CHAPTER 9

JAMES

After what feels like hours, I walk out of the room a free man with Matt and my attorney by my side. “No disciplinary action was needed,” I announce to the room full of supporters. The room erupts with excited chatter.

On the tape was audio and video. The audio was so clear that you could nearly hear the tick of the clock on the wall. Anna was demanding money to drop the charges against me just as she did to Matt. At first, she was asking for fifty thousand dollars but now she was asking for twenty thousand. She appeared desperate. She threatened that if I didn’t pay her, she would make more serious allegations against me. I kept asking her to leave but she refused.

Matt says, “I need to get back to my wife and kid. I’m glad everything worked out for you.”

He offers me a solid firm handshake. “Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome.” He talks briefly to Julie before he leaves.

“Thank you,” I say to Julie in a cracked but excited voice. She walks over and hugs me. I can see Sarah smiling and Grace has tears in her eyes. I’m hugging a woman, a friend, a former employee with no fear that this will be misinterpreted as harassment. It feels good. My life flashes before me. I thought it was nearly over. I sold my home, closed my business, and placed everything I own in storage for a life of uncertainty.

After I hug Julie, I hug Sarah next. She’s never doubted me and was willing to do whatever she could to prove my innocence. I have no doubt that she’ll make my son a wonderful wife and will always stand beside him no matter what problems may cross his path.

Next, I slowly walk over to Grace. Sadness or maybe guilt fills her eyes. She has no reason to feel guilty for anything. I want to hug her, but I want to go slowly. She hugs me before I have time to ponder anything else. I embrace her small frame with both of my arms and savor the moment. I didn’t think this would ever happen again. Until the other night, I thought my time with Grace was over and it wasn’t nearly long enough. I wanted more time with her. I needed more time with her to learn as much as I could about her.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers.

“You have nothing to be sorry about.”

Before we leave, I thank everyone who took time out of their busy day to show their support. Once everything is said and done, we go to a secluded restaurant to celebrate.

“James, what are your plans now?” Julie asks.

I hold Grace’s hand under the table. “I’m homeless and jobless. I don’t really have any plans. I think I need to come up with something and soon.”

“You could always buy another condo and reopen your practice.”

She’s right, I could do that, but …. “I think my time here, in Charlotte, is done. The accusations proved to be false, but my reputation’s tarnished. No matter how much time passes, it’ll never be completely repaired.” I decide to change the subject from me to her. “What about you? Have you found a new job?”

“No. I’m not looking. The more I thought about retirement, the better it sounded. And with the generous severance package you gave me, I have enough money and time I could actually travel a bit. That’s something I always wanted to do. Tour Italy and maybe visit a quaint little place called Seashell Island.”

“You would like it there. I haven’t met a single person who was disappointed in the area.”

Julie smiles. “So let’s say if I were to visit there next week, what would be my chance of running into you there?”

I hope pretty good, but what should I say? Grace and I haven’t really talked about it. My son lives there, so of course I’ll be there from time to time seeing him.

Grace reaches into her purse with her free hand. “Here’s my business card. If you’re in the area, please stop by. I’m sure I’ll have a way of contacting him.”

Julie takes the card. “Thank you, Grace. I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around.”

***

Later that night at the hotel, Grace and I talk. “I’m happy things worked out for you today.”

I intertwine our fingers. “Thank you.”

Grace pauses as if in deep thought. “I know this is forward of me, but I’d like for you to come back to the island with me.”

I know this is a big step for Grace. I run my fingers along her beautiful full lips. “I need some time, Grace. I hope you can understand that.”

“Is it because I didn’t believe you were innocent? It took me about a day to realize you couldn’t have done or said anything inappropriate to that woman or to any other woman. I tried calling you but you wouldn’t accept my calls.”

Tears stream down her pale cheeks. She’s right. I didn’t return her calls or listen to her voice mail messages.

“No, Grace. That’s not why. I understand your hesitation. You have every right to question her accusation.”

