We all ride the elevator together to the maternity ward and head down to Sonnet’s room, where she’s surrounded by balloons and flowers, and Drew, of course. She has a tiny bundle in her arms, and her dark hair is actually down for once, flowing in waves around her shoulders. She’s never looked more beautiful than she does in this moment.
“Hey, everyone!” she greets us. “Meet Abigail Rose!”
I elbow Shark, because I’ve been teasing him ever since her birth that I was right about her being a girl. Now we’ll see if I’m two for two when Lindy gives birth to a boy. I’m thinking boy for Jason and Hannah. And girl for Brynne and Chris, who just announced they are finally pregnant.
“She’s so beautiful,” I gasp as I get a closer look. She has her mother’s dark hair and nose, and her father’s cheeks and lips.
“So precious,” Lindy echoes. “I can’t wait for this one to get here. They’re going to be best friends!”
“Who wants to hold her?” Drew asks, and of course is met with a chorus of “Me! Me!”
“Everyone, scrub your hands!” Sonnet exclaims, pointing to the sink along the back wall of the room.
The tiny pink burrito—that’s what she looks like all swaddled in her blanket—is passed around. She feels light as a feather in my arms. I haven’t held a newborn in a long time now, and I forgot how tiny and fragile they are. How can something this precious come in such a tiny little package? My ovaries are about to explode when I hand her off to Shark.
He seems nervous at first, his chin slightly trembling as he braces her in his huge, tattooed arms. I’ve never seen a more heartwarming sight than this. The only thing that could ever top this would be Shark holding his own baby in his arms.
I know he’s told me over and over again that he’s not cut out to be a father. But seeing him with Max and the other kids at the carnival, and knowing he flip-flopped pretty fast on the “I’m not a relationship guy” thing, gives me hope that maybe someday he’ll be open to it. Hopefully not too far down the road because I’m not getting any younger. No wonder my ovaries feel like little ticking time bombs!
I’m speechless as he cradles her against his chest like she’s the most precious commodity in the world. And then his mouth opens, just barely, and the following words slide out, “You know, maybe I wouldn’t mind having one of these someday…”
Boom!
I’ve spent the whole day organizing my office at Kelly Carriage Company. The month I promised to stay on at The Buzz so they could find my replacement was up last Friday, and Andrea begrudgingly told me, “Good luck in all your future endeavors,” like she’d practiced it in front of a mirror or something.
I’d just gotten the office the way I wanted, with Kathy’s help to move my desk so it overlooks the stables, when I get a text from Shark, who’s been working all day. He’s keeping his EMT job for now, at least until the spring. Then he’ll reevaluate.
Shark: Meet me on the beach after work?
Me: Okay. When? Where?
Shark: Remember that spot where we used to always build our sandcastles?
Me: Yeah? Oh, you mean the actual beach. Not the boardwalk?
Shark: Yes. There. 6 pm.
Me: Okay. <3
Shark: <3
The first time he sent me a heart emoji, I nearly passed out. He’s not really the emoji type of guy. But he has really surprised me the past couple of months since we’ve been reacquainted. He’s done a lot of things I didn’t think he’d ever do.
I take a shower and put on a jeans and a sweater. November has been chilly so far, and there’s not likely to be anyone on the beach. It’s a weird place for him to want to meet at this time of the year, but I’m sure he wants to grab a Nicoboli for dinner after a long day at work. Maybe he wants to take a walk first to blow off the stress from work.
“Do you want me to bring you back anything, Kathy?” I ask as I slip on my ankle boots and grab my jacket from the hall tree. Kathy’s German Shepherd, Bogie, comes to sniff me out, all excited he might get to go somewhere too.
“Nah, I’m good. Cooking dinner for the kids tonight. They’ll be here soon.”
“So that’s what smells so good!” I sniff the air, letting the smell of seasonings and spices infiltrate my nostrils.
“It’s goulash night!” she says proudly. I give her a hug before leaving the house, walking down the steps and climbing into my Beetle. It’s about a thirty-minute drive to the boardwalk, but I haven’t been out of the house all day, so I don’t mind.
I notice Shark has been messing with the radio in my car because it’s set to the 80s station. Of course. My journey starts with REO Speedwagon’s “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and ends with Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” I have to laugh at the fact that he changed all my presets to this one station. Silly man.
I park right near the beach since it’s the off-season now, and locals can actually find parking places for once. Daylight savings time is over, sadly, so it’s already dark. The moon is rising over the water, making all the waves look like they’re brushed with silver. I walk down the boardwalk and onto the beach where a wooden structure extends into the water. I never knew if it was the remnants of a pier or what it was, exactly, but it was where Shark and I used to build sandcastles when he was Shay-Shay and I was Meggie.
He’s not there, so I take a seat on the wood plank and wait. He probably got held up at work. Then I hear the strains of “Don’t you…forget about me…” growing louder and louder until a man wearing a trench coat and balancing an 80s-style boombox on his shoulder appears on the sand, walking closer and closer to me.
