Just then, Frank barreled through the bedroom door with the girls hot on his heels. Emma squealed in delight, hands outstretched in an attempt to scoop up the small dog.

  June linked her hands together, her eyes still fixed on Roland's. The emotion behind her eyes gave his heart a jolt. They had so much to talk about, and he still hadn't gotten a chance to say everything he wanted to say to her. They'd barely had a moment alone in weeks.

  Frank leaped onto the end of the bed and nestled in beside Roland. He turned a circle twice, then lay down, resting his head on Roland's healthy leg.

  "No, Frank. Off the bed," began Emma, patting her legs in an attempt to get the dog to come to her.

  "It's fine, he can stay." Roland was feeling generous and was surprised just how happy he was to see the animal.

  Emma and Caitlin sat too, on either side of him, and he kissed each of them on the cheek.

  "Thank you for taking such good care of me while I was in the hospital," he began. "I know you've had school for a few weeks now, so it's been hard on you."

  "We don't mind missing school," piped up Caitlin, a twinkle in her eye.

  "I'm sure you don't." Roland chuckled. "Still, I'd rather you didn't miss. And I know you've had to come visit me at rehab after school, so you haven't been able to play or see your friends as much as you'd like to."

  "It's okay, Dad. We'd rather see you," replied Caitlin with a grin.

  His throat tightened. How had he managed to raise a daughter who was so beautiful, poised, and kind on his own? She was the image of Rosemary, and it brought tears to his eyes. He brushed them away, not wanting the girls to see them. They were happy tears, but the past weeks had seen far too many tears in general. It was time for them all to smile and laugh again.

  "Thanks, kiddo," he said, ruffling her hair with one hand.

  "I'm going to feed Frank," piped up Emma, lifting Frank with one hand and pinning him to her chest.

  "It's my turn," objected Caitlin, following her sister out of the room.

  "Well, the peaceful moment couldn't last," he chuckled, watching them go.

  June sidled up to him and slid onto the bed beside him. She stared at the ground in front of her, hands pressed to the comforter on either side.

  "I'm sorry," she said.

  He frowned. "Sorry for what?"

  "For…I don't know. Everything, I guess. When you had the accident, all I could think about was how we'd messed everything up. You and I had such a great thing going, and then it all changed. I don't know what I could've done differently, but I'm still sorry for my part in it."

  She lifted her eyes, so they met his, and moisture gleamed against the blue.

  He smiled and cupped her cheek with his hand. "It wasn't your fault. It was mine."

  She shook her head and rubbed her cheek slowly against his palm, squeezing her eyes shut. "No, it was both of us."

  "June, look at me."

  Her gaze met his and a spark passed through his body. Her blue eyes were deep with emotion, shining with love, yet a flash of fear moved him to sigh.

  "I came home early that day…"

  She frowned. "Yes, why did you do that? We weren't expecting you until the next day, and Helen said there was something you wanted to tell me."

  He shifted his body until he was facing her, then took both her hands in his. He squeezed them gently, then lifted one to kiss the back of it. Her eyes widened.

  "Yes, there is something I wanted to tell you. When I was in New York, I had a realization about something—about us. I knew I had to see you, so I flew home early."

  Her brow furrowed. His heart thundered against his ribcage, and he swallowed hard.

  "I love you."

  Her eyes flew wider still. She didn't pull away, and he took that as a sign to continue. He had to get the words out before she moved, while the moment was there. It could pass in an instant, and he might not get the chance again. He had to take it while he could.

  "It's true, I love you. That's what I realized while I was in New York. It's also true that I'm too old for you…"

  "No, you're not," she countered.

  "Yes, I am, and I have baggage that isn't fair on you."

  "Baggage?"

  "You know, Rosemary, the children…"

  She chuckled. "That's not baggage, that's beauty. That's life, it's a gift."

  His throat tightened, and tears threatened. He'd never thought of it that way. It was so like June to see the gold in something he couldn't.

  "You're right. It is a gift."

