Page 42 of Serenity at Seagrove
Luna smoothed the floral fabric self-consciously. “Your sister helped me pick it out.”
“Well, based on the way Archer keeps looking at you, I’d say it was a good choice.”
The exhibition match began, and Archer’s students eagerly showed off their skills. Luna was enchanted by their enthusiasm, their pure joy in playing a game that had nothing to do with pressure or expectations.
“Coach Archer, watch this!” Jasmine called, lining up another putt. Her face scrunched in concentration.
Archer crouched beside her, his voice steady and encouraging. “Remember what we practiced? Nice and smooth, just like the ocean.”
Luna’s heart squeezed as she recognized her own advice in his words, adapted into his teaching.
Jasmine took a deep breath, just like Archer had taught her, and tapped the ball. It rolled straight into the cup.
“Did you see that?” she beamed.
Archer grinned, high-fiving her. “Perfect form, Jasmine. Your mom’s going to be so proud.”
Luna watched as the little girl ran off, practically bouncing with pride, and she felt her chest tighten with something bittersweet. Seeing Archer like this, watching the way he poured himself into teaching, only reminded her that she might not have much more time with him.
Archer looked her way again, and this time, his smile held something more—something that sent a shiver down her spine. He said something to his students before making his way over to her.
“Well, what do you think?” he asked. “Did your breathing techniques help create some future golf pros?”
“I think you did that all on your own,” Luna said. “They adore you, you know.”
For the briefest moment, something flickered across Archer’s face—something like doubt, like hesitation. It was so quick, she almost missed it. But before she could question it, his usual smile returned.
“The tournament’s about to start,” he said. “You want to walk the course with me?”
“I’d love to,” Luna said, then glanced down at her dress. “But first, I need to go change into something more comfortable.”
She ran into the clubhouse and changed into a pair of khaki capri pants, a pink golf shirt, and white tennis shoes before meeting Archer near the first tee. She’d put her new dress on later for the dinner and dance.
The tournament had drawn a good crowd, with spectators gathering to watch the local players compete for charity. Everyone greeted Archer with warmth and familiarity—not just as a former pro golfer but as a part of the community. Seagrove had welcomed him back, and in a way, it felt like he’d never left.
“Now you’ll have to explain the finer points to me,” Luna said as they strolled the fairway. “You know my golf knowledge is still pretty limited despite your excellent teaching skills.”
He chuckled. “You’re a quick study. Besides, sometimes golf is more about feeling than knowing.”
“Like breathing,” she said.
“Yep. Just like breathing.” His voice was softer now like he wasn’t talking about golf at all.
They walked the course together, Archer explaining shots and strategies. Luna listened, but her focus kept shifting to him—the way his whole body relaxed here, the ease in his stride, and the lightness in his voice.
“Coach Archer!” a small voice called out.
Jasmine ran up, still clutching her putter. “Are you gonna dance with Miss Luna at the party tonight?”
Luna felt her face flush as Archer cleared his throat.
“Well, if she’ll have me,” he said, glancing at Luna.
Luna smiled. “I think that can be arranged.”
Jasmine beamed at both of them before her mother called her away, leaving Luna and Archer standing in a moment charged with possibility.
* * *