“Then what is it? I know we can work out whatever it is.”

I don’t know how to put it into words. “This past month has opened my eyes and I just need some time to put it all into perspective.” I release her hand and crack my knuckles. “I just need some time to figure it out.”

“Okay. I understand.” The stream of tears running down her cheeks tells me she doesn’t. “Will I see you again? Will you be back?”

I lean in and kiss her sweetly. “Yes, I promise you I’ll be back as soon as I get it all figured out.”

GRACE

After a long talk, James walks me back to my room. He promised me he’d be back, but I’m not sure I believe him. I didn’t ask where he was going. I wanted to, but I thought if he wanted me to know then he would tell me.

The next morning, I meet Sarah and Parker in the lobby of the hotel. I look around for James and when I don’t see him, I decide he must be running late or he’s getting the car since I see James’ Beta fish, Sandy Bottom Pants, in her fish bowl of water on the counter.

“Where’s your dad?”

He looks at Sarah before looking back at me. “He left earlier this morning.”

My heart falls to the pit of my stomach. My eyes sting from unshed tears. “He’s gone?” I thought I would see him this morning. I didn’t know last night would be my last time with him.

“I’m sorry, Grace,” Parker says softly.

I sit down before I fall down. “I should have believed him.” The tears stream down my face. “I should have been there to support him. He’s one of the kindest men I’ve ever met and I doubted him.”

“Grace,” Parker says, taking my hand in his, “he understood. He really did. Dad just needs time to figure out what he’ll do from here on out.”

“He could move to the island and work with you. He could live with me. I love him.” The tears continue to fall. “I never had the chance to tell him, but I do. Now I may never get the chance.” I feel broken. I feel responsible for James leaving. My heart can’t take another pain like this. It’s like losing Michael all over again. But I feel responsible for this pain.

“C’mon, Mom. I’ll drive you home while Parker takes our car.”

I walk over to the counter, blurry eyed, and take James’ fish, Sandy Bottom Pants, with me.

***

It’s been a month since I’ve seen or heard anything from James. One month since he walked out of my life. One month since his good name was cleared of any wrongdoing. That’s a lie. His reputation is ruined, but it’s been a month since he was cleared of any harassment.

Since James left, there was a newspaper article clearing his name. It was small in comparison to the first article when the allegations first surfaced. I guess they thought it was more important to slander his name instead of clearing it. Lots of people who read the first article won’t even see the second article. I found it strange since it was posted on the same day as another doctor was found guilty in a court of law for rape. That article was front and center, where it should have been, but James’ article was on the third page near the bottom.

Although it would be so easy for me to fall into a dark depression, I fight daily to stay in the light. It’s been a daily fight to do the simple things in life. Cleaning, eating, and showering are chores. Then I must wear a happy face while I work. I have to admit that the customers make it easy to smile. My granddaughters and my children also make it easier. But then darkness rolls in, everyone goes home, and I close up my shop and go to my lonely apartment.

Against my better judgment, I tried to call James. I thought if we could talk and I told him how I felt maybe he’d come back to me. Maybe I could help him work out whatever was troubling him. But instead of my talking to him, a man answered stating this was his new cell phone number. Speechless and hurt, I just hung up and cried myself to sleep. James changed his number while he was gone. He has no intentions of coming back. I’m such a fool. Parker didn’t want his dad and me seeing each other because he knew something like this would happen. Now, just as Parker predicted, everything will be awkward between the two families. With Sarah and Parker’s upcoming wedding, James and I will see each other again. How will I feel if he’s with a woman? I want him to be happy but it’ll tear my heart out. I want to ask Parker and Sarah whether they have heard from James, but I don’t. If James wants to talk to me, he has my number and my address, and he also knows where I work. He obviously doesn’t want anything to do with me.

