Chapter 19
Another hard week of satisfying work in her rearview mirror. Another Friday night date with the man she loved in the headlights ahead. The stars popped out one by one in the sky, Ashley bearing witness to it all as she drove down the remote dirt road toward the Campbells’ vineyard.
Her fingers drummed on the steering wheel. “So everything is all set for a week from Sunday, then?”
“I think so.” Shannon’s voice filtered through the car’s speakers. “I’m still nervous I’ve forgotten something.”
“I wouldn’t have put you in charge of the reunion if I’d thought you couldn’t handle it.” Ashley had done most of the legwork before handing it over to her eager-to-help cousin a couple of weeks ago, anyway. “And I’ll be there for most of it supporting you. I asked Kyle to handle anything with the business so I can be fully committed to the reunion and Ben and Bella’s wedding activities.”
The full moon split the sky. Amazing how much brighter everything was out here where there weren’t any lights. Her tires bit and flicked rocks as they rotated down the road.
“I still can’t believe so many people are coming, though the wedding seems to be the main draw.” Shannon’s golden retriever, Lucky, barked in the background. “Did I tell you Quinn’s bringing a guy with her? They’re arriving next Saturday.”
“Really?” Shannon’s older sister and Tyler’s twin lived in New York City as some sort of hotshot marketing executive, and she hadn’t been home for several years—not even for her brother’s wedding last fall. “I’ll bet your mom is thrilled.”
“Yeah, someone to give us actual insight into my sister’s life. You know, since Quinn doesn’t like telling us more than she’s uber successful and can get any guy she wants.”
Quinn was the only subject that made Shannon sarcastic. It must be exhausting living in her older sister’s shadow.
Ashley sighted the vineyard lights. Normally she’d head directly to Derek’s cabin, but he’d asked her to come to the main house tonight—and not until eight-thirty, a bit later than they usually met. “Well, hey, I’m almost to Derek’s. Anything else you’re feeling unsure about?”
Shannon heaved a sigh. “Not about the reunion, no.”
“Something else?” Nearly three weeks of learning how to run a business and balancing a new relationship hadn’t left much time for her and Shannon to connect outside of their reunion planning meetings.
“I’ve made a decision. Just told my parents last night.”
“About what?” Pulling up to the house, Ashley put the car in park.
A stream of heavy breath hit the phone, crackling over the sound waves. “I’ve decided to adopt Noah Robinson.”
“What?”
“I know. It’s a huge decision, but his grandma’s been moved to a memory care facility. Social services has tried locating his mother and other family members and they just can’t find anyone. Mary’s nearest neighbor up the road is still keeping Noah, but she’s moving away in a few months.” Shannon’s voice trembled. “Ash, he’s the sweetest kid, and I just can’t sit by and let him go into the system. He’d probably have to leave Walker Beach, be far away from the one family member he has.”
“Oh, Shan. You’re the most generous person I know.” Ashley bit her lip. “Are you sure about this? You’ll be a single mom. That’s hard work.”
“It’s much harder to think that I could have done something and didn’t.”
“What did your parents say?”
“They’re still kind of hesitant, I think. But I’m hoping they come around.” Shannon grew quiet. “What do you think?”
The front door of Derek’s house opened and Heather stepped out. She waved when she saw Ashley sitting in the car.
Ashley returned the wave. “I think you’ll be a great mom, and I’m happy to help you any way I can.”
“Thank you, cuz. That means the world.”
After they said goodbye, Ashley blew out a breath. Wow. The thought of being a single mom—that was tough. But Heather Campbell rocked at it, as did a few others Ashley knew. Shannon would be great.
Speaking of Heather, she was still standing on the front porch.
Ashley shut the car off and climbed out. “Hey, girl.”
“Hey, yourself. Derek asked me to tell you to head to his cabin after all. But he wants you to walk. Oh, and you can leave your purse with me.”
