Page 72 of The Lighthouse at the Cove
“You two have fun!” Becca sang before winking at Reid and climbing into her SUV. A moment later, she backed out of the driveway.
Reid smiled at Kaiah. “You ready?”
She nodded, and he opened the passenger door for her.
Reid navigated the winding town roads, the setting sun casting a symphony of colors across the horizon.
“Where are we going?” Kaiah asked, her gaze fixed on the shifting hues outside her window.
“You’ll see.” Reid’s response was paired with a mischievous grin, his casual attire of khakis and a gray button-down lending a boyish charm.
Her mind echoed with the memory of his appreciative once-over when they’d met in the driveway. Butterflies took flight in herstomach as she remembered his eyes grazing her dress, then settling on her face. Then she turned her attention back to the world racing past her window. She had no idea where they were going. An intimate dinner, perhaps? A movie? Either way, why the mystery?
“How about Kamryn?” Reid asked.
A rush of joy swept over her at the memory of Kam’s news. “They’ve been trying for a while. I’m thrilled for them,” she confessed, her hands smoothing the fabric of her dress in a nervous gesture. “And she wanted to tell me first. What an honor.”
“Definitely. She seems great,” Reid observed, his grin pulling at the corners of his lips. “She has a good sense of humor.”
“I think you two would really like each other.”
As Reid turned onto the familiar road leading to the cove, a newfound excitement surged within her. “Wait. Are we going to the lighthouse?” she ventured.
His lips curved into a knowing smile, but he didn’t answer.
Pulling into the lighthouse parking lot, he climbed out and hurried to open her door. He extended his hand, and Kaiah took it, brushing his strong, calloused palm as their fingers intertwined. They began to walk down the long boardwalk leading to the lighthouse, passing the vibrant flowers dancing in the breeze.
“Are we having supper here?” she asked.
“Nope.” He released her hand while he unlocked the gate, which squealed in protest as he pushed it open. Then he took her hand again and led her to the beach beside the lighthouse. “Wait here, okay?”
She nodded at him.
He started toward the lighthouse and then turned. “I’ll be right back. I promise.”
“I’ll be waiting.” She faced the beach and lifted her eyes towardthe sky, where the sunset had begun to fade and stars were sparkling in the clear night. Tiny waves lapped onto the sand, and the silhouette of slow-moving ships glided across the horizon.
A shower of white lights suddenly illuminated behind her. Kaiah turned around and saw the lighthouse was glowing, wrapped in a dotted blanket filled with thousands of small white lights.
She cupped her hands to her mouth and swallowed a gasp of air. Footfalls sounded, and Reid loped down the stone steps toward her.
“What do you think?” he asked.
“Reid,” she whispered, “it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
He laughed. “And to think it was my daughter’s brilliant idea.”
“It’s amazing!” She grasped his hands and pulled him to her. “When did you do this?” she asked, her eyes searching his.
Reid pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear, his touch leaving a trail of heat in its wake. “The guys and I took care of the lights yesterday after that call we had when I saw you downtown. Jerry over at Public Works finally found the lights. We got the crew at Station 3 to help us, and still it took hours. I was grateful we didn’t get any calls so we could finish it. Just in case Mr. Johnson isn’t able to fix the wiring, this will be a pretty good solution, I think. Especially based on your reaction.” He traced his fingertip along her jawline. “I couldn’t wait to show you. That’s why I called Becks and asked her to keep Piper.”
Without thinking, Kaiah threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close. “It’s perfect, Reid. Just perfect.”
Reid rested his hands on her lower back and his cheek on the top of her head as he relaxed against her. “I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for this town. And for me.”
“It’s my pleasure,” she whispered.
The only sound she could hear was the rhythmic beat of waves against the beach as she held on to him. She savored his familiarscent—soap and sandalwood—along with the joy of being in his arms.