Today, like all the other days, I shower and get ready for work. I put on a fake smile and pray I’m too busy to notice the stabbing pain in the center of my heart. The shop’s busy and I’m grateful for the distraction. Then I smell a familiar scent. Spice, sandalwood, and musk. My heart picks up its pace. I scan the crowded room for James but I don’t see him. I’d know his cologne anywhere. Deciding it must be someone wearing the same brand of cologne of James, I attend to my next customer. That’s when I see it. A white envelope with a piece of blue sea glass lying on top of it. “Grace” is written across the top in James’ handwriting.

I don’t touch it. “Did you see who put this here?” I ask the elderly woman in the front of the line.

“No, honey. I didn’t see anything. But you sure do have a nice place here.”

“Thank you. I hope you found what you were looking for,” I say politely even though my mind is on the note and the sea glass.

“I sure did. Thank you.”

I ring her and all the other customers up before I open the note. I prayed for a busy day and that’s exactly what I got. I want to read the note, but I need to read it in private.

Finally, when the last customer leaves, I go upstairs to my apartment. I hold the sea glass tightly in my hand. Tears burn my eyes. James was here. He was in my shop yet he didn’t talk to me. Is this a “Dear Grace” version of a “Dear John” letter? Why would he write me a letter instead of just talking to me?

I set the sea glass down and open the letter. My heart races as I read the small note.

Grace,

Meet me on the beach at sunset.

James

What? That’s it. After a month all I get is a note that says to meet him at the beach. I look over at the fish tank and say, “Sandy Bottom Pants, is this all I’m worth?” I hold up the note as if she’s going to answer me. She looks at me with fish lips and I decide she must be hungry. I feed her before deciding if I even want to meet James on the beach. Of course I do. But I would have liked to have seen him when he was in the shop.

GRACE

I prepare myself for whatever news he has to tell me. Maybe he’s met a woman while vacationing in Italy. Maybe he’s going to tell me being with me was a huge mistake. Maybe he’s going to tell me he’s gay. No, that only happens to Sarah. Poor Sarah, I think to myself. It might actually be less painful knowing he’s with a man than it would be if he were with a woman. No, it would still be painful no matter whom he spends his time with. Maybe he’s going to ask for Sandy Bottom Pants back. HELL, NO! Over my dead body. He abandoned her. She’s mine now. I’d even consider taking him to court for custody. He walked out of my life and Sandy’s. He’ll need one hell of an argument for me to part with her.

Now I’m pissed and not so much sad about James leaving. Does Sarah know he’s in town? I want more than anything to call and ask, but I don’t. I’m sure he’s already seen Parker. They’re close.

I don’t shower. I don’t change my clothes or freshen my makeup. I do open a fresh bottle of wine and carry it across the street to meet him. I intentionally left later so he’d have to wait and wonder if I was even coming.

I see a small fire on the beach so I walk in that direction. My heart hurts as I remember our time on the beach with a fire. I take a big gulp from the wine bottle praying for liquid courage. As I get closer to the fire, I see a man standing at the fire with his back to me. There’s a huge pile of driftwood stacked beside him. I take another big gulp as I approach him. When he hears me, he turns around. My breath catches when I see him. He’s grown facial hair and his hair is longer and curlier than I remember. He’s still very handsome. We just stare at each other as we take it all in. He’s wearing jeans, a white hoodie, and no shoes.

“Hello, Grace,” he says. He doesn’t sound like his same confident self.

“James.” I look around as I’m not sure what to do. There’s a picnic basket sitting on top of a red and black plaid blanket. I see a small stack of firewood in addition to the stack of driftwood. There’s something else that’s caught my eye. There’s a decorative glass jar full of sea glass next to the basket. “What’s going on?” I ask.

“Would you like a glass of wine?”

I tip my own bottle to my mouth and take another big gulp. “No, I already have some.” I hold the bottle out and offer it to James. Surprisingly he takes it and also takes a big gulp. “Thank you,” he says, handing it back to me.

“I haven’t heard from you in nearly a month. What’s going on?” I ask again.

