Seaside Kisses

by Stacy Claflin

Rafael shook his head, anger clouding his beautiful face. "Logan's going to make sure they get punished to the full extent of the law."

  "You aren't worried they'll come back?"

  "They'd be stupid to. Not only are they facing jail time for all this, but Logan's working on a restraining order to keep them away. After he made just a couple calls to the hospital, they were able to conclude that Tony and Kristine had been there at the same times I'd been given the wrong dose and when the transfer was lost from the computer."

  Amara stared at him. "If they've done all that, you think they'll honor the restraining order?" she asked.

  "They'd better, or they'll have worse consequences than just my fury unleashed."

  A car door closed nearby. "I'm going to find your store, Rafael," said Logan. "You said it's by the candy store?"

  Rafael took Amara's hand. "We'll go with you."

  "We're both excited to see what his family's done to his shop."

  "With that group," Logan said, "it's sure to be extraordinary. What's the theme?"

  Rafael laughed. "I'm not privy to that information. All I know is there's a disco ball."

  "That sounds interesting," Amara said, trying to picture it. "I can't wait to see."

  The three of them rounded the corner and then passed the bridal shop. Amara peeked in and the owner waved at her. Ignoring her surprise, she waved back. The lady hurried out. "I'm glad I caught you guys."

  Rafael stopped, looking concerned.

  "I just wanted to apologize for my unfriendliness before. I don't want to get into all the details, but our family has been going through a really rough time, and I've been taking it out on everything around me. Normally, I'm a welcoming, friendly neighbor. I shudder to imagine what you must think of me."

  Rafael extended his hand. "And I've been going through some difficulties of my own. Why don't we simply start over here? Erase the past—forget it completely—and move forward."

  She let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you." She shook his hand. "I'm Mary, and you're…?"

  "Rafael."

  "So nice to meet you. I hope we can work together, sending customers each other's way."

  "I'd like that." Rafael smiled.

  "Thank you so much for being so gracious."

  "My pleasure, Mary. It was nice to meet you."

  "And you, too. Good luck with your grand opening." She went inside, waving again.

  "At least we know they weren't behind all your vandalism," Amara said.

  Cruz appeared from Rafael's shop. "You guys comin' in or what? Hey, Logan." He held out his fist.

  Logan bumped it with his own. "Cruz. Good to see you, man."

  "Likewise. Come on, yo."

  They followed Cruz inside, finding the lights dimmed. Amara couldn't see much as her eyes tried to adjust.

  "Hit it," Cruz called out.

  A buzzing noise came from somewhere in the back and then something sounded from above. A light shone from somewhere, followed by little glittering lights all over. A huge disco ball glowed with rainbow colors from the ceiling. Amara's breath caught and she leaned against Rafael, who wrapped his arm around her.

  The entire shop had been transformed. The tables and displays were rearranged, making the walkway—now with a red carpet—the center of attention. The walls were covered with posters of popular bands and singers from the last four or five decades. A popular song from about five years earlier played.

  Jasmine and Zachary came out on the walkway, wearing some of Rafael's clothes.

  Cruz shouted encouragement and Logan clapped. Rafael kissed Amara's cheek.

  Brayden and Lana rounded the corner wearing more of his clothes, dancing with each other along the way. They were followed by Jake and Tiffany, and finally the Hunter parents, Dawn and Robert.

  Logan, Cruz, Rafael, and Amara all applauded for them, cheering and laughing.

  If this was so much fun, Amara couldn't imagine how wonderful the actual event would be.

  Cruz nudged her and Rafael. "Your turn."

  "What do you mean?" Rafael asked.

  "Hurry up, man. Don't keep us waiting. Show us the final outfits."

  Rafael stared into Amara's eyes. "Do you want to?"

  Her pulse raced. The formal wear. She nodded. This would be better than all the school dances she'd missed.

  The two of them hurried back. Amara picked out a homecoming-style dress and changed in the bathroom while Rafael changed in the employee lounge. When she was done, she knocked on the door. "Are you decent?" she called.

