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“Definitely. She’s worked really hard.”
Dane laced his fingers in Alissa’s, taking her in again. She looked breathtaking. The dark blue dress accentuated her figure and the vintage-style print was a perfect representation of her fun side. The bit of makeup she had on brought out the features he loved on her every day. He couldn’t wait to marry her and wake up next to her for the rest of his life.
“Attention, guests. We’re about to cast off in three minutes,” someone said over the intercom.
“Want to go upstairs?” Dane asked, nodding toward the stairs. “I bet the view from there will be even better.”
“Sure!”
Dane guided Alissa through the crowd, passing by Johanna and Willis. Johanna shot him an approving look, filling his heart with joy.
He held Alissa’s hand as they went up the stairs. His hunch was right—they could see for miles up here. And it was much more private with only two or three other tables nearby theirs. As they pulled away from the docks and Blueberry Bay got further away, the full spread of the sunset came into view. The few clouds drifting near the horizon were illuminated in oranges and pinks.
“Wow,” Alissa said. “Caitlin should take a photo up here and put it in her marketing.”
“She should.” He slid his arm around her waist. “But for now, it’s just for us.”
Alissa leaned against him, the sweet smell of her coconut shampoo comforting him. He kissed her temple, then when she looked up at him, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
“Thank you for being willing to put up with my stuffy ways,” he said. “And now my mother’s.”
“You’re one hundred percent worth it.” She kissed him again, resting her head on his shoulder. “Isn’t it crazy how things have turned out? Who would have thought we’d be here?”
“I was just thinking the same thing.” His life back in New York felt like a distant memory. “It took my mom a little while to see it, but sometimes the unexpected path is the most fulfilling one.”
* * *
“You can take the garbage over to the dumpster across the boardwalk,” Caitlin said to one of the kitchen staff. “Thank you.”
The young man did as she said. The cruise had ended a while ago, so Alissa took Pearl home while she and Michael stayed behind to help with closing. There was a lot to do and she wanted to make sure it was done right. Luckily, the staff she’d hired were amazing. The night had gone incredibly smoothly, with only a few hiccups behind the scenes that were easily ironed out.
Caitlin wandered out onto the deck again, her body tired but her thoughts buzzing with excitement. So many people had compliments about the menu and had already told her that they were coming back for anniversaries or date nights. She knew that word of mouth was going to spread, making her marketing job easier.
She sat down, looking out onto the docks. The quiet and low lighting almost felt magical after so much activity.
“Hey,” Michael said, emerging from the dining room.
“Hey.” Caitlin smiled. Michael almost always dressed casually, but tonight he was wearing dress pants and a tailored shirt. He looked equally as handsome in clothes like this.
Michael gave her a gentle kiss and sat down next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said. “Tonight was perfect.”
“I couldn’t have done it without your support. Literally and emotionally.” She leaned into his touch. “I’m so grateful I found you when I did. I came to Blueberry Bay heartbroken and confused about where to go, but you guided me down the path I needed.”
Michael gave her a slight squeeze. “I hadn’t been sure of the path I needed to go down until you and Pearl came into my life. So I guess we helped each other.”
“We did.” She savored Michael’s warmth and the peace surrounding them. She felt so cared for in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time. “I’m excited for the future.”
“I am too.” Michael rested his head against hers. “I’m ready for us to navigate it together.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Caitlin looked around her new home, a smile spreading across her face. The cute house she and Alissa seen on the day they were exploring Blueberry Bay was just as perfect inside as it was outside. Luckily, she put in an offer and it was accepted quickly.
It was just the right size for her and Pearl—two bedrooms, a newly renovated kitchen, and a fenced-in backyard. And even better, it was right around the corner from Alissa. Her twin had come over several evenings since they moved in, helping to unpack and clean.
But Caitlin had finished the last boxes herself that morning. It felt symbolic. She’d come to Blueberry Bay with her suitcases, completely unsure about where she belonged. Now she knew it was here.