“I know and I’m sorry. Please, sit down. I have something I need to say.”

I sit down careful not to kick any sand on the blanket. “Okay, I’m seated.”

He sits down beside me, but he keeps a safe distance between us. “I’m sorry about how I left. I should have met up with everyone in the hotel that morning. But I left early. I had to clear my head and get everything sorted out.” He pauses and I can see the sadness in his eyes. “It took me less than a day to know exactly what I wanted.”

My heart feels like he just stabbed me with a dagger. If he knew what he wanted so quickly, and he never came for me, I must not be what he wanted. I look around at the picnic basket, blanket, and wine and decide this must be for someone else. This is cruel to call me over to throw it up in my face. I need to know where he went. What he’s been doing.

“I see. What have you been doing these past few weeks?” I take another drink of my liquid courage. It must be working, but it’s not working fast enough.

“I bought a house.”

While I spent sleepless hours crying myself to sleep, he bought a house.

“That’s nice. I’m happy for you.” I am happy for him but that’s not what I wanted to say to him. Every child on the island would need to cover their ears so they couldn’t hear what I want to say to James right this instant. My face is getting hot and it’s not from a hot flash or the heat from the fire. I’m getting pissed. “I tried to call you to see how you were doing. I was really worried about you.” I decide to put my heart out there. It’s already broken. He might as well stomp on it, too.

He looks shocked. “Grace, I didn’t get any phone calls from you.”

“You wouldn’t have especially since you changed your number.” I stand and take my bottle of wine with me.

“Wait a minute.” He stands quickly. “What are you talking about?”

“I called you and the man who answered said this was his new cell phone number.” I hold the bottle of wine tightly thankful for the courage it has given me. I continue before he can say anything. “I’m thrilled for you that you’re feeling better. But do you have any idea how hurt I’ve been since that day?” I don’t let him answer. “You promised me you’d be back. I waited for you. I worried about you. I waited for you to come back like you promised.” The tears start to flow. Great! “Now you’re back flaunting your new life in front of me. You’ve moved on and bought a new house. Well, good for you but what about me and Sandy Bottom Pants? Did we never mean anything to you? Are we that easy for you to replace?”

“Grace, you don’t understand.”

“No, James. I think I do. And if you think I’m giving you back Sandy Bottom Pants, you’re crazy. You left her and me and she’s mine now. Since we’re so easily replaced, you can go out and buy yourself another fish.”

I turn to storm back to my apartment. “I love you,” he calls out into the night air. I stop. Did he just say he loved me? “I bought the house for us. Here on the island.” His voice is getting closer. “I kept it a secret so I could surprise you. I wanted this night to be perfect so I could tell you how I feel.” He stands in front of me and brushes the hair from my face. “This isn’t a proposal. Not yet, anyway. Not today. But it is a promise to you. It’s a promise for a brighter future for you. For me. For us. It is also a promise that I’ll love you always.” I lean in closer and he wraps his arms around me. I feel safe and loved. “I love you, Grace.”

“Then why did you change your number?”

“I did that while Anna was calling me demanding money.”

That makes sense. “Then why didn’t you call me?”

“Grace. I knew you needed more than an I love you. You needed a promise for a brighter tomorrow. And I thought a house — our house — would be a start. Although I’m not ready for marriage, I am ready for a commitment. I love you, Grace.”

I melt into his arms. “I love you, too.”

He kisses me and I say, “How did you manage to keep it a secret? The island isn’t that big, and I find it strange that we didn’t run into each other.”

“Let’s eat and I’ll tell you everything.”

“That’s for me?”

“Yes,” he says as we walk back to the blanket.

“The driftwood?”

“It’s also for you. I’ve been collecting it for a while now.”

“The jar of sea glass?”

“For you. It’s all for you. You’re all I thought about. I spent every day hunting driftwood and sea glass for you, Grace.”

