“More than we probably realize.”
“Immanuel aside,” she said, raising up, pulling the paper out from underneath. “You’ve seen this?” Emery flipped through the pages. “The much-ballyhooed collector’s edition has big blank spaces with teeny-weeny text in the middle saying ‘Gallagher Real Estate’ or ‘Leman Pre-owned.’”
Caleb scooted toward her. “You could argue they still got their advertising. I can read these names. I get who’s advertising.”
Her laugh sounded sincere. Free. “Where were you when I was getting blasted by angry customers?”
“Call me next time. I’ll be there.”
“Next time?” She groaned. “Please tell me this won’t happen again. There’s no rhyme or reason to it, Caleb. Elliot hasn’t called yet, but when he does, he’ll want answers. By this time tomorrow, I might be out of a job, leaving Sea Blue Beach. Does Immanuel, God with us, come with us when we leave?”
He wrapped his hand around hers, and with a sigh, as if she couldn’t keep her chin up any longer, fell against his shoulder.
“When Cassidy ran off, I remember my grandfather saying, ‘Let’s see what God will do.’”
After a moment, Caleb stretched out on the sand, taking Emery back with him so she rested her head on his chest. From the night sky, the first stars winked at them.
“Em?”
“Hmm?”
“I love you.”
She stiffened. “W-what?”
“I love you,” he said, gently rolling over to see her face, the light from the courtyard casting a soft glow against her hair. “I want to marry you.”
“M-marry me?” Emery jumped to her feet, slipping on the sandySunday Royal Gazette.
He slapped his hand to his chest. “You stole my heart the summer we met, and I’ve been searching for it ever since.”
His phone rang, but he ignored it.
“You’re serious?” Emery said. “A minute ago, we were talking about my failure as the editor of a small-town newspaper, possibly moving on, and now—” His phone went off again, bouncing between rings and pinging texts. “Answer your phone, Caleb.”
“I’d rather you answered me.” He glanced at the screen. “It’s Cassidy. She can wait.”
“See what she wants. It seems urgent.” Emery took a few steps, giving them space. “And I need a moment.”
When he answered, Bentley’s voice was loud and wild. “Uncle Caleb! Mom’s crying. Like all the time. I’m scared.”
“Okay, okay, buddy. Calm down. Are you all right? Is she all right?”
“I don’t know.... She’s in the bathroom and won’t come out. I got to pee.”
“Where are you?”
“Somewhere in Mobile. Did you see the text? I sent the address. Can you come, please?”
“I’m on my way. And go down to the lobby if you need a bathroom.” Hanging up, he turned to Emery. “It’s Bentley. He said—”
“I heard,” Emery said, lightly brushing her fingers over his hair. “You need to go. He sounds scared.”
“Feels like we’ve been here before.” He gathered Emery in his arms. “My family having a crisis when I want—need—to be with you.”
“I’d go with you if I didn’t have my own crisis to confront. Plus I don’t think Cassidy wants an audience.”
“I’ll call you,” he promised.
