by Terra Kelly
“It sounds like you both had fun today?” I rested my forearms on the table.
“You have that look.”
“A look?”
She pushed her chair back, then stood and walked to the kitchen sink. After filling her glass with water, she turned to face me. “Eddie, you have a look for every emotion. I’m just not sure I recognize this one though.”
I put my arms up in surrender. “You caught me. I’m guilty.”
She walked over and playfully pushed my arms down. “What is it?”
“I…I want to ask Sarah to marry me.” Jan’s eyes went so wide. “Is that a bad idea? Should I wait?”
“What? No.” She grabbed my hand and sat down beside me. “Eddie, I didn’t think I would hear those words fall from your lips ever again.”
“You and me both.”
“When? Where? Tell me.”
I patted her hand. “Breathe.”
“Oh, stop stalling and just tell me.”
“Okay, okay. Kelsey and I were thinking Sleeping Bear Dunes.”
“You’re going to ask her on a camping trip?”
“No, we’ll take a day trip. I was thinking when we reached the top of the dunes I would pop the question.”
She sighed and placed her hand over her chest. “Good idea to avoid the camping trip.”
“Well, Kelsey seems to think Sarah would enjoy a trip in a camper.”
“My guess, she has never camped before.”
“I thought that, too.” I leaned back in my chair. “What do you think?
“Whose idea was this?”
“Mine,” Kelsey said from the doorway.
“What?” I reached out my hand and tugged her closer to the table. “I suggested Sleeping Bear Dunes.” I tickled her side.
“And I asked you if she would be my momma someday.”
Jan wiped a tear away. “Eddie.” She reached over and grabbed my hand. I could tell she wanted to say something with the way she opened her mouth and then closed it. Finally, she sat back and just squeezed my hand.
Kelsey lunged her body against Jan’s now ever-growing belly. “Don’t cry Aunt Jan, it’s okay.” She wrapped her little body around my sister.
“Actually, I think your aunt approves of our idea. Those may be happy tears.”
My daughter’s eyes became saucers they were so big. “You do?”
“I do,” Jan said bending to kiss Kelsey on the top of her head.
My decision to marry Sarah was easier than I ever imagined. There was something about the beautiful woman that changed not only my life, but also the life of my daughter.
Chapter Thirty
Sarah
For the last two weeks whenever I would step into a room, Eddie, Kelsey, and even Jan would stop talking. To say I felt insecure was putting it mildly. Growing up, I always found my mom and dad whispering about something but the moment I appeared they would stop talking.
Eddie tried to assure me that everything was okay, but I still felt uncomfortable. Then, yesterday out of the blue Eddie told me to pack a few things because we were going on a day trip. This was all very confusing.
Then Kelsey woke us up this morning in an unusually chipper mood. She hopped around the bedroom singing I’m so excited and even insisted on picking out my clothes for the trip.
My emotions were all over the place. I didn’t know if I should be worried or excited.
Packing for the trip was easy. I made sure we had enough snacks. After the road trip from Mackinac Island with Eddie, I knew we needed to pack a lot of fun treats.
After about five minutes on the road I turned in my seat. “Want to share your deep dark secret yet?”
“In about forty-two minutes.” He pointed to the map on his phone.
“That long, eh?”
He pulled my hand up to his mouth and kissed each knuckle. “Do you trust me, Sarah?”
A word I hated all my life, but with Eddie, I had grown to accept it. “I do. You know that.”
“Then trust you are in for a treat in forty-tw…well, now forty-one minutes.”
I wrapped my hands around his and rested my head back against the seat. Trust. I needed to trust it would all be okay.
“Sarah,” I heard a soft male voice say next to my ear.
As I opened my eyes, Eddie’s handsome features came into focus. “Hey.” It took me a moment to fully wake-up.
“You didn’t want to wait forty-one minutes, eh?”
“Did I sleep the whole time.”
“It’s okay, now this moment will be even better than I imagined.”
“What moment?”
“Sarah, come see.” Kelsey bounced up and down.
I stretched and glanced out the window. There was a big hill in front of me covered in sand. “Um, Eddie.”
“Yeah, you okay?”
“You took me to a sand hill?”
“Not just any sand hill.” He opened his door and hopped out. “Come on. Kelsey may start up that hill without us soon.”
I noticed Kelsey hopping around with her stuffed elephant flying up and down in her outstretched hand. She had this smile that caused a lump to form in my throat.
Eddie opened my door and reached for my hand. “Remember when I asked if you trusted me?”
“And I said I do.”
“Good, just making sure nothing changed.”
Thankfully the drive to the undisclosed location was short. Of course my mind was racing and creating every negative scenario that could possibly happen. The worst thought entailed them leaving me on the side of the road and driving off. I was making myself insane.
Breathe, Sarah.
It was easier for me to create negative thoughts. Yet, it was much harder for me to create positive scenarios.
“I…” Before I could continue overthinking, Eddie lifted me out of truck and into his arms. “What are you doing?”
“Taking you on our first adventure.” He pulled my body close and kissed my neck
Kelsey skipped over to us. “It will be the best.”
