Seaside Blessings

by Irene Hannon

  “Then he’ll be here soon, because he always keeps his promises.”

  “Yes, he does.” As the past few months had confirmed, Clint Nolan was a man of honor and integrity.

  And she was head over heels in love with him.

  “Aunt Kristen...how am I supposed to eat all this stuff?” Beatrice frowned at her two occupied hands as she puzzled over her dilemma.

  “Why don’t we go sit by the Watsons? It looks like there are a couple of empty seats at their table.”

  “Good idea.” Beatrice trotted over and plopped down next to Rose. The two girls—now BFFs, according to her daughter—immediately struck up an animated exchange.

  “Great party.” Ruth smiled and motioned toward an empty spot on the picnic bench beside her as Kristen approached.

  “Indeed it is.” Genevieve paused to join the conversation en route to the food table. “Just like old times. Reverend Tobias would be so happy to see the tradition he started being revived. Though I must say the food is better than ever, with the inn sponsoring it. I’ve already had my ice cream. Now it’s on to the cupcakes.” She patted her ample waist. “At this rate, I may have to take a hike on Clint’s nature trail to burn off all the calories. Where is he, by the way?”

  “Working.” Kristen’s lips twitched as she inspected the woman’s flower-bedecked straw hat, which was more suitable for an afternoon tea than an ice-cream social in the woods. “But he’ll be here soon.”

  “He’s here now.”

  At the familiar baritone voice behind her, Kristen turned. He was still wearing his uniform, meaning he’d come directly to the social from work—as promised.

  With a flourish, he pulled a pink balloon that had been twisted into two intertwined hearts from behind his back. “Courtesy of the balloon artist, who was happy to take a special request.”

  “Now isn’t that sweet!” Genevieve sent him a glowing smile. “And so romantic.”

  He winked at the older woman as he presented the hearts to Kristen. “Wait. There’s more.” Bending down, he brushed his lips over hers and spoke in a soft voice only she could hear. “I’ll do better later.”

  To hide the warmth that stole onto her cheeks, Kristen leaned over and wiped a smudge of chocolate off the corner of Beatrice’s mouth.

  “I do believe I’m going to melt into a gooey little puddle right here.” Genevieve let out a dramatic sigh. “Wait till I tell Lillian about this. We’ve been avidly following your romance, you know. And so far, you’re getting high marks as a beau. You got bonus points for having us bake that heart-shaped cake on Kristen’s birthday last month.”

  “I liked that, too,” Beatrice piped up. “And the bestest thing was that it was chocolate.”

  Chuckling, Genevieve patted Beatrice’s head. “I agree. Chocolate is hard to beat.” With a flutter of fingers, she bustled off in search of Lillian, her cupcake quest forgotten.

  “Hi, Clint.”

  At Beatrice’s greeting, he dropped down beside her and pulled another piece of balloon art from behind his back. “I thought you might like this one.”

  Squealing with delight, she accepted the detailed rendering of Ariel. “Thank you!” She threw her arms around his neck, rewarding him with a hug.

  “You’re very welcome.” He stepped back and examined her painted face. “My goodness, you look magical. May I take your picture?”

  “Can Rose be in it with me? She got her face painted, too.”

  “Of course.”

  Beatrice took her friend’s hand, and Kristen smiled as the two girls mugged for the photo.

  But her smile froze when Beatrice spoke to Ruth as Clint started to slide the camera back into his shirt pocket.

  “Would you take a picture of me and Clint and my mom?”

  Kristen stopped breathing.

  My mom.

  Not my birth mother.

  Beatrice had never referred to her by that title before.

  Clint looked over at her, and his slow smile told Kristen he’d caught the significance, too. Beatrice might still call her “Aunt,” but in her heart she’d begun to think of her as “Mom.”

  Perhaps, in time, the title would come, too.

  “That’s a great idea.” Ruth stood and took the camera from Clint. “Now get close together.”

  The three of them huddled, Beatrice in the middle. And as the camera clicked, Kristen had just one thought.

  Could this day get any better?

  * * *

  Clint polished off his second chocolate cupcake, washed it down with a swig of lemonade and gave Kristen a sheepish grin. “Sorry. I didn’t have a chance to eat lunch.”

  “There’s ice cream, too.”

  “Nope. I’m done.” He wiped his lips on a paper napkin, stood and held out his hand. “Want to take a walk?”

  “On the nature trail?”

  “Why not? Things are starting to wind down here.”

  She let him pull her to her feet, then surveyed the milling crowd, which was beginning to thin. Clint hoped she’d go along with his idea willingly, but he’d push if he had to. He had plans for this afternoon—and he wasn’t going to defer them.

  “I don’t know...” She bit her lower lip. “Besides, what about Beatrice?”

  “Ruth will keep an eye on her. I already asked.”

  “Is that right?” She planted her hands on her hips. “And when did you manage to arrange that?”

  “While you got me the lemonade.” He smiled at her. “Pretty please?”

  She tried to look stern, but it only made her look cute. “You know I can’t resist that dimple of yours.”

  He gave her an unrepentant grin. “That’s what I’m counting on.”

