Page 1 of One Last Kiss
Chapter 1
Abby Sawyer was doing her best to ignore her husband, who was currently standing a few feet away. It was only the second time she’d seen Sam in a suit. The first time had been their wedding day. She wondered if he even remembered wearing it since he’d struggled to remember their anniversary for their last few years of togetherness.
Her best friend Krista held her wiggling baby tight. Krista’s husband Noah, who also happened to be Sam’s youngest brother, beamed at their child from over her shoulder. The preacher was saying something prior to christening the child, but Abby hadn’t heard a word. She was too busy trying not to launch herself across the happy family and strangle her estranged husband. Some godmother she was going to be.
The preacher sprinkled some water. The precious baby cried. Then Krista and Noah turned to Sam and Abby.
“Thank you both for coming,” Krista said.
“And for agreeing to be this lucky guy’s godparents.” Noah draped an arm around Krista.
Abby smiled brightly, hoping her swirl of emotions was concealed. She hated Sam. Loathed him.Lovedhim. Absolutely did not want to share the role of godparent with him.
“We’re honored that you asked us,” Sam said.
Abby felt his gaze move to her, but she didn’t meet it. “Yes. Of course, we are.” She stepped up to kiss little Joshua’s forehead, and took a deep whiff of his baby smell before stepping away and bumping against Sam. He must have stepped behind her when she wasn’t looking. She jumped like he was a rattlesnake, then turned and glared. True to the stereotype of her red hair, she was quick to anger. And she wasn’t quite sure she’d ever forgive Sam.
“Sorry,” he said.
She shook her head, and then turned her attention to Krista. “I have to get back to the restaurant.”
“I thought The Landing was closed for the weekend,” Krista said, cradling her bundle of baby joy.
“It is, but I’m spring cleaning.” Abby only closed her upscale seafood restaurant twice a year on Christmas day and the first weekend of April. At the start of spring, her employees got the weekend off, and she got to scrub and polish everything until it shined. She’d always loved preparing food for others. It was her art form. But she liked to serve that food in a pristine facility. Sure, she had employees who cleaned daily, but during these two weekends, she did the stuff that sometimes got overlooked, like organizing the pantry and redecorating.
Krista grinned. “Uh-oh. Little Joshua needs a diaper change.”
“I think that’s the godparents’ job, right?” Noah teased, looking between Sam and Abby.
Sam’s hands immediately flew up. “I don’t do diapers.”
Krista shook her head while laughing. “It’s fine. I’ve got it. Are we still on for Monday morning?”
Abby frowned for a quick second, unable to think when half her brain was occupied with resentment for Sam.
“You invited Grace and me to The Landing for breakfast, remember?”
“Oh, right.” Abby nodded. The Landing didn’t start serving until eleven a.m., but sometimes she was in the mood to scramble eggs and fry bacon. After working all weekend, she would enjoy getting together with her two best friends. It might be the last time they ever got together like this in the restaurant.
“Should we bring anything?” Krista asked.
Grace stepped up beside her, holding her own wiggling baby. Abby was happy for them, even if there was a dull ache in her heart.
“Just the babies,” Abby said. After hugging her friends, she headed out of the church to her car. It was Friday evening. From now until Monday morning, she didn’t have to see another human being.
Sliding her sunglasses over her eyes, she breathed in the fresh salt air that was blowing in off the Atlantic Ocean.
“Abby,” a deep voice called behind her.
She paused for a moment but didn’t turn back. She knew the voice. She’d been hoping to get through this afternoon without muttering a single syllable to him.
“Abby,” Sam said again.
Turning, she met his blue eyes. They always seemed brighter in the spring and summer months when his tan deepened and his blond hair lightened from his hours on the fishing boat.
“Hi,” he said with a smile.
It was the same smile that she’d melted over since the moment they’d first met in high school. She’d loved him so completely back then that she doubted she’d ever feel whole again without him.