  "Yes."

  Amara came out and froze mid-step. Rafael stood by the door in a tuxedo, even more gorgeous than usual. Her breath caught, and she barely registered that he held the same amazement in his own eyes.

  He took her hand, pulling her close. "You're the most beautiful woman alive."

  Her face heated up. "And I've never seen anyone hotter than you."

  Red entered his cheeks. "Are you ready?"

  She nodded, and he led her to the beginning of the red carpet. He peeked out. "We're ready."

  "Finally, dude," Cruz called. A song from the current top ten list blared from the speakers.

  Rafael lifted her hand, kissed the back of it, and then led her out to the main part of the store, following the path. Applause and cheers surrounded them. Amara couldn't wipe the smile off her face. This was worth the wait. All those years of missed dances and being made fun of was all worth it because of this very moment.

  When they reached the end of the carpet, she turned toward the back, but Rafael tugged on her hand. She spun around to face him. He took both of her hands and pulled her close.

  "I love you, Amara."

  "And I—"

  "You're the most wonderful woman alive, and I can hardly believe you return my feelings. You've made me the luckiest, most blessed man alive. I love you, and I may be selfish for this, but I want you with me for the rest of my life. The thought of you not being there at my side crushes me alive. I promise to always treat with love and respect. Will you be my wife?" He pulled out a ring and knelt down on one knee.

  Tears blurred her vision, and she was only vaguely aware of everyone crowding closer. Amara nodded, covering her mouth. "Yes, yes. Of course!"

  Rafael slid the ring on her finger, and it fit perfectly. He rose and slid his fingers on her side, lifting her into the air. He lowered her back to the ground and gave her the sweetest, most passionate kiss. More clapping and cheers surrounded them.

  He pulled back and they were surrounded by hugs and congratulations.

  Alex appeared from behind some of the Hunters and gave her a huge hug. "I'm so happy for you. I know how long you've wanted this."

  Amara raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

  He gave her a sheepish grin. "I suppose now's the time to admit to reading your diaries back in the day."

  She shoved him, her face heating up again. "Really? You've known about my crush all these years?"

  Alex nodded. "I was afraid you'd been holding out for him, but now I'm glad you did. You two really are perfect for each other."

  "That we are," Rafael said, spinning Amara around. "I was just too blind to see it years ago. It's too bad I had to go through so much heartache and pain to realize it, but I'd go through it all over again if it meant being with you."

  Amara stared into his eyes, tears blurring her vision again.

  He pulled her close, kissing her. "Let's dance—to make up for all the missed ones."

  She stared into his eyes, letting the reality set in that all her dreams were really starting to come true.

  Thirty Two

  The music blasted through the speakers, and Rafael moved around the people pressed against him on all sides. The grand opening had turned out to be an even bigger success than he'd imagined. It seemed like half the town was crowded into his shop, and the other half was outside, waiting to come in.

  Cruz and Brayden stood at the door to make sure no one left with unpaid merchand
ise. His other brothers and Alex wandered around—as best as they could—watching those in the store. Mostly, it seemed like people were excited about the activities. The raffle had turned out to be a huge hit. From the looks of it, Rafael would be able to decorate the store how he wanted, or at least get a really good start at it.

  People started cheering, and Amara came down the runway, looking gorgeous as always. Rafael was tempted to pinch himself. How had he managed to convince someone so wonderful and so gorgeous to marry him? Especially since everything seemed to have gone by in such a flurry since they'd reunited.

  He supposed that the fact they'd known each other for their entire lives helped, even if they hadn't been close. It was history, and though he wished he'd gotten to know her when they were younger, he was glad for the chance now. And he would make up for every lost moment for the rest of his life.

  Amara strolled down the runway with the grace of a professional model, and he loved her moves—so full of the confidence she deserved to carry. As she stopped at the end, she met Rafael's gaze and winked. He blew her a kiss and clapped as she spun around. Everyone else around him followed his lead, and the entire place erupted with the sounds of applause.

