Page 454 of One More Kiss

“Oh, stop. You didn’t Google me.”

“I did,” he admits, shamelessly. “Even ordered a few copies of your books to put on the shelf in the cottage for the other guests who rent it. Might actually update the Airbnb listing and tell them the world-famous Vada Collins wrote her upcoming bestselling novel there. It’ll be as popular as the Stanley Hotel lobby in Stephen King’s The Shining.”

I actually snort. “I hope that works out for you. Could actually become a little cash cow of sorts. People will drive by and stop to take pictures with the cottage. I’ll send you a headshot to hang on the wall.” I wink.

Being like this with him feels so easy and natural. It’s strange how a person can meet someone, and within a few days, it feels like old friends who’ve known each other for years.

Soon our food arrives, and I can’t wait to dig into the Etoufee Flounder Ethan ordered us both. Apparently, it’s a southern favorite, and I actually let out a moan when I take the first bite of fish. The sauce, mashed potatoes, everything is simply delicious.

“Told you,” he says, noticing how much I love it.

“I’m never leaving Charleston,” I kid as I take another bite.

“I wish you wouldn’t,” Ethan says, his tone more serious than before.

His words catch me off guard, and I open my mouth then close it, not really knowing what to say. My whole life is back in Chicago, and I know it was inevitable that this week would end. We both knew.

“I love Charleston because it’s a little bit of city and a whole lot of southern. But mainly because we have everything here, the history, culinary scene, and more. What’s not to love about Charleston?” he asks, quickly changing the subject.

After we’re finished eating, he pays, grabs a blanket from the car, then takes my hand and leads me down the wooden path that points to the beach. The sun dips below the horizon and twilight is upon us. The light breeze brushes over my skin, and soon we’re touching sand. He bends over and removes his shoes, and I do too.

“I have a lot to tell you, Vada.” The light breeze carries his voice.

“Actually, I want to apologize to you, Ethan. I didn’t mean to snoop, and I’m really sorry for doing so.” I look at him, trying to read his facial expression, hoping he understands. “Trust is such a big part of my life, and I felt like I broke that with you.”

Ethan shakes his head at me. “No, no. You have nothing to apologize about.”

We continue walking down the beach, allowing the sand to squish between our toes. Once we’re away from the boardwalk, Ethan stops and lays the blanket on the ground, then sits. Looking up at me, he pats next to him, and I set my shoes down and join him. Our arms brush together, and goose bumps travel across my skin. I nervously laugh, and Ethan does, too, as he stares out at the rippling waves.

“I was married,” he starts, his words catching me off guard. I suspected he had some kind of relationship previously, but I hadn’t figured he was divorced.

“But you’re not anymore, right?” Suddenly I realize I haven’t asked this question. My mind starts playing out all these scenarios of him still being married, which would make me a homewrecker. He doesn’t wear a wedding ring, but that doesn’t mean anything considering his line of work. As I sit here, I realized how I trusted him so easily, that it makes me almost feel stupid for not making sure beforehand.

Letting out a light laugh, he reassures me by shaking his head. “No, I’m not. She passed away five years ago.”

The blood rushes from my face, and the wine from earlier feels like it’s finally kicking in.

“I’m so sorry.” I try to offer some sort of condolence, but I’m at a loss.

“It was sudden and unexpected.” His tone is somber, and I want nothing more than to comfort him. This explains so much about him, and I’m already getting emotional without even knowing the details.

I wait patiently, not wanting to rush him. He continues when he’s ready and tells me about Alana and exactly what happened. As I sit next to him on the blanket, tears stream down my face. I can’t imagine being so young and losing someone so close.

“So I’m sorry for pushing you away. I’ve got issues that I’m still working on. But after reacting the way I did, I felt you deserved to know the truth.”

“Thank you.” I weave my fingers through his. “For trusting me enough to tell me. I’m sure it wasn’t easy.”

“It’s the first time I’ve told her story to anyone,” he admits, my heart swelling. “Southern town, lots of gossips—didn’t take long for everyone to hear.”

“I appreciate you sharing it with me.” I flash a small smile, realizing how big of a step this is for him. “So your daughter?” I swallow hard, not wanting to push my boundaries, but he knows I saw the room that was set up for her.

Ethan sucks in a deep breath as if he’s finding the courage to speak.

“Paris came two months early and fought to breathe from the moment she was born. The tubes, the beeping of the machines, sometimes when I’m sitting in a quiet room, I can still hear it all as if I’m there. I think she died of a broken heart though. Once Alana was gone, it seemed Paris’ likelihood of surviving diminished greatly. It’s like she knew her mama was gone. Ultimately, she was too little, too sick, too weak. She ended up getting meningitis, which came with its own set of complications, and passed away two weeks later.”

Ethan swallows down tears, and I see him fighting his emotions, which completely ruins me from the inside out. There’s something about watching a man be so vulnerable that breaks me down. I’m so upset over this, and I’m crying for him and everything he’s lost. His life was flipped upside down in a matter of weeks.

Regardless, he continues. “The first time I held her was when they unhooked her small body from the machines after she was gone.” He covers his face with his hands.

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