Page 56 of Sunsets at the Beach House

“Perfect.” He snagged her hand and pulled her in for a quick kiss. “How did I get so lucky, to have you in my life?”

She gazed up at him, the most blissful sense of contentment going through her. “You bought a house in the right neighborhood.”

He laughed. “That’s for sure. Listen, about tomorrow—”

“I’m not going to be here, remember? I’m headed to Landry to get my car and as much of my stuff as I can fit in it.”

He nodded. “I remember. I cleared my calendar. I’d like to go with you and help. If you want. I’d be happy to drive you and then you’ll have twice as much room to bring back whatever you’d like. Pack my car as full as you want. That SUV holds a lot.”

She blinked in surprise at his kind offer. Although that’s what Danny did. He made himself available when she needed him most. Even when she didn’t know she needed him. “Thank you. That would definitely be a help. A big one. Alex got hurt on the job, so he won’t be able to go tomorrow. In fact, Kat’s with him at the hospital right now.” She quickly explained what had happened.

Danny cringed as she described Alex’s injuries. “That’s awful,” Danny said. “But I’m glad he’s going to be all right. He’s a great young man. I’m happy to help Kat and Cash, too. What time would you like to leave tomorrow?”

“Early, if that’s okay. Like eight?”

He nodded. “I’ll be ready. I’ll text you when I’m in the car.”

She went up on her toes to kiss him again. “It’s a date.”

Willie sighed with contentment as she finished the last bite of her meal. “That was some of the best grouper I’ve had.”

Miguel nodded. “It was. And the crab topping was superb.” He’d had the same meal. “The food here is excellent. I can see us coming here at least once a week.”

“Me, too,” Willie said. She looked around. The café was lovely. Very atmospheric, with its blue walls painted with under-the-sea scenes and the giant aquariums filled with marine life. One of them was so large it formed part of the back wall of the restaurant. “It’s like the kind of place you’d find at a high-end resort. But next time, I want to sit over there.” She pointed to the aquarium wall.

“We will,” Miguel said. “I’ll make sure of it.”

Willie watched a school of narrow silvery fish go past the diners. “You think our kids are wondering what happened to us? We’ve been gone a long time.”

“Danny won’t be worried,” Miguel said. “He knows what we’re doing. He’ll know we found something we liked, though, because otherwise we would have returned by now. Buying land and a house takes time. Do you think your daughter is concerned?”

“If she is, I haven’t heard from her. Of course, Roxie and Trina were busy today going back to Port St. Rosa to get Roxie’s car and more of our things. They might not even be back yet. Also, they both know that when I set out to do something, I do it. And when it’s something big, I don’t like to talk about it until it’s all taken care of. But they’ll be full of questions when I get home, that’s for sure.”

“Danny will be, too.” Miguel wiped his mouth with his napkin, then set it beside his plate. “Do you want dessert?”

“I’d better not. I’ve probably been eating too many sweets lately.”

“And you’re so sweet already.”

Willie giggled. She adored him. “I suppose we should head back and see if Rob has papers for us to sign.”

“Do you want to drive the golf cart this time?”

She shook her head. “Not until I’ve had a chance to practice.”

“Come on,” he said. “It’s easy. And you can go slow. I’ll be right beside you.”

She thought about it. There wasn’t anything to be afraid of. “All right, but you’d better help me navigate. I’m not sure I remember how to get back.”

“I will.” He signaled for the server, who came over. “I’m supposed to tell you our lunch is courtesy of Rob Downing.”

“I’ll take care of that. Let me just bring you your receipt.”

“Thank you.” Then he smiled at Willie. “Can you believe we are buying a house? And it is going to be on a beautiful piece of land.”

“I know,” Willie breathed the words out. “It feels like the best dream come true ever.”

“I agree.” Miguel’s phone went off with a little chirp. He adjusted his reading glasses and looked at the screen. “Rob must have sensed we were thinking about returning. He apologizes for the delay but says he needs another twenty minutes.” Miguel looked up at Willie. “Should we have that dessert after all?”

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