  "God gave you a family, and you lost Rosemary. That's nothing to be ashamed of, or to regret. You had something beautiful, and you should appreciate and honor that. Loving someone else will never change that."

  How could he have ever thought his past would be a burden to her? Still, he had to give her one last chance to walk away. If she didn't love him, he didn't want to pressure her into something. He wasn't looking for a date, he was looking for lifelong love. If that was too much for her, he needed to give her an out.

  "You're so right. Wow, that's a great way of looking at it. I hope you’ll find someone worthy of you…”

  What was she thinking? He almost couldn't breathe waiting for her to say something, anything to end his pain, to end the anticipation.

  Sweat covered both palms, and he wanted to wipe them on his pants, but he still held her hands in his. For how much longer? Would she stay?

  When her eyes met his again, they sparkled with fun and light. "It's too late for that," she said.

  "What do you mean?"

  "I can't find someone else when I'm in love with you."

  His heart burst with love and happiness. He pressed both hands to her cheeks, pulled her to him and kissed her hard on the lips. She smiled against his kiss, then wound her arms around his neck, and squirmed closer until there was nothing between them but that kiss. The earth stood still, time held its breath, and the room spun.

  She loved him.

  When he pulled away, the smile wouldn't leave his face. "I love you so much. I always knew I loved you, but for a long time I convinced myself it was a friendship kind of love, and you didn't feel the same way."

  She shook her head. "We were friends, but we can't ever go back there now. I love you and I can't imagine ever being without you again."

  When he kissed her this time, it was as though they'd loved each other since time began. His lips explored hers with confidence, his hands ran down her back and pulled her to him. She was a mystery and yet familiar all at the same time, and she tasted like vanilla and salty tears. He knew then they would be together forever. Love swelled up from deep within, and his entire body felt as though it was on fire as every nerve tingled with pleasure. She was his, he was hers, and they were a family.

  Epilogue

  June inhaled slowly and deeply as the faint strains of guitar music floated over the breeze. Tandy took her hand and squeezed it. She smiled at June, and June arched an eyebrow.

  "I guess this is it."

  Tandy nodded. Then, stepped off the deck. Her feet plowed into the soft sand with each step she took, her blue silk dress swirling around her bare ankles.

  June squeezed her eyes shut, letting the ocean breeze wash over her, tickling her senses with the smell of salt and a hint of cool. The sun hung, a bright orange orb, over the still horizon. A wave curled, bowing down to reach the trough, then crashed, the sound calming and soothing the last of her nerves.

  Hawaii was breathtaking, and she was finally glad she'd let Roland talk her into eloping there. The press had a field day when their engagement was announced. They’d never formally announced their make-believe engagement, though that hadn’t stopped the original story from running. They were featured on the news, social media, blog sites, and entertainment channels for weeks—every pundit wondering whether they'd get married in Atlanta or somewhere more exotic, if she was pregnant, whether or not they'd have family there when the day would come.

  Tension built in her shoulders and neck until one day she could barely climb out of bed without pain shooting down her spine and into her right leg. When the doctor diagnosed stress, Roland had suggested Hawaii. At first, she'd been unsure—what about their families, friends? He'd assured her they could have a party when they returned, and she'd warmed to the idea.

  Now, she couldn't imagine anything more perfect.

  She raised a bare foot into the air, and plunged it into the sand, following in Tandy's footsteps.

  The music beckoned and called her in. Up ahead, a small party waited beneath an archway with floating wisps of silk and white chiffon. Flowers garnished a half dozen chairs set in the sand. She smiled, her pace gaining speed.

  The only thing marring her perfect day was that Dad wasn't there to walk her down the aisle. Jax had offered, but she'd said instead she'd imagine her father standing beside her, her arm looped through his, a proud smile on his handsome face.

  A tear beaded in her eye, and she wiped it with a fingertip. Today wasn't a day for crying, it was a celebration. She missed him, but she knew he'd want her to be happy.