  Capitulating with a laugh, she gave him a playful nudge with her shoulder. “Okay. Let me do a quick circuit and make sure everything’s under control.”

  “No problem.” He lifted his lemonade in salute. “I’m in no hurry. The rest of my day is yours.”

  “Mmm. Hold that thought.”

  He sat again, watching her weave through the crowd, an appreciative smile curving his lips. Willowy and lithe, she moved with a quiet, natural grace that reminded him of a ballerina. He’d told her that once, and asked if she’d studied dance. Her response had been a laugh and a claim that she had two left feet.

  He didn’t believe that.

  And he intended to prove that to himself at the first possible opportunity. Swaying with her to a romantic tune was high on his priority list.

  He leaned back and took a sip of the fresh-squeezed lemonade, the tart and sweet flavors mingling on his tongue as he followed her progress. She conversed with guests, checked the food supply, exchanged a few words with the inn’s catering staff and handed off the balloon hearts to Beatrice for safekeeping—all the while sending him glances that told him she was moving as fast as possible and anxious to rejoin him.

  No more anxious than he was to have her by his side.

  He set his empty cup on the table, the lingering flavor of the lemonade sweet rather than tart on his tongue. Just like his lingering impression of Kristen. Who could have guessed when she splattered him with mud that first day on The Point—and startled him with her resemblance to Lisa—that she’d end up winning his heart? Certainly not him. He’d planned to walk a wide circle around the new concierge.

  Funny how God had had other plans.

  As she completed her circuit at last and headed his direction, he rose, giving her an appreciative perusal. He might have been put off by her inappropriate tropical attire when they’d first met, but he’d come to appreciate her excellent taste. Her moss-green capri slacks, short-sleeved fern-patterned sweater and strappy flat sandals were classy and elegant.

  Like the lady herself.

  �
��Miss me?” She gave him an impish grin.

  He took her hand, glancing down at the twin scars on her forearm—a constant reminder of how close he’d come to losing her. There’d been no complications with rabies or infection, and the angry red marks were beginning to fade, but the memory would take far longer to dim.

  His attention still on the scars, he lifted her hand to his lips. “Always.”

  She swayed toward him as he kissed her fingers, forcing him to shift his attention to the beautiful face that filled his dreams and brightened his days.

  “Let’s focus on the future, not the past, okay? Everything turned out fine. Better than fine.” She slipped her arm through his. “I thought you promised me a walk?”

  As usual, she was able to gently tease him out of darkness and into the light.

  Yet one more thing he loved about her—and gave thanks for every day.

  “I did.” He started down the wood-chipped path that wound through the spruce and hemlock trees, toward the sea at The Point. In moments they’d left the crowd behind. “And speaking of things turning out fine, I think you reached a milestone today with Beatrice.”

  Her features softened. “I know. I guess God finally heard my prayers.”

  “I’m certain God had a hand in her evolution, but you’ve done your part to earn that title, too. You’re a wonderful mother.”

  A flush of pleasure suffused her cheeks. “Thank you for saying that. But I still have a lot to learn.”

  “My mom always claimed motherhood was like running an endless obstacle course. Just when you think you’ve maneuvered safely through all the hurdles, another one pops up.”

  “Gee, thanks a lot for the encouragement.” She wrinkled her nose at him.

  He smiled and laid his hand over the one tucked in his arm. “If you want my opinion, you’re doing fine.”

  They continued in companionable silence until they arrived at the edge of the nature preserve and emerged onto inn property.

  “Why don’t we sit on the bench for a few minutes?” He gestured toward the chapel.

  She hesitated. “I don’t want to impose on Ruth for too long.”

  “I told her we might be gone awhile. She was fine with that.”

  “In that case...” She smiled and twined her fingers with his. “I’m all yours.”

  He hoped that was true. Forever.

  And he’d soon find out.

  His pulse kicked up a notch, and with a squeeze of her fingers, he led her forward. As they rounded the chapel, the silver-wrapped package with the white bow that Lindsey had agreed to deliver came into view.

  Beside him, Kristen’s step faltered. “There was a wedding here yesterday. Do you suppose someone forgot their present?”

  “Let’s check it out.”

  They continued to the bench, and Kristen bent to examine the gift tag. Raising her head, she gave him a surprised look. “For me? From you?”

  He smiled. “I don’t know anyone else named Kristen.”

  She examined the shoe-box-sized package. “My birthday was last month.”

  “This isn’t a birthday gift.”

  “Then what’s the occasion?”

  “There’s only one way to find out.” He motioned to the bench. “Why don’t we sit while you open it?”

  She complied in silence, settling the package in her lap. As he sat beside her, she worked the tape loose, pulled back the wrapping paper and lifted the lid.

  Clint’s heart began to thump—hard.

  She dug through the Styrofoam peanuts with her fingers. Felt around. Froze.

  Slanting him a tentative look, she slowly withdrew the small, square ring box.

  “Wow.” She cradled it in her hand and ran a trembling finger over the velvet top. “Wow.”

  Gently he took the box from her, his own hands none too steady. “I hope that’s a good wow.”

  “It’s a very good wow.” Her ebullient expression confirmed her words. “But you fooled me with the big box.”