It’s my bad boy—or a formerly bad boy who grew into an amazing man. My man.
His smile grows wider and wider the closer he gets to me. By the time he reaches me, the song is blaring, and he pulls me to standing and then into his arms where he holds me for a few moments as the song fades to nothing, us swaying in the cool November breeze drifting off the waves as they crash into the shore.
But the music isn’t over yet. When the Simple Minds song fades, another starts up, and it’s “We Belong” by Pat Benatar. He holds my hand as the lyrics play. I had never really paid attention to them before, but they’re perfect. Perfect for us.
He bends down to lower the volume, then looks up at me, his stormy blue eyes filled with love. “Almost thirty years ago on this beach I promised you I would love you forever.”
Tears immediately fill my eyes when I see the unshed ones glistening in his. “I promised you the same,” I answer through my teary smile.
“I’m here tonight to make good on that promise,” he says, dropping to one knee and opening a ring box to reveal a beautiful diamond solitaire that is as perfect as perfect can be.
I gasp, letting go of his hand so mine can fly up to cover my gaping mouth. I want to say something here. My brain is trying to spin out some words, but my heart is screaming for me to shut up and listen. And so I do.
“When I left Delaware all those years ago, I never imagined I’d see you again. And when I met you again as an adult, I had no clue we were getting a second chance. If I’d known, maybe I wouldn’t have been an asshole who refused to be the man you needed and deserved. But now I’ve gotten a third shot, and I’m not about to screw it up this time. Will you let me love you forever and keep that promise I made to you all those years ago? Will you be my wife?”
“Yes!” I manage, the tears now streaming down my face. “Yes, yes, yes!”
He slides the ring on my finger, twirling me around like he did at the carnival last month, just as a huge wave splashes up around our legs. The water is probably frigid, but I don’t even notice, I’m so filled with light and warmth and love. I don’t even think a shark attack could ruin this moment on the beach.
It’s been a long time coming. But one thing I know about Shark and me…
We keep our promises.
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Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Tina Kissinger for the very fast turnaround in proofreading. A huge thank you to my husband for reading the rugby action sequence and not tearing it apart, though you could have been a little more impressed with my knowledge LOL! Thank you to the Delmarva Rugby Club for inspiring this story. And as always, thank you to my readers, especially those who read ARCs, leave reviews, and of course, those who buy the book too! You guys are the BEST!
I don’t know what’s next for this series, but I hope there more stories from this quaint little coastal town will make themselves known in my head. I’m always open to suggestions!
All the best,
Krista
About the Author
K.L. Montgomery writes #bodypositive sweet romance and romcom. A librarian in a former life, she now works as an editor and runs the 5000-member Indie Author Support group on Facebook in addition to publishing under two names.
Though she remains a Hoosier at heart, K.L. shares her coastal Delaware home with some furry creatures and her husband, who works in law enforcement (and is also somewhat of a furry creature, to be honest). She has an undying love for her three sons, Broadway musicals, the beach, Seinfeld, the color teal, IU basketball, paisleys, and dark chocolate.
Learn more at www.klmontgomery.com or follow her one of the following social media sites:
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Also by K.L. Montgomery
Nonfiction
The Fat Girl’s Guide to Loving Your Body
Do you wonder if you'll ever be happy with your body?
It's a choice, you know.
This book is one part humor, one part journal, one part recipe for self-love. Mix it all together, and you'll come out the other side with a greater appreciation for both what's on the outside AND what's on the inside.
The Guide tackles:
-how to deal with bodyshamers
-how to dress for your body
-relationship and sex advice
-365 #bopo meditations
Plus, strategies for learning to love the skin you're in now and forever.
Have you ever struggled to love your body?
YOU NEED THIS BOOK. NOW.
Romance in Rehoboth Series
Welcome to the Romance in Rehoboth Series, where the ladies are strong and independent and the men are actually nice guys. These delightful romantic comedies are set against the backdrop of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware's top vacation destination. The books can be read as standalones.
Music Man, Romance in Rehoboth #1
You're never too old to fall in love with a rock star. Or chase your dreams.
Every girl dreams of dating a rock star--even a girl who just turned the Big 4-0. Is it the beard? The flannel? The guitar? Claire isn't sure, but Jack is simply irresistible.
Music was Jack's first love. When life got in the way of him making it big as a singer/songwriter, he settled for teaching music--which included giving piano lessons to a certain stunning redhead named Claire.
He's fallen head over heels for her--just in time for his big break to finally arrive. But do you ever really give up on your first love?
The Flip, Romance in Rehoboth #2
Andrew and Sonnet hated each other in high school. Always rivals for the best grades and top academic honors, there was no love lost between these two nerds after graduation.
Ten years later, they've both been named heirs to property in Bethany Beach, Delaware, after the passing of its owner, Penelope Vaughn. Ms. Vaughn was Andrew's Great Aunt and Sonnet's beloved next door neighbor growing up.
