His words filled her to overflowing. Her lips pulled upward. It seemed she’d been waiting a lifetime to hear those words. “I love you too, Connor.”
His eyes pierced hers as his breath fell on her mouth.
Her lips tingled, and her insides hummed with energy. This man. He spoke to her, soul deep, with just a look. Just a touch.
“Stay,” he said softly.
She fell headlong into his gaze as a shiver rippled over her. “Yes.”
The corners of his lips notched upward. He came closer, and his lips brushed hers. He pulled her into his chest, deepening the kiss.
Maddy forgot everything but the feel of his lips, the scent of his skin, the warmth of his touch. She could happily stay in his arms for the rest of her life.
When they parted she was breathless. So was he. Their breaths intertwined, mingling with the sea air.
His nuzzled her nose. “I don’t suppose you’d consider a position at a glorified crab shack.”
She drew back a bit. “The Landing? What about Cheryl?”
“Her dad had another stroke. She’s moving back home for good to take care of him.”
“Oh no. I didn’t know that.”
“New information. Listen, honey... I know you’re way overqualified for the position. If you’d be bored silly working there full-time, then—”
“Would I get complete control?” she asked with a cheeky thrust of her chin.
His face relaxed as his lips twitched. “Back to that, are we?”
“By your own admission you know nothing about managing a restaurant.”
“True enough.” He held up his right hand. “No micromanaging. No undermining your authority. Promise.”
Maddy thought over his offer, hope rising like the tide. She could definitely see a future in Seahaven, at Sullivan’s Landing—and right here in Connor’s arms. She could see it all working, so beautifully.
A slow, confident smile broke out on her face. “You have yourself a deal, mister.”
“We haven’t even talked salary yet.”
She nuzzled his nose and whispered, “I’m sure we can work something out.” And then they went back to the real negotiations.
Epilogue
Maddy set the bowl of mashed potatoes on one of the picnic tables they’d set up on Gram’s deck. The red-and-white checkered tablecloth fluttered in the breeze, and the delicious aroma of grilled burgers wafted by.
It had taken two and a half months to make this picnic happen. But they’d ended up with a perfect day, the temperatures hovering at eighty and fluffy clouds rolling in off the tranquil sea.
She looked over to the deck’s corner where Connor and Ethan manned the grill. Emma hovered nearby, dropping slices of cheese onto the thick, sizzling patties. Her tummy was now slightly rounded under her gauzy summer top.
They’d found out last week that she was carrying a boy. Everyone had opinions on names, but they already seemed set on Grant William, after Ethan’s father. Emma’s cheeks were flushed, her skin glowing. She was wearing this pregnancy like a second skin.
Connor’s eyes met Maddy’s over the open grill. He winked at her, and she shared a private smile with him before heading back inside.
She scanned the kitchen for more food to carry out. Gram was giving the green beans one last stir and telling Mama’s husband, Russell, some outrageous story from her trip to Boise. He listened intently, laughing in all the right spots. He was a genuinely nice guy. Maddy was sorry she hadn’t given him half a chance before now.
Across the room Nora and Chloe were filling glasses with iced tea. It was obvious the two of them had come a long way in recent weeks. Nora had gone up north to see her at college, and Chloe had come to Seahaven for two weekends. At the moment they were talking quietly, relaxed expressions on their faces.
Nora had gotten that librarian job, a position she was loving. She and Maddy had rented a house together, a two-bedroom in a quiet neighborhood not far from the beach. The property featured a lovely live oak that spread its shade across the entire yard. The living situation was working well for both of them.
