Page 68 of Sweet Passions at Bayside
“I’ve kept everything you’ve ever given me.” He took her hand and led her over to a toolbox on the other side of the patio.
He lifted the top and handed her a magazine. It was the one she’d sent him in early spring featuring the actors and actresses fromGame of Thrones. She studied the faces of the actors, shaking her head with confusion.
“You were my muse for this garden, doll.”
He flipped through the pages, and when he stopped, tears welled in her eyes. There, on an advertisement for an upcoming Netflix movie, were her doodles of the meditation garden she’d always dreamed of.
She swallowed against the rising lump in her throat. “I didn’t realize I’d doodled it on that.”
“This isyourmeditation garden, made even more special because you had a hand in creating it. I wanted you to have all the things you’ve ever dreamed of. I’m sorry I didn’t have it done before you moved here, but I really wanted you to be a part of it.”
A tear slid down her cheek. “You—” Her voice was choked out by emotions. “You did all this for me?”
“Forus, doll. You can meditate or do yoga. Whatever you want.”
She reached for him to combat her shaky legs. “But how is that for us?” she asked with a laugh. “And what do Rick and Drake think about you using resort property for this?”
“It’s for us because I care about you and I want you to have all your dreams come true. Seeing this smile?” He touched his lips to hers. “Knowing that every time you enjoy this patio you’ll think of us? That’s my happiness. And honestly, Rick and Drake don’t know the reasons behind it. I wasn’t even sure I was going to tell you.”
She threw her arms around his neck, tears of joy sliding down her cheeks. “I’m so happy right now. I don’t ever want anything to change.”
“Nothing ever will. We’re too good together for anything to come between us.”
She pulled back and raised her brows. “You do know who you’re going out with, right?”
Amusement filled his eyes like she’d said the most ridiculous thing on earth, and as he lifted her into his arms, she filled with hope that her incredible boyfriend was right once again.
Chapter Twenty-One
STANDING ON THE front porch of the inn the following Friday evening, Dean was as nervous as a jackrabbit in a field of wolves. He took several deep breaths, telling himself to calm down. He wasn’t thrilled that their first fancy dinner date would be spent with his father, but he was the only one of his brothers who would attend. Tonight was about supporting their family, fulfilling a duty. He planned to do that as quickly and as painlessly as possible, and then get out.
Usually he entered the inn without knocking, but he didn’t want to miss out on picking up Emery in proper date fashion. He knocked on the door and heard the sounds of female voices, theclickity-clickof high heels on hardwood, and his sweet Emery’s laughter. The door opened, and he was rendered speechless at the beauty before him in a light pink strapless dress. Emery’s eyes were made up dark and alluring, her lips were painted with a sheer gloss, and her shiny hair spilled over her shoulders in gentle waves. His gaze drifted down her bare shoulders and over her gorgeous curves. He could practically feel the flare of her hips against his palms. And her long, tanned legs…
“Eyes up here, big guy.”
Desiree and Violet laughed.
He’d been so enamored, he hadn’t noticed them standing a few feet away by the sweeping staircase.
“I’m sorry, doll. You literally took my breath away.”
“Thank you.” Her gaze drifted down his body, and he felt a rush of heat. “Youlook utterly delicious, too.”
“Thank you.” He stepped forward, his hand circling her waist as her perfume sent his heart into another spiral.
She picked up his tie and ran her fingers down the length of it. “I can think of a few things we can do with this silk puppy after dinner.”
“If I can hold out that long.”
“Okay, that’s my exit.” Violet brushed past them. “You guys look gorgeous. Have fun. And if Daddy Warbucks gets out of line, just give me a call. I’m happy to show up and embarrass the heck out of him.”
“Violet!” Desiree gave her a nudge toward the door. “They don’t need to hear that. We’re going to think positive. Nothing bad will happen.”
“Hey, just offering to set the guy straight.” Violet waved and disappeared out the door.
Desiree turned to them with a tender smile. “Sorry, you guys. You both look amazing. Want me to take a picture?”
Dean glanced down at his tan trousers, navy sport coat, and light blue shirt. The sight of his dark-chocolate-colored tie jolted his brain into gear. “Yes, in a moment. Something is missing from your outfit.”