The quaint beach cottage needs serious work before going on the market. Andrew and Sonnet are both willing to bury the hatchet in exchange for drills and saws, especially since they stand to make a pretty penny with the beachfront property, which will finance Drew's dream of opening a business and Sonnet's plan to earn her doctorate in astrophysics.
But when they face a multitude of home improvement obstacles, will these two former adversaries be able to pull off a successful flip? Or did Great Aunt Penny have something else in mind with her bequest?
Plot Twist, Romance in Rehoboth #3
If you think what’s happening on stage is entertaining...you should see what’s happening BACKSTAGE!
A brand new show is coming to Rehoboth Beach! Jack and Claire (yes, THAT Claire) Reilly have written an original musical, and they have the perfect cast. Plus, there’s pirates. Who doesn’t love pirates?
Meric Chandler is a neurotic, introverted accountant by day, but at night he transforms into a magnetic leading man whose voice makes all the girls swoon. Just getting over a divorce, he has sworn off backstage romances. After all, that’s how he met his EX wife.
Lindy Larson prefers to stay behind the scenes, but her girlfriends convince her to audition for a new local theater production. She has a stunning voice but plans to blend in as much as possible, which isn’t easy to do when you’re the awkward plus-size girl with two left feet.
While backstage romances are to be expected, they don’t usually shut down the entire production. But you know what they say: the show must go on!
Badge Bunny, Romance in Rehoboth #4
Chris Everson has a pretty sweet life: a great job as a state trooper, lots of buddies to hang out with, and living at the beach. What could be better? But he’s harboring a secret--a secret that doesn’t fit with his whole tough guy cop persona. He’s gone to great lengths to keep his secret from his guy friends AND the women he dates.
Brynne Miller’s job as an ER doctor means she’s always meeting cops. In fact, she’s dated so many that her friends call her “Badge Bunny.” But she will never date Chris Everson. Nope. Not a chance. He managed to piss her off within two seconds of meeting him...and first impressions are everything.
Aren’t they?
Wedding War, Romance in Rehoboth #5
All’s fair in love and war…and this is war.
Jason Friday’s family business has kept the grooms of Delmarva in style for over forty years. Hannah Robinson’s family has been doing the same for brides for nearly thirty.
A squabble over twenty years ago turned the two families into mortal enemies. As their businesses grew, their rivalry only became more cutthroat...until Über Brides sets up shop in Rehoboth Beach. This bridal superstore chain is known for slashing prices, squeezing every drop of discounts from their vendors, and running family-owned shops out of business.
The days of the Fridays and Robinsons serving the brides and grooms of Delmarva are numbered unless Jason and Hannah can band together to run Über Brides out of Rehoboth Beach. Can they manage to work together and ignore their growing attraction to each other? Or will they lose both their jobs and their families when they succumb to their desires?
Stage Mom, Romance in Rehoboth #6
A mom who'll never give up fighting for her special needs daughter...
A "nice guy" who finally learns to take a stand...
Larissa and Mateo's worlds collide in Stage Mom!
Everything about Larissa Emerson is strong.
Her personality.
Her snark.
Her aversion to men after one too many disappointments.
Her unwavering fight to ensure her special needs daughter is treated like any other girl--a fight that ramps up when she begs to compete in a beauty pageant.
Mateo Flores is in his first year of heading up the Little Miss Rehoboth pageant, and he’s not about to screw it up. He knew he’d be dealing with stereotypical pageant moms, but he never saw this one coming. She hits him like a hurricane, all strength and beauty and attitude.
How can he say no to a force of nature like Larissa Emerson?
Shark Bit
e, Romance in Rehoboth #7
You've heard of second chance romance, but what about third time's the charm?
After being divorced three years, Megan Adams is desperate for marriage and a family before it's too late. When she tries to help her friend Shark upgrade his rugby team's reputation in the community, her attraction to him is rekindled all over again. Could he ever think of her as more than a friend--or is she risking one heck of a shark bite?
When you score in rugby, it's called a try. When it comes to scoring with the ladies, Shark Kelly usually doesn't have to try. But when the captain of his rugby team takes a liking to his friend Megan, he tries to stop the jealous feelings he never expected to have. And there seems to be a lot of other things he might be willing to try--if Megan is brave enough to swim with a shark.
Fat Girl
All Claire wants is a thin body and her dream man.
Is that too much to ask?
With her divorce pending and a new job on the horizon, Claire Sterling is tired of being the Fat Girl. With the help of her gay best friend, a body image coach, a new fitness regime, and lots of wine and snark, she sets out to find her Happily Ever After just in time for her fortieth birthday.
Will she get the body and the man of her dreams, or is she forever destined to be the Fat Girl?
The Light at Dawn
No matter how dark the night, hope is reborn at dawn.
It wasn’t just her marriage that crumbled in the wake of unspeakable tragedy, it was her entire life. Even though five years had passed since she lost Evan, Angelia White was still picking up the pieces. Getting involved in a cause she could pour her broken heart into was just another part of the healing process.
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