We sit down on the blanket to eat and he tells me that he just closed on the house a few days ago. No one in the family knows about his plan to buy a house. He kept it to himself and led Parker to believe he was vacationing in Florida. He hadn’t seen the house but sent Julie to look at it on his behalf since he didn’t want to chance being seen by any of the family.

He admits to not knowing where or what he was going to do the morning he left the hotel, but by that evening he had it all worked out. He knew he loved me and didn’t want to be without me.

“So, where’s the house you bought?” The island isn’t that big, and I know only a few that were on the market.

“It’s a little yellow color house with a white picket fence.”

My eyes get big when I think about the house he’s talking about. “Does it have a small little one-room cottage in the back by the pool?”

He smiles. “It does.”

“And a great view of the ocean?”

“It does.”

“You bought the house next to Mom and Dad’s?”

“I did.”

***

It’s been three months since James’ nightmare ended. Three months since he gave up his home and medical practice and two months since he moved to Seashell Island full-time.

Things are moving along with James and me. It’s nice having someone to do things with. Someone to have dinner with, and someone to just share my day with. He lives just a few blocks away so I see him often. We also have coffee and breakfast together along with dinner. But at night, he retires in his own space and in his own bed. Okay, not every night but some nights.

He asked me to move in with him, but I think it’s too soon. Just as he needed time to sort everything out, I also need some time.

He still doesn’t work but meanders around the island looking for things to do through the day. He spends some time with Parker assisting him with his practice, but I think he prefers hanging with Beau and Dad doing odd jobs for people on the island. He’s replaced his suit and tie with Tee-shirts and board shorts and I have to admit, that look suits him well. He’s rarely clean shaven and I love the stubble look he often wears. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was born and raised on the island. He’s definitely an islander at heart.

Sarah and Parker called everyone last night to invite them to dinner tomorrow. They said they have an announcement to make. Parker has arranged a casual dinner for everyone at Jo’s Tiki Hut.

“What’s Sarah and Parker’s big secret?” Carly asks.

“I have no idea,” I say honestly.

“Really, Mom?”

“I swear. Last night she called and told me they had something to talk to everyone about, but she didn’t say what it was.”

“Does it have to do with James?”

“I don’t think so. Why would it?”

“Because I saw Sarah and James having lunch at Jo’s Tiki Hut yesterday.” Now that she mentions it, I have noticed the two hanging around each other a lot lately. “Maybe this is to throw everyone off and he’s going to propose to you?”

“That’s not it.” Is it? If James was going to propose, wouldn’t I at least suspect something? He isn’t acting suspiciously or any differently.

“How do you know? If I were you, I’d wear something nice just in case.”

“Carly, you’re always the dreamer.”

“Am I?”

We hang up and now I’m beginning to wonder if she’s on to something. I decide to have two outfits laid out for tonight just in case. I also decide not to get dressed until James arrives. The way he’s dressed will determine what I’ll wear. Sarah and Parker invited all of our family for tonight’s dinner. James even asked if Julie and Tony could be there. After all, Tony is like one of the family and Julie is here visiting. It would be rude to exclude her. I’m just not sure what could be so important for everyone to be present. Tonight is about Sarah and Parker’s announcement. Right? God, I hope this isn’t a proposal. It’s too soon. I don’t want to steal the happiness from Sarah and Parker as they’re still in a dilemma over their own wedding plans. Is it wrong if I pray that it isn’t a wedding proposal? He wouldn’t do it in a room full of people. He’d want us to be alone so we could celebrate with love making immediately after. I would also want that, too.

I decide to wear a sun dress like I had originally planned. I’m still excited to hear Sarah and Parker’s announcement. Is she pregnant? Is that what they want to announce? I wouldn’t care if she was. A baby? A new addition to our family would always be something to celebrate.

We eat dinner outside of Jo’s Tiki Hut. The atmosphere is relaxed and laughter fills the air. Nothing is said about the reason for tonight’s dinner until after dinner and just before dessert is served. By this time the chatter among everyone has died down. James squeezes my hand and says, “My son Parker and my beautiful future daughter-in-law have an announcement.”

