by Jenny Rabe
Emilie stepped back to take her in. She wore a jean skirt and a silky white blouse. “You’re wearing real—”
“Real clothes? I know. You look weird, too. I wanted to visit the studio. Is it okay to walk around and take a peek?”
Emilie froze when another person knocked on the dance studio window. It was Finn, and he looked like a mess. What was he doing here?
She led Bridgett into the studio and pointed down the hall. “Check out the renovated stage. I just need to take care of something, and then I’ll join you. Go ahead and take a tour.”
Bridgett gave her arm a squeeze. “I can’t believe you’re running your own studio. This is awesome.”
Emilie beamed while her friend flitted down the hallway, taking in everything. After leaving the dance company, she wasn’t sure she’d be able to run a studio or even dance. Now she’d achieved everything she’d wanted and more.
After a few seconds, she went back to the door with some hesitation. Finn had already opened it and stepped inside the front entryway. “Hey, sorry to let myself in. I just needed to talk.” His voice was strained, embarrassed.
“Are you doing okay? What’s up?”
Finn sat down on one of the plush sofas in the reception area. “Well, first, how’s Ava? I’m sure you’ve been in touch with her now that she’s back at Gail’s.”
Emilie sat on the opposite side of the couch. “She’s doing okay. I know she’s been avoiding your calls, but it’s better this way.”
Finn wiped a hand down his five o’clock shadow. “I know. I really do. I feel bad the way I ended things.”
“I see her occasionally, and she’s slowly making some good changes. She started business school this fall and seems happy. Though I’ve been too busy to check on her much.”
Finn scooted to the middle of the couch. “I actually came here to talk to you. Maybe I made the wrong choice by cancelling everything. There’s a chance Ava and I could make it work again.”
Emilie looked up at the ceiling, grateful there was no inkling of attraction toward Finn anymore. “Look, you need to relax. You’re smart and did something she couldn’t do. Even now, you have to admit you made the right decision. Don’t doubt that.”
He nodded and ran a hand through his hair nervously. “I guess you’re right. I just haven’t dated anyone since Ava. I feel kind of lost.”
“Totally normal.” Emilie patted his shoulder and led him to the door. It was too late for pep talks. “Hold on during this rough time, and instead of looking for someone in town, try casual dating with people out of town. Try a new scene. Meet new people.”
Bridgett returned to the reception area and tucked her black hair behind her ear. “Hey, Emilie, who’s your friend?”
Finn’s eyes widened, and he stood taller, straightening his wrinkled shirt.
Emilie smirked and joined her in the middle of the room. “Finn, this is one of the girls from my dance company, Bridgett. She lives in Salem.”
“Salem, huh?” Finn walked back and rubbed the scruff on his face again. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Bridgett gave him a warm smile. “Nice to meet you, too.”
Emilie pushed Bridgett toward Finn, a wonderful idea popping in her head. “Actually, my friend would love a tour of Danvers, if you have the time?”
Emilie gave him a meaningful glance. She checked to see if Bridgett was okay with her interference, but Bridgett was quick on her feet.
“I would love to see it.” Bridgett linked her arm with his. “I’ll call you later, Emilie. The place looks fabulous.”
Emilie winked at Finn’s shell-shocked expression. It probably wouldn’t go anywhere, but Finn needed to see there were other fish in the sea.
Immediately, she thought of Dean and smiled. She checked her watch and grimaced. If she didn’t hurry up, nothing would be ready in time.
She went to her office to retrieve her things and then back to the front to lock up.
When Emilie pulled down her street, she saw Dean’s truck parked in front of her house. After only a few hours of not seeing him, she missed him. Her heart skipped just seeing his truck. She stepped on the gas and sped down the street.
When she pulled in the driveway, he was sitting on the steps, staring down at the cement. She turned off the car and closed her eyes. She could do this. She’d imagined this moment for weeks, and she was too invested to chicken out now.
She touched the side of her purse to make sure everything was there and then climbed out of the jeep.
He stood and held out his arms to her. “Need a hug?”
The weight in her shoulders released while he waited for her. She ran to him, taking in his familiar scent of mint and aftershave and the wonderful feel of his arms about her.
“Hey.” Her voice came out soft and shaky. Before she could come up with any excuses, she pulled him into the kitchen, not even taking the time to turn on the light. She shoved her hand into her purse and pulled out a box.
He squinted in the dark. “Do you have the—” He paused as she lifted the open box into the light. The gold ring glinted. A smile grew, stretching widely across his face. “Is this—?”
She nodded and lowered the box. Her fingers shook as she removed the ring and slid it onto his finger. “You’ve waited long enough for my answer.”
He licked his lips and studied his hand. “You’re proposing to me… in the kitchen?”
She laughed and shushed him. It would take all of her courage to say everything in her heart. “I haven’t regretted moving home, not one bit. Every minute has been a growing experience and an adventure. I know the transition wouldn’t have gone so smoothly if you weren’t by my side.” She swallowed the lump growing in her throat.
