by SJ McCoy
Everyone turned to look at the doors when the music started. Charlotte slid her hand into his as they got to their feet. Renée looked beautiful. Her dress was simple and understated. She looked radiant, with her wild red hair framing her face and curling around her shoulders. Ben nodded to himself. She finally looked like the old Renée—the Renée he’d known as a kid. She looked confident and relaxed, and most of all she looked as though she had no cares or worries. She was happy and she was free.
Ben was surprised, and at the same time not surprised to see Chance standing by her side. He had to blink the sting of tears away again. It seemed fitting—right somehow—that Chance should give her away. But at the same time, he knew how much Chance must be hurting. Like Ben and Charlotte, Chance and Chloe were supposed to have been married all those years ago, too. However, unlike Ben and Charlotte, Chance would never get a second chance. Chloe was gone.
He tried to catch Chance’s eye as they passed on their way down the aisle, but Chance’s gaze was fixed ahead, eyes narrow, lips pressed into a thin line. Ben determined to catch up with him later; this had to be tough for him.
When they reached the front, Gabe shook Chance’s hand and pulled him in for a hug. Ben’s focus was split between the two men and what they each must be feeling in this moment. Gabe’s joy, and Chance’s pain. He’d spent too much time where Chance was right now. It was time for him to experience the joy.
Charlotte rested her head on his shoulder when they sat back down. “The last time we were at a wedding, I wasn’t even sure you’d ever speak to me again.”
Ben nodded and smiled down at her. “Neither was I,” he whispered. “And next time we’re at a wedding we’re going to be the ones standing at the front.”
Her eyes widened and she opened her mouth to reply, but she didn’t get a chance as the pastor began to speak.
Ben wrapped his arm around her shoulders and hugged her to his side as they watched Gabe and Renée take their vows. As he listened to them repeat the traditional vows, Ben knew he wanted to promise Charlie so much more than that. When the time came, he’d write his own.
Everyone was quiet as they listened to Gabe solemnly declare to love and honor Renée. Everyone except little baby William, who chose that moment to announce his presence—and his displeasure. The sound of his cries tore through the church, and they tore through Ben’s heart and soul. Charlotte looked up into his eyes, tears glistening in her own. Why were they here witnessing their friends live the moments, the life that they should have started living years ago? When Megan had quieted the baby, and the pastor finally announced that Gabe could kiss his bride, Ben determined that his and Charlotte’s time needed to come soon—as soon as he could make it happen.
~
They stood outside afterward, chatting with the others and waiting to congratulate the bride and groom. Charlotte smiled as she watched Ben chatting with Smoke and Laura. She hoped with all her heart that it wouldn’t be long before it was their turn.
Chance came to stand beside her. “How are you holding up?” she asked him. “That must have been tough for you.”
He nodded. “Yeah, it wasn’t easy. But nothing worth doing ever is. I’m learning that although it’s easier to hide away and do nothing, it really isn’t better. It doesn’t stop the pain. Nothing can stop the pain. But if you step up and face life, do things you know mean something, then you can still have the joy. It doesn’t take the pain away.” He turned and met her gaze. “You know as well as I do that nothing will ever take the pain away. But I’m discovering that pain doesn’t have to be all there is in life. Happiness is out there waiting if we choose to let it in.”
Charlotte wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. “I know exactly what you mean although I don’t think I would ever have been able to put it into words. Thanks, Chance. I know being able to walk Renée down the aisle today must have brought you some happiness, but I hope someday you’ll be able to find a new happiness of your own.”
He nodded. “I’ve been telling your man there for months, where there’s life there’s hope. I was telling him to help him hang in there. Now I think I may be starting to believe it myself.”
Ben came back to join them and raised an eyebrow at Chance. “Should I be worried? I finally get her back and now she’s hugging on you.”
Chance laughed. “No, you’ve got no worries here, but if I were you I’d hurry up about making her officially yours.”
