“Clara. My parents are the most loving, accepting, humble, and down-to-earth people you will ever meet. Very much like yourself, which is why I fell in love with you. I really wish you would’ve told me this a lot sooner. I could’ve put you out of your misery,” he said, closing his eyes and kissing the top of her hand.
“Even if they are nice, people get curious, Mike. It’s human nature. I would completely understand if they wanted to know more about the woman you could potentially…”
She paused, feeling uncertain about what she was going to say.
“Marry?” he asked.
“Well… yeah. That’s exactly what I meant. Mike, you have to understand, when I think back to all the dumb decisions I made with Keith, the turmoil with Agnes, and even everything Agnes and I are still sorting our way through… I can’t help but think your background is way cleaner than mine and perhaps you may have done better with a much less complicated kind of woman.”
“That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ll never play the comparison game with you. My heart doesn’t operate that way, and my parents didn’t raise me to look down upon others because of our differences. It’s just not how we think. My parents will support you and love you, because I support you and love you.”
She hopped over to his lap, feeling relieved and lighthearted again.
“Well, that settles it. When can we book the next flight to Ft. Lauderdale?” she asked.
He chuckled. “I’m going to need a minute to recover from losing those non-refundable tickets, but we’ll plan something between now and the holidays. I have to say, this is about the craziest day I’ve experienced in a long time. I got a flat tire, and you actually tried to catch the flight but missed it. Goodness.”
“The agent wouldn’t budge. She stood there and watched me staring at the plane as it pulled away from the gate. It was awful.” Clara admitted.
“Aww, it’s okay. Despite everything, we ended up right where we’re supposed to be.”
“In each other’s arms?”
“Exactly.” He planted a warm kiss, and she gladly took in all the affection. She was happy again, feeling satisfied that everything between her and Mike was finally getting back on track.
“Clara,” he whispered.
“Yes.”
“Come with me, I want to take you to the back and show you something,” he said, extending his hand.
She looked at him suspiciously, wondering what he was up to. He continued, holding out his hand.
“You trust me, don’t you?”
She followed him to his office, and he reached behind a stack of books on a shelf, pulling out a box.
“Remember the night I planned a romantic date for us… the evening that Agnes showed up?”
“Yes.”
“I had a few surprises up my sleeve for the evening. This was one of them,” he said.
He took out a necklace with a heart pendant on it. On the front was the date they met engraved in cursive. She recognized it immediately.
“Mike. How beautiful is this?”
He took the necklace out of the box and opened the clasp.
“Not as beautiful as the woman wearing it. I knew it would look good on you.”
She smiled.
“Thank you.”
“There’s more. But I’ll get a second shot at planning a romantic date… a do-over if you will. Do you think you’ll be free sometime over the next couple of days?” he asked.
“My entire weekend was dedicated to you, so I think my calendar is clear.” She laughed.
“Perfect. Let me make a phone call and see if I can get us on the calendar for this weekend,” he said, pecking her softly.
“As long as we’re together, that’s all that matters to me.”
“Brody, do you like apple dumplings? Mom and I always get apple dumplings every time we come to October Fest, right, mom?” Stephanie asked.
“That’s right, baby. Apple dumplings with cinnamon.”
“You know, Stephanie, I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I’ve never had an apple dumpling in my life.” Brody confessed.
Stephanie was quite amused.
“Never?”
“Never. But, I’m willing to try it,” he said.
“Allow me to lead the way.” She took off on a mission to show Brody what he was missing.
Mackenzie was pleased to see the two getting along so well. She knew today would be more about Stephanie and Brody’s connection, but she was okay with that. She thought it was sweet.
“Stephanie is just like you. She knows what she wants and goes right after it,” he said.
“Yep, that’s my Steph. Most people will tell you she’s my mini me, for sure.”
They continued following behind Mackenzie’s daughter as she made a clear path to the apple dumplings.
“Steph has always been a natural leader, but, I’m curious to know what makes you say that about me? Is there something about my personality that stands out in particular?” Mackenzie asked.
“Are you kidding me? I see the way you handle things at the café. You have such a balanced way of running a tight ship while creating an atmosphere where everybody loves to gather. To this day, I have no idea who the owner is, but we all know who the boss is. I think it’s an attractive quality if you ask me.”
“Really?” She giggled.
“Yes, ma’am. Not everyone could pull it off the way you do.”
Stephanie arrived at the booth that sold apple dumplings and pointed Brody toward the menu.
“See, they have so many choices. Some people like to drizzle their dumplings with sauce, but mom and I like it plain,” she said.
“Well, how about we order three plain apple dumplings and choose a picnic table where we can sit down and enjoy?”
“Don’t forget something to wash it down with,” she said.
“Eh em, don’t forget your manners, young lady,” Mackenzie said.
“Pretty please.” She smiled, revealing her cute dimples.
“Three dumplings and three drinks coming right up.”
As the girls walked away to find tables, Stephanie leaned in to share her assessment of Brody.
