As for Maddy, she was loving her job at Sullivan’s Landing. She had a great rapport with the chef—and the owner—and they were working on some new dishes to liven up the menu. The staff was thriving under her instruction, and as promised, Connor had taken a hands-off position—with the restaurant, that was.
Maddy pulled the potato salad from the fridge and headed toward the door. Her mother stopped her on the way.
“Take these on out, would you, sugar?” She handed Maddy two bags of hamburger buns.
“Sure thing, Mama.”
Last night the family had played cards late into the night, then spread around the house, some of them taking couches and sleeping bags on the floor. It was wonderful to have everyone together again. It would never be the same as it had been—or as wonderful as she’dthoughtit was as a child. But it could be a new kind of wonderful. A real kind of wonderful.
Maddy was starting to appreciate the concept of new beginnings. She and her mom had grown closer since that first teary phone conversation back in July, when Maddy confessed to knowing about her father’s double life. She’d asked her mother’s forgiveness for holding her at arm’s length all these years. They talked at least once a week now.
Things were still a bit awkward between them, but time would mend that. She longed for the closer relationship they’d once shared, and she knew Mama wanted the same. Nora and Emma were on similar paths.
Outside, Ethan was setting a platter of burgers on the table. “Come and get it!”
The family descended on the table like a flock of hungry sea gulls. After they settled, Gram said a brief but heartfelt prayer and they dug in. The food was delicious, but nothing could beat the company. The feeling that her family was together again.
They were mostly finished eating when Connor took her hand under the table. She met his questioning gaze and gave his hand a squeeze. Then she reached into her pocket.
When she was finished with her quick task, Connor lifted his glass and clinked it with his fork.
The chatter quieted as every gaze turned his way. He gave her a tender look before letting his eyes drift around the table.
“Maddy and I have an announcement to make,” he said. His gaze fell on her again, softening as they lingered on her features. “Last night she agreed to make me the happiest man in the world.”
“We’re engaged!” Maddy blurted, lifting her hand. She waggled her fingers, showing off the ring he’d placed on her finger out on the beach after everyone else had gone to bed.
Gasps and well wishes and hugs followed, the happy chaos ringing in Maddy’s heart. Pippy, sensing the excitement, barked from her spot at Emma’s feet.
She and Connor told the story of the proposal, the women swooning as the story progressed. Questions followed, and the couple was happy to appease their curiosity. The wedding would take place next June, a small one, right on the beach.
Maddy kept grinning down at her finger, then up at Connor’s beaming smile. Every now and then she remembered her first impression of him and couldn’t help chuckling.
She didn’t know if he really was the happiest man in the world—but she definitely felt like the most blessed woman.
After the excitement at the table dissipated, everyone went their separate ways. Gram and Maddy’s sisters began setting the kitchen to rights, Pippy underfoot. Chloe went down to the beach with Mama, where they were tossing a Frisbee. The men had settled in the living room, watching a Braves game.
Maddy brought the last of the dishes inside, and then, craving a quiet moment, she wandered over to the deck railing. The breeze tossed her hair and tugged at her shirt. She breathed in the familiar scent of briny air—it smelled like home now.
She watched as Chloe tried to teach Mama how to throw the Frisbee straight, but the girl wasn’t having much luck. Laughter rang out as her mother’s throw ended up in the foamy waves.
Maddy smiled at the pair, her thumb finding the unfamiliar feel of the band on her ring finger. She looked down to admire the sparkling solitaire, twisting it this way and that, letting the sunlight glint off it.
As happy as she felt right now... one thing was missing.
Connor appeared behind her, wrapping his arms around her. He dropped his chin to the top of her head. “What are you doing out here all by yourself?”
She snuggled into the strength of his chest and wrapped her arms around his. “Just thinking, I guess.”
“About what?”
She smiled. “Mostly about how happy I am right now.”
“You were looking kind of... somber.”
“I guess I was. I was just thinking about Daddy. I can’t help but miss him today. I wish he were here to see how happy I am. How happy we all are.”
“He knows.” Connor gave her a squeeze, his breath tickling the hair near her ears. “He loved you, you know. Don’t lose sight of that.”