The way Ben smiled made her wonder what he was up to. “Oh, I’m working on it.”
She and Chance looked at him, but he just smiled again. “Here they are! Time for us to congratulate the bride and groom,” he said as Gabe and Renée approached.
When they’d finished chatting with the happy couple, Chance tipped his hat at them. “I’ve reached my fill of people time for one day. I’m going up to see my dad.”
“How long are you going to be here?” asked Ben.
Chance shrugged. “I wasn’t planning on staying too much longer. I’ve done everything I came to do.” He raised an eyebrow and gave Ben a smirk. “But I could be persuaded to stay a little longer if there was something important I need to be here for.”
Charlotte looked from Chance to Ben and back again. Did they mean what she thought they did? How could they?
Ben smiled. “I guess I’ll see you around.”
As they watched him walk away, Ben put an arm around her shoulders. “We should make our way over to the Boathouse. I think pretty much everyone is heading over there for the reception.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Charlotte wandered around at the reception chatting with everyone. There were many old familiar faces she hadn’t had chance to catch up with yet. Many of them were interested in her business. It seemed like online marketing had not yet reached the Lake, but every small business owner was interested in learning about and taking advantage of it—with help. It seemed she would have a thriving business in no time. She was also starting to piece together a plan in her mind whereby she could maybe teach some of the women at the center how to work with her.
She caught sight of Ben talking with Smoke and Laura. It was a good thing she wasn’t a wallflower or the kind of woman who needed to tag along with her man. He was kept busy talking to everyone and occasionally popping behind the bar to help or solve any issues that arose. She caught sight of Angel sitting at a table by herself and went over to join her. “Are you having fun?”
Angel looked up and smiled. “I am, thanks. Are you? Every time I see you you’re on your own. Where’s Ben?”
Charlotte laughed. “He’s around. We were never the kind to be joined at the hip.”
“I can see that. I’m realizing more and more that what I liked about him was my idea of what he was. Not what he really is. I think I’m needier than you. I like my man to stay by my side.”
Charlotte smiled. “We’re all different, I suppose. But I do feel a little relieved hearing you say that. Ben wouldn’t be any good for you if that’s what you need.”
Angel nodded. “Yeah, I can see that now.” She smiled. “It makes me feel better and I was wondering, would you have a problem if I stay?”
“Not only would I not have a problem, I’d like it.”
“Thank you.”
Charlotte looked around. She was glad to finally feel completely at peace with Angel, but she didn’t want to spend all the time sitting here with her. She was hoping to spot Ben and maybe get a minute with him. He was no longer talking to Smoke and Laura. Smoke was talking to Jack and Laura was nowhere to be seen. She was glad when Angel got up to leave before she did. “I’m going to have a word with Luke.”
“Luke?” Charlotte raised an eyebrow. “Who’s he? I don’t know him.”
Angel smiled. “I don’t know him too well yet either, but he seems nice. He’s one of the student pilots over at the flight school.” She pointed over to a group of good-looking guys Charlotte didn’t know.
“Oh!” Charlotte grinned at her. �
�Good luck. I’ve seen them around, but I don’t know them. It’s like they’re the new gang, and I’m part of the old gang. You should go talk to him,” she said when she noticed one of the guys was watching Angel and gave her a little wave.
Angel nodded. “I think I will.”
Once she’d gone, Charlotte got up and went to see Smoke. Perhaps he’d be able to tell her where Ben had gone. He looked wary as she approached.
Jack smiled at her. “I was wondering where you were. Where’s Ben?”
“I was hoping you might be able to tell me,” she said to Smoke.
He shrugged. “Beats me.” He picked up his beer. “Excuse me.”
Charlotte raised an eyebrow at Jack. “Is it my perfume?”
Jack laughed. “I don’t think so. He can be a bit gruff sometimes. Plus, I think he’s a bit out of sorts. Laura’s disappeared, and I know he’s getting antsy; he thought the two of them would be married by now.”