“Mommy, he’s really nice,” she whispered.
Stephanie reminded Brody of his niece. She reminded him of how nice it was to be around a little person again, something he hadn’t enjoyed in a while since his sister moved to Colorado.
“I was thinking you might enjoy a fun game of corn hole once we’re done with our dumplings,” Brody said.
“I love corn hole. Me and my friend Grace are all time champions at school.”
“In that case, we should make that our next stop,” Brody responded.
“That will be the last game before we leave, okay Steph? We’ve been here for hours. We don’t want to go overboard on our first outing and overstay our welcome,” Mackenzie said.
“Okay.”
“I’m having a good time,” he said.
“So am I. You 're like Mom’s first boyfriend in a really long time. I mean… realllly long,” she whispered across the table.
She hadn’t met Bill, which Mackenzie was grateful for. So it wasn’t crazy for Stephanie to assume her mother was rusty in the dating department.
“Stephanie, I think Brody gets the idea. Why don’t you keep working on your apple dumpling before it gets cold, honey,” Mackenzie replied. She was mortified, but it wasn’t the first time her daughter innocently threw her under the bus.
She tried to laugh it off.
“Out of the mouths of babes.”
Brody winked at her.
“Maybe we can do something else fun next weekend, Brody?”
“I’ll have to leave that up to your mom. I like the idea if she’s okay with it,” he said.
“Cool.”
With a few more bites, Stephanie was done with her dumplings and begging her mother to check out the nearest game until they were finished.
“Stay right within vi
ew. As soon as we’re done, we’ll play a few rounds of corn hole and then we have to go, okay?”
“Okay.”
Mackenzie returned her attention to Brody.
“Thanks for being patient. I should’ve warned you my kid loves to talk and likes to ask plenty of questions.”
“I love it. She reminds me of my niece and has quite the sense of humor,” he said.
“Yes, she does.”
“I take it she never met Bill?”
“No. We never got around to it. We talked about our kids, but then things took an interesting turn in the relationship. I’m glad to be honest. It may have been a little awkward explaining that whole situation,” she said.
“I can imagine. I feel honored that you took the chance in bringing her out with me. It’s a privilege to meet her… something I won’t take for granted.”
Mackenzie let out a sigh of relief. Being around Brody was so refreshing to her.
“Did I say something wrong?” he asked.
“Not at all. I just can’t help but wonder why we hadn’t entertained the idea of dating each other before now. We were always within close proximity. It’s so funny how life works,” she said, as she checked to make sure Stephanie was all right.
“I always had my eyes on you. I just had to wait for the right time to make a move.” He teased.
She laughed.
“Hey, Mack, do you mind me asking you a personal question?”
“Sure. What’s on your mind?”
“What was Stephanie’s father like?” he asked, taking another bite of his food.
“Stephanie’s father… let’s see. You sure you want to hear about him?”
“Yeah, as much as you’d like to tell.”
“Well, he was a ladies’ man when I met him. I knew it right from the start and gave him a hard time because of it. I was very straight laced with him for months, sending a clear message that I wouldn’t tolerate a guy who didn’t have his act together. I think it drove him crazy that I wouldn’t give him the time of day. I didn’t care. I was a one-man kind of gal and I was looking for a one-woman kind of man.”
Brody chuckled. “Good for you.”
“That’s right. It was almost a year before I ever entertained going out for drinks. By then, I’d noticed a change in him. His interest was shifting from that young bachelor behavior to becoming the guy who was ready to settle down and dig his heels into his career. That’s when I started spending time with him, getting to know the depths of him, and started getting serious. We fell hard and fast for each other. On the weekends, he’d invite me over to his garage and show me his drums and instruments… it was his hobby or a passion he had outside of work. A passion which grew throughout our time dating all the way until I had Stephanie. I loved him so much I was willing to support him in all his endeavors. But, I should’ve known something was wrong when he started spending more time in his garage than with us. The short version is his love for music took precedence over his baby and the mother of his child. He sat me down one day and told me about this grand idea he had to travel the world and make money playing music. To this day I rarely share the full story with anybody, it’s way too embarrassing to admit. But, that’s him in a nutshell. My ex, the world traveling musician.”
“Does he ever reach out to you guys?” he asked.
“Not really. He made very little effort when she was born, and now his visits are nonexistent. I was so enraged at first. Now, it’s just become a way of life. I see no point in crying over spilt milk.”
“I’m speechless. I didn’t realize these kinds of stories still existed in our world today.”
“Ha, it happens all the time. Maybe not among your friends and family, but deadbeat dads exist everywhere,” she said, while still watching Stephanie.
“Look at her. Despite not having her father in her life, I still think she turned out to be an amazing kid. I know I’m bias, of course.”
“I’m right there with you. She’s being raised by a phenomenal, strong, smart, and beautiful woman. I bet you’d do anything for her… including giving up your life for her if you had to.”
“In a heartbeat.” Mack confessed.
