"True."
"What about the older retired gentleman that you interviewed this morning?"
"No way. He spent most of the time telling me what days he couldn't work because of this club or that club. He didn't sound like he had enough time for a job. Honestly, I like Natalie. I had a good vibe with her. I think we'd work well together."
"If that's the case, then you have your answer. I know Wyatt will be happy to hear you found someone. He's about to lose his mind trying to juggle the kids while they're on summer break, and he's working from home."
"Aww, poor thing. I'll have to treat him to something nice to say thank you."
"Hey, Payton, not to change the subject, but isn't your coo-coo clock supposed to you know, coo-coo? I haven't heard a peep out of that clock since you opened the store for business."
"Haha. You're right, but what was one to expect from a clock that came from a second-hand thrift store? It keeps the time, and it looks cute. What more could a girl ask for?"
I started sorting through various backdrops that were delivered in the mail.
"Do you need help?" Abby said.
"Sure, if you could just help me open each box, remove the backdrop, and then break down the boxes, that would be great."
"My goodness. I didn't realize people use these things in their pictures anymore. I thought folks were more into taking their pictures in the great outdoors."
"They are for the most part, but occasionally, I still have a special request here and there. I just want to be prepared. Not everyone comes in here for a family photo shoot. I had one woman who wanted some professional shots for a modeling portfolio. Another guy wanted something simple for his brochures. You just never know."
"The last time I stood in front of a plain canvas backdrop was probably for my elementary school pictures."
"Oh, man, those pictures are a hoot."
"Tell me about it." Abby continued unpacking boxes.
"Those were the good old days,” she said.
"Speaking of the good old days, wouldn't it be nice if we could go on a family vacation again?"
"That would be nice. I think mom could use a break. I know Wyatt and I could use one. I'm not as confident about traveling with dad right now, and I'm sure mom would say the same."
"Yeah, you're right. I'm dreaming more so than anything else, but it would be nice."
The idea of dad's health taking a turn, and my parents not having a chance to do all the things they dreamed about in retirement, made me feel sad.
Abby continued. "I know who would be ready to travel in a heartbeat."
"Who?"
"Rebecca. Except it wouldn't be for vacation. That girl is on a mission to rehab that old, dilapidated house."
"Abby, stop! You stop talking about your sister like that."
The way she said it was so funny she had me in stitches.
"I'm telling the truth about our sister, and you know it. I don't know what's gotten into that crazy little head of hers. I have two young little kids, and you're about to become Emmie's step-mother, and you run a business."
"Wait…what?"
"Oh, don't play dumb. You know that man is going to ask you to marry him."
"Abby, you must know something I don't."
"I promise I don't know any more than you do. However, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that he's in love with you. Now, getting back to the topic at hand. You don't have time, I don't time, and none of us have the money,” she said.
"You know Rebecca has always been an ambitious go-getter."
"That's all well and good. She just needs to figure out a way to go get the house on her own. If there's any way my name can be removed, she can have at it."
Good grief. Where would the Matthews sisters be without a tad bit of drama and a healthy dose of spice? I guess it's what added flavor to our family dynamic. Regardless, I loved my sisters and didn't know what I would do without them.
Later that evening, I wrapped up things at the store. I was thankful for another day’s work and even more thankful for a text from Cole that read, "Meet me at sunset for a romantic walk along the beach."
"Hello, Mr. Romantic."
I did as he instructed and met him on the beach just a few feet away from his backyard. He gave me a peck on the lips and reached over to take my sandals out of my hands.
"Hello, Beautiful. I'll carry these for you."
"Thank you."
"Come. Walk with me. Tell me about your day."
I could feel the tension of the day releasing as we walked. I exhaled.
"Was it that bad?"
"No, not at all. It was a good day. There's just nothing more relaxing than being out here and listening to the waves and enjoying the sunset with you."
He put his arms around my shoulders, and we continued to walk.
"Okay, about my day. I conducted more interviews this morning, and I think I found my new assistant."
"Congratulations!"
"Thank you. Even though it's not official yet. I still want to check out her references, but her name is Natalie, and she was my favorite by far."
"That's awesome."
"What about your day? Anything special happen?"
"Uhhh, I wouldn't say special. More like difficult. I started working with a new client today who is… get this… even more particular than Mrs. Donovan."
"Noooo."
"Yes! Except in this situation, the husband and the wife both have strong opinions about what they want, and they don't see eye-to-eye."
"Oh, boy."
"Oh, boy is right. But enough about work. I miss you so much; I just had to see you."
"Cole Miller, we just saw each other two nights ago, and we're going to see each other again tomorrow at my parents’ house."
"And that's still not enough,” he said in a playful voice.
He picked me up, threw me over his shoulders, and started running towards the water.
"Say you're sorry, or I'll toss you in."
"I'm not sorry." I laughed uncontrollably.
"I'm giving you one last chance. Say, Cole, I'm sorry. I want to see you every single day." He was so playful.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry, I want to see you every single day."