Smiling, Ashley lifted a brow. “Mysterious.”
Derek’s sister strode forward, gently took the purse Ashley held out, and pointed toward the vineyard. “Go that way.”
Ah. Derek wanted to meet in their special spot. They’d been there several times since they’d finally stopped beating around the bush and declared their love for each other. “Thanks, Heather.”
Heather winked and disappeared back into the house.
Ashley started her trek through the vineyard. The moon’s light made the young grape clusters visible. Sooner than she could imagine, they’d be maturing into full-grown fruit ready for harvest.
As she approached the clearing in the middle of the vines, Ashley curved around a bend and pulled up short. Her hand flew to her mouth as her heart thudded against her ribs.
Luminaries lined the path in front of her.
As if on air, Ashley walked between the first pair, eyes peeled for anything else that didn’t belong.
And there, fluttering on the breeze, was a note clipped to a clothesline that had been tied to stakes in the ground—a line that traveled into the distance, beyond where Ashley could see. Next to the note hung a small flashlight no bigger than Ashley’s hand, which trembled as she reached for it. After clicking the light on, she plucked the note from the string.
Derek’s neat, uniform handwriting filled the page.
* * *
I remember the first time we were on the same team.
It was Ben’s thirteenth birthday party, and he invited me to go bowling with your family. You and I got paired together, and I remember groaning because I was sure I’d lose with a little girl on my side. But you showed us all.
I’ll never forget your victory dance when you scored the winning shot. Even at the age of ten, you were teaching me not to underestimate you—and also, that I loved being on your team.
* * *
She folded the note and held it against her heart. Oh, this man.
Moving down the lane, she came across another note. And another. And another. Each one spoke of precious memories of their early friendship.
Her chest expanded at the implications of what was happening. Was this real?
She picked up the fifth note.
* * *
I remember the first time I almost got up the courage to kiss you. It was about a year after we started hanging out without Ben around. We’d just gone running down the path near the lodge, and of course, you’d challenged me to a race. And yeah, you beat me, but we won’t talk about that.
I’d fallen for you months before, but had been content to just get to know you better as someone other than my best friend’s little sister. Well, you started doing that same victory dance you did at the bowling alley, swinging your hips around, smiling up a storm, and man, I nearly snagged you around the waist and laid one on you right then and there. Figured that would shut you up and give me something to gloat about.
But some dumb tourists came tearing up the hiking path and ruined the moment. I knew there was a reason I hated tourists.
* * *
Hysterical giggles bubbled from her throat.
She looked up, then swallowed hard. Nearly there.
Ashley made her way to the edge of the clearing, gasping at the gorgeous setup in front of her. Tall poles had been placed around the circle and used to mount twinkle lights that crisscrossed overhead. Underneath sat a soft-looking nest of blankets and pillows alongside an ice bucket with a bottle of wine sticking out.
She glanced around the clearing but didn’t see Derek anywhere. Huh.
> Ashley reached for one last note clipped to the end of the clothesline.
* * *
Do you remember that time I asked you to be my wife?
No?
Turn around, Ash. Our future awaits.
* * *
Spinning, Ashley faced the clearing once more—and nearly choked on a gasp.
There Derek kneeled, a red velvet box in his hand. “I see you found my notes.”
She had them all clutched in her left hand. “They’re beautiful.”
“They’re true. Every last memory. Every sentiment.” He gazed up at her, the lights from above illuminated in his eyes. “Ashley, I know we haven’t been together officially for all that long, but I’ve loved you for years and I’m tired of waiting. You are everything I want in a partner.”
Tears strolled down her cheeks.
Derek continued. “I can’t imagine living my life without you beside me, helping me to be a better man, encouraging me to strive for more than the status quo. You turned my world upside down, but I’ve realized that upside down is exactly where I want to be.” He popped open the ring box, revealing a one-carat, princess-cut solitaire on a white gold band. “So, Ashley Baker, will you marry me?”
