by Kay Correll
She glanced over her shoulder at the sound of someone jogging up behind her.
“Jamie.” She stopped and turned toward him.
“Hey, Dream Girl. I just wanted to check on you. I figured you’d head out here.”
“You know me so well.”
“I do. And, while I’m at it. I thought you were so courageous today. I’ve never been prouder. You stood up to your George… and your mom and Vanessa. And wow, your dad was impressive. It was quite a day, wasn’t it?”
“Dad was amazing, wasn’t he? He was so supportive of my decision. He surprised me.”
“A day full of surprises…” Jamie’s voice drifted off.
They turned and headed toward the lighthouse, silently walking at the edge of the waves. After a while she stopped and tugged on his arm. “Jamie?”
“Hm?”
“It took me a while to figure out that it was not going to be my perfect wedding. Even with the pretty decorations, beautiful views, and at your lovely inn. It would never be perfect if I were marrying George.”
“No, I can’t say that it would be.”
“I was so wrapped up in everything, trying so hard to make it perfect, and trying to please everyone. I was so foolish.”
“Sometimes it takes us a while to see what is right in front of us all along.”
“You’re right. I didn’t see George for what he really was, or how I really felt about him.”
Jamie reached out and took both of her hands in his strong hands. “I wasn’t talking about George, Dream Girl. I was talking about us. You and me.”
Cindy took a step back, her thoughts spinning out of control.
He steadied her and continued, “I couldn’t see what was right there in front of me. This probably isn’t the right time, but I’ve passed up too many chances. I’m not passing this chance to tell you… I… I love you. I’ve probably been in love with you since we were kids. It’s like you’re my best friend, the other half of me, the missing puzzle piece.”
Jamie squeezed her hands and a shiver skittered through her. “I wanted to tell you this before, earlier this week, but I thought you needed to make your decision about George without me throwing anything else into the mix.”
Her heart pounded and her thoughts whirled. “Jamie, I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t need to say anything. I just wanted you to know how I feel.” He smiled at her in the golden light of the sunset, then quietly took her arm as they walked back toward the inn.
* * *
Jamie stood in the lobby the next morning watching for signs of Cindy. He hadn’t slept a wink last night, he’d just played the evening over and over again in his mind. Maybe he shouldn’t have told her how he felt. The timing had been wrong. She’d just blown up her perfect wedding.
But he couldn’t not tell her. He loved her. He loved her with every bit of his being.
The reporter from Florida Destination Weddings entered the lobby. He’d almost forgotten about that fiasco. He crossed over to where she was checking out at the reception desk.
“I’m really sorry about all this, Jackie. Not exactly the wedding you were planning on covering.”
She turned to him and smiled. “This is a beautiful venue for the wedding. I’m still going to do it justice in my write-up. Just so you know, the groom hit on me yesterday—so I’m kind of glad the wedding didn’t actually take place. But don’t worry, the article will highlight the beauty and organization of the venue, not the hijinks of the groom.”
Relief washed through Jamie. “Oh, I’m so glad to hear that. We can use the publicity… without all the dramatics.”
“Well, I think the bride did a brave thing. I see so many brides get wrapped up in the whole ordeal of a perfect wedding. They miss out on the important thing. They are starting their life together with their husband.”
“Sorry about George hitting on you. I bet you didn’t expect that.”
“You’d be surprised.” Jackie laughed. “I’ll send you a copy of the article when it’s written.”
“Thank you. I really appreciate how well you’ve handled all of this.”
Jackie held out her hand. “Good luck to you and your mother. You have a lovely inn here. I’m planning to come back myself, for a little vacation later this year.”
“We’d love to have you.”
Jackie turned and walked out of the lobby, and Jamie strode over to the stairs. Should he go up and talk to Cindy again? He ran his fingers through his hair and walked back to the reception desk.
His mother came around the corner from the kitchen. “There you are.”
“Morning, Mom.”
“I heard you up rustling around most of the night. I thought you might sleep in a bit today.”
“Sorry if I kept you awake.”
“Anyway, I’ve been looking for you.” His mother reached into the pocket of the apron she was wearing and pulled out an envelope. “Cindy gave me this to give to you.”
“When?”
“Early this morning when she left.”
“She’s gone?”
Jamie’s heart sank. She left without giving him a chance to even say goodbye. He reached out for the letter, walked into his office, and closed the door. He slowly sank into his chair and pulled out the note. The heat in the office was stifling, pressing down on him, closing in on him like his life was doing.
He slowly unfolded the note, afraid to read the words, afraid not to.
* * *
Jamie,
You are my best friend, and I will always treasure our friendship. You were a big part in helping me realize what a mistake I was making and giving me the strength to stand up to my mother and my sister.
You’d think by this age, I’d be able to make my own choices without worrying about what my mother thinks. It’s a lesson I’ll need to learn now, to trust my decisions and do what I want, what makes me happy.
Thank you for being honest with me last night and telling me how you feel. Maybe the timing was wrong, but I’m glad you told me the truth.
