Ocean Breeze Café, the kind that hummed with energy and the comforting clatter of plates and laughter. Outside, sunlight gleamed on a dusting of freshly fallen snow, and the sky was a perfect robin’s egg blue, promising the coming of spring. Inside the cozy café, the air was rich with the scent of freshly baked rosemary focaccia and the earthy, warm aroma of coffee. It was the kind of day where everything felt alive and right, Sally thought to herself with a satisfied smile. This was why she’d spent so many years pouring her heart and soul into her café—she’d created a place where people could gather together that felt like a home away from home.
She picked up an empty tray off the counter and then set off on her next mission, moving with speed, as if the dance steps of her life were moving to quick music. She hurried through the dining area with practiced dexterity, her tray balanced in one hand, and her butterfly hair clip bouncing with every step. Her eyes swept over the tables, checking in on regulars and new faces alike, and she was always ready to smile warmly at anyone who looked back at her.
Julia sat at one of the sun-warmed tables by the window, glowing and looking energetic and at peace. She was wearing a purple sweater that fit comfortably, but wasn’t so loose that it hid the way her baby bump had started to show. The light filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a golden halo over her dark brown hair as she swirled the coffee around in her mug. Cooper, sitting beside her, looked equally happy as he gently rested his hand on hers.
“Order up!” called one of the workers in the kitchen, and Sally sashayed back to the window to grab the hot plates of food. She noted that the meals were for Julia and Cooper, and she grinned, glad of an excuse to talk to the couple. She set the hot plates carefully onto her tray and set off across the room.
“You’re positively glowing,” Sally said as she reached their table, setting down Julia’s plate with a flourish. “Your latest craving, madam—grilled cheese with extra pickles, pesto, and a touch of hot sauce, just like you ordered.”
Julia laughed, looking down at the food with obvious relish. “You’re a magician, Sally. I swear this baby’s appetite is turning me into a food critic.”
Cooper chuckled and leaned back. “At least I get to sample the inventions.”
“I should start writing a pregnancy cravings cookbook,” Sally joked. “You two would be the perfect first chapter.”
