“In the short time we’ve been together, we’ve had each other’s back. If someone said something hurtful or out of line, I think we’d handle ittogetherand move on.”
“I know we would.” He laid a possessive hand on her thigh. “Besides, I think they’re going to say, ‘She’s stunning. He’s one lucky guy’. Or, ‘She’s a talented photographer. Is that her assistant? Maybe he’s her muse’.”
She shot him a grin. “Youaremy muse.”
“And you’re mine. I’ve become very inspired these past two weeks.”
“And closed-lipped. You haven’t said a word about Starry Cove. I can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to.”
“And I can’t wait to show you.”
She folded her hand over his.
Driving west, they chased the sun as it continued its afternoon descent. Forty minutes later, Zander exited the interstate and wove through the familiar country roads to surprise number one.
The Cove.
His heart hammered hard against his ribcage. He was returning to the scene of the crime, the place where it all began.
As he pulled into the abandoned drive-in movie theatre parking lot, Savannah said, “Wow.” She shot him a grin. “Youhavebeen busy.”
The place was swarming with construction workers. Three bulldozers worked to clear out the debris.
“Surprise, babe.” With a smile, Zander exited his truck.
After getting out, she surveyed the area.
“If you want to head down there, I can grab hard hats,” he said.
She clutched his hand. “I’m good here.”
“I bought the land and I’m restoring The Cove to its original state, but with all of the modern tech.” He pointed. “The drive-in movie screen will be over there. And the snack shack will be there. Star gazing happens after the movie.”
She stroked his back. “This is awesome.”
“What do you think about renaming it The Kyle King Cove?”
Facing him, her eyes grew moist. “I love it. But won’t that be difficult for you?”
“Thinking back on my childhood will always be a struggle, but my dad led me to you, and for that, I’m grateful.”
She choke-sobbed and turned away from him.
He pulled her into his arms, stroked her head. “Our first kiss was right here. That one, taboo kiss changedeverything.”
With a tender touch, he wiped away her tears before dropping several worshipful kisses on her lips. When she hugged him, he knew he’d made all the right choices.
Stepping back, she clasped his hands. “I love it, but what do the residents think?”
“Thumbs up all around. They’ve already created an arts committee and are planning a movie schedule.”
“This is the best surprise.”
“If you like this one, you’llreallylike the next one.”
Her eyes grew wide. “There’s more?”
They left The Cove and headed into town. Too many days had passed with only a virtual connection, so he blanketed her thigh with his hand. She responded by threading her fingers through his.