“I can sympathize with him there, it’s hard to watch everyone else doing the things you thought you’d be doing a long time ago.” The words surprised her as they came out of her mouth. “Sorry, I don’t mean to whine to you. I’m grateful that Ben and I even have a chance again. For the longest time, I didn’t think we would.”
“No need to apologize. I can’t say I understand, but I can imagine. I think the two of you are back where you need to be now, though.”
Charlotte smiled. “I hope so.”
~
Ben grinned at Laura when they pulled up back in the square. “Thanks so much.”
“Don’t you dare thank me. It is absolutely my pleasure, I’m honored to be a part of it. And I’m thrilled that you were able to find just what you wanted.”
“I can’t believe you had it. I remember when we were kids, she used to show me pictures all the time of what she liked. I just hope her taste hasn’t changed too much. I know the old Charlie would love this, but I don’t know for certain that she will now.”
Laura smiled at him. “I’m sure she will. It’s a beautiful piece, but don’t worry if she doesn’t. We can always change it for something that she does.”
“Uh-oh, looks like we’re in trouble,” said Ben with a smile. Smoke was striding across the square toward them. “I hope I didn’t keep you too long.”
Laura laughed. “You were quicker than I thought was humanly possible.” She got out of the truck and Ben came around to meet her. She grinned up at Smoke when he reached them. “And don’t you worry about this big, jealous jerk, anyway.”
Smoke scowled at her. “That’s all the thanks I get, is it? I cover your ass for you, then come out to warn Ben that Charlie is looking for him, and I get accused of being a big, jealous jerk?”
Laura reached up and planted a kiss on his lips. “Aww, would you like a medal instead?”
Smoke rolled his eyes at Ben. “Do you see what I have to put up with? Sometimes I don’t know why I bother. Maybe I should just go find myself a sweet little thing who’d appreciate me and wouldn’t give me this kind of grief.”
Ben laughed as Laura slapped Smoke’s arm—hard. “You wouldn’t last two minutes without me now, and you know it. You can’t stand sweet little things, you need a challenge and I’m nothing if not challenging.”
“You can say that again,” said Smoke with a smirk. “Anyway, the point is you need to get back in there, Ben. Charlotte’s looking for you.”
“Thanks, guys. Thank you so much.”
He made his way back inside hoping that Charlotte wasn’t looking for him because she wanted to go home. He spotted her sitting with Joe and Gramps and made his way over to them.
“Where’ve you been?” asked Joe. “You can’t just go off and leave your lady like that. One of them pilots might make a move on her.”
Ben sat down beside Charlotte and smiled at her. “I think I’m safe. I don’t think she’d go off with one of them now.”
Gramps laughed. “She’d better not. We’ve all ridden the roller coaster with the two of you. We’ve suffered all these years alongside you. We’re all waiting for our happy ending. We won’t be cheated out of it now.”
Ben stared at him wondering if this was the moment. He looked at Charlotte then at Joe, and decided against it. This was Gabe and Renée’s day. It wouldn’t be right. “We’re working on it.”
Charlotte smiled. “And I’m hoping we can work on it at home. I’m about ready to get out of here, if you don’t mind?”
Ben nodded. “Sure, we can go home.”
“Forgive me for sticking my old nose in,” said Joe, “but just where are you calling home? That place on Lexington that you’re renting? I know it’s not the apartment because I never see either of you there.”
“It’s home for now,” said Ben. He was a little surprised that Joe would ask. He’d already told Joe that he was staying at Charlotte’s place, and that they’d started house-hunting.”
Charlotte smiled at Joe. “You’re not worried I’m corrupting him, are you? Because you know, if you are, you’re too late. I corrupted him years ago.”
Joe laughed. “I know that, little girl. What I’m worried about is the two of you living in some little rented house. We need to talk about that.”
Ben wasn’t sure what he meant, but he really didn’t want to stick around to discuss it now. Charlotte had said she wanted to go home and he was more than happy to take her. He hadn’t wanted to ask her here, but he did want to ask her tonight. “Can we talk about it tomorrow?”
