Page 89 of Sunsets at the Beach House

“I don’t doubt that it is.” Just that they’d actually get seated.

Miguel held the door for her, and they went inside. People sat on padded benches along the walls in the foyer. She could only assume they were waiting for tables. The place smelled great. Hard to say exactly what the smell was. Sort of the savory aroma that food on a grill gave off, mixed with the yeasty goodness of fresh bread.

Whatever it was, Willie’s mouth was watering. She really hoped they didn’t have to wait too long.

Miguel went right up to the hostess stand. “Rojas, party of two.”

The woman behind the stand glanced at her computer screen, smiled, and nodded. “Miguel?”

“That is me.”

She pulled two menus from under the stand. “Right this way.”

Willie looked at her sly fiancé. “You made a reservation?”

He grinned. “I like to be prepared.”

Willie loved him a tiny bit more for it. “Nicely done, my darling. I am very impressed with you right now.”

He grinned as they followed the hostess to a little table near one of the windows.

He held her chair out for her, then took his own seat. The hostess handed them their menus. “Roger will be your server today. Enjoy your meal.”

“Thank you,” Willie said. The place was enchanting. Lots of sparkling crystal and dark wood and real candles in antique mercury glass cups on the tables, which had white tablecloths and gleaming silverware.

Soft, happy violin music played in the background and potted ferns filled small niches between the tables. It was very charming.

Roger arrived, bringing them goblets of ice water. “Our special today is trout almondine. Our soup today is crab bisque. Unless you have any questions for me, I’ll give you a few moments to have a look at your menus.”

Miguel nodded. “Thank you.”

As Roger left them, Willie leaned in toward Miguel. “I like this place. It’s very romantic.”

He looked around, nodding. “It’s quite beautiful. And it does feel very French. I’m glad we came here.”

“I’m glad you made a reservation.” How long had he been planning this?

He tapped his cheek. “Maybe I earned a little something for that?”

With a laugh, she gave him a kiss. “You’re so good to me.”

“It’s my new happiness.”

She let out a delighted sigh, as full of contentment as a person could be. There wasn’t a place inside her, not a nook or cranny, that could have held more joy than what she was feeling in the moment. “I could cry, I’m so happy.”

Miguel’s brows bent. “Don’t cry, my love.”

She smiled, even though she could feel herself getting weepy. “I can’t help it. I’m so happy my body doesn’t know how else to express itself.”

She picked up her napkin, also cloth, and dabbed at her eyes. “I never thought I’d live a life like this. Certainly not at this age. And now look at me. In love with a wonderful man. Building an incredible new house.”

“Having lunch in a place that could almost be France.”

She laughed. “That, too.”

“I know how you feel,” he said. “It’s all a little overwhelming in the best possible way. I hope it’s not too much for you.”

“No. It’s perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

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