“No, Mia.” That was the last thing Levi wanted. “That’s nice of you to offer, really nice. But that’s not why I told you.”
“I know that. But a temporary loan might be all you need to—”
“Thank you.” He squeezed her hand. “Really, I appreciate it. But no. We need to do this on our own. And as I said, things are turning around. Reservations are up, and the rate increase has helped.” He tried for levity. “Your stay has brought us some much-needed attention. Consider that your contribution to the cause.”
She gave him a long, steady look. “If you change your mind...”
“Thanks. I appreciate the offer.”
“We should keep looking for that necklace. Imagine what that would do for your financial situation.”
“I don’t know where else we’d look.” It had been all but forgotten lately because they’d been so lost in each other. Levi had never experienced this all-consuming love. No wonder Molly had been AWOL so much when she was falling for Adam. Levi hadn’t been prepared for this depth of feeling.
Mia made him deliriously happy. There. He’d said it. He wasn’t sure exactly what made them work so well. On the one hand, they were very different, led such dissimilar lives. On the other hand, they were both realists, they shared a faith, they were resilient in the face of trials, and they worked well as a team.
When they finished eating they headed back to the inn. On the way home, as they passed the marina, Levi glanced at Mia. She’d really opened up to him today. And he’d opened up to her. That gave him hope for a future with her.
When they reached the inn he took a parking slot in front. He had to work the front desk soon. Molly and Grace were still here, but judging by the empty spaces, most of the guests were gone. The sun hadn’t set yet, but everyone liked to save a good spot for the fireworks.
Levi wished he’d thought ahead. A boat on the darkened lake with the fireworks blooming overhead would’ve been the perfect time and place to tell Mia he loved her. But one of the guests had their boat for the night, and chances of borrowing another one at this late date were slim to none.
He assisted Mia out of the car and held her hand as they walked up the porch steps. He grabbed yesterday’s mail from the box and opened the door for her.
Molly was at the front desk on the phone, taking a reservation.
“I’ll grab our bag,” Mia said.
“I’ll bring the chairs later so you don’t have to carry them.”
“Sounds good.” At the turn in the stairs she sought out his gaze and winked at him. Maybe he’d tell her tonight anyway. He could think of worse settings to declare his love than a beach on the Fourth of July.
“Somebody’s completely smitten,” Molly whispered with a haughty grin.
Levi tore his eyes from where Mia had disappeared, wiping what was probably a dopey look from his face. “Anything I need caught up on?”
Molly gave him a look that saidI know you’re changing the subject, and I’m letting you get away with it.“Our guests are out enjoying the festivities for the moment. Reservations are looking good for the next few weeks. In fact, every weekend is booked through the rest of the summer, and our weekday reservations have picked up. I have to hand it to you, Levi. Your marketing plan seems to be working, and the rate increase hasn’t harmed us at all.”
Levi gave a smug grin. “Go ahead and say it.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Say it.”
“Fine.You were right.”
“About...?”
“Everything. You were right about everything. Happy?”
His lips twitched. “Actually, yes, I am.”
“Everything’s on schedule for the wedding party to arrive next week. I’ve ordered flowers for the bride’s room and talked to Miss Della about the extra pastry selection they requested.”
Levi slipped behind the desk. “Great.”
“Oh, and I replaced the Keurig in room three.”
He sorted through the mail. “Thanks.”
