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Slade sends me a mischievous look. “Marin and your son are a perfect match. They’d look adorable together. But Marin’s just not ready yet. It’s too soon.”

Offended. Definitely offended.

“Can’t blame us for trying,” Martha says as Slade hands her the picture. She tucks it back into her purse.

Slade claps his hands, making me jump. “Did you hear? Sunset Toys on the boardwalk is having a sale today, fifty percent off everything. They have Star Wars characters.”

Martha and Ernest get to their feet, huffing a bit as they climb out of their chairs. “Thanks, Mr. Sheridan. We promised Leroy a souvenir and this will be perfect. He’ll be so excited.”

“I know he will,” Slade says with enthusiasm.

I’m not sure how he’s keeping a straight face.

After they leave, Slade slides into the chair across from me, a dishtowel slung over one shoulder. He grabs a piece of cantaloupe from my plate and pops it into his mouth.

I scoff. “Excuse me.”

He reaches for my last slice of bacon and I slap his hand. “Don’t you dare.” He catches my hand and holds it, surprising me.

“Just saved you from living in a basement for the rest of your life. Never seeing the sun. Breathing recycled air. Living on pork rinds, Funyuns, and Little Debbie snacks. The only thing between you and dehydration are cases of Yoohoo. The incessant beeping sounds of video games in your ears twenty-four-seven. A world where baggy sweats and t-shirts count as being dressed. You owe me one.”

I smirk, refusing to laugh. “I’m eternally indebted. But bacon is sacred.”

Slade’s eyes glint with humor as he releases my hand with reluctance. “I nearly lost it when I heard you ask if their son lives in the basement.” His laugh ripples through the air.

He has a great laugh. The kind of laugh I’d love to hear for the rest of my life because the sound makes me happy.

Wait. I’m confusing imagination with reality. All of my thoughts about Slade have been fantasy. Nothing more.

Yet, this is the real thing. And I’m enjoying his company.

“What about you?” A wave of mirth tugs at my lips. “Star Wars characters? Really?”

“He seemed like the type.” There’s something enchanting about Slade’s deadpan humor.

“You nailed it.” I turn serious as I tell him, “Thanks for saving me. Really.” The moment feels unsure as we stare into each other’s eyes for just a beat too long. I’ve never felt so drawn to someone’s gaze. I’m glad he can’t read my thoughts or visualize my recent fantasies about him.

He abruptly breaks the spell. “You bet. I know you’re probably disappointed, but it really is too soon.” Slade gets to his feet after another hearty laugh. He rests his hand on my shoulder again. Briefly, but I take notice.

“Back to work for me. Gotta make more bacon for this breakfast crowd. Ain’t no one in a sharin’ mood. Nice to see you out and about, Marin. You look good. Back to your beautiful self.”

Feeling speechless, I wonder what he’d do if I told him I thought he looked really good too. What if I told him he was gorgeous? Ha! He’d probably turn and run so fast, all I’d see would be the flash of his retreat.

With so many thoughts wandering through my head, I go for a long walk on the beach. It’s unbelievable how much better I feel getting outside and enjoying the ocean breeze while thinking about my life and what I’ll do next.

I can probably return to my job at the library. I’ve always been career focused, while knowing it was something I would probably only do until I met the right man and started a family. My favorite thing at the library was story time with all the little ones. Spending so much time with children taught me I want to be a mother.

I’d rather not be the cliché spinster librarian scolding patrons if they don’t put their books back where they belong.

A deep sigh escapes. I need to stop feeling as though my life is over. I’m not going to be a spinster. I need to work on a positive mindset. It feels like an impossible task, but I know it will come with time. I need to be patient with myself. I’ll figure this out.

I let the waves lull me as I watch them crash onto the shore and pull back as quickly as they arrived. Beautiful shells litter the beach in their wake. They feel like sweet gifts from the ocean as I collect a few and stuff them in my pockets. I have a collection of favorite shells from Misty Gray in my storage unit.

I can’t say I’m thankful for a world with Octobers. However, I’m glad I live in a world with beaches.

When I return, Slade’s busy with his bubble show. I decide to join the crowd. I don’t know how he makes a bubble show look cool. Perhaps it’s the way he handles the bubbles without popping a single one. Or the way he moves so smoothly, like a magician performing an act. The song “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie is playing over his Bluetooth speaker. Occasionally he adds a dance move to his show. The man can move—without looking stupid—and his hips, let’s just say they have moves of their own.

Slade lives in shorts, t-shirts, and flip-flops. That is, when he’s not barefoot. When it’s cold, he’s in jeans, hoodies, and sneakers. I love his casual nature. He strikes me as a man who has nothing to hide, nothing to prove. He is what he is.

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