“More s’mores coming right up.” Marina twirled a slim wire basket over a fire on the beach, trying to keep her gaze off Jack. Much to her consternation, he’d had the nerve to show up with Leo and Scout after standing her up last night.
She glanced around the fire, where her family and friends were roasting skewered marshmallows to a blackened crisp. The sweet scent of marshmallows, toasted graham crackers, and melted chocolate rose on the ocean breeze, along with the sounds of laughter and chatter. They’d all pitched in to bring beach chairs, blankets, and coolers.
Kai and Axe were the guests of honor. Many of their friends were gathered around, including Jen and George, Leilani and Roy, and Kai’s friends who were visiting from New York and Los Angeles. Shelly from the Seabreeze Inn and Mitch, the proprietor of Java Beach, had also joined the party. Marina’s friend Ivy was there, along with Bennett. He’d brought his guitar and was strumming it softly. Kai hummed along, singing a few lines as the music inspired her.
Across from them, her grandmother sat in her beach chair like an empress on her throne, taking it all in. Her dark denims and white cotton shirt were crisply pressed, and she wore a jaunty length of vintage silk at her throat. Marina recognized the scarf as one that Ginger had bought years ago in Paris, where her late husband had been stationed as a diplomat.
Even their middle sister Brooke and her husband had joined them. Their three boys had been playing with Leo on the beach. Brooke sat next to Ginger now, catching up and sharing updates about the boys.
Only Ethan and Heather were missing. Her son had his early tee time, and her daughter had a summer social that she’d organized with her friends at college.
Marina had been shocked when Jack and Leo arrived. And to her even greater surprise, Jack had come prepared to build a fire and roast hot dogs and other food he’d brought.
So, she let him, although she felt a little guilty for taking perverse pleasure in allowing him to work himself back into her good graces. But only a little. He’d have to do much more than that to earn a place in her life.
Marina wondered if Ginger might have had something to do with his prompt appearance. Or maybe he figured he should shape up. She slid a glance in his direction.
“Need some help there?” Jack asked, moving closer.
“I’ve got this.” Although it was a balmy beach evening, his nearness sent shivers through Marina. Even in a worn T-shirt and threadbare jeans, he was still attractive to her. To counter that, she focused on what she was doing.
“There’s a trick to s’mores,” she explained, a cold edge creeping into her voice. “You have to turn them evenly, or all the gooey goodness oozes into the fire.”
“Really, I can help.”
“Thanks, but you grilled most of our supper.” Whether Ginger was behind this new attitude or not, Marina wasn’t ready to forgive him just yet.
Jack flashed a grin in the firelight. “Grilling dinner wasn’t so tough.”
“Then how about constructing more of these?” She tossed a bag of marshmallows onto his lap. Although she had to admit, he’d done more than jab and grill a few hot dogs. To her surprise, he was quite competent over an open flame.
Jack opened the bag. “Got it. Leo, will you give me a hand?”
“Sure.” In the firelight, the boy’s profile mirrored his father’s, right down to the thick, tousled hair brushed back from his forehead.
They both needed a good haircut. Jack probably couldn’t be bothered. Without meaning to, she let out a puff of exasperation. Hastily, she added, “Don’t forget the chocolate.”
Jack gave her a look of amusement. “We won’t. We’ll get a regular s’mores production line going for you.”
Marina tried not to smile as he and Leo focused on constructing the dessert just as she had, layering slivers of dark, orange-flavored chocolate and puffy marshmallows over the crispy graham cracker slabs. Unable to stand how adorable Leo was being with his father, she tore her gaze from them.
Nothing but trouble there, she told herself.
Across the flickering yellow flames, Kai lounged on a beach blanket. Axe had his arm draped across her shoulders, gazing at his fiancée as if she were the brightest star in the sky. Leaning against Axe’s solid chest, Kai looked enraptured, too.
Marina’s heart ached at this sweet, romantic scene. She smiled at them, silently willing their union to last through the challenges life would inevitably throw in their path. Kai deserved every good thing she’d worked for. She had waited years for a good man who shared her interests, not just a fan or tech playboy who wanted a dazzling trophy on his arm.
