Four Short Weeks
Page 14
Mason sat working late that night after spending a wonderful afternoon and evening with Robin. She was charming and funny and regaled him with stories of the town and its people. She’d even taken him out to Lighthouse Point and told him about the legend of making a wish, throwing a shell, and then your wish would come true.
Not that he believed that kind of nonsense.
He wondered if maybe he should ask her out again while he was here, though he only planned on staying a few days.
He looked up in surprise to see his father enter the cottage. He jumped up and crossed over to him. “You look beat. Where’d you go?”
“Had to… go settle something.”
Still cryptic, but he didn’t pry.
His father looked at his watch. “Took longer than I expected to get back here. It’s later than I thought.” He sighed. “I wanted to go see Lillian, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.”
His dad walked to the fridge and grabbed a beer. “Want one?”
He nodded.
They sat down at the kitchen table and his dad stretched out his legs and scrubbed a hand over his face. “So much has happened in the last few days.”
“So much has happened in the last few weeks. Like you masquerading as a mere carpenter. And then there’s this Lillian thing.”
“Yes, there is this Lillian thing. If only I knew what it was.”
He stared at his dad, searching his face. Then his lips twitched into a smile. “Hey, you’ve fallen for her, haven’t you?”
His dad rubbed his chin. “I do believe that I have. Don’t care that it’s only been a few short weeks.”
Mason glanced at the date on his watch and did some quick math. “Three and a half weeks. Almost four since you left Seattle.”
“Four weeks? That means Sara’s wedding is this coming weekend, only five days from now.”
“Sara? That friend of Robin’s?”
“How do you know Robin?”
“I kind of hung out with her this afternoon.” He grinned. “And evening. Took her to dinner at a place called Magic Cafe. Great food.”
His dad frowned.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I just kind of thought that she and Jay were dating.”
“Who’s Jay?”
“He’s the chef at Charming Inn.”
“She didn’t say anything about dating anyone.” Mason shrugged.
“I guess I was mistaken.” His dad took another swallow of beer and stood. “I’m headed to bed. Long day. And I want to get up early and go find Lillian.”
Mason leaned back and nursed his own beer as his dad headed down the hallway. He still wondered where his dad had disappeared to earlier. Then his thoughts bounced back to the great day he’d spent with Robin. Yes, he was going to call her tomorrow—he’d been smart enough to get her number—and ask her if she wanted to have dinner with him again.
Chapter 32
Lillian sat outside the next morning, sipping her coffee, still feeling the sting of rejection after telling Gary how she felt. Just a silly old woman. What did she know about dating? She’d lived all these years without being married or even having a serious boyfriend. And her life had been full. She didn’t need anything or anyone else.
She was fine. She’d just momentarily been thrown a bit off-kilter. She’d get over it. She always did. Life threw curves and she adjusted.
The last few days had been such a roller coaster. Finding out Gary wasn’t who he’d implied he was. Learning what had happened in Seattle. Her fall from the stairway. Then… telling Gary she cared about him.
And he’d up and left.
She was ready for some stability. Some normal life. Well, as soon as they made it through Sara’s wedding this weekend, only a few days away.
“Lil.”
She turned at the sound of Gary’s voice, annoyed that it made her heart do a double beat and her pulse race.
He climbed the stairs and came toward her, dropping in front of her so their eyes were level. “I’m so sorry I left so quickly yesterday.”
She stayed stonily silent, unwilling to let her traitorous heart soften.
“I had something I had to take care of. I had to… make peace with something. The timing was lousy though. Because—”
She interrupted him. “No problem,” she lied. “I hardly know you. And if you had somewhere to be, it’s not any of my business.”
“But it was a problem. I shouldn’t have left like that, but I really needed to deal with something. I don’t blame you if you don’t forgive me for leaving like that.” He looked right at her. “But I heard what you said. That you… care. Care about me.”
She held her breath, waiting for his words. Her heart, traitorous indeed, squeezed in her chest. Silly heart.
He took her hand in his. “I hated leaving because I wanted to tell you something. Tell you that these last few weeks have been the best weeks of my life. I care about you, too, and want to spend time with you. Lots of time. Like forever and ever time.”
She sat there in shock, barely able to hear him over the pounding of her heart.
“You know how when I first came here and I offered to help with the guest house? Jay was unsure, but you said when the universe drops something in your lap, you say thanks and accept it? Well, the universe dropped something very, very special right in front of me when I came to this island.” He squeezed her hands. “And I’d be a fool to let you go. I love you, Lillian Charm. I think I have since the second day I was here on the island. You saw me on the beach and we sat and talked. You were so excited about Sara’s wedding. And we sat and watched the sunset. I felt so connected to you then.”