  She would change outfits a couple times, and then they would have their formal walk together. Glancing around, Rafael figured he'd better start making his way toward the back room now. It might take that long to press through the throng of people. He made his way around everyone.

  Most of the guests recognized him as the owner—most of them had known him his whole life—and they made way for him to get through. Quite a few stopped him to congratulate him on the store and the stylish designs.

  Why had he opened his first shop in LA? It didn't make sense. Not when he had so many people who loved and supported him here at home. Better late than never. That seemed to be the theme of his life, and he would take it on both counts—with his beautiful fiancée and the business.

  Finally, he made it to the back room. Amara stepped out of the bathroom wearing a pale pink kimono-inspired dress, and she made it even lovelier than it already was. He held his breath as they made eye contact. She ran over and wrapped her arms around him, giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

  "You're so stunning already, I don't know how I'm going to keep from kissing you all the way down the catwalk when you're in the suit."

  "The feeling's mutual, beautiful." He brushed his lips against hers before she ran off as the next song played.

  Rafael glanced around the room, looking for his tux. If he timed it right, he'd just be dressed by the time Amara came back. He looked around to make sure no one was in sight, and then quickly changed. His heart raced thinking about going out there with Amara in front of everyone. He fully intended to kiss her and let everyone know his love for the town's best kept secret.

  She ran into the room. "Let's see how fast I can do this. We…" She stopped and her mouth gaped open, staring at him.

  The corners of Rafael's mouth curved up. "I thought you were going to hurry," he teased.

  "Can't we just get married now? I don't want to wait."

  He went over to Amara and pulled her into an embrace. "I don't, either, but I want to give you the most beautiful wedding the world has ever seen. And that's going to take some time."

  She pouted. "Oh, all right. If you insist." She gave him a quick kiss and then wriggled out of his arms and ran into the bathroom.

  Rafael peeked out into the shop. The lights had been dimmed with only the shimmers from the disco ball on the ceiling. The current song was winding down. He turned around to see if Amara was ready and the door opened. She stepped out, wearing a gorgeous yellow dress with splashes of black and green—she'd picked out a different dress of his and surprised him. It was perfect.

  The new song started before he could say anything. She grabbed his hand and led him out there. It took him a moment to adjust to so many faces staring at him, but he focused on Amara, following her tempo. When they reached the end, she spun around, the dress twirling and sparkling. She turned around to walk back, but this was Rafael's moment.

  He put his hands on her shoulders and spun her around. Her eyes were full of surprise as she turned to him. He dipped her down, careful to keep hold of her, and pressed his lips on her soft, sweet mouth. Cheers and catcalls sounded all around.

  Rafael straightened and helped her stand up. He held up her left hand with the ring. "This stunningly beautiful woman has agreed to marry me!"

  The shouts and exclamations grew louder as people called out their congratulations. Rafael scooped up Amara and carried her to the back room. A new, louder song played, and he knew his family was rearranging the shop for dancing. It had been a last minute change of plans, but he wanted to make sure all the visitors had a blast and wanted to come back.

  Rafael carefully dropped Amara onto the couch and landed next to her. "You made the grand opening a success."

  "Me? All I did was wear the clothes you designed."

  "But you made them glow."

  She beamed. "Joint success?"

  He pressed his lips on hers, his already fast heart speeding up. "I can agree to that." She kissed him back.

  "I could keep this up all day—"

  "Good." Amara forced her lips on his again.

  Rafael laughed. "But we should get back out there. Or at least I should, and I'd like to have you on my side."

  "Like I said, we should just get married now. There has to be a minister or judge in the crowd somewhere." Her eyes shone.

  He tapped her nose, smiling and shook his head. "Like I said, I want it to be the most impressive wedding ever."

  She pretended to think about it. "Oh, all right."