He lifted her chin. One of the tears she’d been keeping at bay spilled down her cheek. He wiped it away with his thumb. “Do you love me?”
She closed her eyes and more tears pushed their way out. She swiped at them and met his intense stare. “I do. I really do.”
His face lit up with a smile. She reached for him, no longer wanting any more space between them. Then, slowly, she lifted her head and he kissed her. Wrapping her arms around his back, she melted against him when he pulled her close.
If she could’ve sighed mid-kiss, she would’ve, but she was too busy enjoying the taste of his mouth and touch of his lips against hers. A fluttering of joy rippled through her. When she started growing dizzy, she leaned back to study him. Oh, how she loved him and the sweetness in his eyes, his caring smile as he studied her. He was it for her. No matter what came, she knew he’d always stay by her side.
“I love you, Dean.”
He went down on one knee. “Well, that’s good since I plan on spending forever with you.”
Emilie’s breath caught in her throat. She struggled to breathe when she stared down at the familiar diamond ring in his hand.
He smiled and placed it on her ring finger. “Finally, I can take this thing out of my pocket. I was sure I’d lose it, carrying it around all the time.”
Emilie started to cry again, burying her head in her hands. She was elated at the thought of being with Dean for the rest of her life. “You really waited for me.”
He moved her back so she could meet his eyes. “Does that mean you’ll marry me?”
She giggled, the giddy feeling making her even dizzier. “I’d be silly not to.”
“Well, we don’t want that.” He pressed his lips against hers then swept her into his arms.
Emilie laughed while the world around her spun. When he gently put her down on the ground, she studied her ring. “You’re right. We’ve had enough crazy to last us a lifetime. Let’s just settle on being blissfully content.”
Epilogue
Emilie and Dean stared out at the water, their hands clasped together.
A preacher stood at the bow of the ship. He wore traditional white robes and had a fluffy tuft of white hair in the center of his head. His voice was shaky and soft, but as
long as Emilie said the right thing at the right time, she didn’t care about anything else.
It’d been a wonderful year together. They celebrated the four seasons as a couple, learning and relearning each other’s quirks and favorite pastimes. The time with Dean flew, and before they knew it, it was time for their wedding.
The second year at the dance studio started without a hitch, with almost double the number of students and instructors.
Dean’s work thrived as it spread into neighboring cities. During the winter months, he finished the remodel of Emilie’s house, and she couldn’t be happier. Every room held new memories and possibilities, including her old bedroom, which was now an office.
Dean rubbed his thumb over the top of her hand, distracting her from her thoughts. He was as excited as she was.
The boat rocked, and a few guests shared worried glances.
The preacher chuckled. “I hope no one’s seasick.”
Emilie gazed out at the dozen or so faces of the people they loved. All of Dean’s coworkers showed up, and they had even worn shirts. It was hard to invite both Finn and Ava, but Ava was happy, and Finn and Bridgett had dated since the day they met. Their wedding announcement was due in the mail any day.
She’d invited her dad, and with some reluctance, she was finally repairing their relationship. If only her mom could’ve come…
Dean’s parents were there and had even moved home in hopes there would be new grandchildren to raise around their hometown. But she and Dean were more than happy to wait a few years.
“Thank you for being here for Dean and Emilie Wright’s wedding,” the preacher said. “It’s a beautiful thing when two people join together, accomplish goals, and put reservations aside to make room for each other in their life.”
Dean winked.
Emilie’s dress was the same one she’d tried on a year ago. It was beautiful, with long see-through sleeves, a bodice that showed off her thin waist, and a fitted skirt that accentuated her long legs.
Dean’s suit matched in uniqueness. He wore a gray suit and a yellow tie to match her wedding colors. He’d never looked so handsome, and finally, finally, he was going to be all hers.
Emilie’s thoughts wandered as the preacher droned on, thinking of their last year together. With their many trips to the water, visits to Busy Bees, and performances he’d supported her through, she couldn’t pinpoint a favorite moment. Everything was just as she wanted, and she never knew she could be so happy.
“Uh, Emilie?” The preacher nodded pointedly in her direction. He lowered his voice and repeated himself. “Do you take this man—”
Emilie’s face reddened when she stared at all the expectant faces. “I do. I do,” she blurted out. “I really do. I’ll take this man for forever.”
The small crowd laughed while the preacher nodded and closed his Bible.
“Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Dean’s smile grew even more when he took a tentative step forward. “May I kiss her now? Please?”
The preacher laughed loudly. “You may now kiss the bride.”
Without waiting another second, Dean closed the gap between them. It was time to start their happily ever after.
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1
Aiden
Aiden Polaski drummed his fingers on the side of the old blue GMC pickup as he searched for the right address. “Fourteen fifty-six Lewis Lane,” he repeated to himself as he lumbered down the old beach highway. He whistled as he inspected the houses along the waterfront. Myrtle Beach was nothing like the last place he'd lived in South Carolina. In Greenville, there wasn’t much more than horseflies and red clay and the older houses were not as impressive.