  “That was the idea. I didn’t want to tip my hand too soon.” He flipped up the lid to reveal a large, square-cut diamond set in a gold band.

  “Oh!” She breathed rather than said the word as she stared at it. “Triple wow.”

  He removed the ring and set the box aside, then enfolded her slender fingers in his. She lifted her head to look up at him, and at the love in her luminous green eyes, his heart skipped a beat.

  Praying his voice didn’t fail him, he launched into the speech he’d been practicing every spare minute for the past ten days—before he fell asleep at night, in the shower, on the trail at the park. He’d even recited it to a banana slug who’d happened along when he’d stopped for lunch beside a downed redwood two days ago.

  He hoped Kristen was more responsive than the slug had been.

  “I’ve had that ring since the week after your encounter with the mountain lion. But even before that, I knew you were the woman I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Given all you have on your plate, though, I didn’t want to rush you. I figured you needed more time to be certain. So I’ve tried to move slowly. However, my patience ran out a few days ago.”

  He stroked his thumb over the back of her hand. “I said earlier that the rest of my day is yours. The truth is, the rest of my life is yours, if you’ll have me. But if you’re not ready to hear that, I’m prepared to put this ring away and try again down the road.”

  “No.” She placed her free hand over his, her tone firm—and confident. “I’m more than ready. I’ve known for months, too. And I’ve prayed about it.” She looked up, tracing the length of the tall white steeple on Starfish Bay Chapel. “I’ve bent the Lord’s ear more in the past few months than I have in the past ten years, and the truth is, being with you feels right in here.” She tapped her heart.

  “It feels right to me, too.” He lifted the ring, and the facets sparkled in the setting sun. “When we met here on The Point a few months ago, I never expected to fall in love with you. But the more time we’ve spent together, the more I began to realize how special you are. You’re strong and smart and caring and kind. You surprise me and make me laugh and fill my life with joy in a way no one—no one, Kristen—” he emphasized that point to ensure she got the message “—ever has. Even on cloudy days, you make the sun shine in my heart.”

  His voice hoarsened, and he cleared his throat as he lifted her left hand. “Kristen Andrews, I love you more than words can express. And I promise to honor and cherish you all the days of my life. So without any more speeches—would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  The radiance in her face put the luster of the diamond in his fingers to shame as she whispered her response. “Yes.”

  Joy spilled over in his heart, and he slipped the ring on her slender finger, sealing their engagement with a visible symbol of the love and fidelity they would soon declare before God.

  The sooner the better, as far as he was concerned.

  As if reading his mind, Kristen smiled up at him. “What would you think about a Thanksgiving wedding here, in Starfish Bay Chapel? I can get us a great deal. I have connections.”

  The corners of his lips twitched. “I knew there was a reason I fell in love with a concierge.”

  She scooted closer and put her arms around his neck. “Oh, I have access to all kinds of perks. For example, Mattson has resorts in some great honeymoon destinations.”

  “I like the sound of that. But let’s make a deal. You plan the wedding—I’ll plan the honeymoon. And I promise you a memorable one.”

  Her eyes twinkled. “I have no doubt of that.”

  “In the meantime, though...” He touched his forehead to hers, their lips a whisper apart. “I think we have an engagement to celebrate.”

  “Mmm.” She exh
aled, her breath warm on his cheek. “Did you have something specific in mind?”

  “Oh, yeah.” He eased back a few inches to see her face. “If I could have arranged it, I’d have brought in a marching band and organized a fireworks display and taken out a full-page ad in every newspaper in the country announcing that the most wonderful woman in the world has agreed to be my wife. That not being possible, I’ve booked a table at the swankiest restaurant in Eureka.”

  Eyes glistening, she touched his cheek and whispered the most beautiful words he’d ever heard. “I love you, Clint Nolan.”

  He gazed at her radiant face, drinking in every nuance of her tender expression. Wishing this moment could last forever. And knowing that for as long as he lived, it would shine in his memory as brilliantly as the diamond glinting on her finger.

  “As for celebrations, why don’t we start with this?” She linked her arms around his neck and gently pulled him toward her.

  He didn’t resist.

  This was where they belonged. Together, for always.

  And as their lips touched...joined...melded in a kiss filled with promise, passion and hope, he gave thanks.

  For second chances.

  For unexpected blessings.

  And for happy endings.

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt from Rancher’s Refuge by Linda Goodnight

  Dear Reader,

  If you’ve dropped into Starfish Bay for the first time—welcome! For those of you who are returning after previous visits in Seaside Reunion and Finding Home, I’m delighted you’ve come back.

  I saved a special story for last. Clint Nolan’s made appearances here and there since the beginning of the series, sort of a mysterious but intriguing presence. In this book, his secrets are revealed, thanks to the charming concierge at the new inn who infiltrates his heart...and has secrets of her own. From day one, it does not appear to be a match made in heaven. But sometimes God surprises us with His plans.

  I hope you savor this final visit to Starfish Bay, a place that has become as real to me as any actual town on the beautiful Northern California coast. While it’s always hard to say goodbye, it’s also fun to move on to the next adventure.