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"All right," Darcy agreed, turning back to the stove. "I can handle things here. Just give me the rundown on what needs to be done."
"Thanks, Darcy," Ariel said with genuine appreciation. "Keep an eye on the reservations for the day, and just generally make sure our guests are happy. Oh, and if there are any emergencies" – she paused for a moment, recalling the recent crisis – "just call me right away."
"Got it, boss," Darcy replied with a wink. "You can count on me."
Ariel's heart fluttered with excitement as she gathered her purse and keys, preparing herself for the unexpected encounter with Dale Swanson. The plan was to simply show up at his rental business and surprise him. Her fingers tapped against the foyer podium in a rhythmic pattern, reflecting the anticipation bubbling within her. She glanced around the cozy reception area of Leeside B&B, taking in the well-worn armchairs and the soft glow from the living room fireplace. It was hard to believe that just moments before, she had been dealing with a burst pipe and a panicked guest.
The cold outside slapped her nearly breathless, despite her coat and hat. Ariel's boots crunched through the thin layer of snow covering the driveway, her breath forming small clouds of condensation as she walked to her car. Her mind raced with thoughts of what this encounter with Dale would bring. Would he be able to shed some light on the enigmatic man she loved? Or would he simply add more layers to the mystery that was Miles Clemens? Would Dale be happy that she showed up, or was the fight that Miles alluded to really too much to get past?
She contemplated the fractured relationships that had haunted her life – her estranged father, her failed first marriage to Katie’s father, when she’d been too young and not ready, her breakup in Miami, her past fallouts with Katie. There was Oliver, who was new to all of their lives and trying to find the right place in the family dynamic. And there was Miles, who Ariel loved with all her heart—but she and Miles had certainly had their ups and downs. All of this gave Ariel hope that there was little that couldn’t be overcome if both parties were willing.
She thought about what Steve had said about Mabel being such a kind friend to everyone—and that was a quality that Ariel loved. Mabel had once told Ariel that she’d run for Mayor to help Endless Harbor, and that helping others made her own problems seem smaller. Maybe helping Miles mend his own broken friendship with Dale might be the first step in healing Ariel’s own emotional wounds.
With a deep breath and a resolute nod, Ariel grabbed her coat and headed out into the crisp Maine winter air. The snow crunched under her boots as she made her way to her car, the cold seeping through her scarf as she climbed inside. She turned the key in the ignition and felt the familiar rumble of the engine come to life. As she pulled away from the B&B, she couldn't help but feel a strange mix of hope and uncertainty.
Ariel's felt the sense of urgency tugging at her, urging her to find answers for both herself and Miles.
CHAPTER EIGHT
As Ariel drove along the scenic coastal roads of Maine, the landscape enveloped her. The world outside her frost-kissed window was a tableau of stark, snow-laden beauty. A silver sun hung in the sky, casting long shadows across the glistening expanse of snow-covered pine trees that flanked the winding road.
The sea, a tempestuous canvas of gray and navy, stretched out to her left, its waves crashing rhythmically against the rocky shoreline. Ariel could hear the distant cries of seagulls carried by the frigid breeze, their haunting calls echoing the desolation of the winter coast. Clusters of quaint coastal homes appeared like gingerbread cottages, their cedar shingles blanketed in powdery white. They were adorned with wreaths and twinkling lights, their chimneys puffing smoke into the frosty atmosphere. Each house seemed to hold its own secret, cocooned in a world of serene isolation.
As Ariel continued her journey, the coast transformed into a surreal winter wonderland. Jagged cliffs adorned with icicles jutted dramatically from the earth, creating a scene of breathtaking grandeur. Pine forests, their boughs bowed low with snow, formed a pristine wilderness that whispered of ancient tales and forgotten legends. There was history here.
The road wound and twisted, revealing glimpses of hidden coves where ice-flecked water met the land. Ariel was dazzled by the icy sculptures adorning the cove rocks, sculpted by the relentless caress of the ocean spray. Secluded beaches lay dormant beneath blankets of snow, their sands a secret treasure buried in winter's embrace.
As she rounded a bend, the sun streaked through her windshield, and Ariel took in a deep breath, inhaling the scent of salt and pine that filled the air. This was where she belonged, and she knew in her heart that working toward healing the rifts in her life and those of the people she loved would help her find balance. The drive was proving a good way to get her head straight.
Soon, she was approaching her destination. Ariel's heart raced as she pulled up to the weathered sign that read "Dale's Boat Rentals" and parked her car. The lot was empty, and the main building looked deserted, its windows dark and covered in a thin layer of frost. She couldn't help but feel anxious that Dale might not be there, and she chastised herself for not calling ahead.
"Okay, deep breaths," she whispered, gripping the steering wheel tightly. Her eyes scanned the area, looking for any signs of life. It was then that she spotted him, a tall figure bundled in a heavy coat, his breath visible in the cold air as he worked on a small boat docked near the water's edge.
Ariel hesitated for a moment, her nerves threatening to get the better of her. She knew this conversation wouldn't be easy, but it was something she had to do – not just for Miles, but for herself too. Gathering her courage, she stepped out of the car and approached Dale slowly, her boots crunching loudly on the snow-covered ground.
"Excuse me," she called out, her voice wavering slightly. "Are you Dale Swanson?"
The man looked up from his work, his eyes narrowing as they met Ariel's. He seemed surprised to see her, his brow furrowing with skepticism. "Yeah, I am. And you are?" Dale asked cautiously, wiping his hands on a nearby rag.
He was an older man with greying hair and green eyes—the same from the social media profile. His features bore the marks of age, with fine lines etched on his face, but he was weathered in a handsome way, a full beard making him look completely at home next to the ocean. His hair, once black, she guessed, had transitioned into shades of grey. His eyes were a deep, piercing green, holding a hint of mystery. She judged him to be a little older than Miles—maybe five, six years.
"Hi, I'm Ariel Hawthorne," she replied, extending a gloved hand toward him. "I'm Miles Clemens’s fiancée."
"Okay," Dale said, drawing out the words and taking her hand in a firm grip. His expression remained guarded, as if trying to gauge her intentions.
Ariel felt her cheeks grow warm despite the chill in the air. "I… I wanted to talk to you about something important."
Dale studied her for a moment, his eyes searching hers before he finally nodded. "All right," he said, releasing her hand and gesturing toward a nearby bench. "Let's talk." He climbed out of the small boat.
As they sat down, Ariel took a deep breath. She knew she had taken the first step toward bringing Miles and Dale back together, and all she could do now was hope that her words would be enough to bridge the chasm between the two old friends. Ariel's fingers fidgeted with the hem of her coat as she gathered her thoughts, the cold wind causing goosebumps to rise along her arms. The briny scent of the ocean filled her nostrils, grounding her in the present moment.
"Listen, Dale," she began, trying to keep her voice steady and confident. "I know that you and Miles had a falling out years ago. He's told me as much, though he never went into specifics. But the thing is...he regrets it. Whatever happened, he misses your friendship."
Dale looked away, his gaze settling on the horizon where the steel-gray sea met the overcast sky. His jaw clenched, and for a moment, Ariel wondered if she had said too much. Then he let out a slow exhale, turning back to face her with a carefully neutral expression.
"Is that why you're here, then?" he asked, skepticism lacing his words. "To try and fix things between us? Because Miles feels bad about something that happened ages ago?"
Ariel nodded, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely more than a whisper. "But it's not just for Miles. It's for me, too."
