“No, really. I don’t know what I did to be lucky enough to have found you, and I can’t wait to marry you.”
“And I, you, the future Mrs. Richmond.”His smile was warm and loving.
A rush of happiness flooded through her. She was getting married. To this wonderful man.
“I do have one question I’ve been meaning to ask, though.”Barry cocked his head and stared at her.
“What’s that?”
“You think the town will still refer to you as one of those Parker women after you become my wife?”His smile transformed into a chuckle.
She laughed again.“I’m certain they will. Though I might become that Parker woman who married that Barry fellow.”
“Ah, a longer title. Well, that works.”
They settled back in their chairs as the stars flickered above them. She so enjoyed these quiet evenings with Barry. Soon, they’d have morning coffee, and meals, and still these quiet evenings.
“You almost packed up?”she asked him.
“I am, though I have the rental until the end of the month. I thought I’d bring over some of my things. I don’t want to crowd you.”
“You won’t crowd me. I’ve been rattling around in this big old house all on my own for years, except for that brief time that Evelyn moved in. There’s plenty of room.”
“You worried at all about how…different it will be? We’ve both lived alone for a long time.”
“I’m sure there’ll be some adjustments, but I’m fine with that because in the end I’ll be married to a man I adore.”
“You always say the right thing, my love.”
She reached up and touched the silver sand dollar that had warmed from resting on her skin. What a thoughtful and lovely gift. Just like Barry to think of something so special, so personal.
She glanced over, watching him stare out over the water, watching the moonbeams dance across the ripples in the water. She wished she could just wrap this evening up in a pretty package—like her gift—and keep it forever.
He glanced over and took her hand in his. Maybe she didn’t need the evening wrapped up after all. She would have him here with her every single day. And that was better than any present. How had she been this lucky to find a love like this? She didn’t know, but she was very grateful. For Barry, for her family, for the life she had here in Moonbeam. Gratitude overwhelmed her as she squeezed his hand and he smiled. That special smile he gave only to her. The one that warmed her to her very core. Yes, she was one lucky woman, and she counted down the hours until their wedding.
Chapter 26
“Oh, shoot.”Evelyn paused as she sorted out a tray of sandwiches at the Sea Glass Cafe booth at the festival.
Donna glanced over at her.“What’s wrong. Did we forget something?”
“No, look. Incoming. It’s Mother.”
Donna looked up and frowned.“What’s she doing here? She’s not really a browse around a festival type person.”
Patricia walked up to their booth.“Good morning, girls.”
“Hi, Mom.”Evelyn glanced over at Donna and shook her head slightly. She still hadn’t spoken to their mom about Blake.
“What are you doing here?”Donna asked.
“Some of the ladies who are moving to the new retirement place here in town wanted to see what the festival is all about.”She nodded toward a group of ladies standing around a jewelry booth across the distance.
“Oh, that’s Margery’s booth. She makes the most interesting jewelry with silver and sea glass,”Donna said.
Their mother shrugged.“I guess.”
Evelyn tried not to roll her eyes at their mother’s obvious lack of enthusiasm. Donna bumped against her and motioned her head to the side. Evelyn looked that direction and her mouth fell open. Blake was headed over to their booth with a wide smile on his face. Her heart double beat, and her pulse raced.