Sarah and Parker stand. I immediately look at her belly to see if she may be pregnant. The tight dress she’s wearing assures me she isn’t.

Parker says, “Sarah and I have finally decided on a wedding date.” Everyone laughs. “I know. We’ve decided on many dates but this one is it. Sarah decided since her father’s birthday was coming up, that his birthday would be the perfect wedding date for us. And because I’m a smart man, I agreed.”

Everyone applauds and sends them congratulatory well wishes.

The excitement and happiness in the room is contagious. I know a wedding date is big news, but they’re already living together and Parker already feels like family. A wedding to unite Sarah and Parker as one is definitely something to celebrate.

Later that night, James and I walk the beach and talk.

“Did you know they picked a wedding date?” I ask James.

“No, I didn’t. I knew that Sarah didn’t seem as stressed as she has been. I expected that the big news was from a decision that eased her anxiety level some.”

I admit, “I didn’t realize all the stress she had in choosing a wedding date.”

“How do you feel that they decided on Michael’s birthday?” he asks.

I lean into him. “I’m happy about it, but the real question is, how do you feel about it?”

“I’m fine with it. Michael was her father, and I think it’s a great way to honor him.

“I also know that your marriage to him was a remarkable one. Maybe it’ll be a good omen for their lifetime of happiness.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“I just want you to know that when it’s our time to wed, I promise to put your happiness above my own.”

“James, you already do.”

JAMES

I stand at the alter dressed in my best suit and wait for the bride to make her appearance. The church is full with family, friends, and islanders. Beau is standing at the podium eager to start the ceremony. I’m sure he’ll be glad when Sarah and Parker are no longer living in sin.

I place a caring hand on Parker’s shoulder. “Are you okay, son?”

“Never been better,” he lies. “What’s taking her so long? Do you think she changed her mind?”

“No.” I’ve never been married so I have no idea what the delay is. But I do know Sarah is madly in love with my son. I look at my watch and see we still have several minutes for the ceremony to start.

Just then the music starts. We watch as Grace and her mother are ushered to the front row. It makes me feel sad that Parker’s mother and Sarah’s father are missing out on this special day. As a remembrance to Kara and Michael, Sarah added two tiny charms holding their photos to her bouquet. Parker asked Bea, the woman who runs the children’s home to be here for him. She walks proudly as she is led to the front row of the church. She isn’t Parker’s mother, but she did have a hand in raising him. She played a very important role in his life and her endless search to find me. I owe her my life. Next come Sarah’s grandparents and then Carly with the flower girl, Myra. It’s a small wedding with only a best man and a matron of honor. I was glad when Sarah and Parker finally agreed on a wedding date. I understand it’s a big time in your life, but it’s just a date, so pick one already. I’m sure Sarah and every other bride on this earth would disagree with me.

Everyone stands when the bride enters the room. Sarah looks beautiful and happy. Almost as happy as Parker. The ceremony is heartfelt. The vows are read with love and true meaning. At the end when Beau announces the newly wedded couple, the room quickly quiets. At first, I thought it was a mistake.

“What did you say?” I ask, leaning up and asking Beau to repeat himself. I’m sure no one else heard him correctly either.

“I said,” Beau says, clearing his throat, “Meet Mr. and Mrs. Parker Blake and family.”

“And family?” I repeat softly. I look at Parker and Sarah, who are both smiling. The room erupts with cheers. She’s pregnant? Quickly, I look at Grace and she’s laughing and hugging her parents. Sarah turns around and hugs Carly. Parker’s just looking at me and it dawns on me. “She’s pregnant. With child. My son’s going to be a father.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“You’re going to be a dad, and that’ll make me a grandpa.”

“That’s what it means.”