I need time now. Time to sort things out and figure out what I want, now that I’m finished worrying about pleasing other people or doing what they want me to do.
I hope you can give me that time.
I’ll be back, I promise.
Love,
Your Cinderella Dream Girl
* * *
Jamie stood and went to look out his window. She was gone without giving him a chance to say goodbye. His day stretched out in front of him in long empty hours. He grasped onto her last line like it was a ring buoy tossed out to him in a storm.
I’ll be back, I promise.
Chapter 20
Reed pulled his new car onto the bridge to Belle Island. It was a sturdy auto, built like a tank. The safest car he could find. He’d spent weeks driving with an instructor until he felt sure enough to drive on his own. He’d driven daily on short drives and his confidence rose as the summer wore on and fall approached.
He headed to Julie’s house to pick her up. He hadn’t told her about the car, or the fact he was driving alone again. It was going to be an evening of surprises for Julie. He just hoped she understood the reason for keeping his one last secret. After he talked to her tonight, there would be no more secrets between them.
He pulled up in front of Julie’s cottage just as she was coming out her front door. She stood with her mouth open, then a wide smile covered her face. She raced down the stairs and threw herself into his arms. “You’re driving again.”
“That I am.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I told you I’d conquer my fear. I’d do anything for you.”
“I didn’t know you’d come this far. I thought… well, I’m happy for you. Did you rent this car?”
“Nope, bought it. Safest car money can buy.”
“You bought it?”
“Yep, do you like it?”
“I… I’m just overwhelmed by everything.” Julie looked dazed.
He drove to his beach house for the quiet night they’d planned. Julie still looked a little dazed as she bustled around the kitchen, finishing up the food for their dinner. It felt so right with Julie here with him. He loved to watch her work in the kitchen. She made most of their dinners here and she was slowly teaching him how to cook. Well, how to help her cook. He’d chop things for her, stir pots, put things in the oven. He still wouldn’t claim he was a cook. But each minute spent with her was special.
He’d only made one more trip back to Seattle and one business trip to Chicago. Each time Julie seemed surprised that he came back to her, like she was afraid it would all disappear. He’d give her as long as she needed to become secure in the fact that he was here to stay.
They took their glasses of wine out on the deck while the dinner finished cooking. It was time to tell her the last little fact about himself. He looked over at her with the late evening sun bathing her in a golden light. He was one lucky man.
He swallowed and drew up his courage. “Julie, can we talk for a minute?”
She turned to him with a quick look of fear, like she thought he was going to tell her he was leaving. That look tore at him. He’d do anything to make her feel more secure.
“What is it?” Julie’s eyes narrowed the tiniest bit, as if trying not to show her insecurity.
“I don’t know how to tell you this, or why I didn’t tell you earlier. I know you questioned why I’d go to the expense of renting such a big beach house. You questioned me spending that much. And buying this new car. These were just… small expenditures to me. You see… I… well, I have money. Quite a bit of it actually. I inherited some… lots… and I make a really good salary.”
“You’re rich?” Julie sat up straight in her chair.
“I… well, yes. You could say it that way.”
“I’m just finding out now why? You want me to sign a prenuptial, don’t you?” Julie stood up. “Well, I don’t want your money. Your money is yours.”
Reed reached out, took her hand, and pulled her into his lap. “No, it’s not that at all. There will be no prenuptial. What is mine, is yours. I’ve just never discussed it with you because, frankly, I was listed as one of the most eligible bachelors in Seattle and I always wondered if women wanted to date me for my money, or because they liked me. Or maybe they liked me more because I had the money. I don’t know, I was unsure, at least. But with you, I knew you liked me, for me. You know I felt like I didn’t deserve to be happy again, not since my wife died, but you’ve changed all that for me.”
He tilted her face up to look at him. “I’d love to help you out with The Sweet Shoppe. I could help you expand and do whatever you’d want with the bakery.”
* * *
“I don’t want your help with the bakery.” Julie looked into Reed’s eyes. “I want to do it on my own.”
Reed nodded. “I understand. The offer is there if you want it, but I get that you’ve come so far on your own and want to continue that way.”
Julie was still reeling from the knowledge that she was going from a kid in the foster system without a thing to her name, to making it on her own, but barely—to marrying a…rich man. It shouldn’t make a difference to her, but it did in a way. She was used to being around normal people.
“I’ll sign a prenuptial agreement. I don’t have a problem with that.” Julie squeezed his hand.
“No, I’m not going into a marriage claiming mine, mine, mine. I want us to be partners in marriage, in life, in everything. I do want you to know about the money and learn about where it’s invested. That’s important to me. When my father died, my mother had no clue about anything financial. It was quite a mess. You’re okay with that?”
“I guess so.” Why did she feel like her world was spinning again, just when she thought she was getting used to the whole marrying Reed thing?
“I don’t want us to have any secrets from each other. I didn’t plan for this to be a secret, I just never found the right time to tell you.”
