Gripping his hand tighter, I blindly follow. “Where are we going?”
“Scared?” his voice echoes around me.
“No.” Yes.
My bare toes squish in the watery sand and I pray I don’t step on some weird poisonous sea creature. A soft spray of water hits my face, and I flinch.
“You okay?”
“Mm-hm.”
No sooner does my mumbled response echo around us than sunshine beams in ahead, coming down from up above.
I hold Cade’s hand, staring at the light. A few seconds later we step from the dark tunnel and into the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen.
Chapter 30
“It’s gorgeous,” I whisper, staring straight ahead, unable to believe this actually exists.
Still holding my hand, Cade leads me from the dark tunnel and into an underground room filled with a crystal-clear blue lake. Sunshine streaming in from above sends sparkles dancing over the aqua surface. In the center of the lake sits a tiny sandy island. A pebbled path outlines the lake. Beyond the path, the walls of the cave lead fifty feet up to where an opening frames the sky and sun.
“It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Cade softly asks.
I simply nod, so stunned at the natural wonder in front of me.
“It’s fed from below. The ocean comes through a tunnel beneath us and fills the lake.”
“How did you find this place?” I ask.
He smiles. “My mom.”
I study the lake. “I don’t remember reading about this. And I read everything I could before coming here.”
“We locals like to keep a few secrets to ourselves. It doesn’t always have water. I suppose that’s why it doesn’t attract a lot of attention from the outside.” Taking his shirt off, he steps into the pretty lake. “Come on.”
“Um…”
“Don’t tell me you’re scared.”
I look into his teasing eyes. “Maybe.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll be right here.” He dives in.
He swims down through the deep pool-like water before slowly coming back up. Surfacing, he slings his head and water sprays off him.
“You coming?” he asks.
Stripping my shirt off, I slip out of my capris, and in my practical bikini (not the string one) I step into the warm water.
He ducks under.
We swim for a while, enjoying the comfortable warmth of the underground lake, diving down and coming back up.
Beneath the surface, I open my eyes and find Cade floating a few feet from me, watching my mermaid fun. He waves and I let out a gurgled laugh.
Cade motions to surface and I follow him. He nods to the center of the lake where the sandy island sits. “Let’s head there.”
Side by side we swim and beneath the surface, I study the gradual building of the island, rock upon rock, then sand. When we hit shallow water, we walk the rest of the way.
Wiping the ocean from my eyes, I glance over to Cade. “I’m so glad I got in.”
“I knew you would be.”
We step from the water and Cade flops onto his back in the sand. Closing his eyes, he lets out a long breath. “I’m starving.”
“Me too.” I stretch out beside him.
“I’ve got tons of stuff back at the van.”
“Lot of good that does us here.”
Cade laughs. “True.” Reaching over, he takes my hand. We lay next to each other, our fingers linked, our eyes closed.
My thoughts drift to my life before this place. To Mom, Dad, and Grandmother. Here, right now, all of that seems so far away. A different life for a different person. It amazes me how much I’ve changed in a few simple weeks.
Aunt Tilly comes to mind next. Then Frederick, Beth, Domino, Cade. A whole new life right here.
The warmth of the sand soaks into my skin and bones, easing through me with peace and calm. Content. Right here, right now with Cade—it’s the only place I want to be.
“What’s the best memory of your life?” he softly asks.
What a sweet question. “I think this memory right here might qualify.”
“And before now?” he follows.
With my eyes still closed, I dig around in my brain, going back as far as I can go. “I was five, or maybe six. I was cuddled up in a big chair with my dad. There was a fire going and he was stroking my hair, reading me a book.” The memory brings a smile to my lips.
“Why is that your favorite?” Cade mumbles.
“I guess because it was one of the rare moments in my life when my dad wasn’t being formal with me. He was just being a dad.” I wished for that again many times over the years.
I ask, “What’s your favorite memory?”
