Page 111 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
Reid set the suncatcher on the sofa and stood, his eyes softening. “Ky...”
She held up her hands. “Wait. Please let me finish.” She pulled in a shuddering breath and then pointed to the suncatcher on the sofa. “I gave you that suncatcher because it reminds me of my mom and my dream of having a family.”
Kaiah watched his mouth form a small roundOas his deep chocolate eyes misted over.
She pulled in a deep breath through her nose. “I felt a connection with you the first time I met you. And the more I got to know you, the more you and Piper and Coral Cove felt like home.” Her words shook, and she pointed toward his deck. “The night we sat on your deck under the lights, you told me that I needed to figure out where my heart is.” She paused again and cleared her throat. “Well, my heart is right here, Reid, because I fell in love with this place.” Tears slipped down her cheeks. “And I fell in love with you and Piper.”
He closed the distance between them and wiped away her tears with the tips of his fingers. “And we fell in love with you too.” His voice was husky.
“Then why did you tell me to leave?”
He cupped his hand to her cheek, and she leaned into his touch. “I thought you deserved better than me. I thought you needed a guy like Hayes, a guy who could give you adventure and a future.”
“I don’t want him, Reid. I wantyou.”
He gave her a weak smile. “I’m relieved to hear that. But I can’t offer you much.”
“All I want is your heart.”
“You’ve had that ever since you stole my coffee cup, Cayenne.”
She laughed, and he dipped his chin and brushed his lips over hers. She closed her eyes and let all of her worries dissolve. All that existed was her and Reid, along with this perfect moment.
When he released her, she held on to him for balance. “I love you, Reid,” she whispered.
“I love you too,” he said. “I didn’t think I could love again, but you’ve shown me how.” His fingers traced her lips and her chin, making every cell in her body leap to life. His lips met hers again, and she tunneled her hands through his hair. When he pulled away, they both worked to catch their breath.
He grinned at her. “I’m so relieved you’re staying. I guess that means we’re officially dating.”
“I thought you werealreadymy boyfriend. I told the doctor you were.”
He threw back his head and laughed.
“I’ve already found a house I want to rent,” she said. “I can still freelance and maybe even get a job at the newspaper.”
“And we’ll be a family.” He took her hands in his. “Thank you for bringing me out of the dark and into the light again.”
“Thank you for doing the same. Now kiss me again, Mr. TDH.”
His grin was wolfish, sending a sizzle of electricity through her veins. “Gladly.”
Then he lowered his lips to hers.
Epilogue
One year later
Kaiah held her breath while she stood with Reid, Piper, and George on the pier by the lighthouse and listened to Mayor Whittington give the opening remarks for the Second Annual Light the Dark Festival.
“I’m excited to share the new seal for Coral Cove,” Mayor Whittington announced. “We’ve added our beloved lighthouse to it.” She held up an updated Welcome to Coral Cove sign featuring the lighthouse and a seascape. The massive crowd cheered.
“And now, everyone, join me as we Light the Dark for Coral Cove!” she said before white lights lit up the outline of the lighthouse and the lamp shone brightly into the dark night.
Just then awhooshwas followed by aboomas colorful fireworks lit up the sky.
Piper sat on the ground beside George and rubbed his backwhile holding his leash. “You don’t need to be afraid, George. The fireworks won’t hurt you.”
Kaiah and Reid shared a smile.
