Sweet Beginnings

by Melissa McClone

  Next came Jenny, who had never smiled so brightly.

  Dare stared as if captivated by his bride.

  Josh didn’t blame the groom. He hadn’t seen what was inside the dress bag he’d delivered to the dry cleaners, but the gown was perfect on her. Lace with a high-neck bodice, short sleeves, and a big bow in the back. No veil. She wore her hair up with white and purple flowers artfully positioned. He fought the urge to glance over his shoulder to see what Hope was doing. Instead, he forced himself to face forward and listen to the words being said.

  As Jenny and Dare exchanged vows, Josh wiped his eyes. Sand, he told himself. Though the words of love and devotion from the bride and groom left him choked up.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant said. “You may kiss the bride.”

  Dare leaned forward. Jenny met him halfway to press her lips against his.

  The military guys whistled, cheered, and high fived. Their staff sergeant shook his head.

  The wedding party marched up the aisle to applause. As the photographer went off with the newlyweds to take pictures, Zoe directed the guests toward the reception site.

  Where was Hope? At the reception already?

  Josh headed that way. He wondered what she thought of the wedding. Granted, this was her job, but she seemed like the kind of person who would take an interest in her clients.

  Inside the multipurpose room, he stared in disbelief. It didn’t look at all as it had on Tuesday.

  “Do you like the decorations?” Hope asked from behind him.

  He faced her. “I’m stunned at the transformation.”

  Tulle, seashells, flowers, and small white lights topped the panels on each of the four walls, but that was only the beginning. More tulle and lights hung from various edges of the room, strung to the center where a lighting fixture hung. The effect reminded Josh of a starfish. A round table held the wedding cake. Four other tables of eight had been set up in the room. Each table had a beach-themed centerpiece containing sand, seashells, candles, and a message in a bottle. A bar was in one corner, a DJ in the other.

  “I hope the bride and groom will be pleased,” she said.

  “They’ll be ecstatic.”

  “You can get something to drink and then find your table.” She motioned to a board with the table numbers on it. “I need to talk to the caterer.”

  Josh wished she was his plus-one tonight instead of working the event. “Go. We’ll have time together later.”

  * * *

  The bride and groom glowed with love for each other, wedding guests smiled as they ate and drank, and Hope’s feet only ached a little after being on them for hours. She’d call that a win.

  Being in the same space with Josh for a few hours, even if she couldn’t talk to him while she was working, was the icing, even tastier than Paula’s amazing cake creation. Hope had tasted a small piece that had been mangled during the cutting.

  Delicious.

  Josh danced with one of Dare’s sisters—Kate, or maybe that was Fiona. His wide smile deepened the lines at the corners of his eyes. Seeing him having fun pleased Hope. He’d had an endless supply of partners tonight, including the bride and Lizzy Hamilton, the wife of the best man, who’d glowered at Josh while they’d danced.

  Not that Hope was paying that close attention. Or jealous.

  Okay, maybe a little.

  But she was working. What Josh did shouldn’t matter. At least she wished it didn’t.

  Zoe handed Hope a water bottle. “Things are winding down, but you’ve got cleanup ahead of you. Take a fifteen-minute break.”

  The first time Hope had worked an event for Zoe, she’d turned down the opportunity for a break. She’d ended up with sore muscles and a blister. That was the last time she’d said no.

  “Thanks.”

  Without wanting to waste a single minute, she headed out of the double doors, cut through the patio, and plopped onto one of the lounge chairs on the sand. The air was warmer outside. It was quieter, too. No pounding bass line, no taps against crystal wanting the bride and groom to kiss, nothing to do but relax for a few minutes. She’d take off her shoes to give her swollen feet a break if she thought she could get them on again. Better not chance it.

  A few sips of water and resting for a few would give her a second wind. Something she’d need for cleanup detail.

  “Taking a break?”

  Josh.