I’m happy to report they didn’t drop me off on the side of the road. It took me a moment to take in my surroundings. We were standing at the bottom of a hill covered in sand. “Where are we?”
“Let me show you instead.” He grabbed my hand and tugged me forward.
Another negative thought attempted to surface but I pushed it away.
After Eddie put me down, he grabbed my hand and Kelsey latched onto my other hand. I glanced down and realized my heart was overfilled with joy. The negative from earlier was washing away. I felt excited and hopeful which was a lot to process.
“What is it?” Eddie squeezed my hand.
“I’m not sure.” There was a lump setting up shop in the back of my throat.
Eddie kissed my temple. “I think I may know.” We all trudged up the steep hill together. “Let’s find out if I’m right.”
“I can’t wait.” Kelsey sang over and over.
The trek up was not easy but their excitement made it worthwhile. Right before we reached the top of the hill Eddie squeezed my hand. “Sarah, I want this moment right here to pop in your mind whenever a bad thought tries to invade your happiness.”
“Um, okay. So you want me to think about climbing up a sand hill whenever I get sad?”
He bent down and picked me up into his arms. Then he took the last six steps up the hill. “Not sand. This.” He let me down so I could take it all in.
The view took my breath away.
Literally.
I stood there with my hand over my mouth.
Then someone cleared their throat and I glanced over to find the most beautiful sight.
My body felt overstimulated and I fell to the ground like a rag doll.
“Sarah.” Eddie yelled.
Chapter Thirty-One
Eddie
“Sarah.” I pulled her into my arms.
The moment she fell Kelsey stopped and her smile fell.
“
It’s okay.” I grabbed my daughter’s hand. “She’s okay.”
I rocked Sarah back and forth in my arms. “Sarah, talk to me.” Tears were streaming down her face. “What is it?”
“Daddy, why is she crying?” Kelsey knelt down beside us and wrapped her hand around Sarah’s arm. “Do you need to hold Snuffles?” She held up her stuffed animal.
Sarah reached for Snuffles and held him close to her chest. “Thank you, Sweet Pea. That helps so much.” She sat up and pulled the stuffed elephant close to her chest. “Can we have a take-two?”
“A take-two?” I brushed my hand down the side of her face.
“Yeah and this time I’ll be ready.” She grabbed my hand and brought it close to her chest. “I promise.”
I realized what she was asking. “Oh, a take-two. Yes, I think that can be arranged.” I reached my hand out. “Come here, Sweet Pea.” I watched Sarah stand and turn away. I bent down next to Kelsey’s ear. “Let’s try to ask her again.”
Her eyes flew open and she hopped in place. “Okay.”
Then I cleared my throat and was secretly hoping she didn’t fall a second time.
Sarah
I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly as I enjoyed the view in front of me.
Yes, we were on a sand hill. A huge sand hill that stretched out for what felt like miles. But it was the lake in front of me that had my heart. You could see Lake Michigan in every direction. It felt so serene and peaceful here.
My heart was pounding.
My breath was ragged.
My eyes were going in and out of focus.
I was internally telling myself to not fall on take-two.
My inner mantra at the moment, keep it together, Sarah.
I heard Eddie clear his throat and I used every ounce of strength I had left to turn around. Eddie was on bended knee holding out a little black velvet box. Kelsey was on bended knee holding a key in the palm of her hand. Even Snuffles, Kelsey’s stuffed elephant was on the ground.
It was hard to process this moment and what was happening.
For twenty-two years all I knew was the dark.
Now, with the help of two bright souls they were helping me see the light.
Eddie stood and walked toward me. “Take-two feels better.”
“It definitely does.” I reached for his hand.
“We have a question to ask you.”
Kelsey spun around in a full circle in front of me. “Sarah.”
I bent down and wrapped my arm around her waist. “Yes, love.”
“Will you be my mommy?”
Her words caught me by surprise. I wasn’t ready for that question.
Eddie knelt down on the other side of me. “And will you be my wife?”
I paused for a beat and glanced out at Lake Michigan. I wondered why I was given this precious gift. Suddenly there was a flash of light behind Eddie and a woman was smiling. I knew the woman because her picture sat on the nightstand beside Kelsey’s bed. I tightened my hold on Kelsey and Eddie and smiled at the shining figure. That was the answer I had been looking for all this time. I knew at that moment I deserved all this. I deserved to be happy.
“You okay?” Eddie brushed a strand of hair away from face.
I sat down and crossed my legs. “I’m more than okay.” Eddie stared at me waiting for my answer. I touched my hand on the side of his face. “Yes, I want it all.” Then I rested my head onto Kelsey’s shoulder and wrapped my arms tight around her little body. “Nothing would make me happier than to be your mommy.”
“Yay.” Kelsey threw her arms around me.
Kelsey’s beautiful smile. Her question. I realized at that moment I could be a mom. No, I could be a great mom. My dad and I shared the same DNA, but I was nothing like him.
