Page 172 of Key West Homecoming

“You had reasons to stay before you and I became whatever this is.”

Emma smiled. “Whatever this is?”

“I was trying not to make assumptions.”

“Very cautious of you.”

“I have a reputation.”

Emma looked down at her tea.

“You’re part of it, though.”

“Part of what?”

“The life I want here.”

Jake went very still.

Emma could hear her own heartbeat, which annoyed her. She had spoken in boardrooms filled with people who wanted her to fail and never felt this nervous.

“I don’t know exactly what happens with us,” she said. “I don’t think either of us can know that yet. But I know I want to find out.”

Jake set his mug on the step.

“So do I.”

Emma looked at him.

“That’s it?”

“What were you expecting?”

“I don’t know. Maybe a little more enthusiasm.”

Jake laughed and reached for her.

Emma went willingly.

He kissed her slowly. One hand settled against the side of her face, and Emma forgot all about the speech she had been preparing since Saturday night.

When they finally pulled apart, Jake rested his forehead against hers.

“I’m very enthusiastic.”

Emma smiled. “Better.”

He kissed her again.

Later, they sat with their shoulders touching while the light faded over the garden.

For years, Emma had believed a good life was something you built by making the right decisions in the right order.

Maybe she’d been wrong.

Maybe sometimes a life appeared slowly while you were busy looking somewhere else. Then one day you noticed the people beside you and the place you kept returning to.

Emma rested her head against Jake’s shoulder.