  Chills shot down her arms. She hadn’t expected to see him out here.

  Straightening, she turned toward him. Her mouth went dry.

  He carried a favor bucket and his jacket. The sleeves of his white button-up were rolled up. The casual look suited him.

  Hope raised her water bottle. “My boss took pity on me.

  “You’ve been working hard.”

  “You’ve been dancing nonstop.” She patted the spot next to her. “How’s the leg?”

  “Holding up.” He sat, his thigh pressing against hers. Heat emanated at the point of contact, even though clothing separated their skin. “It’s a friendly crowd.”

  “Dare’s single guy friends seem more interested in drinking.”

  “That makes me one of the only sober partner choices tonight.” He placed his jacket and bucket on the end of the lounge chair. “Though I’d rather be dancing with you.”

  Her heart stumbled. “I’d like that, too, if I wasn’t working.”

  He glanced around. “You aren’t right now.”

  “No, but…”

  Josh pulled her out of view from the multipurpose room, took out his cell phone from his pant pocket, and tapped the screen. A romantic ballad played.

  The song was unexpected. “Ed Sheeran is on your playlist?”

  “My sister loves this song.” Josh tried to sound nonchalant. He almost pulled it off.

  Hope bit back a laugh. “You’re a good brother.”

  The setting sun splashed the sky in an artistic blend of oranges, lavenders, pinks, and yellows. The colorful combination couldn’t hide the pink on Josh’s cheeks. How someone could be both gorgeous and adorable at the same time was beyond her, but he was.

  His gaze met hers. An electrical current seemed to run between them, connecting them in a tangible way.

  Her breath caught. She didn’t know what would happen next, but she couldn’t wait to find out.

  Josh held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

  She clasped her fingers with his. “I’d be honored.”

  As the music played, he pulled her into his arms and swayed. He rubbed her back. Each touch made her heart melt. The sand wasn’t the best dancing surface, especially with wobbly knees. Those had nothing to do with being on her feet all day, and everything to do with her dance partner. But she wouldn’t change this moment for anything.

  “I’ve been trying to figure out a way to dance with you,” he said.

  “You succeeded.” Hope nearly laughed because what she felt for Josh went so far beyond friendship she wasn’t sure how to define it. For some reason, that didn’t freak her out. She was tired of holding back the way she had for the past two years. If anything, Josh made her want to step out of her box… to take a chance.

  The desire flowing through her veins matched the heat in his eyes. That was the only invitation she needed because the timing was… right. Only it was her turn to grab the kiss she wanted.

  She rose on her tiptoes. Pressed her lips against his. Hard.

  Forget gentle and soft. This kiss was full of longing. She hadn’t wanted to admit her growing affection for him, but she couldn’t ignore it now with their tongues tangling.

  He tasted sweet with a hint of chocolate. The apple cider and the cake? She didn’t care. It was the perfect combination.

  As Josh’s arms tightened around her, she arched against him. With each touch of his lips, her fears faded. His embrace brought a sense of belonging and acceptance, two things she hadn’t known she needed but now wasn’t sure she could do without.


  “Hope,” Zoe called across the courtyard.

  She pulled back. Were her lips as red and swollen as his? Probably given the way they throbbed. “That’s my boss. I have to go back to work.”

  He lowered his arms. “Thanks for the dance and…”

  “You’re welcome.” Except she would rather be in his embrace again. “Are we still on for later?”

  “Definitely.” He ran his finger along her jaw. “Text me, and I’ll be here.”

  “Are you heading back into the reception?” she asked.

  “It’s getting a little too rowdy,” he admitted. “I’ve said my goodbyes to the bride and the groom. I’m going to drop off the favor bucket and my jacket at the cottage and then take a walk.”

  She picked up her water bottle from next to the lounge chair.

  He laughed. “You are a worker bee.”

  “Buzz.” She touched the tip of his nose. “Be careful, or you might get stung.”