The happiness that surrounded me was almost too much. I wanted to see Sara one last time. She provided the hope I had lost so long ago. When I glanced over Eddie’s shoulder all I could see was Lake Michigan. “She…she’s gone.”
“Who's gone?”.
“Sara,” I whispered.
“You saw her?” He sat down beside me and pulled Kelsey onto his lap.
“Yeah, and she’s really happy.” I rested my head onto his shoulder and soaked up every part of this moment.
Eddie wrapped his arm around my body and pulled me close. “Because of you.”
Epilogue
Sarah
One year later…
“Order up.” Abby the owner of the food truck, For The Love Of Coffee yelled.
I stepped closer to the window next to another woman. “Oh, sorry–” we reached for the coffee at the same time– “I thought it was mine.”
“Wait. What was your order?” The woman dropped her hand.
“Large latte. Triple shot.”
“Wow, same here.” She held her hand out. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around. I’m Anika.”
Abby popped into the window and set the second coffee down. “My two triple shots here at the same moment. Be still my beating heart.”
“I’m Sarah.” I shook her hand. “I can’t believe we haven’t run into each other before today.” I pulled the coffee close to my nose and inhaled. “Just like always, Abby; you make the best cup of coffee.” It took me a few months before I actually felt comfortable talking to the food truck owner. Thanks to Eddie and Kelsey, I had become more social in the last several months and now had friends. I actually found myself craving the interaction.
“Didn’t I see you at my niece’s school play just last weekend?” Anika leaned against the little counter and held the warm cup of coffee in between both hands.
“Probably. My daughter, Kelsey loves to be on a stage.” I pointed to the picnic table. “Want to join me?”
Six months after our magical day trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, I walked down the aisle and married the man of my dreams. He still knew how to make my heart skip a beat with his panty-melting smile. We kept the ceremony small. Only about thirty-five people attended our special day. The dress I wore was simple. It was off-white and pure silk. I felt like a queen as I walked down the aisle. We decided to have the reception at our house and we called it a pot-luck style wedding. It was all a dream come true and I had the pictures to prove it.
“Really? My niece is complete opposite.”
“What’s her name?” I rested my arms on the table.
“Sophie.”
“We should have a play date. Kelsey can share some of that excitement with Sophie.”
“Let me check with my sister.” She took a sip of the coffee and moaned. “Best coffee and now I can enjoy it with the best company.”
“Do you need a sugar pick-me-up?” Abby walked over and sat down a small food tray with four macarons on the table.
“You’re evil and I love you.” I took a bite. “We may need more than four though.”
When I decided to stay in Crystal Shores over a year ago, I didn’t realize how connected to the community I would end up feeling. This town continued to surprise me every day.
Later that evening…
I stared at myself in the mirror. “Was this really happening?” Hopefully the person staring back at me didn’t actually answer. “Can I do this?” I splayed my fingers over the length of my belly and thought about where my life was today.
“Sarah.” Eddie was home.
I threw the plastic strip in the drawer and pulled my shirt down. “In here.”
“Hey.” He stepped close and wrapped his arms around my body. The vision of my belly four times bigger ran through my mind. “Why are you smiling?”
“Am I?” I touched my lips and tried to go serious.
“Okay, what is it?” He poked my side which made me laugh.
I stepped back and grabbed his hand. “Come here.” Then I tugged him toward the bed.
“Should I be worried?” He dropped down onto the edge of the mattress.
“No, not even a little bit.”
“Did Kelsey say a
bad word again?”
“No.” I held my index finger up. “But you said again. She swore recently?”
“Um…”
“Not important.” I shook my head and ran into the bathroom. “Close your eyes.” He held his hand over his eyes. “And no peeking allowed.”
“I promise. I can’t see a thing.” He used his other hand to try to reach out and grab me.
“Hey, keep those hands in at all times, Mister.” I pushed open his legs and settled in between them. He placed his one hand on my ass. Every time the man touched me I had the urge to throw him on the bed. I closed my eyes and realized what was about to happen. My life with my husband was going to change.
“Can I open them?”
“Not yet.” I cleared my throat and held up the plastic pregnancy test in front of my face. “Now you can.”
“I–” He started to say something but stopped. For a split-second fear ran through me. Then Eddie wrapped his arms around my body and turned to throw me on the bed. “Seriously? This isn’t a joke?”
I let my arms fall to the side and found myself in fits of giggles. “It’s definitely not a joke and that’s the fourth test.”
“Sarah.” He went serious. “I–”
“Are you unhappy?” I had to ask him.
“Unhappy? God no.” He dropped down beside me and pulled me close. “I didn’t think my life could feel happiness again but you proved me wrong.”
“I feel the same way, Eddie.” I could stare at his stunning face all day and every day.
“I can’t wait to share with our baby how lucky we all are to have you in our lives.” He kissed me. “I love you so damn much, Sarah with an h.”
What a perfect way to start this loving series! Life happens in mysterious ways but Sarah and Eddie deserved their forever happiness. Are you curious about Jackson and Sarah’s new friend Anika? Yup, their story is next in Guard My Heart (Crystal Shores Book Two). You can preorder book two here.