Our fingers dance together, not wanting to finish their tango.
We stop in the doorway, our faces illuminated in the overhead security light and moonlight.
He leans in and softly presses a kiss to my cheek.
“I had a really nice time tonight, Graham,” I whisper, looking up at him.
“I did, too. Should have asked you sooner.”
A smile spreads across my face.
“See you tomorrow at work?” he asks.
“Yeah.” I bite my lip as I nod.
“Good night, Thea.”
“Good night, Graham.” I watch as he heads back to the golf cart. He gives me a little wave as he takes off and disappears down the road out of sight.
I unlock the front door and step across the threshold into the house. I slowly shut the door behind me, waiting for the click of the doorknob to know it’s truly shut. I flip the lock and deadbolt,then lean against the door, biting my lip. I smell my daisies again and replay the night’s events in my head.
For a first date, it was pretty great.
I see the glow of a lamp spilling out of the living room, so I figure Beth is waiting up for me. I tiptoe around the corner and see her on the couch asleep, curled up with her book. Smiling, I gently take off her reading glasses and move her book to the coffee table before kissing the top of her head. I turn, my eyes landing on the urn in the middle of the mantle.
I wish my mother were here to see what Driftbay has given me, the people and the place that have grown so near and dear to my heart. I know she’d be happy that Beth has finally found happiness with Charlie and that I’m doing better. I’d like to think that she is smiling down on us from wherever she is.
I used to think of the accident as the derailing of my life, but now I’m starting to view it as redirection. How even in the midst of tragedy, something sweet can be found.
I smile to myself as I turn out the light, the room plunging into darkness.
Epilogue
Three Months Later
Today I’m baking something truly special — an engagement cake.
Charlie has requested Italian creme cake as a nod to their first date.
I’ve baked two layers of cake and have them set aside on the counter to cool. Penny has been tasked with keeping Beth out of the kitchen today, or at least until I leave. I wipe my hands on my apron as I glance at the clock across the kitchen — Charlie should be here soon to pick me up. I told Beth that I have an appointment with Amber, but really, we’re getting ready for him to propose tonight. I feel bad lying to her, but the result will be so worth it.
Graham grins at me from across the kitchen. He has music blasting from a bluetooth speaker above his station on the grill. I can’t help but laugh as he dances around the kitchen, singing along to the music as he cooks. He spins around from the grill to look at me intently, singing into his spatula the entire time. He reaches out his hand and I take it, grinning wildly as he spins me across the kitchen.
I grab a pastry box from underneath the counter and fold it together as I turn back to the cake. I’m pleased with it and I know Beth will be, too. I untie the apron from around my hips and toss it on the rack on the wall. Heading into the break room, I retrieve my phone and keys before walking back by Graham.
“Bye,” he says as he plates a cheeseburger and fries.
“See you later,” I reply before giving him a quick kiss on the lips.
The grill crackles in the background as we break apart. My stomach grumbles in protest as I breathe in the smell of the burgers, but I don’t have time to stop and eat. Instead, I snatch a fry from the plate in his hand and pop it into my mouth.
“Good,” I say, “but needs more salt.”
Graham opens his mouth in protest but I dash to the counter to grab the cake box and shove my phone into my back pocket. I balance it on one hand as I quickly step out the back door, undetected by Beth. Penny is doing a good job of keeping her occupied.
Charlie is parked around back in his squad car. He watches me from behind his aviators as I walk down the steps of the diner, careful not to drop the box in my hands. The gravel crunches loudly underneath my feet as I hurry to the car. The cool breeze dries thesweat from my skin, and I can’t help but wonder what winter will look like here in Driftbay in a few months.
Opening the back passenger door, I gently place the cake box on the floorboard and then climb into the passenger seat beside him.
