Page 90 of Keeping it Local

“You, of course.”

Beth blushed from her ears down to her chest, and her smile matched.

“I know we just got back together. I don’t want to assume anything. I know you’re it for me though. I could stay living in the house I’m in, we could find a new place eventually, or we could… we could move here.”

At that, Beth stood up from the swing and crossed the porch to where I stood by the railing, leaning against it, and her arms wrapped around me. I returned the action and leaned in, running my nose along her ear, breathing her in. We stood there for a few minutes, enjoying what could be.

She craned her neck back to look at me, and her lips tipped up at the end. “I’m not sure what the plan looks like, but let’s just say I’m up for whatever we figure out is right for us.”

And that was good enough for me too.

“Sounds absolutely perfect.”

Epilogue

Beth - The Next May

After walking back to my phone to grab my bag, I glanced around the resort. Over the last year, it had surpassed what we all thought it would be. The cabins kept their old charm but were fully functional now, new flower beds lined the brick walkways, and the balloons and decorations hung in the trees, celebrating all of the growth over the last year.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Hideaway Beach Resort!” Greg announced, handing Johnny the giant scissors and letting him cut the ribbon.

Part of this seemed ridiculous, but at the same time, I was proud to lean into the quirks of our little town.

The place was packed. There were so many cars that after filling all the spots in the lot, there was a line up on the state road out front, people parking out on the shoulder. I waved to my parents who stood across the way. Felicia and Ryan tended to Kinsley as Felicia rubbed the large bump under her maternity sweater. Next to them were Johnny’s parents, his dad wearing a wide smile. All of our friends from Port St. Clair and the town had come out. Even crotchety old Bill drove the few miles out of town to join in the festivities.

It was still early May, and the breeze off the lake was still freezing. Everyone was bundled in sweaters and jackets, but the warmth of the community was like nothing else I could describe.

I couldn’t imagine everything that had transpired in the last year. Twelve months ago, I was still living in Randall, working on my parents’ farm. And now, here I was, at the grand opening of my boyfriend’s resort, living in a new town after opening my own business just this year. It felt unreal and yet the most natural thing in the world. My heart was full.

Greg handed the microphone to Johnny, and I watched as Johnny looked over the crowd. This coming weekend would be the first booking, and he was mostly filled through the entire summer, which had shocked both of us.

“Thanks, Greg. And thanks to everyone who came out this afternoon to welcome us. I couldn’t have done it without the support of some great people.” He looked at me, widening his smile. “Now, there’s lots of food, and there’s beer in the cooler, so help yourself and enjoy! Oh, and I expect everyone to send their out-of-town friends here.”

At that, the crowd laughed and milled around the property. I heard the different comments, and the overall sentiment was that everyone was glad the old resort was restored to what it used to be—at least, getting there—and that people were surprised by how quickly it happened.

I gave Mary a hug. She had decided to keep Port St. Clair her permanent home and just travel to her girls whenever she wanted, now bringing Ted with her when she went. They had become “official” over the holidays, and they were too cute together.

Johnny finished chatting with Greg, and I came up beside him, wrapping my arm around his waist. “I’m so proud of you. You know that?”

He kissed the top of my head. “Of course. I’m proud of you too. Thanks for taking the time away from the shops.”

“Like I’d miss this.” I lightly backhanded his stomach.

As of April, I’d officially opened the doors to the rental shop downtown along with the other two up the coast. Mary stuck around most of the winter, with the exception of a few visits to her daughters, and we thought it was best to officially announce the new change of ownership in spring. She thought I should rename the shops, but since there was so much longevity, I didn’t think it made sense.

We’d already been slammed with spring fishermen renting boats and people getting in some long weekends before the start of the busy season, which was Memorial Day weekend—the unofficial opening of town.

I grabbed a beer, and saw Megan and Lane across the way, giving me an odd wave. They both had a strange look on their face, and I didn’t know what to make of it. They had even arrived together this morning.

“What do you think is going on there?” Johnny came up behind me, pulling me back into his body, wrapping his arms around me.

“No idea, but I’m absolutely asking about it tonight.”

“Tonight? I thought you might stay over at my place.” He kissed my neck, and I felt it everywhere.

I giggled, arching into him. “Okay, maybe I’ll ask her tomorrow then.”

“Good. Follow me. I want to show you something.” He grabbed my hand, leading me over the hill to the main house through the clearing.