But in that moment, as he kissed her in return and felt the passion blossom between them, he felt like the luckiest man that had ever lived. The guilt he carried at the thought of moving on from Michelle suddenly shifted, as he knew in his heart that she might just have had a hand in bringing them back together. He had promised her he wouldn’t be alone, and thanks to Gina, he hoped that he never would be.
As they nestled together on the sofa and spilled out years of experiences that they hadn’t yet had the chance to share, he savored the intimacy. Getting to know Gina again was as exciting as the first time, if not a little more, since she had many more stories to tell.
As she detailed the customers she loved and the memories of her years on the island, he smiled.
“Wow, GiGi, it seems to me that you didn’t have to travel the world to do exactly what you wanted to do.”
“What do you mean?” She laughed.
“I mean, you’ve stayed right here and been a beacon to everyone on Love Isle. A shoulder to cry on, a friend to the lonely. You’ve lifted spirits, mended hearts, and provided for those who needed it most.” He smiled at her. “You’re as amazing as I always knew you would be.”
“I’ve never really thought of it that way.” She rested her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. “Thank you, Frank.”
“Thank you for what?” He kissed the top of her head.
“For seeing me.” She peeked up at him. “For showing me myself, through your eyes.”
“I hope I can continue to do that for you.” He wrapped his hand around hers. “GiGi, when I say I’m in love with you, I mean it.”
“That’s so sweet.” She glanced away.
“Gigi.” He caught her cheek and guided her face back toward him. “Do you believe me?”
“I believe you.” She kissed him.
He closed his eyes and savored the sweetest kiss he’d ever experienced.
Chapter 27
After a night of conversation, kissing, and promises for the future, Gina fell asleep in Frank’s arms. She slept with his scent all around her and the beat of his heart right beside hers. Cuddled on the sofa, it was easy to immerse herself in his presence.
When her eyes fluttered open the next morning, for just a moment, she thought it might have all been a dream. But the sight of his face beside hers proved that it hadn’t been. Frank, the man she thought she’d lost forever, had come back to her and he had no intention of ever leaving again.
As that knowledge settled within her, she realized that even though she was thrilled with his presence, there were still a lot of unanswered questions.
What were their next steps? Would he want to move to Love Isle? Would he expect her to move away? Did she want to move away?
She studied him as she rolled those questions through her mind.
She lived in the only house she’d ever known as home. She was raised in it, she said goodbye to her mother in it. She wasn’t sure that she could say goodbye to it. But the one thing she was certain of was that she would do absolutely anything to be with Frank. She’d let go of him once and she had no intention of letting that happen again.
As she shifted on the sofa, his eyes opened a little and he wrapped his arm around her waist. He pulled her closer and mumbled something in his sleep.
She smiled as she realized he might have been thinking the same thing.
“I love you, Frank.” She snuggled closer.
“I love you too.” His voice was sluggish, but his eyes opened all the way and he smiled. “Best way to wake up.”
“It might be better in a bed.” She laughed, then kissed his cheek.
He turned his head so he could catch her lips instead. Several minutes slipped by as they kissed. Her heart pounded as her desire grew. Just when she thought he might take things further, he leaned back and tucked her hair back behind her ear.
“One step at a time, right?” He kissed her forehead.
“Yes, one step at a time.” A little disappointed, but grateful that he respected her need for taking things slow, she untangled from him and headed for the kitchen. “Pancakes and eggs?”
“I thought maybe we could have breakfast at the diner.” He stood up from the sofa. “Does that sound okay to you?”
“Are you sure?” She glanced over at him. “There will be a lot of locals there.”
“Your family, you mean?” He smiled as she nodded. “I’m sure. I just have to make a few quick calls.” He picked up his phone, then disappeared into her old bedroom.
For a moment she wondered why he needed to be alone to make the phone calls, but she shoved the suspicion aside. She trusted him and she wasn’t going to let anything shake that trust now.
Instead, she focused on getting dressed. For the first time in a very long time, she picked out something different than jeans and a t-shirt. She pulled out one of her favorite summer dresses that she could never convince herself to wear. Then she spent some time applying a little make-up. She knew that Frank loved her for who she was, but now she felt the desire to take care of herself.
As she styled her hair, she caught a glimpse of the young woman who had made the hardest decision of her life so many years before. Instead of the grief she’d noticed for so long, she saw a spark of light, of hope and excitement. Thanks to Frank, she could recall what it was like to be her again and she wanted to continue to experience it.
“Ready, love?” Frank knocked lightly on her bedroom door.
“Just about.” She set down her comb, looked at herself in the mirror one last time, then stood up.
As she opened the door, she was greeted by a full smile and a hint of shock in Frank’s eyes.
“You look gorgeous.” He took her hand in his and kissed the back of it.
In that moment she felt beautiful.
Frank was right. It didn’t matter how old they were, they really could have a fresh start.
Chapter 28
On the walk to the diner, Frank’s heart raced. The plans he’d set in motion were delicate and a part of him wondered if he’d lost his mind. But every time he glanced in her direction, that certainty he’d felt the night before returned.
