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“Did your mother never teach you about the birds and the bees?” I tease.
“Yes. Birds fly and bees buzz. What does that have to do with anything? Stay on topic, Marin. I mean, if that’s what married people do, then I’m not so sure I can handle it. Nope. Can’t do it. I mean, that’s disgusting. Is that really what people do? No way. It can’t be true. I’m scandalized. I’m mortified. Are you sure?”
I turn as we keep walking, hand in hand. He doesn’t know when to quit, and I love it. I can hardly walk straight from mirth. My stomach hurts because I can’t manage a deep breath.
“Seriously. This is a huge concern for me. I’m not okay with it. You can’t see me without my bathing suit. How embarrassing. I would die. I’m appalled. I find this shocking. How is it that no one ever told me these things? Seems like someone should have mentioned it. I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight. Just the thought sends me into a panic…”
It goes on. And on.
And I laugh until tears are falling down my cheeks. Life with Slade is going to be the best.
chapter thirty-four
IT’S THE ENDof Slade’s bubble show, the part when he turns on the bubble machine and everyone dances to the music while surrounded by bubbles.
He pulls me out of the audience like he always does lately, so we can dance together. Today he’s playing “I’ve Had the Time of my Life” from theDirty Dancingsound track.
I can’t help but think the song could be the sound track for our life together so far. I’m living in reality. I don’t need my imagination anymore. Real life is so much better than anything I could ever fantasize about.
Do I love being a maid? The answer’s still no. But I love being a maid at Sheridan House. I love when Slade joins me, pretending to help me clean, when really he just wants to sneak a few kisses.
I love our nightly walks along the beach, even if we do spend half the time kissing.
I love helping him take care of Joss and his mother.
I guess what I really mean is, I love life with Slade. He’s made me an integral part of his existence. I feel like the nerdy kid who got invited to the party by the cool kid.
I’m in. And I’m here to stay.
I’m so happy I could burst. It must be all those negative ions in the air.
The song comes to an end, and Slade turns off the bubble machine. The crowd departs, going their separate ways.
I’m helping Slade clean up when suddenly he’s completely still, staring at the porch of Sheridan House.
A lone young man stands there staring right back at Slade. I know who he is immediately.
My eyes turn to Joss. I swear I can hear her gasp from where I stand. That’s when the young man turns and sees Joss sitting on the patio.
He doesn’t know how long Joss has been sitting there waiting for this moment. He doesn’t know how much this moment means to her.
It’s Dex. He’s home.
He makes a beeline for Joss, falling to his knees in front of her. Slade grabs my hand as we rush forward to get closer to his brother.
“Josslyn Hayes,” Dex says with worship-level reverence. “My sweet Joss.” He takes Joss’s hand in his. “I’m home, and I’m never leaving you again. I swear it. I’m here to stay.”
Tears drip down Joss’s face. Then I realize my cheeks are wet with tears as well. I’m so happy for her.
Dex goes on. “I lost myself for a while there. It won’t happen again. Please forgive me. I’m so in love with you, Joss.” Dex reaches up, his fingertips grazing Joss’s cheek. “My lovely Joss. Even more beautiful than I remember. How can that be?” He picks up her hand and kisses it softly. “Where you are, that’s my home. No matter where it is.”
“Dex…” That’s all Joss can manage to say.
Slade and I take a few steps back, letting this be their moment. Even though I long to move closer and hear every single thing they’re whispering to each other. Joss forgot to mention that Dex was Mr. Romance. The things he’s saying to her, wow. Just wow. There’s no way she can resist him. They have a few things to work through, but I have no doubt they’re going to be just fine.
Dex gets to his feet, notices Slade, and the two brothers embrace, patting each other on the back.
“Missed you like crazy,” Slade mumbles.
