“What?”
“I love you.”
“You… What did you say?”
“I’m in love with you.Have been for weeks, probably.I was just too scared to say it because I thought you were going to leave.”He reached for her hands.“I know you just quit your job, and everything’s uncertain, but I need you to know.I love you.The real you.Not the corporate executive or the festival coordinator.Just you.”
Tears gathered in her eyes.“I don’t have a plan.”
“Neither do I.We’ll figure it out together.”
“I’m probably going to panic about this decision at least six times before morning.”
“I’ll be there for all six.You don’t have to have everything figured out.You just have to be here.”
Behind them, the first boats in the parade began their slow procession through the harbor.Lights reflected off the dark water, creating ribbons of gold and silver.
Bryan drew her closer.“Now, can I finally kiss you?”
In answer, she closed the distance between them.
The kiss was soft at first.Tentative.Then his hand came up to cup her face, and she melted into him, all the fear and uncertainty of the past weeks dissolving into this perfect moment.The festival lights showered them with warm colors.The sound of cheering from the crowd at the parade filtered through her awareness like music.
He finally pulled back slightly.“Ummm, that was...nice.”
She grinned up at him.“It was.”Then she glanced over and saw her mom and Mona watching them, smiles on their faces.“Looks like our moms approve.”
He glanced over and laughed.“Let’s give them something more to talk about.”He kissed her again.
When they finally broke apart, Bryan rested his forehead against hers.
“Welcome home,” he whispered.
She looked past him to the lighthouse, its beam sweeping steadily through the night.Then back to the festival grounds where their moms stood, both women watching with knowing smiles.
Home.The word settled over her, fitting perfectly into a space she hadn’t known was empty.
“Yeah,” she said softly.“I think I am.”