“What until you see Harold. Oh…” She grimaced. “I might need to smooth a few things over with Harold before you see him.”
“Actually, I have a few things I need to take care of around here. Can I meet you at the diner?” He paused near the entrance of a plaza.
“Are you sure? I can help you run your errands if you want.” She smiled at him.
“Not these.” He winked at her. “I won’t be long, I promise.”
“Alright.” She stared at him for a moment, then turned to walk away.
“Wait a minute.” He caught her hand and pulled her back toward him. “I can’t let you walk away like that.”
“Like what?” She laughed.
“Without this.” He smiled as he leaned in close and kissed her. The desire that rippled through him tempted him not to break the kiss. But a moment later he drew back. “See you soon.”
“Yes, see you soon.” She blushed.
As he headed into the plaza, he looked back over his shoulder to make sure that she couldn’t still see him. Once he thought it was safe, he pulled open the door to a shop and stepped inside. The dim lighting was a stark contrast to the bright sun of the early morning.
“Frank?” A voice called out from behind the counter.
“Yes, it’s me. Thanks for opening up early.”
“No problem.” The man behind the counter flipped a switch and the shop flooded with light. “Anything for an old friend.”
“Thanks.” He smiled as he met the other man’s eyes. “Did you manage to find what I asked for?”
“I think it’ll be perfect.” He handed him a small paper bag. “But my opinion doesn’t count too much, does it?”
“I trust you.” Frank met his eyes. “You’ve always had a special talent when it comes to things like this.”
“Aw, tha
t’s kind of you. It’s good to see you again, Frank. I hope we can catch up soon.”
“Me too.” Frank nodded as he wrote a check. “There’s a little extra for the trouble.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I did. This is so important to me, and you really came through.” He offered his hand to his friend. “Thanks.”
“Anytime.” He shook it, then smiled. “Good luck.”
“Thank you.” He winced. “I think I’m going to need it.”
With every step he took toward the diner, his heart pounded harder. He expected his chest to tighten and his head to spin.
Instead, he felt eerily calm.
Still, as he neared the diner, he hesitated. Something wasn’t quite right.
He veered off the path onto a trail that led to the lake. He paused at the edge of the water and looked down at his own reflection. Countless times he’d stood there with Gina at his side. But that wasn’t who he saw beside him in the glassy surface.
Instead, it was Michelle who reached for his hand. Tears filled his eyes as she gazed back at him from the water. Then suddenly, a smile spread across her lips.
An instant later, she vanished.
He blinked back the tears that threatened to fall and breathed a long slow sigh. Yes, she would be happy to see this day. Even if it was just his imagination, he was sure that she’d be happy for him.
He turned and walked back toward the diner, his steps confident.
He knew exactly what he wanted, but he couldn’t be sure that Gina felt the same way. She said she loved him and he believed that but taking things further could change everything.
His hand trembled as he reached for the door. In moments he’d have his answer, whether it was the one he wanted or not.
“It’s now or never, Frank, there’s no turning back.” He took a deep breath, closed his hand around the knob, and pulled the door open.
As expected, the diner was populated with many of Gina’s friends. He spotted her right away at the counter with Sabrina at her side. He winked at Sabrina, who nodded, then walked over to the nearby jukebox.
As the music began to play, any doubt left in his mind vanished.
Chapter 29
In the time it took Gina to cross from the plaza to the diner, she began to get annoyed. She didn’t want to be annoyed, but she didn’t like the feeling that Frank was keeping things from her. Already, only the morning after they’d agreed to be honest with one another, she felt as if he was pulling away.
“Don’t Gina, just don’t.” She sighed as she realized that she was falling into old habits. She either trusted Frank or she didn’t. She believed him when he said he loved her, and that was enough reason for her to err on the side of trusting him.
As she pulled the door open to the diner, she discovered that there were plenty of ways to distract herself from her doubts. Sabrina was at the counter, as well as several other familiar faces.
Frank was right; going to the diner was like visiting family.
As she greeted everyone, she noticed a sparkle in Sabrina’s eyes.
“What are you up to this morning?” She studied her friend.
“Up to? Nothing.” She waved her latest novel in front of her face. “Just glad to see you smiling.”
“You really cheered me up last night.” Gina hesitated, then lowered her voice. “And so did Frank.”
“Oh!” Sabrina let out a small squeal. “That is so awesome!”
“Sh!” Gina blushed as a few people looked in their direction. “I didn’t expect it, but like you said, the magic worked anyway.”
“It always does.” She smiled and leaned close. “So, tell me all of the details.”
“No, not here.” Gina laughed. “I don’t want the whole town knowing. Let’s just say, I don’t think I have anything to worry about. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I’m pretty sure that Frank is going to be part of it.”
“I’m so happy to hear that.” Sabrina hugged her tight. “You deserve it, Gina. I know you’ve seen so many people fall in love on this island and you thought maybe your time wouldn’t come. But now you know that’s not true, right?”
“Yes, I do.” Her body tingled with warmth as she realized that she truly did believe that. As she glanced over at the door, however, she couldn’t help but wonder where Frank was.
