Isabel laughed, the sound bright and musical against the quiet, high-ceilinged room.
"It’s a working date,” Isabel laughed. “Which makes it a very unique first official date that we won't ever forget.” Her grin grew, and her eyes glinted with humor. “Moving heavy restaurant furniture in our old clothes and then having dinner in a cafe where there are just the two of us." She lifted hershoulders and tilted her head. “We get a workout, food, and a romantic first date all rolled into one.”
"Mmm,” Owen said with a nod. “I guess you’re right. Our story begins in the Bay Cafe.”
“A cafe that brought us together in the first place,” Isabel reminded him. “So it seems fitting.”
Before Owen could reply, the sharp sound of a car horn honked outside, followed by the appearance of a delivery driver holding a couple of large, steaming paper bags. Owen quickly went to the door, exchanging a few friendly words and a generous tip before returning with their dinner. The rich, mouthwatering aroma of toasted paninis, fresh garlic pasta, and grilled seafood salad instantly filled the secluded cafe.
They didn’t bother setting up a proper dining table. Instead, Owen pulled two comfortable, freshly upholstered chairs over to the counter area, setting out the plastic containers and popping the cork on a bottle of crisp white wine he had kept chilling in the small under-counter fridge.
They settled into the quiet, cozy seclusion of the empty cafe, the outside world fading away as the moon cast its silver glow across the water and street lamps lit the dark road. They spent the first half of the meal talking easily, the conversation flowing naturally as they discovered just how much common ground they shared. Isabel found herself opening up in a way she hadn’t in a very long time, the easy, unforced rhythm of Owen's presence drawing her out completely. Her heart thumped at every soft brush of his shoulder while the warmth of his body heat beside her felt so right.
Isabel leaned her elbow on the counter, cradling her wine glass as she looked out at the darkening bay through the large windows.
"You know, growing up in Miami was wonderful, but my parents used to bring us here to Sweet Blossom Bay for the summers when I was just a girl. Ever since the very first time they brought me across that causeway, I always somehow felt like this place was my true home. It had a peace that Miami just could not replicate." She sipped the wine, staring ahead through the windows.
Owen smiled, lifting the wine glass to his lips as he watched her face closely.
"I felt that way as soon as I drove into this small community," Owen admitted. “I never turned back, as this is my home and here I found the family I’ve always wanted.” He shrugged. “People who didn’t judge or expect anything of me; they just accepted me for who I am, and I like the pace of the world here.”
"I hadn’t been back here since my parents' accident," Isabel murmured, a soft, wistful warmth settling over her features. "But as soon as we drove into the small town this time…” She swallowed as her mind flipped back to that day. “Deep down I already knew that I wouldn’t be leaving here. I was going to make this mine and Emma’s home.”
“Penny must’ve had the same thought,” Owen pointed out with a soft snort. “She even bought herself a mansion.”
Isabel had to laugh as she thought of Penny. “Yes, that’s Penny for you.” She gave her head a slow shake. “She’s a fixer in all walks of her life. But her greatest love is fixing old houses, furniture, even old cars.”
Owen’s brows shot up. “No way!”
“Oh, yes,” Isabel answered with a decisive nod. “Penny’s father did vintage car restoration as a hobby. He had a sports car sales and auto repair franchise. Penny grew up helping him fix cars.”
“No wonder she and Martin seem so drawn to each other,” Owen said.
That caught Isabel’s attention. “Martin and Penny?” Her brow furrowed. “Really?” She bit her lip thoughtfully. “I think Linda mentioned something about a spark between the two, but I know how wary Penny is of relationships.”
“Martin’s been helping her with the mansion and even lending a hand with the physical restoration,” Owen told her.
Isabel immediately felt a twinge of guilt. She’d been so caught up in this drama with Darius and Linda and Hearts Hotel she hadn’t noticed what was going on with one of her best friends. She made a mental note to make more time for Penny.
“Do you know where you’re going to live yet?” Owen asked. “Have you seen any properties around the bay?”
“Not yet,” Isabel admitted. “I haven’t had time to. But as soon as everything settles and the Hearts Hotel and the Charleston Development project is secure, I will.”
“I can help you,” Owen offered.
“I’d like that,” Isabel admitted and gave him a warm smile.
“There is a good school here for Emma as well,” Owen told her. “I teach history there.”
“Oh?” Isabel was surprised. “You seem to have many jobs in Sweet Blossom Bay.”
“It keeps me busy, and I enjoy teaching,” Owen admitted.
“I see how you guide the students on the dig,” Isabel told him. “You are very good with them.”
“Thank you,” Owen accepted the compliment. “I see Emma has also settled in here quickly.”
“Yes, she really has.” Isabel took a sip of the wine and glanced out across the bay. “My poor baby girl has been carrying around such heavy burdens, but since we arrived in Sweet Blossom Bay, I can see the shadows slowly leaving her eyes. She’s starting to truly shine again, and it’s all thanks to the wonderful friends we’ve made. Within such a short space of time, everyone here in the Bay has truly become an extended family to us."