She could hardly put her thoughts together as her heart swelled in her chest and happiness surged through her. “You love me?” She wanted to make sure she’d heard him correctly.
“I do.”
“And that stuff about forever and ever?”
“Yes, I meant it. I want to spend forever with you.”
“But I’ve lived alone all these years. I don’t know if I’d even know how to share my life with a man. I’m…” She let out a little laugh. “I’m pretty set in my ways.”
“I’ll adjust.” He smiled. “I don’t have a ring to give you—yet. But I want to marry you. Be with you. I want you by my side. Share the rest of our lives.”
“But it’s only been four short weeks. What will people say? It’s all so… fast.”
“I don’t care what people say or think. And it doesn’t matter how long it’s been. I know how I feel.”
She reached out and touched his face. “And I know how I feel, too. I do love you. Truly I do. And I’d love to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“Now, that’s what I’m talking about.” He jumped up and pulled her to her feet and into his arms. He kissed her gently then pulled back. “Lillian Charm, we’re going to have the most perfect life together.”
“You know what? I believe you.” She stood on tiptoe. “Now how about you kiss me again?”
And he did as she asked.
Chapter 33
Lillian stood in The Nest helping Sara get ready. Charlotte and Robin were due back in at any moment. They’d gone out to make sure everything was ready. “You look lovely. Your mother’s dress turned out so fabulous on you.”
Sara slowly ran her hands down the bodice of the dress. “I need to thank Ruby again. She did magic with the dress.” She spun around in front of the mirror.
“I have a present for you.” Lillian handed her a box wrapped in white paper with gold ribbon.
Sara carefully opened the present and gasped. “Oh, Aunt Lil. It’s perfect.” She wrapped the lace shawl around her shoulders. “So delicate and so beautiful.” She hugged her.
“I thought you might want to wear it this evening if it gets chilly since we’ll be outside for the reception.”
“I have a present for you, too.” Sara smiled and reached for a package beside her. “I had Ruby make
it.”
Lillian reached for the package. “It’s not my wedding. What is it?”
“Open it and see.”
Lillian opened the wrapped present and her eyes filled with tears. “Is this from Leah’s dress?” She held up a lace clutch bag.
“It is. I talked to Ruby about making it for you. I wanted you to have a part of Mom’s wedding dress, too.”
“I love it.” She clasped the bag close, feeling like her sister was looking down on both of them.
Robin and Charlotte entered the room. “Oh, you gave her the surprise.” Robin clapped her hands.
“You knew about this?”
“Oops. Sort of. Maybe Sara mentioned it.”
“Well, you did a good job keeping the secret.”
“Guess what we just heard?” Charlotte walked over to Lil. “The sheriff found security video from the house next to Magnolia House. There’s video of Vince tampering with the stairs. The sheriff arrested him today.”
“Gary knows now, too. He looked… relieved,” Robin added.
Charlotte walked over and spun Sara around. “I knew this dress would be perfect on you. You look gorgeous. Are you ready for this?”
“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life. I feel like I’ve waited forever for this day.”
“I couldn’t be more happy for you.” Lillian hugged her, then took her arm. “Let’s go get you married to Noah.”
Her niece rested her arm on hers, and they walked through the inn and down to the start of the aisle. Noah stood under the arbor with Zoe by his side.
Charlotte and Robin walked side by side down the aisle and turned and waited for Sara.
“You ready?” Lillian asked.
“I am.”
She walked Sara up the aisle, feeling her sister right at her side. A tear trailed down her cheek. Sara paused at the end of the aisle and kissed her. “I love you, Aunt Lil.”
“Love you, too, my dearest Sara.”
Sara walked up to stand beside Noah, and she went to sit beside Gary in the front row of seats. He smiled at her and held her hand tightly, sharing this special day with her.
Lillian mingled with the guests at the reception, making sure everything ran smoothly and everyone felt welcome. She looked over at Sara and Noah standing at the end of the deck, surrounded by friends. She smiled when she saw Sara had the lace shawl draped over her shoulders. Her heart filled with joy. She’d never seen Sara so happy.
The fairy lights that Charlotte had placed around the deck illuminated just enough to make the scene look magical.
Lillian glanced down at the brilliant ring on her finger, sparkling in the light. Gary had bought the ring the afternoon after he’d come to talk to her and said he loved her. That very evening he’d taken her for a romantic beach walk and given her the ring with an official proposal. She smiled at the memory.
She looked up from staring at her ring and saw Camille and Delbert approaching. Delbert had a wide smile and Camille… didn’t. Lillian pasted on a smile, unwilling to let Camille dampen her wonderful mood.
