Salt Water Wounds (Oyster Cove #1)
Page 21
He’s a fast learner, but he likes things perfect. With that being said, he’s adamant about tasting every dish, making sure the customers get the right portions, and supplying the perfect amount of ambience. We’ve been open for a few months, but today marks the official grand opening of Layla’s Restaurant. Most people think the name was Buck’s doing, but yours truly had the idea for it. After running it by the family, everyone was on board. A piece of her stays with us, and I can only hope that one day I’ll be able to thank her for allowing me to be included in such a beautiful family.
The place has a line out the door. We’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner year round. We have a play area for children in case there is wait, and a menu to suit finicky eaters. We offer gluten free choices, as well as vegetarian, and Dane has done his research providing each menu item with a caloric detail.
We replaced the flooring, and lights, and tore down a wall so that the water can be seen from all sides of the building. The town approved us to put an outside porch for more seating, and we had the whole property repaved.
We’ve sunk a lot of cash into the place, but it’s nice. I’m proud of it, and I know he is too. We made the grand opening the first real weekend tourists start coming on the island, and I’m glad we did. We’re packed. As I look around, seeing Bristol and Nick taking orders, while Buck’s oldest are helping with kitchen for free, I finally find Buck. He’s talking to a local couple who have already dined with us a few times. I make my way toward him, finding his hand before he realizes I’m there. He waves to the people as they take their seats and gives me all of his attention. “Everything okay, sweetness?”
“Of course.”
“Now that I have you here, there’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about, and it kind of affects this place, as well as at home.”
“What is it?” I wonder.
Buck puts his hands up and whistles. Everyone in the restaurant stops what they’re doing and looks in our direction. “How’s everyone liking the new place?”
It’s too loud to make out what they’re saying. Buck motions for them to quiet down for a second time. “Thank you all for coming here tonight to celebrate with us. We hope you like the changes, and come back again soon.” Buck gets down on his knee and faces me. I already know what’s happening and start to feel dizzy as he begins to speak. “Alice Perry, I’m ridiculously in love with you. I already know you’re never going to leave, but it’s only fair if I ask you to marry me anyway. Let’s make it official. What do you say?”
I’m nodding my head, but words won’t come out. He’s slipping his mother’s engagement ring on my finger, a piece of jewelry he once said was going to go to Bristol. When I realize it, I look to see her coming my way. She hugs me first, even before her father and I can embrace. “I told Dad to give you the ring, because I’d rather have my mothers instead. It’s more your style anyway. I love you, Ally. Thank you for everything you do for us. We’d be lost without you.”
The crowd is clapping, but my eyes are only focused on one person. He’s smiling, because he already knew how this would play out. “I can’t believe you did this tonight.”
“It’s been killing me to wait. I swore the ring was going to burn a hole in my pocket.”
I kiss him with appreciation for all the happiness he’s brought me. “I love you, Buck Wallace.”
“And I love you right back. Now, lets not keep our guest waiting. Good service means great reviews.”
I pull him back into my arms. Some folks are still watching us. “You know this means you can’t call me Perry anymore.”
“Sweetness, I’ll call you whatever you want, just as long as it means you’re mine.”
THE END of BOOK ONE