Twenty years before, the plantation-like houses on stilts would’ve been the place to live, but compared to the newer homes, they paled in comparison. His dad had been right that they needed a lot of love.
Aiden wasn’t complaining. Long-standing homes that weathered from the sun, ocean sprays, and an occasional hurricane often needed major repair, and until he found a better job that worked with his changing schedule, he’d take any odd job. Rent at the inn was due any day. Lucky for him, it hadn’t taken long for someone to call regarding the flyers he’d placed there the day before. It helped he charged less than most handyman.
“Ah, there it is.” Aiden spotted the enormous puke-green house. It sat in the middle of four white houses and stuck out like a sore thumb. He liked it already. Along with needing a facelift on the outside, he hoped there was work to do on the inside too.
He parked in front of the client’s garage and grabbed his worn leather folder from the passenger seat. Even though he was new to Myrtle Beach, he had plenty of references from Greenville, should he need them. He pulled out the picture of him and his dad. It was his lucky charm, and he always kissed the picture before any business interaction. He gave it a quick peck. “Love you, Dad.”
After a moment to collect his thoughts, he swung open the truck door, almost hitting someone who was walking by.
“Hey, watch what you’re doing,” a young woman said, her head returning to the book in her hand.
“You sound like my old teacher. Same light brown hair, too.” Aiden grabbed the edge of the truck door and slammed it shut with a snap. If she weren’t so pretty, sunkissed and all, he’d tell her not to read and walk. Instead, with a half smile, he headed to the front door, only for the sassy chick to call to him in a tone bossier than before.
“That door doesn’t work. The Kangs only use the side door.” She jutted out her hip and peered over her shoulder at him from the neighboring beach house.
Aiden saluted her from the Kangs’ door. “Appreciate it.” Her house needed a new coat of paint on the white fence that lined the front garden and some better windows.
“I haven’t seen you before,” she said before he knocked. She pulled out a set of keys from her bag and shook them at him. “You new around here?”
He sighed and lowered his hand. “I’m the handyman the Kangs hired, and if you’ll excuse me, I don’t want to be late.”
“Oh, sure.” Instead of sticking her keys in the lock, she stepped across the narrow road and waited a close distance behind.
After he knocked hard three times, he peeked at her out of the corner of his eye. The nosy girl did have the prettiest heart-shaped face he’d ever seen. She wore a light blue cover-up that was a strong contrast against her sunburned skin. He took in all five feet of her.
“Oh, I have something to ask them.”
He lifted his gaze and nearly balked. She’d caught him checking her out. Busted. Without saying a word, he knocked on the door three more times.
A tall, slender woman answered the door. Her black dress matched her thick ebony hair and twinkling eyes. “Yes,” she asked, her voice much softer than he expected.
“Are you the owner of this house?” When she nodded her confirmation, he lifted the folder of references. “I’m Aiden Polaski, the handyman you hired.”
Her black eyes gave him a once-over. “Come in. I’m so glad you were able to stop by with such short notice.”
Mrs. Kang pushed open the screen door with a squeak and he stepped inside. She held the door with one hand. “Laura Lee, did you need something?”
Laura Lee bit her lip then shook her head. “Nope. I haven’t seen you in a few days and wanted to say hi.”
Mrs. Kang gave her a slight smile. “Hi, honey. Good to
see you too. Make sure to get out of the sun for a while. Your shoulders are burning.”
Laura Lee poked at her skin. “Hmm, I guess you’re right. I should’ve reapplied. The sun is so different here.”
“Right you are. Get inside and rest.” A polite way of telling her to go home, which was fine with him. Time was money and he needed a whole bunch of it.
Disappointment clung to Laura Lee’s expression, and even after Mrs. Kang closed the door, a picture of her burned into his mind.
Mrs. Kang invited him to sit on a luxurious leather couch in the spacious sitting room. “Sorry about her. Laura Lee’s grandmother passed a few months ago and she’s been lost and lonely ever since.”
His mouth twitched as the woman’s blue eyes flooded his thoughts. He’d misjudged her.
“Well, let’s get down to business,” she said. “It’s been a while since we’ve been able to afford a major renovation, but Vinny’s father left him a big chunk of change when he lost his battle with cancer. Since Vinny is a bit of a spender on useless things, I want to do it before the money disappears.”
Despite the old light fixtures, outdated cabinets, and worn carpet, the furniture was new and the house was impeccably clean. “How would you like to proceed, Mrs. Kang? Do you have a list of projects you’d like done? What are you top priorities?”
“Oh, please call me Paula. You make me sound old. And you’ll hardly see my husband. Vinny’s a bit of a workaholic.”
Paula pulled a piece of paper from her pocket and unwrinkled it. Her penmanship didn’t match her housekeeping cleanliness. He’d need an interpreter to understand the slanted cursive. “Vinny and I would like to update more than fix. The first priority is to fix any siding on the house and repaint it another color. Puke green is a bit out of fashion.”
Her accent wasn’t Southern, maybe Midwestern, and she had a light, airy voice that sent a wave of calm through him as she read each item on the list.