He returned to dry ground and put me down on the sand.
"Good. Now come here and give me a kiss."
I don't think I could ever get tired of Cole's embrace. It always felt right. It was exactly what I needed.
"Turn around,” he said.
He turned me toward the sunset, kissed me on my neck and held me from behind. Tonight's sunset was the most tranquil blend of pink and yellow I had ever seen.
"How's that for a view?"
"It's stunning. Absolutely stunning."
We stood watching the sunset and listening to the crashing waves.
"Payton?"
"Yes."
"Is it okay to finish our little talk? About the future."
I turned to face him.
"I was hoping we would."
"Emmie's been asking a lot of questions lately. She's very discerning. I've been honest with her about my feelings for you, but I find myself holding back on the one thing I really want to say most."
"What's that?"
"I want to tell her that I'm ready to ask for your hand in marriage. I know she would be thrilled. She adores you. But in order for me to have a serious conversation like that with her, I need to make sure you're fully on board with the idea as well."
"I'm fully on board with the idea," I said with confidence.
"Really?"
"Yes, really. You two mean the world to me."
He picked me up again and spun me around.
"I'm going to do this the right way and give you a proper proposal."
"Cole, you know I'm a simple kind of girl. Remember our first date? I was the one who brought flat shoes and put them on before we arrived at the restaurant."
"Your definition of simple is beautif
ul to me. And just because you prefer simple doesn't mean you don't deserve the very best. Alice Miller would never forgive me if I didn't do this the right way. Now, enough about that. Come here and give me a hug."
I prayed that night that our love would always remain this strong. I hoped we would always love each other faithfully and beyond measure, dream the unthinkable, and reach what was previously unreachable. I was looking forward to what life had in store for us.
Cole
Emmie and I have been admittedly spoiled by my mother over the years. Ever since Laura's passing, she's made it her business to watch Emmie and cook dinner on my late nights. As a widow, she says it's always given her something to do. I had a big task in talking to Emmie about my plans to marry Payton. Somehow, I knew it would be just as important to have a conversation with mom too.
I made arrangements to come home early to talk to them.
"Hey, Dad. I think grandma is going to be really surprised that we're cooking something healthy for her tonight."
"Is this another joke about my burgers?"
She laughed at me.
"No, silly. I'm being serious."
"I know. If it weren't for you and Payton showing me how to make your special salmon dish, we would probably be eating burgers."
"We wouldn't because grandma would definitely have something to say about it."
"You're right. You know her well, Emmie. Speaking of your grandma, where is she?"
"She's still resting. She should be up soon. Every day around this time, she goes upstairs to have a little rest and trusts me to be responsible. She says that girls need their beauty rest, but I can't fall asleep, so I let her rest for both of us."
"That's cute, Emm, but somehow I don't think it works that way."
I shuffled around in the refrigerator to see what I could find.
“While grandma’s resting, would you like to help me prep the food?"
"Sure. How about I take veggie duty, and I'll help you when it's time to season the fish?" Emmie was a natural.
"Sounds like a plan, Stan."
"Who's Stan?" She said.
"It rhymed. Plan…Stan… get it?"
"That was corny, Dad."
"What's the matter, you don't like my jokes? I have more where that came from."
"Oh, boy. How about we focus on the seasoning? Don't pour too much. Remember what happened to Payton when she accidentally spilled extra seasoning on the fish?"
"I sure do, but I also remember you saving the fish with your handy rinsing trick."
"Yep."
Emma passed along the seasoning and started to pull the vegetables out of the bin. If left to her own devices, I was one hundred percent certain she could cook this meal better than me.
"Hey Emms, I actually wanted to ask you about Payton."
"Is she coming over for dinner again?"
"Not this time. We'll see her on Sunday when we go over to Mrs. Matthews’ house."
"Cool. What do you want to know?"
"I was wondering how you feel about Payton? You know, as far as your relationship is concerned."
"It's great.”
"I'm glad you feel that way."
"I was thinking about changing up the vegetables. Instead of asparagus, why don't we try peas and carrots? It's grandma's favorite,” she said.
"If it works for you and grandma, it works for me, honey."
Emmie gathered up the vegetables that she had already washed and returned them to the refrigerator.
"What's wrong, Dad? You seem so serious."
"Oh, I don't mean to be, sweetheart."
She returned with the new vegetables, but instead, I felt compelled to finish my thought all the way through. I don't know why I was so nervous. I kind of felt like it was now or never.
"There's something I want to tell you, Emmie."
"Okay."
"You see, the things is… you know Dad loves you so much, right?"
"Of course."
"And you know that will never change, right?"
"Dad, you’re acting mighty strange. We all love each other. You love me, I love you, we love grandma, and we all love Payton."
I was so thankful she added Payton's name in there I almost didn't know what to do with myself. If that was a sign from heaven, I was going to run with it.