  He winked. “I’ll take my chances.”

  Would she? For the first time in a long time, she was ready.

  Her heart hammered against her rib cage. She couldn’t wait for the reception to be over. “See you soon.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  A little while later, Josh was on Main Street. His plan to survive the reception had worked. If he wasn’t dancing, he’d held a glass of mineral water or a flute of sparkling cider. The bartender, who’d dealt with guests like him before, had his refills ready for him. Josh had left as the beer chugging got underway.

  Thinking how he’d handled the evening sent a rush of pride through him. He’d remained in control. Focused. Happy.

  Being sober hadn’t affected his fun. If anything, he’d had a better time than the last wedding where he couldn’t even recall the bride or groom’s names. Josh would remember Jenny and Dare’s ceremony, the reception, and his brief interlude with…

  Hope.

  The heels of his dress shoes clapped against the sidewalk. He focused on the sound to keep himself in the moment because all he wanted to do was float away in his memory of kissing Hope.

  She’d kissed him.

  Her making the first move had been both a thrill and a turn-on. He couldn’t wait to find out what the rest of tonight held because his lips still tingled from her kisses.

  Soon.

  He doubted he’d hear from Hope for another hour. That would give him time to settle his anxious nerves. Not that he had any reason to be nervous. His past didn’t seem to bother Hope, and he’d succeeded at the reception.

  Was that enough? Was he?

  Josh wished he knew.

  No matter how well he’d done tonight, or any day since his arrest, the past hung over him like a dark cloud about to unleash a torrential thunderstorm and drown him once again. He couldn’t quite shake what he’d done or the man he’d been. The bottle had controlled him for so long—imaging a future where he made the decisions still seemed like a pipe dream.

  Or had.

  Until meeting Hope.

  She made him want to focus on the future and put the past behind him once and for all.

  But could he do that?

  Josh glanced at his cell phone in case he’d missed hearing a text notification. Nothing from Hope, but his brother and sister both wanted to know how things were going.

  He went into the Chocolate Emporium where he ordered a peanut cluster and a soda before sitting to rest his leg and text his family. A few people inside gave him second and third glances, but thankfully no one approached him. Good, because he’d forgotten to wear a baseball cap. That wouldn’t go with his suit.

  Keeping his head down to avoid making eye contact with anyone, he downed his drink before throwing his trash away and leaving the chocolate shop.

  A few people milled about, but not as many as were out during the afternoons. He’d make his way back toward the resort. By the time he got there, maybe Hope would be finished.

  Music poured out of the open door of a bar. Funny, but he hadn’t realized this place existed.

  “Josh, right?” A young woman stood in the bar’s doorway. “You’re Jenny’s friend.”

  He nodded.

  “I’m Claire, one of Dare’s sisters.” She glanced over her shoulder and then back at him. She frowned. “Two of his friends are here and have had way too much to drink. They’re ready to pass out or start a fight. I’d rather not disturb Dare on his wedding night, and I don’t have Mitch Hamilton’s number. Could you please help me get them back to their cottage?”

  Josh had made it through the reception, but going into a bar…

  A shiver ran down his spine. Goose bumps pricked his skin. Claire had no idea what she was asking. He hadn’t been in a bar in almost a year. But he couldn’t leave her to deal with this herself. That wouldn’t be right when he’d been so intoxicated at times he’d needed others to step up to get him home safely.

  “Sure,” he said.

  “Thanks.” The tension in her face lessened, but her posture remained stiff. “I should have never offered to be their DW.”

  “DW?”

  “Designated walker. A driver isn’t required since we’re staying so close to Main Street.” She sighed. “This serves me right for thinking one of them was cute. Dare tried to warn me, but I thought he was going all big brother on me.”

  Josh wouldn’t want Ava to have to deal with drunks, and she was at least a decade older than Claire. “We’ll get them back to the cottage.”

  “Thanks.”

