I grunt and rake a hand over my forehead. “Thanks. I’m just nervous.”
Grabbing the carry-on, I quickly locate the ring box and open it. A cushion-cut diamond glints back at me. I’ve saved money since the day I knew Brynn would stay in Brighton. Every portion of a painting sold went into the ring fund, and another portion went into the house fund.
Anthony fills a glass with water from the bottle the hotel left on the dresser. “What do you have to be nervous about? You know she’s going to say yes.” He picks up the paper coaster the bottle had been standing on and throws it at me like a frisbee. It falls short, landing on the bed.
I snap the ring box shut and lock it in the in-room safe. “Quit acting like you weren’t nervous when you proposed to Julia.” I snatch the coaster off the comforter and toss it in the trash.
He scoffs. “I had that shit on lock.”
“I’ll make sure to tell her that,” I say, pulling a clean T-shirt over my head.
“Please don’t.” The desperate words tumble from his mouth. He grins, and I laugh too.
“Come on.” I grab the keycard and stride to the door. “The girls are waiting for us downstairs. I’m starving.”
* * *
Brynn
Connor has been acting weird all day. Jumpy. Forgetful.
Truth be told, I’m having a hard time too. I wanted this vacation more than anybody else in our group, but when it came down to it, leaving my work was harder than I thought it would be. Planning an event like the one I’ve been working on takes careful preparation and attention to detail. Oh yeah, and a keynote speaker. I’ve been searching, but I’m being met with reluctance at every turn. So far, nobody has wanted to talk about their experience with postpartum depression.
My non-profit aims to provide resources for women dealing with this illness, but how can I advocate for them if I can’t get someone to share their experience and demystify it? If I want the shame of the condition stripped away, I need someone who can speak from personal experience. I don’t need someone with a case as advanced as Amy Prince’s, I just needsomeone.
I’m trying hard to lay on this beach chair and read my book, but I keep losing my place. Finally I give up and set it down beside me. My eyes fall closed and I let my mind wander. I’m almost asleep, thanks to the calming, rhythmic sounds of the ocean, when my eyes fly open.Iam the person who should talk. Of course.Of course!
Excited to share my epiphany, I turn to where I last saw Connor on the beach. He’d been tossing a football with Anthony, but he’s no longer there. When I don’t immediately spot him, I pull my sunglasses down my nose and scan the area. No Connor. Actually, nobody from my group is anywhere to be found.
My phone buzzes on the table beside me.
Connor: Can you come up to the hotel? I need help with something. Thanks, babe.
I get up, throw on my white cover-up, stow my book in my little beach bag, and sling it over my shoulder. Pausing outside the lobby entrance, I reach down to swipe sand from my feet.
“You make a fine sight, Ms. Montgomery.”
I smile, straightening, and reach for Connor. He’s wearing his navy blue swim trunks and a white t-shirt. “You aren’t too bad yourself.”
Taking my outstretched hand, he leads me away from the entrance and around the front of the hotel.
“What do you need help with?” I ask. Connor doesn’t answer. He pulls me along behind him, up a flight of stone stairs, and then we walk for another minute. My black slides smack the floor loudly with our steps.
“Connor, what is going on?”
“You’ll see.”
We round another corner, and come onto a stone terrace with a curved balcony. Beyond it, the sea sparkles. Connor walks me to the balcony wall.
“It’s incredible, right?”
I look out. The water sparkles, crashes, and rolls back out to do it all over again. “It’s breathtaking.”
Connor stands behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. My whole body relaxes into him. It’s still and quiet, and then Connor speaks.
“I love the tan on your skin, and the freckles that dot your chin. I love you so much, I don’t know where to begin.”
Turning my head against his chest, I peer up at him. He winks and nods, encouraging me to play.