“There’s our girl. Are you ever coming back to work?” Harold sauntered out of the kitchen with a grim frown. “I’m pretty sure that the customers are going to stage a revolt if you don’t come back.”
“Yes, I’m coming back.” She grinned. “If you promise not to break Frank’s knees.”
“Hey, as long as he behaves himself, he can have his knees.” He raised an eyebrow, then smiled. “I’m glad you’re smiling again, Gina. This place isn’t as bright without it.”
“Aw, thanks, Harry.” She winked at him.
“Harold! How hard is that?” He huffed and threw a napkin at her.
As he disappeared back into the kitchen, Gina snatched up the napkin and tossed it in the garbage. When she settled back at the counter, she heard the sound of the door to the diner opening. In the same moment that she caught sight of Frank, the very song they’d danced to the night before began to play on the juke box.
Wow, this place really was magical. She smiled as he stretched out his hand to her.
“Gina?”
“Yes, Frank?” She gazed into his eyes.
“Will you dance with me?” He stared back at her.
“Here?” She shook her head and blushed. “It doesn’t seem like the right place for dancing.”
“Please?” He gave her hand a light tug.
“Oh, Frank.” She laughed. Normally dancing in the diner would be an absolute no, but the way he looked at her made her want to do whatever he asked. “Alright, yes, I’ll dance with you.” Her cheeks grew even hotter as she stood up from the stool.
The moment she was on her feet, Frank sunk to one knee in front of her.
She stared, confused. Had he forgotten to tie his shoe?
Then he slipped his hand into his pocket. When he pulled out a small ring box, her heart skipped a beat. It couldn’t be possible, could it?
As she met his eyes and saw a hint of tears in them, her own eyes widened and she gasped.
“Frank?”
Chapter 30
As his knee touched the floor, his heart began to race. Was he moving too fast? Was she going to say no? The music playing in the background combined with the puzzled smile on her lips reassured him. He pulled the ring box from his pocket and looked up at her.
“GiGi, you and I have had a long journey—some of it together and most of it apart. But no matter how far from you I’ve been, you were always with me. My memories of you, my hopes for you, and my love for you. I know when we said goodbye so many years ago, we probably both thought that all our dreams for our future were gone.” He took a deep breath, then smiled. “But this island—and our two hearts—had other plans.”
“Yes, they did.” She grasped at her chest as tears formed in her eyes.
“From this moment on, I want our journey to continue together, side by side. I know it may seem a little sudden, and I know that you may still need some time, but I want to make it absolutely clear to you, that there’s nothing I want more than to spend the rest of my life with you. GiGi, my love, will you marry me?” He flipped open the lid of the box and offered it to her. “We can get one you like better—if it isn’t right.” He gazed into her eyes as he felt her hand quake in his.
“It’s perfect.” She touched his cheek and looked into his eyes. “It’s absolutely perfect.”
“Ahem!” Sabrina cleared her throat from somewhere in the diner.
“Oh—oops—I mean yes!” Gina laughed as a few tears slipped down her cheeks. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you.” She pulled him up into her arms and wrapped them tight around him. “Oh my goodness, yes!”
“You’
ve made me the happiest man in the world.” He smiled as he sought her lips. The kiss they shared was applauded by every patron in the diner.
As the kiss continued, a few people teased them.
“Come up for air, why don’t you?” Harold called out.
Frank grinned as he finally broke the kiss.
“I know it’s soon, Gina, but I couldn’t wait a moment longer.” He looked into her eyes. “I hope you understand.”
“Understand?” She smiled. “I more than understand. In fact, there’s a courthouse only a short distance away. We can be there in under twenty minutes. Let’s do this!”
“Wait, what?” He chuckled as he studied her. “Now?”
“Yes, now! Why not?” She kissed him lightly on the lips. “I’m not letting you get away.”
“Gina, I can’t wait to marry you, but you deserve a big beautiful wedding—with everything you could ever want. I can give you that.” He grasped her hand and met her eyes. “I want you to have the happiest day of your life.”
“Oh, Frank, honey, you have already given me the happiest day of my life. The only thing I want is you.” She squeezed his hand and searched his eyes. “That is the only thing you can give me that will make me the happiest woman on this earth. But if it’s too fast—”
“No!” He grinned and pulled her in for another kiss. When they broke apart, he gazed at her, admiring the beauty that she was inside and out. “I’ll go right this second. If that’s what you want, I’m happy to give it to you.”
“It is.” She turned toward the other customers in the diner. “But we’ll need some witnesses. Who wants to go to a wedding?”
As the diner erupted in cheers, Frank pulled her close. He looked over all the smiling faces, then turned back to Gina, soon to be his wife.
When he’d started his journey back home to Love Isle, he’d hoped to see her again. Now he was thrilled to know that he would get to see her every day from then on. Despite the many twists and turns his life had taken, he’d ended up back home with his first love—the love he’d never forgotten.
Never Too Late: A Sweet Romance (The Magic of Love Isle Book 4) Page 9