  Laughing, Rafael rose and helped her up. She ran into the bathroom and he changed into his clothes before she came out. He went over to the mirror and ran his hands through his hair, fixing a few rebellious strands. She came out, and they joined the crowd, dancing until the shop emptied.

  His family and Alex's were the last ones remaining. Rafael's parents and brothers were already cleaning as he said goodbye to the last customer, leaving with the grand prize basket. He turned around to see Alex's three kids jumping all over their aunt. She laughed, playing with them. Ella, Alex's wife, sat on a chair, her eyes closed.

  Rafael went over to her. "Are you okay?"

  She opened one eye and then sat up. "Yeah. Just tired. Congratulations on the big event—and the engagement. Alex, the kids, and I are all thrilled for you guys. You two are adorable." She smiled through the dark circles under her eyes.

  "Congratulations to you, too. I should have Alex take you home. I can't imagine having three kids and expecting another."

  She laughed weakly. "Me, neither."

  Rafael held out his hand and helped her up. "Hey, Alex," he called across the shop.

  Alex came over. "Yeah?"

  "You should get her home. I think she's about to drop."

  Concern covered Alex's face. "Oh, Ella. I'm so sorry. I didn't realize."

  Ella shook her head. "Don't worry. I didn't want you to miss any of the big event."

  He and Amara said their goodbyes, and then Rafael helped his family clean. It was amazing how much of mess had been made, but at least he didn't have to deal with it on his own.

  A hand rested on his shoulder. Rafael turned around to see Logan. "You're still here? I thought you left already."

  "I did, but then I got a call about Tony and Kristine."

  Rafael arched a brow, and Amara came over to them, holding onto Rafael's hand.

  "What's going on?" Amara asked.

  Logan scrolled through his phone. "Let me make sure I don't forget anything. I took notes… hold on. Okay."

  Rafael realized he was holding his breath. He released it, trying to focus. Part of him feared that the charges had been dropped.

  Logan continued. "The hospital staff found some video footage that had been tampered with, and it took some work, but they found eviden
ce of both Tony and Kristine there after you'd been admitted. Tony was the one who got into the computer system and made it look like you hadn't been admitted anywhere after the ER. Then Kristine is the one who injected you with the medicine. The videos show she was interrupted. If she'd have used all that she had, it would have killed you."

  Amara gasped and clung to Rafael's arm tighter. She stared at him with wide eyes. "What if—?"

  He placed a finger on her lips. "It didn't." Fear ripped through him at what could have happened, but he couldn't let Amara know. "It's okay, and that's all that matters."

  She shook, and he pulled her close. "What else?" he asked Logan.

  "A witness who saw the accident came forward, identified Tony, and said that though you ran the red light, he had already entered the intersection, aiming straight for you."

  Rafael felt dizzy. "And they're still free?"

  Logan shook his head. "Just arrested, and currently without bail. They're both facing attempted murder charges and also…"

  Rafael held onto Amara tighter, unable to focus on Logan. He'd known that Tony and Kristine were bad news, but multiple attempts on his life?

  "But the good news," Logan said, interrupting Rafael's thoughts, "is that they should stay in jail for a long, long time. The evidence against them is really strong."

  Rafael released a long, slow breath. "You don't think they're going to get out?"

  "Let's just say I'd hate to be the attorney assigned to their cases."

  "You don't think Rafael is in any danger, do you?" Amara asked.

  "Not unless they get out, but I can't see that happening. Juries around here don't tend to give light sentences to murderers and those who attempt it. Also, he has a pile of financial lawsuits against him back in LA. Enough to keep him locked up for years. He's dug himself in deep."

  Amara stared into his eyes, her face full of worry. "I can't believe we came that close to losing you." Tears filled her eyes.

  Rafael's heart broke. "Don't cry." He wiped a tear that escaped. "It's like Logan said, I'm safe now."

  She blinked and more tears spilled out. "At least you're here, in my arms. Safe."

  He kissed her cheeks where the tears fell. "And I'm not going anywhere. I'm yours for life."