Page 118 of The Summer of You and Me
“Wow, that was easy enough.” She pretended to think. “Hmm, distractions... Well, let’s see. Katherine called today. A cute two-story bungalow east of the state park just went on the market. There’s an open house on Sunday afternoon.” They’d been living at his place since the wedding but agreed they needed a bedroom for Will.
He gave her a wry look. “That’s great, but not really the kind of distraction I had in mind.”
She played clueless. “Oh, well, I also got a new client today—two actually—twin brothers. They’re on the swim team at school and want to train with me this summer.”
“Hey, that’s great news. Your roster’s really filling up. Before you know it you’ll have a waiting list.”
After she’d gotten engaged, Maggie gave her notice at school. She’d miss her students, but she was ready for a new chapter. Swimming lessons were a natural fit and there seemed to be a need for instructors on the island. Ever since she’d moved back to Seabrook, she’d been building a clientele for her new business, the Mobile Mermaid, which she’d kicked off in April. Their new house would either be equipped with a pool or have the space to install one.
Josh nudged her. “Still not quite the distraction I was hoping for.”
“Really? Jeez. I’m running out of ideas over here.”
“Maybe I can help you out.” He turned her face toward his and kissed her. His mouth moved slowly, reverently, taking its sweet time. His lips parted hers and he went to work, kindling a familiar fire inside her. Oh, the man was good.
She set her hand on his neck, where his pulse thrummed steadily against the soft flesh of her palm. She forgot about distractions and gondolas and other people. Her world shrank to the two of them, tothe love that burned for him, the desire that built for him every time he touched her.
“Ew, they’re kissing again!”
Zoey’s voice and subsequent giggle dragged Maggie from that dreamy cocoon. The gondola swayed to a stop as Maggie opened her eyes to find they were midway down.
Will regarded them over his shoulder.Really, guys?
Josh shrugged, then tightened his arm around her shoulders and whispered in her ear. “Now that’s what I call a distraction.”
She gave him a coy look. “To be continued...”
“Yes, ma’am,” he said with enthusiasm.
As the gondola steadied, Maggie’s gaze drifted around the carnival below. The rides, food stands, game alley. Her thoughts went back to last summer. To that first sighting of Ethan’s look-alike just over there. It had been such a shock. But look where it had ended up. Look wheretheyhad ended up.
“This is where it all began,” Josh said as if reading her mind.
“It seems so long ago, doesn’t it?”
He gave her a squeeze. “It was quite the summer. You found my son. Saw him and wouldn’t let it go. Did I ever thank you for that?”
“Several times. And you didn’t let it go either. We found him together.” She squeezed his hand. “And then we found each other.”
Josh had been right there through every twist and turn. More recently he’d been a great support as she’d shifted careers—her biggest cheerleader. And he always gave good advice when it came to her mother, with whom she now maintained a more distant relationship. He encouraged her to keep her boundaries in place. Listened when guilt swamped her. She’d continued counseling with Miss Allison remotely, but Maggie sensed she would soon be ready to fly on her own.
Well, not entirely on her own.
She glanced at Josh as the ride swooped them downward. He stared off into the distance, a furtive smile lingering on his lips. “What’s that grin all about?”
He peered at her, his eyes going worn-denim soft as the moment drew out. “I was just thinking that I’ve never been this happy before. I love you, Mags, and I love doing life with you.”
He did know how to make her light up inside. “I love you too. Every day with you, with our new little family, is a blessing from above.”
The ride swung to a stop, and the carny opened their door and freed them from the safety bar. Then they stepped out into the night together, hand in hand, ready for whatever came next.