Sinking to her knees on the cool dirt, she nodded. “Of course I’ll marry you, Derek. You’re all I’ve waited for. And more.”
Taking her trembling hand in his, he slid the ring onto her fourth finger. It settled in as if it had belonged to her for years instead of seconds. “It’s perfect.”
Derek hooked his hands around her waist, drawing her closer. “You’re perfect.”
“No.” She placed her hand on his chest, admiring the shimmers of the diamond. “We’re perfect. Together.”
“I won’t argue with that.” And dipping his head, he caught her lips with his own, proving the truth in her statement over and over and over again.
Epilogue
Every day with Ashley was an adventure.
But especially today.
Derek grabbed a spot in the boat club’s parking lot. Ashley had asked him to meet at her cousin Nate’s boat. How she’d found time to plan a surprise date the day before her family’s big reunion, Derek didn’t have a clue. But he was grateful for any extra time he could get with her. Since asking her to be his wife eight days ago, he’d barely seen the woman.
Hopping out of his Jeep, Derek headed toward the pier. Another cloudless blue sky greeted him and the wind off the sea whistled a hello. Someone yelled “Fore!” from the golf course that abutted the ocean to the north, and Derek maneuvered around a group of people gathered at the entrance to the small marina. Really, it was just a dock with fifteen or so slips, but the boats parked there ranged in size from small motorboats to yachts.
The pier was crowded today, not surprising for a Saturday in June, but he found Ashley with no problem about five slips down. She was standing near a sleek black-and-white motor yacht chatting with her cousin Spencer.
When she saw him approach, she grinned. “Hey!” Her tan had deepened with the days of summer, her hair turned even lighter. But the most beautiful thing about her was the weight that no longer dragged her shoulders down. Smiles had always come frequently for Ashley, but the one she zinged at him today was carefree and filled with joy.
He loved seeing her this way. He loved her.
“Hey, yourself.” Derek caught her around the waist and kissed her. How quickly that had become second nature—and he was the lucky guy who would get to kiss her every day for the rest of his life.
A throat cleared and Derek looked up. Oh yeah. Spencer. One hand still tucked around Ashley, he reached out the other. “Hey, man. Shouldn’t you be preparing for a sermon or something?” He grinned at his future cousin-in-law, who looked a lot more like a football linebacker than a pastor.
Spencer chuckled as he shook Derek’s hand. “Got that done earlier this week, man. Today I get the privilege of motoring you guys around.”
“You know how to drive that thing?”
Ashley tapped Derek’s chest. “Of course he does. It’s his brother’s boat. And their dad made sure all of his kids—as well as us cousins—learned how to drive a boat too.”
His eyebrows lifted. “Really? What other secret talents are you hiding from your fiancé?”
“Guess you’ll have to discover them as we grow old and gray together.” Ashley reclaimed her spot in his full embrace, and he couldn’t help but steal another kiss. Or two.
Fine, three.
Yeah, he could definitely get used to this.
His ears filled with Spencer’s laugh again. Derek groaned and dragged his mouth away, looking askance at the pastor. “Sorry not sorry, dude. You had to know what you were signing up for when you agreed to tag along.”
“Oh, I knew exactly what I was signing up for.” The man’s blue eyes twinkled like he was Saint Nick. Then he turned and climbed onto the boat.
Derek returned his attention to the future Mrs. Campbell. “So where are we off to today?”
“That’s for me to know and you to find out. But I promise it’ll be memorable.”
“With you, it always is.”
He helped her onto the boat, which featured a pilothouse with large swing-bi-fold doors, an L-shaped settee, an inlaid table, and a two-person love seat. The transom featured fixed seating for enjoying the ride outdoors, which is where Ashley parked them both.
With Spencer shut away inside, the boat rumbled to life and pulled away from the marina. Salt spray skimmed Derek’s cheeks as he held Ashley against his chest and enjoyed the sun on his face. Out here, the troubles with the vineyard—which were still a struggle, though he and Dad had made some headway on their goals—seemed far away.