  When she reached Roland, he took her hand, his own eyes shining and red-rimmed. He squeezed her hand, leaned forward, and slipped the veil from her face and back over her head. It had been her mother's and even though it was more formal than a beach wedding required, it had made Mom happy that she'd worn it.

  Roland leaned toward her and whispered against her hair. "You look stunning."

  She smiled, her face warming. She couldn't believe she was going to become Mrs. June Kirk. It was something she'd never dreamed of, something she never thought possible.

  As they said their vows, her gaze roamed over the faces before her. Roland's lips moved, reciting his commitment after the minister. Her heart swelled as he promised to love her forever. Beside them, two flower girls grinned. Emma shoved a toe deep into the sand, then bent to inspect what she'd found. She hadn’t sucked her thumb in weeks, and June couldn’t help the swell of joy that came at the knowledge that she’d get to be there to share all the milestones to come in the little girl’s life.

  Caitlin stood still, only swaying a little from side to side. When she caught June looking at her, she grinned, and her little cheeks flushed pink.

  How could she be so blessed as to get to mother these two darling girls? Children she'd already given her heart to, who she'd raised for two, long years, and knew every scrape on their knees, every dream in their hearts, every nightmare cried over on their pillows. She'd always dreaded the idea that one day she'd have to leave them, that they wouldn't need her any longer. And now that day would never come.

  Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes, and this time she let them stay. Roland slid a ring onto her finger. Not the one he'd given Rosemary all those years ago, a new ring. It sparkled and shone in the dim lighting, and her breath caught in her throat at the sight of it.

  Finally, it was her turn to make vows, and she said the words with all her heart, vowing to make a commitment to Roland for the rest of her days. Her heart soared as the words poured from her mouth.

  "You may kiss the bride." The minister's smile broke her from her reverie.

  She gazed into Roland's eyes and found love there. He took her head between his hands and guided her toward his lips. When he kissed her, everything around them faded. The sunset glimmering on the sighing ocean, the cool sand beneath their feet, the white silk fanning about them, and the sparkling lights that welcomed them into their private restaurant reception.

  The warmth of his lips took her breath away. The feel of his hands on her face filled her with peace. She watched as he pulled away, his eyes fixed on hers. The crinkles around the edges betrayed his smile.

  "I can't believe I get to be your husband," he whispered.

  She laughed. "Forever and ever."

  He nodded, through a shimmer of unshed tears. "Nothing to part us."

  She knew his fears. Knew why his heart shuddered at the words—the question unspoken. How long would forever last this time?

  She placed a hand on his chest where his heart thudded loudly. The pulse reassured her, his heat filled her with hope for the future.

  "Nothing can take you from me or me from you. Not even death."

  He nodded, the depth in his gaze sparking a fire in her gut. "Well, Mrs. Kirk. I can't wait to get you alone. It's been a short engagement, but it feels like a long time to me."

  She chuckled. "You'll have to wait a little longer, my love."

  He kissed her again, then they turned to accept embraces and congratulations from their loved ones. Mom kissed her cheek, wet trails down her own face.

  "I'm so proud of you, honey. You are beautiful today, and everything a mother could ask for."

  Caitlin and Emma both kissed them on the cheeks. Emma took hold of June's head, one hand on either side of her face and looked into her eyes with a serious expression.

  "I'm glad you're gonna be my mommy."

  June's chest tightened. "Thanks, honey, I'm glad too. More than glad. I'm so happy, it's almost hard to breathe."

  Emma grinned. "It's just like I told you, we're a real family now."

  June smiled, tears filling her eyes. She straightened to watch the girls run through the sand after her mother. Frank trotted along behind them, his leash trailing through the sand, pink tongue lolling out the side of his mouth.

  Jax was next. He and Stacey grinned and offered her their best wishes. Then Roland's aunt and uncle, the only members of his family he'd flown out for the occasion. Tucker and Rose Kirk embraced her, offering her their welcome into the Kirk family which she readily accepted. Thad and his wife, Christine, were next. She was gratified to see they were holding hands, after what Roland had told her about their conversation. Maybe the romance of the location would help rekindle their love.

