Brynn
It’s been a few days, since we went to Raleigh for the meeting to save Main Street. The next morning, we went back to see what they had decided and were shocked they agreed to move forward in preserving our Main Street. I think we were still surprised all the way home.
The next battle we have is getting the permits for the villas. We’re waiting for the news to hit the mayor. The state is going to be delivering a nice formal notice to him any day now.
No matter how excited I am we won, when I remember that day, all I think about is that night in the bathtub with Jasper. I wanted so much more, but Jasper not letting it go further, was the right decision. I’ve been toying with if I can be his, and if so, how much of my heart do I have to give away?
I put those thoughts away, as I get ready for one of the first Sunset events on the beach that someday will become The Chasing the Sun Villas. I have people setting up a drink station and bringing out blankets to sit on.
Just as I’m about to go over and check it out myself, Jasper steps out of the kitchen.
“Hey, Firefly. Ready to head over?” He asks.
This event is all I have been able to talk about. Being able to have it on the beach this season, is what everyone has been wanting. The views from The Sunset roof are beautiful, but it’s just not the same, as sitting on the beach and watching the sun disappear into the water.
To finally have it right on the beach, is why it’s the only thing I’ve talked about the last few days, as I made preparations and tried to get ready.
“I am. You’re coming with me?” I ask him.
“Nothing could keep me away.” He smiles.
He takes my hand in his, and we walk across the street to the west side of our little point of The Island and see some guests have already shown up. He gives my hand a squeeze, and we go mingle and check to make sure everyone is set and comfortable.
One couple on the far side of the beach has a camera and a tripod set up. There’s another family with some young kids, chasing each other at the water’s edge, and a few couples snuggled up on blankets we scattered around. Rich and Ken are here together, checking on everyone and helping set up.
“I can’t believe this is actually happening!” Lin says, as she runs up to hug me.
I hold her tight. “Me either. Both of our parents would be so excited,” I say.
Kade walks up and puts an arm around Lin, then and pulls me in for a side hug. Her smile matches mine. It’s so big that it lights up her whole face, and when Kade looks at her, he supports a matching one.
“Thank you for this, Kade,” I say, looking out over the beach again.
“Nah, this is all you.” He waves me off.
“Grab a blanket; get comfy,” I tell them, and then watch them head off and find their own little spot on the beach.
“Let’s find a place, too,” Jasper says, and I turn to find him with a blanket over his arm. I let him lead us to a spot just far enough away from everyone, but still close enough, if they need us.
He spreads the blanket out on the sand, and then sits down, before pulling me to sit between his legs, my back to his chest. He wraps his arms around me, resting his elbows on his knees, and his chin on my shoulder, as we both watch the sky start turning a beautiful orange with a hint of red.
It reminds me of many evenings we had like this growing up. We’d watch the sunset at The Cove. The Cove is a local’s only beach, because it’s behind some private homes. There’s a path between two homes that only the locals know about. In the summer, when the beaches are overtaken by tourists, it’s great to have a place to get away from them.
“I hope you have been thinking, Brynn, because I meant what I said. I want a second chance.” He whispers in my ear.
Why do those words send butterflies swarming in my stomach? They want me to take the leap and not care that there’s no safety net to catch me. But my brain kicks in, saying this isn’t a good idea. I can’t afford to be left heartbroken again and trying to pick up the pieces at this point in my life. We’re starting this new adventure with the villas, which requires my time and energy.
“I will wait as long as you need, Brynn. I’m here for the long haul.” He says, almost like he can read my mind.
I get the feeling he doesn’t just mean here on The Island. I think he means in my life, in my kitchen, in my Inn, and in my space. The more I think about it, the more I can live with the decision to let him in.
I can’t imagine The Inn without him now, and I don’t want, too. The kitchen has never run better, and the staff is happier.
I twist sideways to gaze into his eyes. The look he gives me back is the one Kade gives Lin all the time. The one I keep saying I want. Right then, my heart overrules my brain, and I decide to give him an opening, though a guarded one. Another chance, the last one, because in order to move forward, I need to know.
Can we make it together? How can I move on with someone else with the ‘what if’ from Jasper, hanging over my head? It wouldn’t be fair to me or the next guy. Not that I want there to be a next guy because that means there will be a next girl and I don’t think I can handle watching that.
“Okay,” I tell him.
His face breaks out into a smile.
“Okay, yes?” He asks to be sure.
“Yes, one more chance.” I tell him.
“You won’t regret it.” He says and leans forward to give me a light kiss.
Thankfully, he doesn’t push the kiss out here in front of everyone.
“You’re missing the sunset.” He says, when I don’t open my eyes right away.
I turn just as the sun is starting to dip into the water.
Everyone stills, even the kids, and watches, as the sun disappears. It’s so quiet, like all of Hummingbird Island is pausing.
The moment the last of the sun dips below the water, people start moving, and The Island comes back to life.
Kade lights up the bonfire, and everyone gathers around. This is definitely better than the events on the roof.