Her heart thundered in her chest as the words hung in the air between them. She’d spent so many years keeping her feelings carefully contained, but now they spilled out like waves crashing on the shore.
A smile spread across Mark’s face, reaching all the way to his eyes. He stepped forward and drew her into his arms, pulling her into his embrace. She relaxed against his chest.
“That’s good to hear,” he murmured, his voice rich with emotion, “because I’ve fallen in love with you too.”
She closed her eyes and savored his words, the steady beat of his heart against her cheek. All the worry and doubt she’d carried these past weeks melted away in the safety of his arms.
Mark pulled back slightly and cupped her cheek in his hand. His lips brushed against hers, soft and sweet. Her heart soared as she melted into the kiss, letting go of years of careful restraint. His gentle touch held more tenderness than she’d ever imagined possible, and she found herself responding with all the love she’d kept locked away.
His arms remained gently anchored around her waist as their lips parted. She drew in a slow breath, capturing this perfect moment in her memory—his steady heartbeat against her cheek, the distant call of the seagulls, the sun and shadows dancing around them.
“I’m finally home,” Mark whispered against her hair.
His words reached deep into her soul. After all these years of taking care of others, of running the B&B alone, of keeping her heart protected behind carefully constructed walls, she’d found someone who understood her completely. Someone who saw her strength and her vulnerability and cherished both equally.
And she was finally home too.
Chapter30
Eleanor smoothed her skirt and checked her reflection in the hall mirror one last time. Winston sat at her feet, his tail thumping against the hardwood floor as footsteps approached the front door.
“Someone’s coming,” she told Winston, who perked up his ears.
Through the window, she spotted Jonah walking up the brick pathway, his silver hair catching the porch light. His smile stretched wide across his face, making her heart skip.
She opened the door before he could knock. “You’re right on time.”
Winston padded over and nosed Jonah’s hand in greeting. “Evening, Ellie.” He scratched behind Winston’s ears. “And hello to you too, old boy.”
“Would you like to come in for a drink before we leave?”
“I would.”
She led him into the front room and poured two glasses of wine. Jonah stood by the window, looking out.
“Aren’t you going to sit down?” She walked over and handed him his glass.
He turned around slowly. “You know, it took everything in my power not to come over before today. Three days you made me wait. You said Friday, so I waited. But Ellie, I have to know.”
“Know what?”
“Know if you meant what you said. That you… that you want me. That you don’t care who knows.” He looked down at his wineglass before looking back at her. “Because I lost you to Theodore once. You chose him over me.”
She took his glass back and carefully set both their glasses on a table. “I did do that. I was young and foolish.”
“But you’ve been doing your best to avoid me since I’ve returned. We’ve only gone out a few times. And… just like before… you’re so worried about what other people think.”
“Jonah, you listen to me now. Yes, I meant what I said at Coastal Coffee. I’m sorry how I’ve acted since you returned. Sometimes…” She grimaced. “Sometimes I can just be an old fool. Set in my ways.”
His hand was warm as he clasped hers, his fingers slightly rough against her skin. Her heart skipped a beat at the contact.
“I hope you truly mean it this time. That you’re choosing me.” The hint of vulnerability in his voice made her ache deep inside.
The familiar scent of his aftershave brought back memories of stolen moments all those years ago. Moments they’d shared before she let her family’s expectations guide her down a different path. Standing here now, in her formal living room with Winston dozing nearby, she knew with absolute clarity that she’d finally made the right decision.
She studied his familiar face—the laugh lines around his eyes, the distinguished silver of his hair, the same kind expression he’d worn all those years ago. Without hesitation, she reached out with her free hand and touched his cheek, feeling the slight stubble beneath her fingertips.
“Yes, Jonah. I choose you. I’m certain of this choice.” She paused, her own insecurities bubbling to the surface. “I just hope you haven’t changed your mind.”