  Finally, Tandy handed back the bouquet she'd been given before the vows.

  "I'm so happy for you," she said as she kissed June's cheek.

  "Thank you."

  "You deserve it. The two of you are perfect together. I couldn't have imagined a happier ending for you. Truly."

  She looked down at the strong hand entwined with hers. It hadn't been so long ago she wouldn't have thought it, wouldn't have believed that her boss, Roland Kirk, would be the man of her dreams. The man she'd want to spend the rest of her life with. How had she been so blind?

  She glanced up at him to find him staring at her, a question in his eyes, one eyebrow quirked. "What is it?"

  She grinned. "I'm just wondering how I got so lucky? And how I could've missed seeing you for so long when you were right in front of me."

  He chuckled. "Whatever the reason, I'm glad you changed your mind about me."

  The reception was everything they'd hoped for. A quiet dinner with their loved ones—mahi-mahi, scallops, lobster, shrimp, all alongside lavish tropical salads, followed by a variety of ice cream options, cheesecakes, and fruit. Roland's favorite seafoods and her favorite desserts.

  June tossed her bouquet over one shoulder and Tandy caught it, cheeks flaming, then quickly handed it to Caitlin since Emma had run off, and there was no one else waiting there.

  June laughed, then Roland took her by the hand. They said their goodbyes and walked out of the restaurant. The sound of the helicopter's rotors grew louder with every step they took. They climbed a set of stairs on one side of the restaurant, and soon found themselves on its flat roof.

  A helicopter waited there, and the wind from its blades blew June's hair in every direction and lifted her dress. She laughed and held it down with her free hand, then the two of them ducked and ran to climb inside.

  The aircraft carried them to a private island with a single luxurious home. June stared out the chopper windows as they banked to the left and began their descent. The house sprawled across at least an acre, with swimming pools in various shapes and sizes surrounding one entire side. A small alley of shrubbery stood between the pools and the shallow, lapping waters of a private beach in a sheltered cove. Black rocks climbed toward the shrubs, and the water sparkled as though it were wreathed in diamonds.

  She sighed and lay her head on Roland's shoulder. He grinned. "Like it?"

  She nodded. "How on earth did you find this place?" She had to shout to be heard over the sound of the engine.

  He laughed. "It's ours, my darling."

  Her head jolted upright. "What?"

  "It's ours. I bought it years ago. I don't come here very often…memories, you know. But I thought it was time to make new memories. With you."

  He kissed her softly then held her close to him with his fingers pressed beneath her chin, his eyes glinting.

  "I can't believe we own this! It's so unlike you to be so…extravagant."

  "I know, but when I saw it, I couldn't help myself."

  "It is beautiful." She scanned her surroundings as the chopper landed with a soft thud. This couldn't be real. How was it possible she was now part-owner of a place like this?

  She laughed out loud as she followed Roland from the helicopter. They watched as it pulled back into the sky, grass and leaves swirling around them in a sucking wind. When it was gone, Roland leaned over to kiss her again. Her head spun.

  Then he slid an arm beneath her legs and lifted her easily into his embrace. She squealed, then laughed, and buried her face in the space between his shoulder and neck. His pulse beat a soft rhythm against her skin, and his warmth steadied her. He was her compass in the midst of things she couldn't comprehend.

  He carried her across the yard, and up a set of wide stairs, then he pushed on a tall glass door that gave a view out over the cove and carried her over the threshold. When he set her feet down on the hardwood timber floor, she suddenly remembered she wasn't wearing shoes. She glanced down at her feet and giggled.

  "I'm barefoot."

  He smirked. "So am I."

  "It just seems wrong, to walk around a place like this with no shoes on."

  His entire body shook with laughter. "You're funny. Come on, let's explore. I haven't been here in an age."

  She grabbed him before he could move and stood on tiptoes to kiss him hard on the mouth. His arms crept around behind her back, caressing her skin, tickling, soothing and awakening.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18