A few seconds go by and when he doesn’t answer, I open my eyes and turn to see him staring at the opening in the cave and the sky above.
“It’s interesting that your favorite memory involves your dad,” Cade finally speaks.
“Why’s that?”
“Because mine does too.”
His answer surprises me. I expected his most cherished memory to be of his mom.
“I was around the same age as you—five, maybe six. Sid and I went fishing in a tiny little rowboat. We anchored on the other end of the island in a cove. We did nothing more than sit all day and fish, talk, get sunburned. We didn’t catch anything, got home that night hungry, thirsty. Mom lit into us both about the sunburns. Sid and I just laughed.”
Cade’s voice trails off and my heart picks up pace. “Why is that your favorite?” I repeat his question.
“Because it’s one of the rare memories I have of Sid being a real dad.”
Rolling over onto my elbow, I look down at him. “I’m so sorry.” I reach over and stroke wet hairs from his forehead.
His eyes close and I continue stroking his hair, staring down at his too-handsome face.
Shifting closer, I touch my lips to his. Cade returns the kiss, wrapping his arms around me, holding me tight. He repositions us, rolling me to my back, his body half on, half off of me. He deepens the kiss, taking his time.
He slides down, nibbling a soft path along my neck. I run my hands over the firm lines of his back.
He presses a few feathery kisses along my collarbone before shifting back up to rub his nose affectionately against mine. “You ready to head back?” he quietly asks.
No. But I know we should. I want to take things further but also don’t. It’s the “don’t” part of that I listen to. I’m not ready for further. Not yet. So I nod. “Yes, let’s go back.”
Rolling to his feet, he tugs me up. Together we swim across the underground lake to shore. With our clothes in hand, we drip dry as we reenter the dark tunnel.
“Just wait until you see what I’ve got to eat,” he tells me, sliding his hand over mine.
I grip his damp fingers, loving everything about this date and him. If someone would have asked me to describe my perfect date, this would be it. Though a month ago, I likely would have said something different. Maybe dinner and a movie. Boring compared to this.
We make our way from the tunnel and before we begin our climb back up the trail, we redress and retrieve our shoes from where we tucked them behind a bush.
As we begin our ascent, I ask, “Are we eating here?”
“You’ll see,” he teases.
Sometime later we reach the top and climb in the van. He starts the engine and pulls away, taking my hand as he drives along the coastal highway.
Breathing in the moist air, I smile at the romance and bask in the simple joy of holding hands.
Eventually, he pulls over to the side of the road and cuts the engine. We climb out of the van. Cade opens the side door and jumps into the cargo area.
He motions for me to turn around. “Don’t watch. I want this to be a surprise.”
With a little giggle, I turn my back to the van and stare out at the Atlantic. Behind me, he rustles around. While I listen to him set things up, I think about everything we said. M
y time here is quickly coming to an end and my mind spins with what might happen between us. I wish we would have done this week one.
“Ready,” Cade says.
I turn around and suck in a breath.
He spread a colorful blanket over the floor of the cargo area. In the center, Cade placed a hand-tied bouquet of wildflowers, similar to the one he gave me on brunch day. On one corner of the blanket sits the cooler. On another corner, a small stereo.
Reaching over, he presses the PLAY button and soft music filters out. He holds his hand out to me. “Let’s chow.”
Kicking my shoes off, I take his hand and climb into our private picnic place.
“I’ve put together a very nutritious meal for our culinary pleasure.” Cade opens the cooler, and I bust out laughing.
“Nutritious indeed.”
“Cheetos.” He pulls out a giant bag. “Cream puffs.” He tosses that to me. “Soda. Honey nuts. Chips. Cookies.” On and on he pulls out junk food and places it in a huge pile.
In front of us, the ocean stretches for eternity. Around us, reggae music floats through the air. In our still-damp hair and salty skin, we eat junk food and talk.