Joe nodded. “Yep. I think we’ll have a lot to talk about tomorrow, won’t we?”
Ben met his gaze; he’d swear his grandpa knew what he had planned. But that shouldn’t surprise him. It seemed that Joe had been able to anticipate his moves his whole life. He nodded. “Probably.”
He and Charlotte made the rounds saying goodnight to their friends. He stopped when he spotted Angel sitting in a corner talking to one of Smoke’s student pilots. They looked quite cozy.
“I’m not going to ask if that bothers you,” said Charlotte with a smile. “I had a chat with her earlier and it turns out that now both she and I understand that she wouldn’t be what’s best for you anyway. I am, and I know it.” She reached up and planted a kiss on his lips. “And you’d just better get used to it.”
Ben hugged her to him and smiled. “I plan to spend the rest of my life doing just that.”
Angel smiled at them and waved, and Ben felt a sense of peace.
“You’re not leaving already, are you?” asked Renée when they found her and Gabe.
“We are. We just came to say congratulations one more time.”
“We’re so happy for you both,” said Charlotte.
“You can’t go yet. I haven’t even throw in the flowers.” Renée smiled at Charlotte. “April and Lily are in the running, too, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.”
Charlotte laughed. “That’s okay, let one of them catch them. I don’t need them.”
As they finally made their way back out into the cool night air, Ben had to wonder what she’d meant by that. Whatever she’d meant, he was about to find out. “Do you want to go home because you’re tired, or because you’d had enough?”
“I’d had enough. I love being back with everyone, but I still want you to myself every chance we get, and if I remember rightly I was going to get you out of that suit when we get home.”
Ben grinned. “You’re definitely not mistaken about that, and much as I love that dress on you, I’d much rather see it off you. If you’re not tired, though, I wondered if you wanted to go for a walk before we go home.”
She nodded. “Where do you want to go?”
“Down to the beach.” Even saying the words brought a lump to his throat. They’d walked on the beach the last night they were together as kids. They’d gone down there to watch the sunset that night before she left for Mexico. He’d said she needed to be careful. The first few months were the riskiest time. And she’d said perhaps it wasn’t a
bad idea to take some risks. That was the night that their lives had taken a turn. A turn that it had taken all these years to recover from. It just seemed right that they should go back to that place. He wanted tonight to be the night that they got their lives back on the right track.
Charlotte searched his face. She seemed to understand the significance. “We haven’t been down there since I came back.”
“I know, and now I think it’s time.”
When they got there, they walked in silence down to the water’s edge. Charlotte clung to his hand. “You remember what happened here?”
He stopped walking and put his hands on her shoulders, looking deep into her eyes. “Of course I do. We can’t change everything that happened. You were the one who told me we can’t change the past, but we can change the future. I wanted to come here because the last time we were here we changed our future for the worst. This time I want to change it for the better.”
She wiped the tears away from her eyes and nodded. “How do we do that, though? I mean, everything changed for the worse in a moment. I know how that happened. But how do we—can anyone ever—change things for the better in just a moment. Doesn’t that take time? Isn’t it a process that happens over weeks and months and years?”
“It is a process, and yes it takes weeks and months and years. In fact, I hope for us it will take the rest of our lives. But it starts with a moment.” He drew in a deep breath and knew that that moment was now. He fished around in his pocket for the little box he’d brought back from Laura’s store earlier. Then, taking hold of her hand, he went down on one knee. “Charlotte, it’s taken us sixteen years to get back to this point, I don’t want to waste any more years. In fact, I don’t want to waste another day. I want you to marry me, I want you to be my wife. Please, say that you’ll finally marry me.”
She dropped to her knees in the sand beside him and cupped his face in her hands. “Yes! Yes, Ben, I will marry you. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for all the years we lost, and doing my best to be a good wife and to make you happy.”
