Page 84 of The Beach Escape

Molly looked over her shoulder. Ellyn, Hadley, Mateo, Claire, and Lance were huddled in the dunes about fifty feet behind them, apparently doing a bad job of staying out of sight. Ellyn gave a little wave, and Claire did a discreet thumbs-up.

“Of course not,” she said. Because what was life if you didn’t have your friends and family backing you up? And, she had to admit, they had a pretty great group of friends and family.

“But they bring up a valid point. You haven’t given me an answer yet.” He wiggled the sparkling vintage-inspired engagement ring.

“Yes! Absolutely, yes.” She leaned over, put her hands on either side of his face, and kissed him.

“She said yes!” Ellyn cheered in her not-so-hushed whisper.

“Are you sure we can’t take a picture of this?” Hadley asked.

“No flash. But since she already said yes, we can go see the turtles,” Claire answered.

Grant sat down next to Molly and slid the ring on her finger as the rest of the crew crept over and sat on the sand around them to watch the hatchlings. “You still think it’s okay they came?” he whispered, wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

She snuggled into him, rested her head on his shoulder, and held her hand out to examine the ring. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The End

Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp

A Hallmark Original Recipe

InThe Beach Escape, Grant and Molly are alone at the sea turtle facility during a blackout caused by a huge storm. Since they both haven’t had a chance to eat, Grant fires up the grill and cooks up a dinner of shrimp with his super-secret sauce—that quickly turns romantic over candlelight. Our recipe for Tequila Lime Grilled Shrimp is so delicious, it’s no secret they’ll make any meal special.

Prep Time:1 hour

Cook Time:4 minutes

Serves:12

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup tequila

1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 medium-size red onion, sliced

4 garlic cloves, crushed

2 sprigs fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

2-pound large shrimp, tail-on, peeled and deveined

Bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Fresh lime wedges

PREPARATION

Combine tequila, lime juice, olive oil, red onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin and salt in a nonreactive stainless bowl or glass bowl and stir to blend.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com