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Her mother calls her and she runs off in the direction she came from, leaving me standing here with a full heart, knowing this is what makes life great. I’m not letting anything alter me to the point I can’t fully embrace moments like these.
I get the rest of my items packed into my vehicle then hear a noise and look up. My heart skips several beats when I see Callan approaching, his familiar smile warming my entire body. I haven’t seen him in three weeks and had no idea he was coming back today. Is it to surprise me? If it is, he’s doing a damn great job of it.
The joy I feel at seeing him sends a ripple of apprehension through me. I’m more dependent on this man I’ve known such a short time than I care to be. It doesn’t seem to matter though. Before I’m able to focus on my worry, Callan reaches me with determined steps. Without hesitation, he pulls me close and kisses me like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Everything around us fades into the background as his lips crash against mine, our reunion complete now that I’m where I belong. Three weeks has felt like an eternity.
It’s several long heartbeats before he pulls back the slightest bit. That’s when the sound of laughter registers in my foggy brain. I look up to see several children near us, their playful giggles and comments reaching us. My cheeks flush with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement.
“Sasha and Callan sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” one of the kids sings, making several others join her.
I laugh in mortification as I shake my head. This will certainly contribute to the town gossip mill. I look back at Callan, who doesn’t look at all embarrassed. The warmth in his gaze reassures me and terrifies me. I’m sunk where this man’s concerned.
“Come take a walk with me,” Callan says, his eyes alight with mystery and excitement.
“Of course,” I tell him. He takes my hand and I’m curious as he leads me away. He’s up to something, and I have no idea what it is. That’s a real feat here, where no one can keep a secret. He’s well aware of this now. We move away from the park and draw closer to the beach. With each step, anticipation bubbles within me. What is this about?
“Where are we going?” I finally ask.
“It’s just a few more minutes,” he tells me, picking up his pace. We go down a path, walk for a little bit longer, and then my breath catches when I see a cozy open tent among the lush greenery, soft lights glowing, a fire crackling, and a set table. A delicious aroma fills the air and my stomach rumbles. I was so busy today I didn’t have a chance to eat.
“What is this?” I ask with a big smile. This is one heck of a homecoming. “It’s incredible.”
He beams down at me, his eyes alight. “I’ve missed you so much. You have no idea how unusual that is for me. I wanted to surprise you and apologize for taking longer than I should’ve.”
“I understand you have work,” I tell him, though I certainly had a lot of doubts with his absence and his seeming distance.
“Work shouldn’t rule our lives. It’s taken me too long to realize this.” We step inside the large tent, enveloped by the warmth and intimacy of it. Candles in glasses are flickering, and the space is intimate, the most romantic date I’ve ever been on.
He holds a chair out for me and I sit. A man steps in and pours wine, saying dinner will be served shortly. Callan’s gaze never leaves mine. As much as I love our date, I also want to drag him back to my place and show him how much I’ve missed him.
“Did you solve the problem?” I ask.
He nods. “My brothers flew in and we worked it out. It seems I have a lot of things I need to change. I need to quit rushing into places like a bull in a china shop.” He gives a self-depreciating smile.
My lips turn up even higher. “I’m shocked. Are you telling me you aren’t perfect?”
He laughs. “I’m certainly not perfect, but I’m close.” I burst out in laughter.
“I might admit you could be close,” I concede.
We continue our conversation, laughing, drinking, and having a delightful meal. I love every single second of it. With each passing moment, I’m falling more and more for this man. When I’m with him I have no worries in this world. I love it.
The sun goes down, the stars sparkle brightly in the sky, and still we linger, enjoying a delicious mousse for dessert, and effortless conversation. If only every single day could be this wonderful.
“I have one more thing to show you,” Callan says.
“I can’t imagine you topping this.” He stands and holds out a hand and I gladly give mine over. Pulling me from the tent, we move several feet to where his vehicle is parked. He walks over and opens the back where papers are laid out.
“What’s this?” I ask. They appear to be blueprints though I’ve never seen them in person before.
“The new plans for the resort,” he says. My stomach sinks a bit. I’m more accepting of a resort here, but I didn’t know it was a foregone conclusion.
“Oh,” is all I manage to get out.
He smiles at me as he squeezes my hand. “It’s not a sure thing we’re going to build, but if I present this to the town and they like it, I’d very much like to,” he tells me. “I made it small and intimate like my place in Hawaii. Look it over,” he says. “You’re the first one outside of the company to see it.”
I look down, flip through papers, and am in awe at what he’s created. It really is perfect. It’s small, but has sweet touches and services even I’d love to enjoy. The plans show he really has paid attention to our small piece of paradise on the Pacific Ocean. I finally look up at him.
“This is stunning, Callan,” I whisper.
