Page 96 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
Would she consider having a family with me?
The question sent a shudder through him.
Kaiah rotated toward him, and a warm expression overtook her face. “Hey, Mr. TDH.”
“Hello, ma’am. I was wondering if I could make a lighthouse.” Reid pointed to the little boy’s project. “Do you think you could help me?”
A flirtatious smile overtook her lips. “Hmm. Have you done arts and crafts before? This one might be too complicated for you.”
“I’ll help you, mister,” the little boy said.
Reid and Kaiah shared a grin.
Kaiah pointed to the boy. “Noah is happy to help you. Would you like me to get you some supplies?”
“You have to make a donation, mister,” Noah explained. “But the money goes to a good cause. Mrs. Witherspoon from Crafty Creations gave all the supplies.”
“That’s fantastic, Noah. Thanks for telling me,” Reid said. Then he held his hand out to Kaiah, and she walked over to him. “Any chance you can take a break?” he asked her softly.
She seemed surprised. “Oh. Let me ask Mia if she can take over.” Kaiah scooted over to talk to a young woman with blonde hair with pink highlights and a nose ring. Kaiah said something to the woman, and she nodded before Kaiah hurried back over to him. “I’m free for a break.” She touched Noah’s shoulder. “You’re doing great. Mia is going to help you finish up.”
Noah appeared disappointed. “You’re not going to try to make one? I think you can do it, mister. You just have to try.” He tapped the chair beside him. “Sit by me. I’ll help you.”
Kaiah touched her hand to her pink lips, trying to hide a smile.
Reid worked to keep his grin at bay. “Thank you, Noah. I’ll give it a try later.”
The little boy shrugged. “Suit yourself.” Then he returned to his project.
Reid clasped his fingers with Kaiah’s, and they walked in the direction of the market. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” she said, and then she laughed. “You’ve asked me that at least a dozen times since I got up this morning. I promise you I’m okay. Really.”
He lifted a suspicious eyebrow. “You sure?”
“Ugh!” She playfully smacked his shoulder. “Yes. I’m positive.” She pointed toward the lighthouse. “How are the tours going?”
“Great. We’ve been busy since we opened at nine, but when we had a lull Ashley told me to take a break. And I wanted to check on you.” The delicious aroma of popcorn drifted over him. “Hungry?”
“Not really,” she said. “It’s not lunchtime yet.” Her eyes lifted to the stage. “Oh look. The Sandy Boots Brothers are setting up.” She quickened her steps, leading him to the stage. “I wanted to hear them play ever since we met the lead singer.”
After a few moments, the opening chords of a familiar song started before Brad Duncan and his brothers began a surprisingly good rendition of “Fishin’ in the Dark” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Almost immediately couples began dancing in front of the stage while Brad belted out the lyrics.
Reid took both of Kaiah’s hands in his. “Dance with me.”
“What?”
“You heard me,” he repeated. “Dance with me, Kaiah. Please.”
“Um, I’m not much of a dancer.”
“Me neither. But nineties country is calling us, and we must answer.” He pulled her toward him. “Come on.”
She gave a nervous laugh. “Okay.”
She wound her arms around his neck while he settled his hands on her waist, right above the swell of her hips. They swayed to themusic, and he breathed in her flowery scent. Having her so close to him sent his senses spinning.
All too soon, the song ended, and Kaiah gave Reid a shy smile as she stepped away from him. Claps, cheers, and whistles erupted in the gathering crowd. Reid and Kaiah clapped too.
