Page 44 of Forever Endeavor

“Since you didn’t make it to the Caribbean, I thought maybe I’d try bringing it to you,” he said. “Welcome to your new writing retreat, formerly known as cabin five.”

She turned to him. “Sonny, this is incredible! You did all of this?”

He shrugged. “I had some help from Gurdeep on the finishing touches.”

“I’m speechless. But how…I mean, when did you find the time?”

“Last night, and again today. It didn’t take us long once I got it cleaned up.”

She blinked away the tears blurring her vision. “So, this is where you were last night. I was so worried. I went to The Pell and the garage looking for you when you didn’t come home. Meanwhile, you were here working on all of this. For me. I--I don’t know what to say.”

He took two steps to the kitchen area and opened the bar fridge to show her it was fully stocked with drinks and snacks. Next, he turned on the faucet and water poured out of the tap. “Voila! Working plumbing.”

“Really? You mean it’s got…?”

He motioned toward the bathroom. “Go check it out.”

Billie crossed the floor and cautiously pushed the door open. Not a rusty bait can in sight. Only clean fixtures, white fluffy towels, a vase of silk orchids and a tray of various fragrances, oils and lotions. A shower curtain boasting pink flamingos and juicy green foliage infused the bathroom with an island feel. “I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

He smiled wide. “Turn around and look at the bedroom. It’s my favorite part.”

Billie’s breath hitched in her throat. A fantasy four-poster canopy bed. Dreamy white fabric was draped over a solid wood frame and wound around each of the corner posts, leading her gaze across a sumptuous, sand-colored duvet and pillows. Fan palms and vases of sun-bleached seashells furnished the paradise suite. Sonny came up from behind and wrapped his arms around her waist. “You like it?”

“I don’t like it, Sonny. I love it. Where in the world did you find that spectacular bed?”

“Find it? I made it. It’s only a bunch of two-by-fours screwed into four-by-fours.”

Dizzy with elation, she nestled back against him. No one had ever gone to such wonderful lengths for her before. “I don’t know what to say. I’m overwhelmed. This is just so much to take in.”

“Too much?”

“No, no, it’s completely perfect.”

“I wanted it to be a hideaway that would inspire your writing and who knows? Maybe even a little afternoon delight.”

She turned to face him, reeling that the grease monkey turned out to such a romantic. “No one’s ever done anything like this for me. I’m so touched, thank you.” She kissed him with every ounce of appreciation she could muster, her heart so overflowing with gratitude that it spilled from the corners of her eyes. “I’m just…I’m blown away that you’ve gone to all this trouble for me. Up until now, I thought guys like you only existed in my novels.”

Chuckling quietly, he wiped her cheeks dry, melting her down even further into mush. “Aw, I’m nothing like those guys.”

“No, you’re right. You are far better than any figment of my imagination.” She blinked through the mist of tears. “You’ve made me feel so seen, Sonny, like I’m someone special.”

“Billie, youarespecial,” he said. “Maybe you were married to an idiot for so long that you’ve forgotten how much you really deserve.”

She threw her arms around him. “And maybe you were married to an idiot for so long that you’ve forgotten how much you truly have to offer.”

Sonny

Billie piled the throw pillows on the floor and made them a cozy spot on the rug to stretch out and eat their burgers. The flickering candles gave the room a soft, romantic radiance, but they were dim compared to Billie’s happy glow. She was lit up from within, and Sonny surrendered to the notion that he’d had something to do with it. He also swore from that moment on, he’d do everything in his power to keep that sparkle in her eyes.

No point in fighting it, the feels were beginning to seep into his better judgment. It was ridiculous to be feeling so much so soon, but he couldn’t help it. Was Gurdeep right? Was Sonny’s dream girl sitting right in front of him, chowing down on a cheeseburger, completely oblivious to the smear of ketchup on her cheek?

“Hey, you got a little—” He swiped a finger to clean the red glob off her face.

She giggled. “I’m a real mess, aren’t I?”

“Yeah, but you’re an adorable mess.” He licked his finger clean.

Billie looked around the space and let out another happy sigh. “Hey, maybe we should take a vacation on some exotic island resort once my book is finished. You know, to celebrate.”

“Maybe,” he said solemnly, not ready to think about what would happen once she’d written her final chapter and closed the book on them.

Her mouth turned down. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. Blame it on the candlelight.”

“Huh…what? You didn’t say anything wrong. It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine. We both agreed that this arrangement is only while I’m here in town. I didn’t mean to sound as if I’m expecting any more from you than that. Making vacation plans was definitely not part of our deal.”

“It’s okay.” He reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Let’s not talk about what comes after this. Instead, we’re gonna pretend there’s an ocean breeze blowing and palm trees swaying, and we’re inside a nice beach house and not an ol’ fishing shack dressed up to look like one.”

“Deal.” Billie’s smile returned as she squeezed his hand back. “Say, you ever get lucky in a canopy bed?”

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