Page 37 of Where Sea Meets Sky

“Mm, this is the life,” Noelle said with a contented sigh as she leaned against Dean’s shoulder. There was a glass of pink lemonade in her hand, and it sparkled in the afternoon sunlight. “Sitting here with you all, having fun like this. Enjoying the day.”

“Eating cookies and chips with guacamole,” Dean added, grinning as he popped a guacamole-covered tortilla chip into his mouth.

“Yeah, that too.” Noelle laughed.

Faith had to agree with her. She felt immensely grateful to be there in Rosewood Beach with her family. It might have been an unexpected development in her life, but it was certainly a good one.

Things might be turning out differently than how I’d planned, she thought, feeling her heart swell with happiness.But they’re already so much better than anything I’d hoped for.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Ryan grinned to himself as he stepped out of his father’s home. It was a gorgeous day, promising the warmth and sweet scents of spring. His heart felt light, and he felt well-rested and eager for the day ahead of him.

He’d discussed working remotely with his foreman and his company, and everyone agreed that it was a good plan that would work well. He’d had to transfer some of his on-site tasks to his foreman, but in return he’d taken on some of the foreman’s planning duties, things that could be done remotely.

He was greatly looking forward to this new model of work. He had the day off, and moving forward, he wouldn’t need to devote nearly as many hours to his work as he’d had to in the past. He was eager to do his work in coffee shops or the library, or even at the beach. There was a peaceful, contented atmosphere that pervaded Rosewood Beach, and he wanted to let it sink into his soul.

Even though I’m still going to be working,he told himself as he walked down the long driveway,I’m determined to not overwork myself anymore. I’m going to learn to take life at a gentler pace.

He smiled, thinking about Faith. He hoped that she was doing well, and still managing to take life slowly as she recovered from her years of stress.

He made his way toward the center of town, wanting to walk around for a while and enjoy the sights. He felt relieved to be back in the relaxed little town, and he had to admit to himself that he was eager to run into Faith. Although he kept telling himself that he shouldn’t get his hopes up, he couldn’t help wishing that he would see her while he was out walking or getting lunch.

After strolling around town for a while, he started to make his way toward Ocean Breeze Café. His stomach was growling, and he knew that there were several things on the menu there that would appease his hunger in a particularly satisfying way.

He reached the café a few minutes later, and he saw through the front windows that it was particularly busy with customers. He caught himself looking around for Faith the second he stepped inside the restaurant.

Don’t do that to yourself, McCormick,he thought.She’s probably gone back to Boston already. Or—wherever it is she’s going next.

Despite what he was telling himself, he still looked around the café for a few more seconds, making sure he didn’t see her face anywhere in the crowd. He didn’t, and disappointment flopped in his stomach. It was as if it was a certain sign that she was gone and he would never see her again, and he found that his heart was aching a little bit.

There was a sign instructing customers to seat themselves, so he chose a little table in the corner of the room. He sat down and perused the menu for a little while, finally deciding on ordering potato pancakes with bacon and sausages on the side.

A smiling waitress came by and took his order. When she went away, he had nothing left to occupy his attention, and hewent back to listlessly looking around the room. A second later, his heart leapt up into his throat.

It couldn’t be—could it?

He grinned and stood up, feeling his whole bloodstream rushing faster. Faith Talbot was sitting at the counter on her laptop, with a coffee mug at her elbow.

She must have arrived after I did,he thought, striding toward her.I’m sure I would have seen her there.

He was halfway across the dining room before he hesitated. She appeared to be working, and maybe she wouldn’t like to be interrupted. After all, he was still essentially a stranger to her, and he might be assuming too much by hoping that she would be happy to see him.

He only hesitated for a moment, however. There was only one way to find out if she would be happy to see him or not, and he was not about to pass up the opportunity to say hello to her. He felt absolutely thrilled that she was still in town.

“Faith,” he said when he was a few paces away from her. She didn’t seem to hear him, absorbed in whatever it was she was doing, and he stepped a few feet closer until he was right beside her. “Faith.”

“Oh!” she squeaked, turning toward him in alarm. It was clear that he’d startled her, but as soon as she recognized him, her face lit up into a pleasantly surprised grin. Her eyes crinkled at the corners, and she looked thrilled to see him.

Ryan’s heart skipped a beat. He hoped that her positive reaction meant that she’d been wanting to see him again as much as he’d been wanting to see her again.

“You’re back in town,” she said, a little breathlessly.

“You’re still in town.” He grinned at her.

“I am.” She smiled, flushing slightly.

There was a short pause, in which both of them smiled at each other and didn’t quite seem to know what to say. Ryan felt as light as a feather.

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