“So, you’re like kinda rich, or like really rich?”
“I’d go with really pretty rich.” Reed grinned. “That’s why this rental wasn’t a problem for me, or the new car. But I don’t just throw my money around. I actually have a charitable foundation set up for part of my inheritance. If you’d like to help run it, I’d love your help. You have a good business head on your shoulders.”
“I do?”
“You do. Look at all the good business decisions you’ve made about The Sweet Shoppe. It’s really taken off the last few months, along with your catering business.”
A charitable foundation. That appealed to her. “What kind of charity work do you do?”
“Mostly charities involving kids.”
Julie leaned back against him, feeling his heart beat against her. “I’d like to help with that.”
She stared out at the waves rolling in. Her life had gone from one extreme to the other. “It might take me some time to adjust to all this.”
“You know I’ll give you all the time you need.”
“It’s just… it’s hard for me to truly believe that you won’t leave. That you want me. You must have had the pick of any of the fancy socialites in Seattle.”
“They weren’t what I wanted. I want you.”
“It’s hard to believe, sometimes. I know you asked about why I was in the foster system. Since we’re telling secrets about ourselves tonight. I was in the system because my mother left when I was five years old. Just left. I have no idea where she went or if she’s even alive. My father gave me up by the time I was seven, said he couldn’t raise me alone. I’m not sure if he was being selfish or maybe he was honestly doing what he thought was best for me. But I had a horrible run of luck with foster families and group homes.”
“I had no idea, Julie. I’m sorry. That had to be rough and at such a young age.” Reed’s deep voice comforted her. “You have no idea where your parents are now?”
“Nope. Haven’t tried to find them either. They left me to rot in the foster system. I don’t need or want them in my life.” It felt so good to say that. To tell someone that her parents had abandoned her. It hurt. It followed her around, an ugly secret hanging over her head. It was part of her past. Her past that she had now shared with Reed. It felt like a load had rolled off her shoulders and he was now sharing her burden.
Reed traced a finger up and down her arm. “I’m glad you told me.”
“Well, you started it with the no more secrets decree.” Julie smiled a weak smile.
“So we’re all good?”
Julie grinned then. “Well, I will be once I get used to the idea of you being filthy rich.”
Reed laughed out loud, the rich tones enveloping her in a cocoon of happiness and a feeling of belonging.
Chapter 21
It had been a month or so, okay forty-one days—not that Jamie was counting—since Cindy had left. He decided to go drown his sorrows at The Lucky Duck. He yanked open the door and slipped into the cool darkness. A burger, fries, and a cold beer should help. The rattle of dishes, the murmur of conversation, and the spicy aroma of fried food assailed his senses as walked along the bar.
The bartender, Willy, waved at him and gave him the just-a-minute sign. Jamie slipped onto a barstool at the end of the bar, away from the other customers. He just wanted to be alone with his burger and beer.
Willy came over and wiped the counter in front of Jamie. “Long time, no see, buddy.”
“Haven’t felt much like socializing.”
“Heard about the wedding fiasco.”
“Pretty sure everyone in town did.” Not much was secret here on Belle Island.
“Jamie, you’re out and about.” His friend Harry slid onto the barstool beside him.
So much for his plan to hav
e a quiet meal. “I gotta eat, you know.”
“Or you could have said, ‘Great to see you, Harry.’ I’ve been asking you to join me for dinner and drink for weeks.” Harry gave him the side eye.
“I know. I know.”
“Burger, fries, and beer for both of us, Willy. It’s on me tonight.” Harry insisted.
“I’m not very good company.” Jamie warned his friend.
“Don’t I know it? You’ve been a grouchy old man for weeks now.”
Jamie sighed. “You’re right. I’m sorry. Let’s just kick back and have a nice time.”
“Now you’re talking.” Harry grinned.
Willy looked up and waved at a group of young women coming into the bar. “Be back with your beers in a sec, guys, I’d better go see to those ladies. They look a little lost.” Willy winked.
“Lost, huh? I think they look more… ready to party.” Harry grinned.
“Gotta give ‘em what they want.” Willy turned and walked over to the group of laughing women. One of them flirted outrageously with Willy.
Harry nodded over to Willy and the ladies. “He sure knows how to keep the ladies happy.”
“Always has. He has an eye for the women. Rarely see him with anyone for very long, though.” Jamie wondered how long Willie would joke with the women before bringing their drinks.
A few minutes later Willie slid their beer mugs in front of them. “Ladies, first, don’t you know.” Willie grinned.
“Of course.” Jamie reached for his beer and took a swig.
Harry told him stories of fixing things in the properties he managed, though Jamie only half-listened to the list of broken air conditioners, leaky roofs, and cracked windows. “It’s been a hard summer for some of the rentals. Or the people renting have been tough on them. I’m about ready for our slow season. Have a few updates I need to get finished that require an empty property, so I’m waiting until the slower rental season for that. Going to put a new deck on the Jennings property and coordinate new carpeting all throughout the Smith condo.”
