Page 47 of A Whisper in the Bay

Dane helped them finish up, nervous but excited energy pulsing through his veins. Alissa’s book had just come out and it was already selling well. People had fallen in love with the tragic, but beautiful story of the siren and the sailor, just as Dane knew they would. The romantic storyline wasn’t something he would have been drawn to, but now that he was living a love story of his own, he could appreciate it on a whole new level.

Alissa had captured the breathless excitement of falling in love perfectly, as if she had taken the way he felt for her out of his brain and put it on paper.

He glanced over his shoulder back at the bed and breakfast, the fresh summer breeze ruffling his hair. Alissa was inside with Caitlin, getting ready, and he couldn’t wait to see her. Caitlin had apparently given her a makeover on their first date—which Dane had insisted wasn’t a date, though in his heart he knew he wanted it to be more—so he was excited to see what Caitlin did today. Alissa was always beautiful to him either way, but seeing her dressed up was something special.

Dane wandered inside to the kitchen, where Monica was pouring more sparkling wine.

“Do you need any help?” Dane asked Monica.

“I’m good, but thank you.” Monica adjusted her glasses on her nose and smiled at him. “Are you nervous?”

“What makes you say that?”

“You’ve been restlessly wandering around ever since you got here.” Monica glanced at the drinks in front of her. “Would you like a drink?”

“Sure, I’ll take some red wine.” Dane chuckled to himself. “I’m just excited for Alissa.”

“I am too. I know the turnout will be great.” Monica passed him a glass of wine.

“And it looks great. Having it outside was the perfect choice, especially with that view in the background.” Dane nodded out toward the ocean, which was going to be behind Alissa.

“Thanks!” Monica gave him a shy smile. “The moment Alissa got the book deal I was thinking of ideas for this event. I’ve always wanted to have something here but I never knew what event could kick it off perfectly. This is perfect.”

Monica and Dane enjoyed some of their wine together before throwing themselves back into setting up. Soon, guests started to arrive, Alissa’s book in hand. The more people filled the bed and breakfast’s outdoor area, the more excitement buzzed in the air.

“Dane!”

Dane turned toward the person who called him over the noise of the party and to his surprise, it was Alvin. He looked happy to see him.

“Uh, hi,” Dane said, unable to keep the skepticism out of his voice.

“I know, you probably weren’t expecting me here.” Alvin extended his hand and Dane shook it.

“How’d you hear about it?” Had news of Alissa’s book spread to New York City?

“The Outlet. I’ve been following the online edition and it sounded interesting.” Alvin shrugged, tucking his hands into the pockets of his khaki shorts. “I had coffee with Ross and he mentioned that you and Alissa were dating, so I figured I’d show my support.”

“Wow, thank you.” Dane was oddly touched.

“It’s no problem at all.” Alvin looked around. “I can see why you like this place. It’s beautiful and calm. The way you and Alissa write about it was another reason why I came. Well that, and to talk to you. To thank you for giving me the kick I needed to get it together.”

Dane blinked. He could have said the same thing to Alvin. If he hadn’t been so blasé about the changes Dane wanted to make, he never would have come here. And if he hadn’t come here, he wouldn’t have met Alissa or found himself again.

“I’m glad I helped,” was all Dane could say. To his surprise, a well of emotion bubbled up inside of him.

“Yeah. The paper’s doing a lot better. I’ve gotten everyone under control and the standards have gone up again. And we’re much more profitable as a result.”

“That’s amazing.”

“It is.” Alvin clapped him on the shoulder. “We should grab dinner soon and catch up. I’ll be here for the next few days.”

“I’d like that.”

“I heard this place The Crab is good. Have you had it?”

Dane smiled. “It’s one of my favorites.”

“Perfect. How about tomorrow? I’d love to meet Alissa too in case I can’t tonight.”

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