"Yes, exactly, Payton as well. And because I love Payton, I was thinking about asking her to marry me. But I didn't want to make such a big decision without including you. Just like I always promised."
"Well, duh, Daddy. Everybody knows how much you love Payton. Me and grandma have been waiting for you to pop the question."
"Really? No way. Why didn't you say something to me?"
"I dunno. Grandma says these things happen when the time is right. I figured it was up to you and Payton to know when the time was right."
"Emmie, you're so mature. If I didn't know any better, I'd think you'd been here before."
"You say that all the time,” she said.
"That's because it's true. So just to be certain, you're okay with the idea of Payton being your step-mom? You can be honest with me. I know it's a big deal."
"I like the idea this much." Emmie expanded her hands as wide as she could.
"Come here, Emms. Give your Dad some love."
I could feel my eyes welling up, but I tried to hold back.
"That makes me so happy to hear. I know Payton loves you so much."
"Can I be in the wedding?"
"I don't see why not. Of course, we should probably talk about it with Payton as well."
"Yeah, I think that's a good idea."
We both sniggled.
"You wanna hear something pretty strange?" Emmie said.
"I'm all ears."
"I recently had a dream that you and Payton were getting married. But that's not the strange part. The strange part is there was another lady there on your wedding day. She was more like an angel with wings. You could tell she was happy you were getting married because she was smiling. She was like a nice angel."
"Did she look like anybody you know?"
"She kind of had blond hair like Mom does in all of her pictures. But I couldn't see any other details. It was just a really nice dream, and I was sad that I woke up."
"That's the sweetest dream I've ever heard."
"If Mom is watching over us, I think she'd be very happy that you're getting married. I also think she'd be very happy that you found someone like Payton to be my new step-mom."
Emmie gave me a big squeeze. I was thankful that at eleven years old, she wasn't too old to have a heart to heart with her Dad. I knew I was biased, but I thought she was a pretty amazing kid if I say so myself.
"I was thinking we might want to talk to grandma about this tonight at dinner. What do you think? Would you help me?"
"Sure. But for now, if we don't start cooking, there won't be any dinner."
"Good point, young lady. Let's get started before grandma wakes up."
"Maybe if we can get everything in the oven in time, we can make dessert,” she said.
"Emmie Miller, you're pushing your luck. Unless there's ice cream in the freezer, you know I can't bake."
"We'll figure something out." Emmie shook her head and laughed at me.
Later that night, we talked things over with my mom. It turns out she was just as candid as Emmie when it came to wondering when I would pop the question. Women are pretty discerning about these things. Now that everyone was on board, the only thing left to do was talk to Payton's parents, and plan the proposal of a lifetime.
Rebecca
Ethan invited me to meet him at the beach for an afternoon stroll. He said he wanted to catch up, so we met near the Inn that my parents used to own.
"I can't believe you actually showed up,” he said.
"I don't see why not. I'm the one with a track record of keeping her word, remember?"
"Touche, touche. It's just that all the way up until the other day you weren
't so fond of me. I was hoping you wouldn't have another relapse and change your mind."
"Makes sense. I think anyone in my shoes would've been sore about the way you left things. However, I'm not going to keep harping on it."
"Thanks. I know I can't make up for lost time. But, I invited you here because I'm genuinely curious to know how you've been. How's life treating you?"
I watched my red toenail polish disappear and reemerge as we walked in the sand. It was my way of finding something to focus on instead of looking at him too much.
"Life has been pretty good. After our senior year, I went to college, determined as ever to get my law degree. There were a few times when I wanted to quit."
"That doesn't sound like you. You're not a quitter."
"It didn't turn out that way, but it was tough. The course work was hard, passing the bar was a nightmare, but my biggest challenge was having to prove myself. I was thrown right in the shark tank with a bunch of arrogant male lawyers who assumed I didn't know what I was doing. Trust me. It was an uphill battle."
"I'm sorry you had to go through all that, but you made it. Who's the hotshot now?"
"If you say so. I still have to prove myself, no matter how experienced I am. And I'll do it till the day I die because I refuse to be mistaken for one who can't pull her weight."
"I don't think anyone could ever think that about you, Rebecca. I watched the way you handled yourself in the courtroom. You were no-nonsense. Even I was afraid to mess with you."
"You should've been."
Ethan smiled at me.
"What?" I said.
"Nothing. Keep going, I'm listening."
"I don't know that there's much more to tell. I still live in Pelican Beach. I bought a house about five or six years ago. It gave me the space and privacy that I needed, but yet it's close enough to family. I'm a workaholic, but I'd like to think it's helping me stay on my A-game, and it helps me fine-tune my craft."
"Boring!" he said.
"Excuse me?"
"You shouldn't center your whole life around work. Don't get me wrong, be thankful that you're blessed enough to have a job. But there's more to life than just work."
"Like what? What do you do outside of work that's worth talking about?"
Sunsets At Pelican Beach (Pelican Beach Book 2) Page 7