There had been plenty of those.
Marina continued sweeping the basket over the flames, toasting the edges of the graham crackers and melting the dark chocolate and creamy marshmallow inside.
Jack nodded toward the basket she was using. “That contraption works well.”
“It’s good to know the tricks of the trade.”
Throwing his arm around his son, Jack pulled the boy close. “We’re both learning. Leo wants us to sign up for your Saturday cooking classes.”
Seriously? She arched an eyebrow at him. “You don’t need to do that.”
“We all know that’s a lie.” Jack chuckled and shook his head.
The firelight illuminated Jack’s strong features, bathing his face in a warm glow. He was acting at ease, but Marina detected an undercurrent—as if he wasn’t ready to share something yet. Maybe there was more to the reason he hadn’t shown up last night than he’d let on.
Yet, if they still had a chance at a future together, they would need trust and transparency between them.
In the firelight, Jack’s eyes shimmered with fierce intelligence, and Marina watched him register every detail about those around the fire and on the beach. Following his gaze, she saw that he was watching Kai and Axe with interest, too.
Deciding to chip away at the ice between them, Marina leaned toward him. “Everyone liked your ground turkey and vegetables. My mother used to prepare those little foil packages for campfires, too.” He’d even brought his own seasoning mixture, which surprised her, and when he began preparing them, she’d left him alone in the kitchen. “Even Ginger thought that was delicious.” She sat back, satisfied with herself. She’d made an effort.
Jack shrugged with modesty but seemed pleased by the compliment and conversation. “Glad I can still handle spearing hotdogs and roasting corn. It wasn’t in the same league as your creations, but food always tastes better on the beach with friends and cold libations. I missed that when I was living in New York, even though the street meat was pretty good. Especially late at night.”
“Isn’t barbecuing practically an Olympic sport in Texas?”
Jack grinned. “When I was growing up, cooking over a campfire and handling the barbecue were rites of passage for most young men. I don’t know how it is today.”
“But not finding the door to the kitchen?” Marina lifted her brow, teasing him.
“That was my mother’s domain.” Jack hung his head a little. “I know it sounds unfair, but dad and I worked the farm. Now I wish I’d learned more from her before it was too late.”
She was actually impressed by how he’d managed the cookout—with a little help from Mitch. As inept as Jack was in the kitchen, he was better with what had started out as almost a bonfire. They’d had to wait for the fire to die down, but once it did, Jack proved he could grill with the best. She’d prepared kebobs that afternoon, but she’d promptly turned them over to Jack.
He bumped Leo’s shoulder. “Wish you’d had a chance to know your grandmother, son. I’ll show you photos someday.”
With a face smudged with chocolate, Leo looked up. “When can I meet my cousins? Samantha has some she hangs out with sometimes.”
Lifting an edge of his mouth in a thoughtful quirk, Jack nodded. “You’ll meet them soon.”
“Who wants another s’more?” Marina called out, trying to extricate herself from Jack and Leo. She wasn’t ready to yield to them yet.
Kai held up her plate. “I’ll take that one.”
Axe tickled her side. “Where do you put all that?”
Laughing, Kai thumped her fiancé’s shoulder. “I dance it off in every show. Or haven’t you noticed?”
“I notice everything about you, sweetheart,” Axe replied, kissing Kai’s cheek.
Kai and Axe had been performing several shows a week at their new amphitheater. Lately, they’d been immersed in rehearsals for the new production, and Marina could hardly wait to see it.
“Kai is our Lady of Perpetual Motion,” Axe said, massaging her shoulders.
“Hey, what about me?” Leo asked.
Behind him, Scout perked up his ears.
“I have another pair of s’mores coming right up,” Marina said. “But only for you, Leo. Chocolate is bad for dogs. Like hot sauce.”
Jack winced. “Ouch.”
Scout yelped as if in protest, and Leo picked up a piece of driftwood. With all his little-boy might, he hurled it for the dog to retrieve. Scout took off, stretching his legs across the sand.
