Now that he’s been here, I’ll forever see him exactly as he is—standing with his back to me. Water glistens off his body like a million crystals, a work of art that has come to life.
And he’s mine. Just for now, this man is mine.
But I’m also his, and when he spins, I suppress the gasp that catches in the back of my throat when he extends his tattooed hand toward me.
Wearing only a pink bikini, I step into the water. My feet sink into the soft bedrock as I meet Rhys in the pool's center. He immediately sweeps me into his embrace and kisses me softly,sweetly, before spinning me so that my back is against his chest. We’re facing the furious falls, watching the plunge into the pool.
“You were right.”
“About?” I ask without turning around.
“This is Heaven,” Rhys murmurs in my ear, sending a delicious shiver through me that has nothing to do with the cool spray hitting us. “Thank you for bringing me here, Charlotte.”
“It was my pleasure. Thank you for wanting to come.” I exhale on a slow, sad sigh. “I wish I could freeze this day.”
Because tomorrow is Rhys’s last.
“So do I.” His whispered admission is so heartbreaking, I don’t know if the wetness on my face is from the waterfall or tears. But then he hugs me tighter, and there’s an odd…wistfulness in his deep, velvety voice when he adds, “I like you, Charlotte Mallory, enough that I would choose you over everything and anything.”
And I can confirm that it’s one hundred percent my tears when I say, “I like you, too, Rhys Ravenstone.”
Too much.
So much that after he’s gone, I’m going to suffer the loss of him for the rest of my life.
Chapter Eighteen
Day Seven
The people of Harley Cove do not fuck around when it comes to July Fourth.
They colored the town red, white, and blue, with practically everything draped in the American flag. Today, restaurants serve patriotic-themed menus as the annual parade makes its way down Main Street. A day-long party in Town Square will follow, ending long after the fireworks spectacular generously hosted by Court of Food and Drinks. But the barbeques won’t start serving, and the band won’t play until MayorBradford gives his usual speech in the raised gazebo with his adoring family seated front and center.
Harley Cove is quaint Americana at its finest.
I get why some people prefer city living, with its bustling streets that never sleep, but I can’t imagine life anywhere else. Perhaps because I know nothing else. What Idoknow is that when my parents died, I found Harley Cove a comfort.
Even though it worked against me during—and after—my marriage.
There’s good and bad in everything.
Today is good.
Watching Rhys devour his first chili dog while wearing a white I Heart Harley Cove tank top (payback’s a bitch) is hilarious. We arrived early, staking a claim on the street in front of The Scorched Page to get a good view of the parade. I’m snapping a ton of photos for Gram, and when the veterans march by, Rhys stands taller, straighter, and clearly proud of our soldiers who have sacrificed much for our country. They’re followed by the middle and high school bands, then the current Miss Harley Cove. And on and on it goes, and although I’ve never been one for parades, watching this one with Rhys, I’m like a little kid again. Makes this all new again, innocent. Harmless fun as I sip an iced coffee while he finishes the last bite of his chili dog.
What I love most is how he walks behind me to wrap those strong arms around my shoulders when he’s done eating. He’s a weighted blanket, making me feel secure among the crowd. It’s a painfully natural and protective stance, like one a boyfriend would do, especially when he absently taps his fingers to the beat of the music. The kiss he places on the top of my head not onlyadds more cracks to the wall around my heart, but it shatters the foundation, threatening to topple the whole damn thing.
When I sway my hips to the music, Rhys gives a little grind of his erection against my ass. “Keep it up, and I guarantee you’ll miss the end of this parade.”
Giggling, I say, “Sorry. Didn’t realize I was wiggling.”
“Yes, you did.” He gives my ass a playful slap. “You have a great ass,” he whispers in my ear, sending a delicious chill down my spine.
Last night, we cuddled. No sex. We simply…snuggled. After decorating the bookshop’s exterior for the holiday, we grabbed a quick dinner at Molly D’s. Then we strolled around town, hand in hand, talking before we returned home, put on a movie, and chilled. Not two people desperate to cram in as much sex as possible before Cupid comes for Rhys, but like we were on an actual date.
And this morning, we woke before dawn. He wanted to watch the sunrise because today…
Today is full of Rhys’s last—everythings.
