Page 113 of Playing It Forward

“And get married. Hint. Hint. Nudge. Nudge.”

I glare at her. “Go get the champagne. This is not a marriage proposal. I got a new job. We’re celebrating.”

“That’s right. You’re the new Resort Operations Manager at Hideaway Haven Resort. Congrats!” She hurries away before I can thank her or complain about how gossip travels faster than a mermaid can swim.

“Does everyone know everyone’s business on the island?” Nolan asks once we’re alone again.

“Pretty much. Smuggler’s Hideaway is basically a small town. Except it’s an island and we have three small towns.”

“And you’re obsessed with moonshine and mermaids.”

“Mermaids, yes.” I pat my stomach. “Moonshine not so much.”

Addy arrives with a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne. “You’re lucky. The bartender keeps a bottle chilled since he claims one of the owners is always getting pregnant.”

Nolan appears confused.

“Five Fathoms is owned by five women. They used to be hell-raisers. Now, they’re all settled down,” I explain.

Addy snorts. “They’re still hell-raisers. Didn’t you hear about how they dissected the plastic mermaid at Mermaid Mini Golf?”

Nolan barks out a laugh. “They sound fun.”

I wag a finger at him. “Don’t go getting ideas. They’re all in committed relationships.”

“As am I.” His words sound like a vow.

“Oh boy.” Addy fans herself. “I’m going to leave you two alone now.”

Nolan opens the bottle and pours us glasses.

I raise mine in the air. “To the future!”

Pain flashes in his eyes.

I slam the glass on the table. “That’s it. What’s going on?”

He clears his throat. “We’re celebrating your promotion.”

“And yet you look like I’m forcing you to walk the gangplank at gunpoint. What is it?”

He blows out a breath. “I don’t want to ruin your celebration.”

“Nolan,” I growl.

“Fine.” He reaches across the table to grasp my hand. “I didn’t want to tell you this way but it’s important you know before I say the rest.”

“Know what?” I ask when he pauses.

“I love you.”

My heart batters against my chest and breathing becomes impossible. “You did? I mean you do? I…”

He smiles and for the first time this evening it reaches his eyes. They sparkle. “I love you, Terri Jordan. I love how stubborn you are. I love how beautiful you are. I love how strong you are. I love how you care for everyone around you. I want to build a life with you and our little mermaid.”

Happiness fills me. This is exactly what I want. What I’ve been afraid to reach for. But Nolan broke through all my walls. My defenses had no chance against his pursuit.

I swallow. “You want to build a life with me?”