Page 49 of Sunset

“Nothing could keep me away.” He smiles.

He takes my hand in his, and we walk across the street to the west side of our little point of The Island and see some guests have already shown up. He gives my hand a squeeze, and we go mingle and check to make sure everyone is set and comfortable.

One couple on the far side of the beach has a camera and a tripod set up. There’s another family with some young kids, chasing each other at the water’s edge, and a few couples snuggled up on blankets we scattered around. Rich and Ken are here together, checking on everyone and helping set up.

“I can’t believe this is actually happening!” Lin says, as she runs up to hug me.

I hold her tight. “Me either. Both of our parents would be so excited,” I say.

Kade walks up and puts an arm around Lin, then and pulls me in for a side hug. Her smile matches mine. It’s so big that it lights up her whole face, and when Kade looks at her, he supports a matching one.

“Thank you for this, Kade,” I say, looking out over the beach again.

“Nah, this is all you.” He waves me off.

“Grab a blanket; get comfy,” I tell them, and then watch them head off and find their own little spot on the beach.

“Let’s find a place, too,” Jasper says, and I turn to find him with a blanket over his arm. I let him lead us to a spot just far enough away from everyone, but still close enough, if they need us.

He spreads the blanket out on the sand, and then sits down, before pulling me to sit between his legs, my back to his chest. He wraps his arms around me, resting his elbows on his knees, and his chin on my shoulder, as we both watch the sky start turning a beautiful orange with a hint of red.

It reminds me of many evenings we had like this growing up. We’d watch the sunset at The Cove. The Cove is a local’s only beach, because it’s behind some private homes. There’s a path between two homes that only the locals know about. In the summer, when the beaches are overtaken by tourists, it’s great to have a place to get away from them.

“I hope you have been thinking, Brynn, because I meant what I said. I want a second chance.” He whispers in my ear.

Why do those words send butterflies swarming in my stomach? They want me to take the leap and not care that there’s no safety net to catch me. But my brain kicks in, saying this isn’t a good idea. I can’t afford to be left heartbroken again and trying to pick up the pieces at this point in my life. We’re starting this new adventure with the villas, which requires my time and energy.

“I will wait as long as you need, Brynn. I’m here for the long haul.” He says, almost like he can read my mind.

I get the feeling he doesn’t just mean here on The Island. I think he means in my life, in my kitchen, in my Inn, and in my space. The more I think about it, the more I can live with the decision to let him in.

I can’t imagine The Inn without him now, and I don’t want, too. The kitchen has never run better, and the staff is happier.

I twist sideways to gaze into his eyes. The look he gives me back is the one Kade gives Lin all the time. The one I keep saying I want. Right then, my heart overrules my brain, and I decide to give him an opening, though a guarded one. Another chance, the last one, because in order to move forward, I need to know.

Can we make it together? How can I move on with someone else with the ‘what if’ from Jasper, hanging over my head? It wouldn’t be fair to me or the next guy. Not that I want there to be a next guy because that means there will be a next girl and I don’t think I can handle watching that.

“Okay,” I tell him.

His face breaks out into a smile.

“Okay, yes?” He asks to be sure.

“Yes, one more chance.” I tell him.

“You won’t regret it.” He says and leans forward to give me a light kiss.

Thankfully, he doesn’t push the kiss out here in front of everyone.

“You’re missing the sunset.” He says, when I don’t open my eyes right away.

I turn just as the sun is starting to dip into the water.

Everyone stills, even the kids, and watches, as the sun disappears. It’s so quiet, like all of Hummingbird Island is pausing.

The moment the last of the sun dips below the water, people start moving, and The Island comes back to life.

Kade lights up the bonfire, and everyone gathers around. This is definitely better than the events on the roof.

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