  Staring at the bar’s entrance, he squared his shoulders.

  I’ve got this.

  Just like the reception.

  Josh took a breath before forcing himself to go inside. The sights and sounds hit him like a punch to the solar plexus. The smells overwhelmed and intoxicated him.

  Home.

  Being inside was like coming home. People might not know his name here, but the atmosphere of kinship and alcohol-fueled acceptance was the same as any other place he’d frequented.

  Claire motioned for him to follow. “They’re by the bar.”

  Two men Josh recognized from the wedding sat on stools downing shots. One slammed his glass against the bar. “Another round.”

  Claire grimaced. “The shots are after the beer and wine at the reception.”

  He could barely hear her over the music and the hooting and shouting crowd. Patrons slurred their words as they ordered more drinks from the tray-carrying waitresses in shorts and tight T-shirts.

  Get out.

  Except he couldn’t. Not until he helped Claire.

  Behind the bar, the bottles sitting on shelves glowed and called to him as if they contained the answer to every problem in the world. Once they had, or so he’d believed. Now…

  Someone backed into him. “Sorry, bro.”

  “No problem,” Josh said automatically.

  “Well, I’ll be.” The man’s breath smelled like beer from a keg that had been sitting out in the sun too long. He slapped Josh on the shoulder. “Miss seeing you on the field each Sunday, number eighteen.”

  “Thanks.” Josh tried to get closer to Claire, but the guy blocked his way.

  “Have one on me.” The guy shoved a shot glass of tequila in Josh’s hand, some of the amber liquid sloshing onto his skin. “That’s the least I can do after the money you won me with my Fantasy Football team.”

  Transfixed, Josh stared at the drink. His fingers tightened painfully around the glass, his brain unsure if it were a magic elixir or deadly poison. Thoughts crashed through him, but one was louder than the rest.

  Think how much easier it will be to deal with the two drunks at the bar with some liquid courage. One drink will settle you down. That way you’ll be relaxed and ready to see Hope.

  He knew that inner voice—had listened and done what it said so many times.

  You’ve still got it, Cooper. Come on. It’s only one drink. You can handle a little shot.

  * * *

  Standing in
the courtyard, Hope glanced at her cell. No reply from Josh yet. The multipurpose room was cleaned and locked. She’d sent the first text to him over thirty minutes ago.

  Where was he?

  She shook her phone as if that would make a difference. Still no reply.

  What was going on?

  He’d said he would meet her here. She’d confirmed their plans after their dance.

  After the kiss.

  Had something happened or had he changed his mind?

  Thoughts tangled together, but one screamed louder than the rest.

  He’s not coming.

  Hope didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She’d finally taken a chance and gone after what she wanted… only to be stood up.

  Karma? Fate? Whichever it was, it had to be laughing at her.

  Trying had to count for something, right? Paula would be happy Hope hadn’t given up, and Von…

  Her brother would say “I told you so” if she told him what happened. A good thing he was staying at his place in Charleston this weekend. Probably better if she told no one about this.

  The silent phone mocked her as much as her thoughts. Hope’s shoulders slumped, feeling as if bags of sand had been piled on top of them.

  Josh doesn’t care about you.

  You were someone convenient to spend time with.

  He’s with another woman.

  What was she doing? Thinking? She had no idea what was going on. Why think the worst?

  Maybe his leg was hurting, and he’d stayed at his cottage. Maybe he’d fallen asleep. Maybe he’d gone to a late-night support meeting. They had those, right?

  One excuse followed another. She wasn’t named Hope for nothing. Except…

  A sour taste coated her mouth. She wrapped her arms around her knot-filled stomach.

  When Adam’s lover had confessed their affair, Hope had spent the rest of the day making similar excuses for her husband. Anything to believe she hadn’t been betrayed and lied to by the man she loved. She’d almost been able to convince herself they weren’t over until he’d blamed her for his cheating. That was when she knew the marriage was over.