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"It's lovely to meet you too,Simon. Thank you for looking after my little sister so well since she's beenhere." Roxanne meant it sincerely.
"It's been my pleasure. You have awonderful sister," Simon said, with a glance at Charlotte that spokevolumes. The look they exchanged, full of tenderness and promise, madeCharlotte's heart skip a beat. Charlotte smiled at Roxanne and Simon as theysettled into the plush armchairs by the fireplace. "I'll just pop into thekitchen and put the kettle on and the food in the oven to warm. Some tea wouldgo nicely right now."
She excused herself, thoughts swirlingas she left Roxanne and Simon chatting easily. In the kitchen, Charlotte busiedherself preheating the range to slide in a Shepard’s pie, then filling thekettle and selecting some tea, all the while straining to overhear theconversation in the next room.
She couldn't make out the words, onlythe low rumble of Simon's voice and her sister's melodic laugh in response.They seemed to be getting on well, finding common ground and sharing stories.Charlotte felt a pang, wishing she could be part of it. But she knew Simon andRoxanne needed this time alone to become acquainted.
As the kettle whistled, Charlotteprepared a tray, hoping the tea would be a welcome distraction once shereturned. More than that, she realized suddenly that Roxanne's visit mightdisrupt the romantic evening Simon had planned for tomorrow night.
The memory of Simon browsing at thejewelry store filled her mind. Charlotte yearned for their relationship to takethe next step, for Simon to make her dreams come true. As long as Roxanne'sstay was brief, perhaps everything would proceed as planned. With an eagersmile, Charlotte lifted the tray and headed back to rejoin Roxanne and Simon bythe fire.
Charlotte paused in the doorway, trayin hand, as Simon's voice drifted over. "Sunsets on the water are myfavorite part of the day. The colors that paint the sky and reflect on the seaare like nothing else."
Roxanne leaned forward, enraptured."We saw one from shore tonight. I bet it’s even better out on thewater."
"It is," Simon agreed, hiseyes alight. "When I'm out on the boat in the evening, surrounded by allthat natural beauty - it's my happy place."
He went on, describing his solo fishingtrips, the quiet early mornings, and the satisfaction of a good catch. Roxannehung on his every word, clearly charmed by his passion. From the kitchendoorway, Charlotte felt a glow of pride and affection. This kind, rugged,nature-loving man had captured her heart. She hoped Roxanne could see why Simonwas so special to her.
As the conversation lulled, Charlottestepped into the room. "Who's ready for some tea?" she askedbrightly, setting the tray on the coffee table.
Simon stood to help her, givingCharlotte's hand a discreet, meaningful squeeze. She blushed, reassured. Nomatter what the coming days held, Simon was hers. Charlotte handed out teacupsand took a seat next to Simon on the sofa.
"I was just telling your sisterabout my plans for tomorrow evening," Simon said, an excited gleam in hiseyes. "I've booked a sunset cruise on my boat. I was thinking of takingalong a bottle of wine, some cheese and fruit, and enjoying the scenery as thesun goes down."
His voice trailed off as his gaze slidto Roxanne, seeming to remember her presence. The eager light in his eyes fadedas he realized the snafu.
Roxanne sipped her tea, looking betweenSimon and Charlotte with a knowing expression. "That soundsdelightful," she said. "Too bad I popped in and disrupted yourromantic evening."
Simon shifted in his seat, lookinguncomfortable. "Well, I suppose I'll have to postpone the cruise. Butthere will be other sunsets." He attempted a smile that didn't reach hiseyes.
Charlotte watched Simon closely, herintuition prickling. She suspected his sunset cruise plans had involved morethan just a cozy meal on the water. From the kitchen, she had felt certain hewas about to propose. Now, seeing his poorly concealed disappointment, shewondered if Roxanne's visit had derailed something very special indeed.
Charlotte set down her teacup and stoodup abruptly. "You two chat for a moment more. I'm going to see if I stillhave some of that batch of scones to have with our tea."
She bustled out of the cozy sittingroom and into the kitchen, leaning back against the closed door as she tried tocalm the sudden racing of her heart.
Could it be possible? Had Simon beenplanning to propose on that romantic sunset cruise? The thought madeCharlotte's stomach flutter with nervous excitement.
She knew without a doubt that shewanted to spend the rest of her life with this kind, rugged fisherman. Theprospect of marriage had become synonymous with failure for her thanks toDaniel, but with Simon it simply felt right.
Taking a deep breath, Charlottestraightened and moved to the kitchen counter to plate up the scones. But hermind kept drifting back to the sitting room.
She strained again to hear Simon andRoxanne's muffled voices through the door. What were they discussing? WasRoxanne interrogating Simon about his intentions? Charlotte smiled slightly atthe thought. That would be just like her bold, protective older sister.Charlotte allowed herself to daydream about the future. If Simon did propose,she would say yes without hesitation.
They could have a small, intimateseaside wedding, the salty ocean breeze ruffling their hair as they exchangedvows on the beach. Charlotte hugged herself, feeling truly happy. Charlottepiled the golden scones up on a plate. It was time to head back and try to liftthe mood with fresh-baked treats.
As she reentered the sitting room,Charlotte passed on a bright smile. "Who's hungry?"
Charlotte set the platter of warmscones down on the coffee table, glancing between Simon and Roxanne.
"These look delicious,Charlotte," Simon said, giving her a smile that made Charlotte's heartflutter.
She poured tea for them, her handstrembling slightly with nerves. What if Simon had been planning to propose? Shetried to read his expression, searching for any clue, but his handsome faceremained inscrutable.
Roxanne took a scone and bit into it,closing her eyes blissfully. "Mmm, still as good a baker as ever,"she mumbled through a mouthful.
Charlotte sat down in the armchairacross from the sofa where Simon and Roxanne were seated. An awkward silencedescended on the room as they sipped their tea.