Brody glanced at Mackenzie, realizing his admiration and attraction for her was growing with each passing moment.
By the end of the day, Stephanie was slumped over in the back seat of Brody’s car, sound asleep. He drove down route four, occasionally watching Mackenzie as she hummed along to the music on the radio. She felt carefree with the wind blowing in her hair, occasionally exchanging smiles with Brody.
“So, you 're a fan of country music, I see,” Brody said.
“I can listen to just about anything, really. When I was in college, my girlfriends and I used to dance the night away, singing all the words to our favorite songs. It didn’t matter if we had dates or not. We always had a good time.”
“Really? I wish I could dance. I usually keep my moves within the realm of a two-step, or something safe so as not to hurt myself or anyone else on the dance floor.”
“Ha ha, Brody, that’s hilarious. How bad could it be?” She chuckled.
“You don’t want to know.”
“You know what… you just gave me a perfect idea for our next outing.”
“Oh, no. Please. Why did I open my big mouth? You are chartering into very dangerous territory when it comes to me and dancing.”
“I promise to take it easy on you. Everybody knows how to at least sway back and forth. I’m sure something is coming up this fall that involves dancing, and if not, maybe we can enjoy our own private party,” she said.
“A private party would at least save me tons of embarrassment.”
“Don’t be silly. You’ll be fine.”
“Okay, don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he said.
They continued listening to music for another mile before she worked up the courage to ask something that had been on her mind.
“So, on a scale from one to ten, how did it feel to go on a date with a middle-aged woman and her young daughter? I mean… let’s face it. I’m forty-five, single, and I had Stephanie pretty late. I’m sure that has to leave some sort of impression whether good, bad, or indifferent,” she said.
“Wow, you just unpacked a lot in that statement. Hopefully, I can help put your mind at ease when I tell you I had an amazing time, and if you’ll allow it, I can’t wait to do it again.”
She smiled.
“And for the record, I’m also forty-five. I could’ve sworn we needed at least another five years under our belt before they start throwing the whole middle-aged title out there.” He teased.
“Hey, either way, I just accept each year graciously as it comes.” She chuckled.
He checked the rearview to see that Stephanie was still sleeping and then reached across the console for her hand.
“This entire day, the only thing I could wrap my head around was whether I was being the perfect gentleman for you and Steph. I hope that sheds a brief insight as to how I feel… and since we’re being transparent, I have a question for you,” he said.
“What’s that?”
“I know this is only our third time going out together. The first date being far more adventurous than I planned… but, how do I measure up from your point of view? At the end of the day, I’m a boat mechanic, who’s never had kids of his own. I’m almost certain you had high hopes for meeting someone who could over deliver after your experience with Stephanie’s dad. Do you think a guy like me could ever measure up?”
“Without question, Brody. Of course, I think it’s smart for us to take our time and continue getting to know one another, but if you want the secret to our hearts… it’s kindness and loyalty. There’s nothing like having a man in your life who will love you unconditionally and who you can count on. I’m sure you would agree.”
He gently squeezed her hand.
“I agree… and you know what else I think?” he asked.
“What?”
“You and me… I think we’re going to do pretty well together.”
“Time will tell.” She smiled.
Chapter 19
“Jonathan, this is one of the most romantic dates I’ve ever been on with you. What a brilliant idea to find a dock and dine restaurant. We’re already getting our money’s worth, and we haven’t even had the boat for a month yet,” Mae said, as she tapped her wineglass with his.
“Finally, my wife is coming around. I figured you might enjoy something like this. Apparently, it’s very popular. All you have to do is pull right up to the dock and wait to be served,” he said.
“It’s beautiful, sweetheart. The food looks great… everything is absolutely wonderful.”
“I’m glad you like it. You know, Mae. As I think back over the past year, we’ve accomplished so much. All of us have. We played a major role in helping Mike grow the company by giving the most amazing tours in all of Solomons Island-”
“That’s right. From Annapolis to Solomons, I don’t think there’s one company out there that offers the tours and personalized service that we do,” she said.
“Yes, then there’s us… this year we took our best friendship to a whole new level. I gained an amazing wife, one who took a leap of faith, willing to go on adventures with an old chap like me.” He chuckled.
“Jonathan, I didn’t even know I could be adventurous until I met you. I still have a lot of work to do, but I’m thankful that you’re patient with me as I step out and try.”
“Always, honey, even if it means giving you a little nudge now and then.” He teased.
Jonathan knew how far he could go with Mae, never really wanting to push her way out of her comfort zone.
“So, I guess the real question is, where do we go from here? What goals would you like to set as we look ahead to our future?”
“Jonathan, one would think it’s a new year, with the way you sound.”
“No, not a new year. We just have so much life ahead of us and all I want to do is make plans to ensure we enjoy every minute instead of delaying everything. Starting with the holidays… I called my sister and confirmed that she’s visiting for the Christmas season.”
Beachfront Embrace Page 17
