Page 73 of Changing Tides

“I have to talk to you too,” I say, grabbing her hand in mine and letting them hang between us.

“You first,” She says, biting her lip.

“Come on.” I take her hand and walk backwards toward her office. “Close your eyes.”

“Okay…” She does as she’s asked and lets me lead her the few steps into the room.

“Open them,” I tell her excitedly.

Sophie gasps when she sees what we’ve done with the room. She walks around and looks at every detail, stopping when she gets to the frames with her certificates and awards. Her jaw drops. “How did you?—”

“Ellie,” I grin.

“That sneak,” she giggles.

She walks over to the photo of Sunset Beach and strokes the edge with her fingertips. Then she turns back to me and smiles. “Wow.” She walks over to where I am standing in front of the desk. I step aside so she can get a proper look. She walks the length of the desk, running her fingers along the live edge until she’s in front of me. She meets my gaze with tears brimming in her green eyes. “You made this for me?” She whispers.

I move to take her hands in mine, prepared to spill my guts, but I then realize she has something in her hand. “What are you holding?” I ask curiously.

She blinks and a tear rolls down her cheek as she hands me one of the items in her hand. I hold it up, examining it. It’s a necklace, almost exactly like Leah’s. “I told you I have one just like it,” she whispers, batting at another stray tear.

I finger the stone on the mermaid charm and look at it closely. It’s the same all right. “And what’s the other thing?” I whisper but I think I already know. I swallow a lump forming in my throat.

“It’s a picture from the day I got it.” She hands it to me, and I look down at it. Suddenly, the memories of that day come rushing back.

We just had dinner at the point and the girls were looking for Cape May diamonds while the boys and the dads threw the football around. The moms took the girls to the gift shop after. Leah wanted the necklace because Sophie was getting it, and she really wanted one too. My mom must’ve told her to go ask her dad because she ran out in the middle of the football game stomping her feet and crying for it. My dad was mostly ignoring her. A moment later, little Sophie came running out holding two necklaces.

“I bought it for you,” she had said and Leah grinned at her. “Friends forever,” Sophie said, hugging my sister.

“Okay girls, let me get a picture!” Sophie’s mom had called out. “Put on your necklaces and get close together.”

A moment frozen in time. Leah and Sophie were beach friends. Simon and I were too.

“Oh my god,” I breathe. “We’ve always known each other.”

Sophie was meant for me.

“Simon did say you look familiar,” she giggles.

I step closer to her, resting my hand on the back of her neck. “Sophie,” I whisper her name, pressing my forehead to hers. “I amsoin love with you.” And then I kiss her and it’s like the first time all over again. Without hesitation, I hastily drop to one knee and take her hands in mine.

I don’t have a ring, I didn’t think this through, but knowing what I know now, how could I waste any more time? Sophie’s face is surprised but not unwilling. I clear my throat, and my voice still comes out hoarse. “Sophie, clearly we were meant to find each other. My life hasn’t been the same since you walked into it and left a mark on my heart. I know it will never be the same again, it’ll be better than I have ever imagined.” Improvising, I reach for the necklace again. “I know it’s not a ring, but Sophie, I love you so much. Will you please do me the honor of being my wife?”

She is openly crying now as she puts her hands on my cheeks and strokes my beard. “I love you too.” She pulls me up to a stand and kisses me softly, sending warmth through my entire body. “Yes, Liam. I will marry you.”

I pull away from the kiss and hold her close to my chest. I close my eyes and breathe her in. “So does this mean you’re staying?”

She looks up at me and barks out a laugh. “How could I not?”

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR AND SOME DAYS LATER

Sophie

“Sometimes, good things fall apart, so better things can fall together.”

Ifluff the skirt of my yellow sundress and slide my feet into my brown leather sandals. I give myself one last once over in the mirror, apply my guava lip balm, and toss my hair over my shoulder. It’s Ellie’s surprise seventieth birthday party today, and I am so excited.

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