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I haven't, but now I really want to give it a try.
A soft smile tugged at Ariel's lips as she read the innocent banter between Katie and Ethan. A budding connection founded on mutual interests. Somehow, witnessing this exchange eased the knot of worry that had taken root in Ariel's chest.
"Maybe it's not so bad after all," she mused, her fingers finally retracting from the keyboard. She knew that as a parent, she had a responsibility to protect Katie. But sometimes, that meant trusting her daughter's judgment and allowing her the space to form new friendships and explore her own experiences.
With a newfound sense of relief, Ariel closed the chat window and stepped back from the computer. The room seemed brighter now. The chat conversation she had seen was nothing more than two young people bonding over their shared love for art – a far cry from the heartache Katie had experienced after her breakup with Connor, Mayor Stanton's son. It warmed Ariel's heart to see her daughter moving on. Even if this Ethan wasn’t a romantic interest, Katie wasn’t painting all boys with the same brush as Connor.
Maybe it's just what she needs, she thought. The soft glow of the laptop illuminated the cluttered desk, casting shadows on the colorful sketches and paintbrushes strewn about. Taking a deep breath, Ariel reached out to close the chat window, feeling a sense of trust in her daughter's judgment wash over her like a gentle wave. But also guilt—now, she had snooped, and her fears had been unfounded.
“Time to let her grow," she whispered to herself, stepping away from the desk, the action symbolizing her belief that Katie was capable of making her own choices.
As Ariel left Katie's room, she paused in the hallway, leaning against the wall as a mix of emotions danced within her. She knew that giving Katie the space to explore new relationships and experiences was essential, but her role as a mother battling with the instinct to protect her child remained strong.
"Love is never easy," she mused, her thoughts drifting to her own journey of finding love and balance in her life. She hoped Katie would have an easier time than she had. Ariel bustled down the stairs, and just as snowflakes began to fall outside the front windows, dusting the porch with their delicate beauty, Ariel's phone vibrated in her pocket. Pulling it out, she saw a text message from Miles, and her heart pleasantly skipped a beat.
Hey, sweetheart. I’ll be taking a break around lunch, want to meet up at the Throwback Diner for lunch? We can put our heads together on the last-minute wedding stuff.
A smile formed on Ariel's lips as she contemplated her response, her fingers hovering over the screen. She could slip away after lunch and use that time to search for his Christmas present…
Sounds wonderful, babe. I'll see you in a bit, she typed back, her heart racing with anticipation.
As the snowflakes continued to blanket Endless Harbor, Ariel heard the kitchen door open, far back down the hall. That would be Darcy arriving to help with breakfast. She had left the Seaside the prior evening, and Darcy and Jill had still been behind the bar, talking. Ariel had sworn off snooping, but maybe there was just one more story that she needed to poke her nose into…
Feeling light and happy, she practically skipped to the kitchen.
CHAPTER FOUR
The frost twinkled like tiny stars on the cobblestone streets of Endless Harbor as Ariel stepped out of her car, her breath visible in the icy air. Winter had truly arrived in the small coastal town, and everywhere she looked, charming storefronts and quaint homes were blanketed by a fresh layer of snow. She wouldn’t be surprised if winter break was called early for the schools—but Katie had texted her after breakfast service to say that, for the day, school was still on regular schedule.
Ariel pulled her coat tightly around her, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp scent of salt and pine that filled the air. The sea beyond the piers danced with white-capped waves, mirroring the frosted landscape that surrounded it. This was home, and she was about to marry the love of her life. She grinned, the cold air striking her teeth. She kept grinning as she walked toward the place she was meeting Miles.
As she walked the few short blocks from the parking lot to the Throwback Diner, Ariel's thoughts raced with last-minute wedding preparations, turning over every detail in her mind. Her meticulous nature wouldn't allow for any oversights, especially not for the wedding. She thought about the wedding RSVPs and how Jill had put down a plus-one for the reception. As one of the bridesmaids, Jill would be occupied during the ceremony—but who was she bringing to the afterparty? Ariel thought about Darcy's shy avoidance when she'd questioned him this morning about the late-night bar chat, and found herself being a little protective of her sous chef. Whoever Jill was bringing, surely he wasn’t as perfect for Jill as Ariel knew Darcy was. One of her wedding to-dos would have to be making Jill spill the details on this “wedding date.”
Ariel spotted Miles standing near the harbor, nearly a block from The Throwback, his tall figure wrapped in a wool peacoat and framed against the backdrop of the ocean. His hazel eyes seemed to sparkle like the glistening sea as he caught sight of her approaching, and his warm smile sent a wave of reassurance through her.
"Hey there, beautiful," he greeted her, opening his arms for a welcoming embrace. Their bodies pressed together, momentarily shielding each other from the winter chill as they shared a tender kiss.
"Hi," Ariel whispered, her cheeks flushing with both the cold and her happiness. "I can't believe our big day is almost here."
"Me neither," Miles agreed, his eyes shining with love and excitement. "But I'm so glad it is. I can't wait to call you my wife. Sorry, I had to leave so early. I missed coffee with you."
She smiled up at him, and they strolled toward the diner, nestled between aged brick buildings, its colorful awnings a cheerful contrast to the monochromatic winter landscape. The delicate scent of freshly brewed coffee, maple syrup, and burgers wafted through the air as they neared the entrance, enticing them to step inside and escape the icy wind.
"Ah, there's nothing quite like the smell of a diner," Ariel remarked, taking a deep breath and allowing the comforting aromas to envelop her senses.
"Agreed," Miles replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "The Throwback always reminds me of our early morning walks along the harbor when we first started dating."
Pushing open the door, they were greeted by the gentle tinkling of a brass bell and the cozy warmth of the bustling café. Rich, dark wood paneling adorned the walls, accented by vintage retro artwork that served as both decoration and tribute to Endless Harbor's long history. A low murmur of conversation filled the air, punctuated by the occasional sound of laughter or clinking China.
"Morning, Ariel! Morning, Miles!" Jill called out, her smile bright and genuine. "The usual?"
"Thank you, Jill," Ariel responded, returning the smile as she took a seat at one of the small round tables near the window. Miles joined her, his hand instinctively reaching for hers as they sat down, fingers intertwining with familiar ease.
"Here you go," Jill said cheerfully, placing two steaming cups of coffee on the table before disappearing back behind the counter.
"Thanks," Ariel murmured, cradling the warm mug between her hands and savoring the aroma of the rich brew. She glanced out the window, watching the snowflakes dance and twirl outside. She looked over at Jill, who, despite working late at Leeside, seemed bright and peppy here at The Throwback.
Ariel would try to slip in a mention of the plus-one…
