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“Before we go in there, I need to talk to you about something.”
His eyes narrowed. “Okay.”
It was almost entirely dark. The moon was large and bright, leaving a long reflective trail across the water. And from the restaurant wafted delicious scents and the sound of light jazz music, along with laughter and conversation.
“Why did you pick this restaurant?”
He shrugged. “You know why.”
“I’d like you to say it.”
“Because when we were kids, we used to sit on that dock, feeding the pelicans and dreaming that one day we’d get to dress up fancy and eat here. We never got the chance because we broke up before either one of us was an adult or had the money to pay the bill. So, I wanted to do this for you, for us.”
His words brought a lump to her throat. “Thank you.”
He grinned. “You’re welcome.” He went to move, but she tugged him to a stop again.
“I don’t want to rush anything.”
He rested his hands on her shoulders and looked down into her eyes. “I don’t either.”
“Because I’ve just come through a divorce, the ink is still fresh, and I’m not ready.”
“I understand.”
“I don’t want you to think I don’t care about you. I do.”
“That’s good to know. I appreciate the heads-up.” He smiled.
They went inside the restaurant and found their reserved seats. Soft jazz music played in the background. Candlelight flickered against the walls and Bea was heady with the feel of Aidan’s hand on her waist as he guided her to the table, the way his eyes sparkled in the golden light and the sense of excitement that coursed through her veins.
She was on a date — hadn’t been on one in decades. It felt decadent, sensual and completely forbidden. She didn’t know what to do with herself — where to lay her hand, how to speak, what to order.
In the end, she settled on a serving of barramundi in lemon and butter sauce, with a side of fresh vegetables andpomme frites. Aidan ordered the crab dish, and they chatted amicably while they waited for the food to be delivered to their table.
“Did you ever imagine we’d end up here again someday?” Bea asked with a smile as she reached for a piece of bread.
“When my wife died, the pain of grief overwhelmed me again, and I realised then how much you must’ve gone through when you lost your mother. It helped me to understand you better than I had at the time. I’ve wanted to say this for a long time: I’m sorry.”
“Thank you.” His words touched her heart.
“I never had a family — I had my wife, and we were mostly happy together. Although there were times we struggled and we almost split up once or twice. Both of us longed to have children, a family. I missed out on that. But when I’m with you — it feels like family to me. We have so much history together.” He grinned. “You fit my compulsive, overly organised, perfectionist self. You ground me, you keep things real, you’re kind and thoughtful, and you always put other people’s needs ahead of your own.”
She swallowed. “Maybe you’re confusing me with another girlfriend. Your university sweetheart, perhaps? Did she also have blonde hair and dimples in her cheeks?”
He threw back his head and laughed. “And you’re funny, too.”
“I love that you’ve thought this through.”
“But you still want to take it slow…” he said.
She nodded. “When Preston left me, in some ways it was unexpected, but in other ways it wasn’t. I can look back now and see how far we’d drifted apart over the years, but I was in denial. I’m not sure my heart can be repaired from the damage he caused.”
He reached a hand across the table and took Bea’s in his. The warmth of his touch sent a bolt of lightning through her. “You were the one for me. You always have been. I know that now. Sometimes all we need is a second chance at first love.”
First love. The words washed over her like a balm. He’d been her first love, and she was his. Love like that wasn’t easily forgotten, but so much had happened since then. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t hurt me,” he said. “And I’ll wait for you as long as it takes. I’m not going anywhere.”
