Secrets at Sunset
That evening, Clara suggested they climb to the old lighthouse on the outskirts of town. The climb was steep, but the promise of a breathtaking sunset kept them motivated.
When they reached the top, the sky blazed with shades of orange, pink, and violet, the ocean stretching endlessly beyond the cliffs. Clara let out a soft sigh.“It’s beautiful.”
Liam leaned against the railing, his hand brushing hers.“Not as beautiful as this,” he murmured, turning toward her.
Clara felt her cheeks warm.“You say that a lot,” she teased, though her heart raced.
He smiled, eyes sparkling.“Because it’s true. And because I like seeing you smile.”
For a few quiet moments, they simply watched the sun dip lower, the world glowing in its fading light. Then Liam turned to her, his expression serious yet soft.
“Clara… there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” he said quietly.
Clara tilted her head, curious.“What is it?”
“I… I wasn’t completely honest when I arrived here,” he admitted.“I didn’t plan to stay long, but meeting you changed everything. I don’t want to leave this summer—or you—behind.”
Clara felt a rush of warmth.“I’m glad you told me. I’ve been feeling the same way. Being with you… it feels like home.”
He reached out, holding both her hands in his.“Then let’s promise something. No matter what happens this summer, we’ll make the most of it. Together.”
Clara nodded, her heart full.“Together.”
As the last rays of the sun disappeared, Liam leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. The lighthouse, the ocean, and the fading sky seemed to celebrate their shared secret—the promise of a love that had quietly, steadily, bloomed throughout the summer.
They stayed there a while longer, talking, laughing, and holding onto each other, knowing that some moments were too precious to rush—and that their summer story was far from over.
Chapter 19:
The Mini Golf Rivalry
The next weekend, Clara suggested a trip to the town’s miniature golf course. Liam groaned playfully.
“Mini golf? You’re really trying to test my competitive streak, aren’t you?”
Clara smirked.“Absolutely. And I plan to win.”
The course was colorful and quirky, with windmills, ramps, and tiny bridges. As soon as the first hole began, Liam took a dramatic stance, swinging his club with exaggerated precision. Clara laughed so hard she almost missed her turn.
“You call that precision?” she teased.“You’re going to lose!”
“Not a chance,” Liam replied, puffing out his chest.“I’ve got this.”
But the game quickly devolved into chaos. Liam’s ball ricocheted off a windmill, nearly hitting a passing child, and Clara’s ball somehow got stuck in a tiny water hazard. They spent more time laughing at their mishaps than actually playing.
Halfway through the course, Liam bent down, grinning.“Truce?” he asked.
Clara raised an eyebrow.“Truce?”
“Yeah. Let’s agree that neither of us really knows how to play properly and just enjoy being… us.”
Clara considered for a moment, then laughed.“Deal.”
They finished the game, neither winning, both happy. Liam reached for her hand, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“I guess it’s not about winning… it’s about doing this with you.”
Clara smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder.“Exactly. Winning would’ve been boring anyway.”