Marina’s life had changed the moment Jack had arrived in Summer Beach with his new puppy in tow and met the son he’d never known he had. Despite their rift, Marina still adored Leo. Jack freely admitted his son was the best part of him.
Right now, she couldn’t agree more.
Ginger leaned toward the fire, warming her hands. “Summer has always been the season of weddings in Summer Beach.” Nodding to her granddaughters, she began a story. “Your parents married on this very beach, surrounded by family and friends.” She gestured to a large flat rock that jutted toward the sea. “Right there. That’s where they exchanged vows. Isn’t that a perfect spot?”
As Kai shifted to look at the spot, her lips lifted in a thoughtful expression, and she sighed. “I can just imagine.”
“That was our mermaid queen rock,” Marina said. “We used to play there.”
“How about having your wedding there?” Ginger asked.
Kai and Axe exchanged an amused look. “We’ll let you know,” Kai replied.
Marina couldn’t help wondering if they might be planning to elope. For Ginger’s sake, she hoped not.
While everyone chatted about other recent weddings, Marina continued turning the s’mores. This summer, she had hosted more engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, and wedding celebrations at the Coral Cafe than she could count. She had hired extra people who worked busy shifts and special events. They were so talented and personable that she hated the thought of letting them go at the end of the summer, especially since they needed the work.
Now, with the new food truck, she might not have to.
Her sister’s engagement ring dazzled against the flickering flames, catching Marina’s attention. She was truly happy for Kai.
Jack also noticed the blazing ruby surrounded by diamonds.
Marina wondered what was going through his mind. She slid another look at him. It was just as well this way, she decided. She didn’t want to steal the limelight from Kai. But if she and Jack were to continue dating, she needed to know that her time was well invested. Maybe she was old-fashioned, but marriage meant a lot to her.
So did proper proposals.
Leo bounced in anticipation. “Is mine ready yet?”
“Almost, and these are the best yet.” As Marina turned the wire mesh basket over the flames, she gazed around their circle of family and friends who languished on blankets and beach chairs, relaxed and satisfied after the food they’d had.
Bennett was strumming an old Beatles tune, “Yesterday.” Axe picked up the tune, serenading Kai with his low baritone.
As Kai listened to Axe, her face—sun-kissed and devoid of makeup—glowed in the flickering light. Marina thought she’d never seen Kai look more lovely. That’s what love did to people.
Her sister might have enjoyed performing with the touring theater company, but Summer Beach had always held her heart. Now that she and Axe were running the local theater, Kai had everything she wanted here. So did Axe. As he finished the song, he gave Kai a soft kiss.
Marina’s heart melted for them. And that wasn’t all. She jerked the wire basket from the flames.
“Careful, the chocolate is dripping.” Quickly, Jack handed her a napkin.
“Thanks.” Deftly, she slid the toasted s’mores onto a plate and passed them to Leo. “Here you are, sport. Careful, they’re hot.” She turned to Jack. “Do you have more ready?”
Jack reached for the marshmallows. “Hang on. I got behind listening to Axe and Bennett.”
Kai clapped her hands. “Well, pick up the pace, cowboy. We don’t get to do this very often.”
Jack chuckled. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been called that.”
“Face it, you’re a beach bum now,” Axe said. “You’re right where you belong here in Summer Beach. Right, Marina?”
Marina pressed her lips together. Axe probably didn’t know what had happened between them, so she let it pass.
As for Jack, she wasn’t sure if he would agree with Axe about belonging here. He’d blown in on the ocean breeze, a writer who could work anywhere, and he had for many years. As a renter, he could pick up and leave tomorrow if he wanted, especially now that Vanessa was well enough to care for Leo again.
Would he actually want to call Summer Beach home?
However, glancing around the fire at her family and friends, Marina was certain that she was exactly where she belonged. She didn’t want to miss these years with her grandmother. Ginger was the only link to their family history, and Marina still had much to learn from her.
Someday, Marina would be the matriarch of the Delavie-Moore family, and it would be her responsibility to carry on the history. She dreaded the day they would lose Ginger—she didn’t like to think of that at all.