At some point, we finish and go for a long walk in the sand. We pick up shells, laugh, and talk some more. Before I know it, dusk settles in and we make our way back to the van. We lay side by side, stretched out on the blanket. When the sun drops completely below the horizon, only the half-moon illuminates us.
On the coastal highway behind us, a few cars pass by. We lapse into silence, staring at the moonlit ocean.
A cool breeze blows in off the water and Cade moves closer to keep me warm. We cuddle awhile, still saying nothing, just enjoying.
I don’t know what makes me—his smell, his warmth, the whole day—but I kiss him just as deeply as he kissed me in the cave.
This time I’m absolutely sure as I take things a little further.
Chapter 31
Through breakfast the next morning, thoughts of Cade sidetrack my every second.
I’m dying to talk to Gwenny about everything.
Finally, after cleaning up the kitchen, I run up to my room and grab my phone. Closing the door, I dial her number but she texts me at the exact moment our lines are about to connect.
WELL…? She texts. THE DATE. HELLO? HOW’D IT GO?
AMAZING! I type back.
KISSING?
YES.
MORE THAN KISSING?
I smile. I DON’T KISS AND TELL.
TO ME YOU DO!!!
I’m just about to switch over and dial her when a call comes in from Grandmother. I shoot my sister a quick: G’MOTHER IS CALLING. HAVE TO GO.
I click over. “Good morning, Grandmother.”
“Elizabeth Margaret, how are you?”
The formality in her tone jars me. “I’m fine. Thank you for asking.”
Grandmother launches into a whole one-sided conversation, talking about my first week back and how Mom bought me several new outfits for my internship. I try to pay attention, but my thoughts drift to Cade and the incredible date.
“Did you hear me?” Grandmother asks.
“Sorry. I’m a bit distracted right now,” I honestly answer.
“It’s not often I call, and when I do I expect your attention.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, ma’am.”
She continues on and I listen for a few seconds before my mind wanders again.
“Elizabeth Margaret, I am absolutely appalled with your lack of focus,” Grandmother snaps. “What exactly is so important that you can’t spare me a few minutes of conversation time?”
“Sorry—”
“Do you know who you remind me of right now? Matilda. She never listened to me either.”
“Well, maybe she had more important things to think about,” I snap right back.
Silence.
I press my lips together. Wow, I can’t believe I just did that. More importantly, I don’t feel bad about it.
“Elizabeth Margaret, never have you been so rude. Three weeks with your aunt Matilda has turned you into one very disrespectful young woman.”
No, three weeks with my aunt Tilly has opened my world to who I really am. These are the words I want to say, but I don’t dare push back.
“Matilda’s told you, hasn’t she?” Grandmother demands.
My heart falters. “Told me what?”
Silence.
“Told me what?” I ask again.
“Never mind,” Grandmother says. “Elizabeth Margaret, I have things to do. Good-bye.”
She clicks off and I stand right where I am staring at the phone.
A knock sounds on my door and I open it to see Cade.
“Hey, beautiful.”
“What do you know about Aunt Tilly and my family back in New England?”
Slowly, the smile he had for me fades. “I don’t know anything, Em. I know Tilly didn’t get along with her mom and left home at a young age. I know she found her way here and became a housekeeper.” Cade shrugs. “That’s all.”
With a sigh, I move over to sit on my bed.
“Why don’t you just ask Tilly?” He steps into the room.
“I did. She won’t tell me anything.”
Cade crosses over to sit beside me on the bed. He puts his arms around me, drawing me in. “It’s not about you, you know. It’s about them. They’re allowed their secrets.”
I hadn’t thought about it that way, but Cade has a point. Their feud isn’t about me. If they don’t want to tell me about it, then fine. It’s none of my business anyway. I have to respect that.
“Hey, guys.” Frederick walks in, coming to a stop. His gaze goes between us. “You’re hugging. So are you two a thing now?”
