He came over. ‘Everything all right?’
‘Yes… Amy and me… we were just talking about the future. How… I need to let go.’
Rick lifted my chin. ‘She’s lucky to have you.’
‘But talking to you, about Lee – it’s made me realise I’ve been that domineering, interfering older sibling. Thanks for giving me that perspective. It’s helped me see Amy’s position.’
‘Thanks to you too,’ he said. ‘You’ve helped me understand my brother better. I think his continual concerns does stem from that accident I had as a child. Thinking about it, when he tries to take charge here there is often a comment about me working too hard and worries about my blood pressure or stress… what I see as a lack of trust is actually a big brother caring. In fact… you’ve inspired me to tackle him about it.’
He took my hand and led me around the far side of the house to a log, positioned in front of a small pond. Eye-catching Ginger Thomas plants surrounded it. Nia had pointed out a cluster near one of the beach huts. I admired the vibrant yellow flowers. Delicate water lilies bobbed up and down, in the middle of the pond.
‘I used to bring girlfriends here, as a teenager,’ said Rick and reached up for Chatty sensing that the monkey was tired. I passed him the handle to the lead and the monkey settled on his lap.
‘How on earth did you meet girls, holidaying on Seagrass Island?’
‘Gran has always had friends on Tortola who came over for dinner – with their partners and children. To be honest they were more just holiday affairs.’
‘Is that what this is?’
His face became serious. ‘I don’t know. What do you think?’
‘I’d like to stay and find out, whilst I take Margot up on her offer. I’m ready to step out of my comfort zone and let my sister step out of hers too.’
‘That’s fantastic.’ He leant forward and my heart pumped furiously as I smelt his aftershave. However, I pressed my palm against his chest. A puzzled look crossed his face.
‘First, I have to be honest – my career aspirations have driven this decision. I… I’m so happy it means getting to know you better. You’ve opened up a part of me I’ve been too scared to unleash with any other guy. However, I can’t build my life around a man. I have to carve out a life that is all mine. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to find a partner. Just that…’
‘Your needs have to come first. I get that, Sarah. I could never give up my conservation work or move back to London. Some things are just as important as finding love. I don’t think that’s a bad thing. In my opinion, you and me, we’re on the same page.’
‘Fancy writing a few more chapters together, then?’ I asked shyly.
‘You betcha,’ he said with no hesitation and leant even closer for the longest kiss ever.
Well, it would have been if it weren’t for the indignant squeak from Chatty who must have felt excluded by the sudden silence.
I pulled away. ‘Oh, dearie me. I’m not sure it’s going to work with three in this relationship.’
‘Me and Chatty – we come as a package, I’m afraid,’ he said and chuckled.
‘I wasn’t talking abouthimbeing the third wheel.’
We both laughed.
I ran a finger over Rick’s soft, inviting mouth. ‘You, me and Chatty surfing the ups and downs of our daydreams together? I wouldn’t swap that for the world…’
Epilogue
One Year Later
‘You look beautiful,’ Rick whispered.
I stood on the sand, in bare feet, by the jetty, surrounded by friends and Amy – and current guests. Cacao House, as a holiday destination, was growing from strength to strength.
The sun beat down on my arms. I wore a floor-length ivory crochet lace dress with wide shoulder straps and a flowing skirt beneath a tighter bodice. Rick stood in front of me in a cream linen suit and pink tie, accentuating his tanned skin and those dark, seductive eyes.
Was this really happening? Was I really getting married?
Yes. To a man whose love, loyalty and integrity had won my heart. He respected my view when we argued. He supported my dreams. But most of all, he made me feel like the centre of his world and not as if I was merely some accessory.