Delbert walked up and took her hand. “We were so glad to be included in this special day.”
“Yes, it was, ah… simple. But I guess that’s what Sara wanted.” Camille gave a dismissive shrug.
“The wedding was spectacular. And Noah and Sara look happy, don’t they?” Delbert glanced over at the couple.
“They might as well enjoy their couple time while they can.” Camille’s lips curved into a conspiratorial smile. “You know, until they have children.”
Lillian gritted her teeth and just barely kept herself from telling Camille off. Luckily she was saved by Gary coming up right then and threading his arm around her. She leaned against him, glad to have him by her side.
“Delbert, Camille, nice to see you.” Gary welcomed the couple.
“Good to see you, too. I hear congratulations are in order.”
A wide smile spread across Gary’s face at Delbert’s words. “Thank you. I’m a very lucky man.”
“That you are.”
“I was so surprised to hear the news.” Camille’s eyes narrowed. “I mean, well, you know. At your age.”
“Camille, darling. People fall in love at every age. Anyway, age is just a number.” Delbert gently contradicted her.
“I guess. But… well. I still find it a bit unusual.” Camille frowned with disapproval.
Delbert tossed her an apologetic look and turned to Camille. “Let’s go say our congratulations to Noah and Sara.”
They walked away and Gary laughed. “You did an admirable job of holding your tongue.”
“That woman—” She took a deep breath. “But nothing can dampen my happiness right now.”
Gary looked at her, his eyes full of love. “You look beautiful tonight.”
“You don’t look so bad yourself.” She stared at this handsome man in front of her. The man who’d asked her to marry him. She glanced at her ring, then looked over at Sara and tears fell yet again.
Gary saw the tears and leaned close and whispered in her ear. “And our wedding is next.”
She smiled at him through her happy tears. “In four short weeks.”
Dear Reader, I hope you enjoyed Lillian and Gary’s story… which continues in the next book! And what about Robin and Jay? Do they ever get their story? Download Book Five, Five Years or So, to find out!
As always, I appreciate my readers. Thanks so much for your support, and happy reading!
Also by Kay Correll
Thank you for reading my story. I hope you enjoyed it.
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Comfort Crossing ~ The Series
Did you miss the start of this series? Click here to get the first book for free now! The Shop on Main - Book One
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COMFORT CROSSING ~ THE SERIES
The Shop on Main - Book One
The Memory Box - Book Two
The Christmas Cottage - A Holiday Novella (Book 2.5)
The Letter - Book Three
The Christmas Scarf - A Holiday Novella (Book 3.5)
The Magnolia Cafe - Book Four
The Unexpected Wedding - Book Five
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The Wedding in the Grove (crossover short story between the Comfort Crossing and Lighthouse Point series - Josephine and Paul from The Letter.)
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LIGHTHOUSE POINT ~ THE SERIES
Wish Upon a Shell - Book One
Wedding on the Beach - Book Two
Love at the Lighthouse - Book Three
Cottage near the Point - Book Four
Return to the Island - Book Five
Bungalow by the Bay - Book Six
Click here to learn more about the series.
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CHARMING INN ~ Return to Lighthouse Point
IN 2020
One Simple Wish - Book One
Two of a Kind - Book Two
Three Little Things - Book Three
Four Short Weeks - Book Four
Five Years or So - Book Five
Six Hours Away - Book Six
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SWEET RIVER ~ THE SERIES
A Dream to Believe In - Book One
A Memory to Cherish - Book Two
A Song to Remember - Book Three
A Time to Forgive - Book Four
A Summer of Secrets - Book Five
A Moment in the Moonlight - Book Six
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e multi-author Indigo Bay series. The three stories are all interconnected.
Sweet Days by the Bay
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Sweet Holiday Memories - A short holiday story
Sweet Starlight - Book Nine
About the Author
Kay writes sweet, heartwarming stories that are a cross between women’s fiction and contemporary romance. She is known for her charming small towns, quirky townsfolk, and enduring strong friendships between the women in her books.
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Kay lives in the Midwest of the U.S. and can often be found out and about with her camera, taking a myriad of photographs which she likes to incorporate into her book covers. When not lost in her writing or photography, she can be found spending time with her ever-supportive husband, knitting, or playing with her puppies—two cavaliers and one naughty but adorable Australian shepherd. Kay and her husband also love to travel. When it comes to vacation time, she is torn between a nice trip to the beach or the mountains—but the mountains only get considered in the summer—she swears she’s allergic to snow.
Learn more about Kay and her books at kaycorrell.com
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