“I guess you could say that.” Cade plants a quick kiss to my lips, before pushing off the bed and crossing back over to the door. On a side note, he turns back. “Hey, come find me later. I want to show you something.”
“Okay.”
He continues on, and I switch my attention to my cousin. “What’s up?”
“You’re going to be leaving soon.” He makes a face. “That sucks.”
I laugh. “Yeah, it does suck.”
“I wish you could stay.”
“Me, too.” Believe me, staying would be incredible. I’ve only been here a few weeks, but I’m hooked. I love this place. I belong.
Sliding off my bed, I walk over to him and wrap my arms snug around him. “But now that I know about you, count on me being a pest. I’ll call and text on a regular basis. You’ll get sick of me real quick.”
He squeezes me back. “Not a chance.”
Aunt Tilly passes by my door, coming to a stop. “Well look at the two of you.”
“Just a little family bonding,” I say, keeping one arm looped around Frederick’s waist.
She looks between us. “I’d hoped that you two would hit it off, but I can see you’ve done more than that. You have no idea how happy that makes me.”
Frederick and I exchange a smile. To think I knew nothing of him a few weeks ago. Now I can’t imagine not having him in my life.
Aunt Tilly flutters her fingers. “Anyway, Harry said to tell you the waffles were excellent this morning.”
“Harry? Oh.” I remember. “Harold, the yacht man. Who is he, by the way? His name sounds familiar.”
Aunt Tilly shrugs. “No idea.” She looks at Frederick. “Mind running a few errands for me?”
“Sure, Mom.”
The two of them leave and I go find Cade, more than curious what it is that he wants to show me.
Chapter 32
I find Cade out in front of The Pepper House, under the hood of the van. I lean up against the side. “So, um, Frederick’s going to miss me when I leave.”
Cade keeps his head under the hood. “So, um, I am too.”
A grin spreads through my cheeks. “How much?”
“Looking for a boost to your ego?”
I laugh.
He comes out from under the hood. “You better be careful or I’ll smear grease on you.” Holding his dirty fingers up, he wiggles them.
I giggle, and the sound makes me giggle more. I never giggled until coming here. That’s for brainless girls. That thought makes me giggle some more. That’s for brainless girls. I sound like my mom.
Grinning, Cade backs me up against the van. “Well, look at you giggling.”
I slap his arm. “I’m not giggling.” I do it some more.
Leaning in, Cade nuzzles his nose in my neck. “Yes, you are giggling. More importantly, you smell terrific.”
Laughing, I push him away. “You’re getting me dirty.”
“Dirty? Here, I can fix that.” His greasy fingers come up, and I batt them away.
“Stop!” I laugh even harder.
With an exaggerated, concentrated look, he grabs my chin with one hand while licking his thumb and proceeding to scrub away imaginary dirt from my cheek.
“Gross!” I push him away.
Laughing, he wipes his greasy hands on a rag before linking fingers with me. “Come on. I want to show you something.”
He leads me inside. “I’m going to get my box from your bedroom,” he tells my aunt as we pass through the living room.
With a nod, she waves us on.
“Box?” I ask. “What box?”
He gives my hand a little tug. “You’ll see.”
I follow Cade through the kitchen and up the back stairs where we enter Tilly’s room. In the walk-in closet, he pushes clothes aside, scooting shoes out of the way. Then he slides a midsized cardboard box free.
Sitting down on the floor, he pulls the box over in front of him. As he pries the flaps open, I kneel down across from him. Carefully, Cade reaches in and pulls out a small tissue-wrapped object. He cradles it in his hands as he gently unwraps it.
A tiny pink-and-white glass fairy stares back at me, her face curved into a mischievous grin. Pale pink wings extend out of her back and dark pink hair flows down the length of her body.
I look up at Cade. “She’s beautiful.”
“My mom made her.”
My eyes widen and I look back down at the two-inch-long fairy. “She’s so delicate and tiny.”
Em (The Summer My Life Began Book 1) Page 13