His fingers fiddled with Ashley’s white T-shirt, which fell off her shoulder, revealing the strap of her red bathing suit underneath. If he knew her, she’d be in the water as soon as Spencer found a good place to anchor for a bit.
They stayed like that for a long while, her breathing so steady and her so still, she must have fallen asleep.
At last, the boat came to a stop, and Derek peeked over the side. Land was just a tiny blip on the horizon. Out here in the middle of the ocean, it was just him, Ashley, and the waves.
Well, and Spencer, but he could forgive the man his intrusion since he’d given up his Saturday to chauffeur them around.
Ashley stirred in his arms. Poor woman was exhausted, and no wonder, with all the prep she’d been doing for Ben and Bella’s wedding.
Derek leaned forward, feathering a kiss against her forehead. “Rise and shine, beautiful.” He hated to wake her, but she probably had their whole day planned and would be upset if she missed it.
She arched her back slightly, turning in his arms and tucking hers around his torso. “Hmm.” Her sweet murmur flooded him with warmth. Soon—though not soon enough—he would get to wake up next to this woman every day.
Man, he was way luckier than he deserved.
Spencer opened the door to the pilothouse, stretching his bulky arms over his head. “She asleep?”
“Yeah.”
They chatted for a bit about life and the upcoming reunion, and eventually their discussion roused Ashley. She sat up straight. “Derek Campbell, did you let me fall asleep?”
“You looked so peaceful.”
“What time is it?” She glanced at the clock above the pilothouse. “Yikes. We’re running late.”
“Late for what? Our date with the fish?” Derek poked her in the ribs.
Spencer leaned against the boat rail, a knowing smile on his face.
Shaking free of Derek’s hold, Ashley stood, her cheeks rosy as she leaned down and pressed her lips to his. “I’m going to the restroom to freshen up, and when I get back, you’d better be ready.”
“To do what?”
“You’ll see.” And then in a flash, she disappeared down the stairs next to the cockpit.
His attention fixed on Spencer, Derek pointed in the dire
ction she’d gone. “You know what that’s about?”
Ashley’s cousin just grinned and pulled a water bottle from the cooler hidden inside the bench seat next to Derek. “You don’t really think I’m going to give away her secrets, do you?” He tossed the bottle to Derek, who caught it with one hand.
The sudden chill tingled his fingertips. “Guess not.” He took a swig from the bottle and shot the breeze with Spencer for what seemed like an hour. What was Ashley doing down there? He thought she had her bathing suit on already, but maybe not. He’d worn his blue swim trunks and a white T-shirt, so he was all ready to go in the water once she finished up.
Finally, the door to the cabin below creaked open and her blonde head emerged. She climbed the stairs and Derek’s jaw dropped at the sight of her standing in the doorway to the pilothouse wearing a long white dress that sparkled in the sunlight. It dipped just low enough in the front to make his mouth go dry despite all the water he’d just drunk. Her hair flowed around her shoulders, and a wreath of yellow flowers sat on her head. The ring he’d bought her winked from her fourth finger.
“Wow.” Derek set his water bottle aside. “You look gorgeous.”
A shy smile slid across her lips. “Gorgeous enough to get married?”
They hadn’t even set a wedding date. Why was she showing him her wedding dress now? “What do you mean?”
She stepped forward and held out her hand. “I mean, do you want to get married? Today? Right now?”
“Seriously?” But the look on her face was anything but joking. “But don’t you want all of our friends and family with us? The church? The flowers? The whole shebang?”
“No, Derek.” She placed her hand against his chest. “I just want you. Besides, you never wanted a big wedding, and we’ll have a reception in the winter, after the harvest is over. But I don’t want to go another day without being Mrs. Derek Campbell.”
All I've Waited For Page 17