A cool ocean breeze scattered a stack of napkins, and Brooke’s children scrambled after them. The wind tousled Jack’s hair, too. As he swept it back, his arm casually brushed hers.
Marina’s chest tightened at his closeness. After mourning the death of her first husband, she’d doubted the chance of finding love again. Yet, she’d been wrong. Jack had cracked her heart wide open. Now it lay exposed and wounded. She had to guard it carefully.
“Here’s another one for you.” Oblivious to her thoughts, Jack leaned toward her. He flipped open the hot mesh basket with the edge of his T-shirt, which already bore stripes of black char, and eased the treats inside. Shadows from the fire danced across his face.
She caught her breath. “Don’t hurt yourself.”
A slow smile spread across Jack’s face.
“Jack is tougher than he looks,” Axe said.
“Women are far tougher,” Kai interjected as she waited for her dessert to cool. “We’re the ones having babies and juggling families and careers.” She tapped Axe’s chest. “Like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, I do everything he does, but backwards and in high heels.”
“I’ll admit there’s a lot to that,” Axe said, laughing. “But I promise you, we’ll be a team at home and on the stage.”
Kai winked at him. “I’ll be sure to remember you said that after we get married.” She turned to Ginger. “By the way, I’m going to need that ‘something old’ for the wedding soon.”
“I thought you might,” Ginger said. “I have a trove of treasures in the attic.”
Kai’s eyes shimmered with interest. “I’d love to see what else you have up there.”
Last December, they had raided Ginger’s attic for the holiday performance—A Christmas Carol at the Beach—that Kai and Axe had put on at their new amphitheater. Marina recalled the night Axe had proposed onstage to Kai. Magic was truly in the air—for them, and for her and Jack. What a perfect night it had been. If only…
Leo had been listening intently, and now he turned to Jack. “Dad, when are you and Marina getting married?”
Marina held her breath.
Around the fire, everyone stared at Jack, waiting for his reply.
Caught off-guard, Jack bobbled a marshmallow and sent it careening into the fire, where it promptly sizzled, charred in the flames. “Well, we might not be at that, uh…that stage anymore.”
He cast a look at Marina and lowered his voice. “I messed up, and I’m really sorry. You deserved much better. From the depths of my heart, I hope you can forgive me.”
After a slight hesitation, Marina nodded. His apology sounded sincere.
“But Dad, you told me you loved her.”
Leo wasn’t letting this go. Marina swallowed against a lump in her throat while soft laughter rippled around the fire.
Seeing Leo’s crestfallen face, Marina felt sorry for the boy. All he wanted was to have those he loved around him. And a sense of home. She understood.
Jack stumbled over his words again. “I don’t think she…you understand, right, Leo?”
As Jack’s voice trailed off, Marina wondered if she should jump in to assist, but feeling her grandmother’s eyes on her, she decided not to rescue Jack.
Actually, they were sort of cute. Watching Leo’s earnest expression and Jack’s discomfort, Marina smothered a laugh.
Suddenly, Leo’s eyes flashed with inspiration, and he grinned broadly. “Dad, don’t be embarrassed. I’ve got this.” Arranging a serious look on his chocolate-smeared face, the boy turned to her. “Marina, will you marry us?”
Marina’s heart lurched, and she nearly dropped the s’mores into the flames. This was not what she’d expected.
“Whoop, whoop!” Kai exclaimed, clapping. “You go, Leo!”
Axe let out a deep guffaw. “Got to admit, the kid’s got guts.”
“More than his dad,” Mitch added, slapping his knee.
Jack’s face grew red at the comments, and he drew a hand over his chin. “Son, that’s a big step.”
“That’s what Mom said. But she was ready to get married, and I think we are, too.” Leo beamed at Marina, waiting for her answer.
Jack put a hand on Leo’s arm. “You can’t just ask a woman to marry you. I mean, marry us.”
Leo raised his shoulders in a shrug. “But I just did.”
More laughter bubbled around the circle of friends.
