“I’m not good at relationships.”
“You just haven’t met the right person.”
Paris wasn’t ready to admit that Shelley could be right. She’d only had three boyfriends. Each time she dated someone, she had low expectations about where it could lead. And, if she was ever under an illusion that something was working, her mom was quick to tell her she was making a mistake.
She watched the bride and groom spin in a slow circle on the dance floor. Nadine’s veil floated behind her, giving the photographer the perfect shot.
Paris frowned. “How do you know if someone is the right person for you?”
Instead of the wise reply she was expecting, Shelley laughed. “I’m the worst person to ask. John drove me crazy for the first few weeks I knew him. I would have bet everything I owned that we’d never end up together.”
“What changed?”
“He told me about his life, what he’d seen and done, and why he wanted to work in Sapphire Bay. It helped me see the real John McDonald. Now, I can’t imagine my life without him.” Shelley nodded toward the wedding guests. “Nadine and Carl are getting ready to leave.”
Paris looked across the dance floor. The bridesmaids were standing in a line opposite the groomsmen. Their bouquets formed an arch that Nadine and Carl were about to run under. As if on cue, the photographer and videographer stood at one end, capturing the happy moment.
A knot of sadness lodged in Paris’ throat. It took courage to tell someone you loved them, and determination to make the relationship last. Until now, she hadn’t had either. She’d spent most of her life with people who weren’t looking for happy ever after.
Knowing there was someone in the world who would always be there for you, someone who would help you be the best version of yourself, was as foreign to her as flying to the moon.
Since she’d moved to Sapphire Bay, she found peace, true friends, and a man who could teach her how to fly. All she had to do was tell him how she felt. And that would be harder than moving halfway across the country and starting her own business.
Richard knocked on Paris’ front door and waited. He just hoped she was awake and not having a relaxing morning in bed.
“Do you think she’s home, Dad?” Jack asked.
“I’m not sure. I’ll knock again in case she’s down the other end of the house.” After church this morning, Jack had asked John and Shelley if he could take Toto for a walk. The adorably scruffy puppy was sitting beside him, like the most well-behaved dog in the world.
That lasted for all of ten seconds. As soon as Toto heard the front door opening, he jumped up and bounded toward Paris. Thankfully, Jack was holding the leash firmly and saved Paris from the excited fur ball coming toward her.
Her instant smile was good to see. “This is a wonderful surprise.” She kneeled on the veranda and patted Toto. “How was the writing retreat, Jack?”
“It was fun. I finished my story, and Katie’s going to show us how to publish our books.”
“That’s fantastic.”
“Pastor John said we could take Toto for a walk, so I asked Dad if we could come and see you. Were you having a sleep-in?”
Paris shook her head. “I wish I was. I’ve been catching up on my housework.”
“I don’t like doing chores. Do you want to come for a walk with us?”
Her eyes lifted to Richard’s. His heart pounded and everything around him stilled. Even in a blue tracksuit, Paris was beautiful. “We’d enjoy your company.”
“I’d love to, but I need to collect some flowers from the Kingston’s house at eleven-thirty.”
Richard frowned. “Do you normally do that?”
“No. Nadine’s parents are donating some of the arrangements to another couple getting married this afternoon. I said I’d pick them up.”
“Do you want us to give you a hand?”
“Not today. John organized some volunteers to help. As soon we’ve packed the flowers into their trucks, they’ll take them straight to the church.” Toto wriggled closer to her legs. Paris stroked his back and smiled. “How can I resist such a cutie? The vacuuming can wait for another day. As long as I’m back here in an hour, I’ll have enough time to drive to the Kingston’s.”
Jack grinned. “You can hold Toto’s leash if you want to.”
“I’d like that. I’ll just grab my jacket.”