Everyone is still clapping and hugging, and I’m trying to process everything. A huge smile spreads across my face. “My son’s going to be a dad.” I embrace him tightly. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you. Are you sure? It looked like you were having an internal battle there for a minute.”

I back away and look him in the eyes before hugging him again. My son’s going to be a father. “I’m thrilled for you. I just had to process it. How far along is she?”

“She’s almost three months.” Which means they both knew she was pregnant the night they made the wedding date announcement. They must have just found out because Sarah didn’t have a noticeable baby bump. I didn’t think my son could keep a secret from me, but he sure did pull this one off.

“Are you happy, Parker?”

“I am. I have everything I ever wanted.”

That’s all I care about. After I hug my son, I hug my new daughter-in-law next. She’s crying as she tries to keep her tears at bay. She’s just one girl who has brought so much happiness into my son’s life. And my life.

The reception kicks off in full gear at a local restaurant with laughter and happiness, food and drinks, friends and family. I can’t remember the last time my heart felt so full. To think I may have missed out on this is beyond my comprehension. I can’t imagine missing out on my son’s happiness. Or my happiness on being a grandpa. I’ve already missed out on so much with Parker. I shift my thinking back to the present. This is what matters. Not what happened yesterday, last year, or twenty years ago.

Grace and I slow dance and fast dance. We laugh a lot and mingle with the guests. It truly is a day of celebration. To see my son this happy is something I never thought was possible. Gram and Pap are two of the first to leave. They also take Myra and Maria with them so Carly and Beau can continue with the celebration. Every chance Grace gets, she pulls me in for a photo with the professional photographer, Holly.

At the end of the night, Grace and I are among the last few to leave. We walk the beach before heading home.

Walking hand in hand she says, “Do you remember the day we saw the starfish and you told me to make a wish?”

“I do. But you wouldn’t tell me what you wished for. You said it wouldn’t come true.”

She smiles and wraps her arms tighter around me. “I wished for this.”

“A walk on the beach?” I tease.

“I wished for peace in my life, and love, and happiness, and contentment. And everything I asked for came true.”

“I’m glad all of your wishes came true.”

“Me, too.”

“Let’s sit down on the bench for a while,” I say, walking on the deserted beach. “The wedding was beautiful. Sarah made a stunning bride.”

“Parker was quite handsome, too. They’ll make amazing parents.”

“I think so.”

“It feels good seeing my children so happy.”

I wasn’t going to do this tonight. I wasn’t going to do this on Michael’s birthday or on Parker and Sarah’s wedding anniversary. But I bought her an engagement ring the same day I closed on the house. I was determined to win her back and if she saw the engagement ring, then maybe she would know my commitment to her was real. That my love for her was endless. She thinks tonight is perfect and nothing could make it any better. Well, I accept this as a challenge to prove to her that no matter how wonderful something is, it can always be better. Although I do have to admit a wedding is pretty hard to top.

I’ve been carrying the ring around with me every day since I bought it. Waiting and hoping for the perfect time to present it to her. I think this is the night.

I remove the black velvet box from my jacket pocket and kneel on one knee. Tears stream down her beautiful face before I even say anything.

“Grace, I love you. I want you to always have peace, love, happiness, and contentment in your life. I want you to always feel loved and I know I can offer all of these things to you.” I open the case so she can see the ring I chose for her. “If you agree to marry me, I promise with every fiber of my being that I’ll always put your happiness above my own.” I remove the ring and hold it close to her left hand. “Will you please be my wife? Grace, you’re my soul mate and there isn’t anyone else I’d rather be with.”

“I didn’t think it was possible,” she says through her tears. “You just made the perfect night even better.”

“Is that a yes?”

“Yes, I love you, James.”

I slide the ring on her finger and it’s a perfect fit. “I love you, Grace.” I stand and kiss her passionately. “I promise I will always love you.”

The End

To continue reading more about the characters in the Seashell Island Series, watch for Moving to Seashell Island featuring the same characters you have grown to love and some new ones.