AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The driver ushered us into the plush leather interior. A chilled bottle of champagne sat nestled in an ice bucket, two crystal flutes beside it. Alexander popped the cork expertly and poured each of us a glass as the car glided away from the curb.
“To new beginnings,” he said, clinking his glass gently against mine. The bubbles tingled on my tongue as we sipped the champagne and watched the seaside scenery slide by.
Alexander took my hand, his thumb gently caressing my knuckles. “As the lighthouse is only five minutes from your place, I asked the driver to take the scenic route so we could enjoy this.”
My heart fluttered at his thoughtfulness. I scooted closer to him on the seat, leaning my head on his shoulder. “This is perfect, Alexander. Thank you for such a special treat.”
The sleek black Bentley glided effortlessly along the coast road, hugging the curves with refined precision. I marveled at how the supple leather seats cradled me as we drove. Through the tinted windows, the sea shimmered under the setting sun. Alexander’s hand felt warm and reassuring, clasped in mine.
“I could get used to traveling like this,” I said, my fingers tracing the fine wood trim.
Alexander chuckled. “I thought you might enjoy a touch of luxury.”
I smiled, leaning into him. “Definitely. Although any ride with you would feel special.”
Alexander squeezed my hand, his eyes crinkling with affection. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
We continued on, the powerful engine purring almost silently. The champagne chilling nearby and the endless ocean view made it feel like we were in our own private world. No words were needed - just the comfort of each other’s presence on this magical evening.
As we neared the lighthouse, its beacon already sweeping the darkening sky, I sighed contentedly. “Thank you again for this, Alexander. It’s been absolutely perfect.”
All too soon, the Bentley rolled to a stop near the lighthouse. The driver came around and opened my door, offering his hand. Clutching Alexander’s arm, I stepped out into the sea air, the lighthouse tower soaring above us. The romantic ride over, we were ready to enter the elegant gala together.
***
Mayor Jenkins stood at the podium, adjusting his glasses as he prepared to address the crowd gathered at the base of the newly restored Pebble Point Lighthouse. I felt a swell of hometown pride looking up at the stately white tower, its red trim bright and vibrant, no sign remaining of the fire that had nearly destroyed this iconic landmark months before.
Alexander stood beside me, the fabric of his suit jacket brushing my bare arm. Our hands hung close, fingers occasionally grazing in a subtle caress. I was thrilled at his nearness and the tantalizing possibility of what it could become.
Mayor Jenkins cleared his throat, shuffling papers covered in his looping scrawl. “Friends, residents of our beloved Pebble Point, we’re gathered here today not just to celebrate the reopening of this historic lighthouse, but also the spirit of community that made this restoration possible.”
Murmurs of agreement rose from the crowd. I nodded, remembering the shock and sorrow when we’d learned of the fire. As constant as the tides, the lighthouse had stood sentinel over our shores for generations. We’d feared it lost forever.
“As many of you know, the damage was extensive,” Mayor Jenkins continued. “The old wood, the original glass of the lantern room, all gone. The cost of rebuilding was far beyond our city’s budget. However...” He paused for effect. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of an anonymous donor, we could restore our lighthouse to its former glory completely!”
Excited chatter broke out among the gathered residents. Who was this mysterious benefactor? I glanced at Alexander, whose lips curved in a subtle, knowing smile even as he fixed his gaze politely on the mayor.
“Now, I know you’re all curious about who this donor could be.” Mayor Jenkins’s eyes twinkled behind his glasses. “Butsome good deeds are their own reward. Whoever you are, your gift has preserved something precious to Pebble Point. On behalf of the city, I say thank you.”
A round of enthusiastic applause rose from the audience. I found myself clapping ardently, moved by the donor’s selfless act of generosity. Our lighthouse stood before us, restored and magnificent, all because someone cared enough to make it possible.
Mayor Jenkins invited residents to tour the restored lighthouse and enjoy refreshments on the lawn. The mood was celebratory, the very air tinged with nostalgia and new beginnings. As I moved through the chattering crowd with Alexander, our fingers brushed and then gently clasped.
Together, we climbed the winding stairs to the top of the lighthouse. In the polished glass of the lantern room, the sun’s rays fractured into dazzling prisms of light. We stood looking out to the ocean; the breeze ruffling our hair, seagulls crying as they circled and dived. Down below on the green lawn, people mingled and laughed, basking in the simple joy of this place that meant so much to all of us.
I leaned my head on Alexander’s shoulder. No words were needed. Together we took in the vista, the lighthouse standing tall behind us, guiding others as it had guided our own hearts home.
After visiting the lighthouse top, we ventured back down to the lawn to mingle with the townsfolk. I spotted Lucia Mendez by the refreshment table, laughing with Mayor Jenkins, while he enthusiastically recounted some story with sweeping hand gestures.
“Etta, there you are!” Lucia exclaimed, waving us over. “Are you two enjoying the gala so far?”
“Absolutely,” I said. “The lighthouse looks incredible. I’m so glad the whole town could come together for this.”
Mayor Jenkins beamed. “As am I! This old lighthouse is the heart of Pebble Point.” With a theatrical wink, he leaned in conspiratorially. “Thanks to our mysterious donor, it will continue shining for another hundred years! Any guesses on who it could be?”
I exchanged an amused look with Alexander. “Whoever it was, it was an incredibly kind thing to do.”
“Here now, no need to be modest!” Mayor Jenkins gave Alexander a hearty pat on the back. “Thanks to you, our lighthouse is restored!”
