Page 85 of The Oscar Escape
That left one question. What would anot-fakemarried Oscar and Aria look like?
Del cleared his throat again, and she tucked the question away.
His cheeks burned crimson. “One last thing . . . about the crying,” he stammered. “I’m not usually such a sap. I was just . . . It was so . . . A cotton candy lobster . . . Never in my life . . . Maybe we could keep that between us because . . .”
He needed a distraction—an escape from his mortification. That was something she could deliver. She spied the gaffe, released Oscar’s hand, then gripped the fishing tool like it was a pitchfork. She tossed a wink Oscar’s way, then theatrically raised her hand to her ear. “Thelob-stahsare calling,” she cried, mimicking Del’s accent. “Come on, you crusty old fisherman, let’s get a move on. The sea gods are on my side today. Let’s scrape a few more bugs off the bottom.”
“Aye, aye,” Del replied over his shoulder with a spring to his step as he returned to the boat’s cab.
Despite the cool breeze, heat radiated through her body. She gazed at the slice of land surrounded by the sparkling sea. A handful of days ago, she hadn’t even known it existed, and now it held a place in her heart.
Click!
She turned toward Oscar and stared into the lens of his camera.
“I couldn’t help myself. I had to capture your expression.”
“And what expression is that?” she asked, leaning the gaffe against the side of the boat.
“Love.”
“Love,” she repeated. She closed her eyes and hummed a satisfied sigh, savoring the warmth of the sun caressing her cheeks. She opened her eyes and stared into the camera lens. “We’re going to help these people save their island, Oscar. We have to make it happen.”
He took another shot of her, then wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “We will.”
He was on her side, supporting her. He did want what she wanted.
“Thank you,” she whispered, her words carrying adrift on the salty air.
“For what?”
She twisted the canvas tie and rested her head against his chest. “For being my Oscar Escape. For knowing what I needed before I knew I needed it.”
“I know what I need,” he said and kissed the top of her head.
She peered at him. “And what’s that?”
“You know the answer. You’ve always known it,” he replied, his eyes welling with adoration like when he was a boy.
“Are you kids ready to be Havenmatch’s favorite newlyweds?” Del called through the window.
“What do you mean?” she asked and shared a confused look with Oscar.
“I radioed in our cotton candy find to Etta, and she shared the news with everyone who came out to see us off. Let’s just say the entire island has a name for you.”
“But we haven’t done anything yet to help with the festival.”
“Yes, you have. You’ve given us hope. That’s why they’re calling you two Havenmatch’s perfect match,” Del crooned, his grin still lighting up his face.
“Even Margo?” she tossed back.
Del nodded. “I have it on good authority that there’s a box of bonbons with your name on it back at the dock.”
Oscar tightened his grip and held her close. “Looks like you’ve found your calling. Saving the day suits you, Mrs. Elliott.”
“Mrs. Elliott?”
He gave her a little half-shrug. “It’s got a nice ring to it.”