Across the flickering flames, Ginger was clearly amused, though she spoke with great seriousness. “It’s not every day a woman receives such a fine invitation. Marina, you should consider this young man’s request very carefully.”
“Yeah, Dad. See?” Leo ramped up his focus on Marina. “You’d be with us all the time. It would be great. I promise to keep my room sort of clean. I can feed Scout, too, because Dad sometimes forgets.”
Marina smiled. “Why am I not surprised at that?”
Brooke nodded toward the rock where their parents were married. “You could have a double wedding ceremony right there on the beach. Imagine, marrying off both my sisters at once. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
Ginger’s eyes darted to Brooke with approval. “What a sensible solution for our family and friends. They’ll appreciate that.”
This was getting out of hand, and Marina sensed Jack’s discomfort. “Oh, Brooke, I don’t think—”
“What a splendid idea.” Ginger cut in and raised her hands to Kai and Marina.
Holding the s’mores aloft, Marina gaped at her grandmother. Had she and Leo planned this? That was an outlandish thought, but wasn’t all of this?
Everyone started talking at once, crowding Marina’s thoughts. Pressure built in her head.
“Ouch,” she cried, getting her hand too close to the fire. She dropped the s’mores on a plate. “Oh, yeesey Louisey!” She shook her burned finger, biting back more colorful words.
Leo whipped around to his father. “Did you hear that? I think she said yes.” The boy bounced a couple of times. “She said yes, Dad!”
Jack looked befuddled. “I heard you, kiddo.”
It took Marina a moment to realize Leo didn’t understand what she’d meant—or maybe he hadn’t heard her correctly with everyone else talking. She hated to disappoint the boy. “Oh, Leo, I’d really like nothing better—”
“For real?” Jack asked, his hoarse voice barely above a whisper. He took her burned finger and softly kissed it.
The tender movement drew Marina in, and she longed to take Jack in her arms and make up the hurt they were both feeling. Yet, what would her children think? She and Heather and Ethan had always been a tight trio, and they still were. “Shouldn’t we talk about this?”
“That’s what we’re doing.” Jack’s voice was edged with raw emotion. “Maybe it’s awkward, but…I’ve been thinking about it. Very seriously.” He squeezed her other hand in a hopeful motion.
“I—” Marina stopped. She gazed between these two who had such a hold on her heart. Right now, that heart was wildly thumping blood throughout her body, rendering her a little light-headed. Maybe Jack had intended to propose last night.
Leo’s eyes glittered with excitement.
Never taking his eyes from her, Jack kissed her hand, waiting.
Across the flickering flames, Kai egged her on, while Ginger’s impenetrable stare seized her.
“Yes,” Marina blurted out, surprising even herself.
Leo tugged his father’s arm. “Dad, did you hear that again? She wants to marry us!”
The boy’s delight sliced through the tension, and Jack laughed.
“So it seems. Good work, kid.” Jack embraced Marina and whispered into her ear. “I guess this is official.”
“Well, sure.”
Marina was painfully aware that she sounded as uncertain as he did. And yet, why should she be? She loved Jack, despite his imperfections. In her heart, she felt this was right, even if it was Leo who had proposed.
Ginger pushed forward in her chair. “Kai, darling, would you and Axe fetch my good champagne in the refrigerator in the bar? And bring my best crystal for them.”
Kai pushed to her feet. “We have plenty of plastic cups.”
Ginger shot her a withering look. “And a proper flute for me. We have to celebrate this momentous decision.”
“Alrighty then, champagne and s’mores for everyone,” Kai cried, waving her arms above her head.
Leo grinned. “Even me?”
“Ginger ale for you, sport.” Jack brought his son into a hug with Marina. Even Scout raced to join them.
With their arms around her and Scout intent on licking her face, Marina thought it was all wild and impetuous, and not at all how she had imagined it would be, but this was real. And she had never felt more loved than at that moment.
She gazed into Jack’s eyes, which were misted with emotion. Though he looked as shocked as she felt, this was the man she loved. Of that, Marina was certain.
She only hoped her twins would understand this sudden decision.