Blissful Tragedy
Page 29
Is she serious? I bite my cheek to ensure I’m not dreaming. Ouch! Yep, it’s real. “I accept.”
Victoria smiles. “Wonderful, Alexis. We’ll be in touch. You’re entitled to traumatic leave so you won’t start this new position until November first.”
“Thank you.” I gather the paperwork, weave my fingers with Van’s, and exit the room.
An irrepressible smile plasters across my face and I’m almost skipping down the hallway. Any ounce of stress or fear that once existed is banished to oblivion. How did I become one of the lucky few who get to have it all? “Winning the lottery can’t feel this good. Does it get any better?”
“I can think of a few ways.” He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me close to him and nibbles on my ear. “I planned a surprise getaway for us; a beachfront bed and breakfast in Cape May.”
The hairs on my neck stand on end as his tongue glides along my ear. Ah, a beach vacation, just what I need. I bounce up on my feet and kiss Van softly. “You’re amazing. When do we leave?”
He presses his forehead against mine. “Tomorrow morning. Let’s pack.”
∞
The aroma of salty air blows through the vents of my Chevy as we pull into the parking lot of Rose’s Bed and Breakfast. Ah, it’s the offseason! The closest we can get to our own secluded beach. The Cape is so busy during the summer months. Well, there’s still a few people strolling through the cobblestone streets, but it’s like we’re on our own private retreat. I close my eyes and listen to the sounds of the waves crashing onto the sand. For once, time is on my side, and I’m not wasting a second.
I grab Van’s free hand as he pulls a bag out of the trunk and I rest my head against his shoulder. “Thanks for this trip.” I step back and run my hands up his hard chiseled chest, wrapping my arms around him. “After everything that’s happened, a long weekend with you away from the rest of the world is like paradise.”
He drops the bag and gently tugs my hips toward him, pressing himself against me. “You deserve it.” He lightly brushes his fingertips up my arms and to my cheeks, gently grabbing my face and kissing me softly. “I want this to be perfect.”
I wet my lips. “Once we get in that room everything will be superb.”
He glides his fingers back down my arm and holds my hand. “You’re still supposed to be taking it easy.” He raises his eyebrows.
I flash my sexiest smile and nuzzle my cheek against his arm. “I’ll take it however I can get it.” He kisses my forehead and then shakes his head.
Perfect, second floor and oceanfront! I gaze at the sea through an enormous picture window. The waves crash along the white sand. I step back and glance around the room. Have I traveled back in time? It’s like I’m in a doll house, my eyes travel from the rose and cream lace curtains to the huge claw foot bathtub.
“You certainly have a gift for picking out exceptional hotel rooms.” I strut toward him and pull him close, slowly grazing my fingernails down his back. I stop at the waist of his jeans and run my fingers along the rim of the thick fabric, making my way toward the front.
He backs up and gives me a quick peck on the lips. “How about a little shopping before dinner?”
Does he think I’m still on the bed rest regime and avoiding strenuous activity? Well, he’s dead wrong. I plan on doing quite a few things in bed this weekend, none of them restful.
Hand in hand, we stroll through the gas-lit streets of Cape May, admiring the historic Victorian homes.
How amazing! Each is more beautiful than the next. “I love those huge porches. They remind me of your house in Kansas. I can’t wait to start my mornings with coffee on your swing.”
“You should consider it our place.” He stops and looks over at me. “You know what’s mine is yours, right?” He wrinkles his brow and stares, searching my face.
Huh, he’s acting weird tonight. I shrug. “Yeah, I guess. I’ve never lived with a boyfriend before. I still have to get used to the terminology.”
We browse through a few jewelry stores and antique shops. Hey, is that Christmas music? Up ahead is a holiday themed store.
“Come on, I have an idea.” I drag Van by his hand into the store and peruse the selection of ornaments. This one’s perfect. I hold it up. Our first Christmas Together with two reindeer enclosed in a heart. “For our first Christmas at our place.”
Van holds it in his palm, a small smile creeps over his face. “We’re gonna need a tree to hang that on. Are you a real or an artificial kind of girl?”
“I’m not fussy. Either one is good, as long as our lights can be seen from space.” I giggle.
He shakes his head and slides his arm around me. “Should I invest in a windmill?”
“Wouldn’t hurt.” I slither my arm around his waist as we make our way out of the store.
I glance at my watch. Time is flying again; it’s just about dinner time. “Where to next?”
“I planned an outdoor dinner.” He bites at his lip.
He’s full of surprises. “Wow, you’re amazing.” I pull him close as we walk back to our room.
Hmm, what outfit screams outdoor dining? Ah ha, my turquoise blue sundress, white sweater and white flip flops. The breeze from the ocean always wrecks my hair. Might as well try to look as good as possible, I pull it into a loose ponytail. The sunlight shining through the window reflects against my diamond earrings, casting a million rainbows against the wall. What a spectacular sight! I step out of the bathroom and stop dead in my tracks.
Van rises from the bed and runs his hand through his hair. Dear God, can he be any sexier? My heart’s about to beat out my chest and electricity flows through me as if I’ve been struck by lightning. Whoa, where’s the jeans and T-shirt? My eyes gravitate toward the dark gray pants that hang on his hips in just the right way. Damn! That green shirt accentuates every sculpted muscle in his torso. His eyes sparkle, reflecting off the emerald hue.
My jaw drops as I stare at my rock god. “I’ve only seen you out of your jeans at Sydney’s wedding.” I can’t take my eyes off him.
He flashes a sexy half smile and raises his eyebrows. “You may have seen me out of my jeans a few other times too.” He winks.
How am I going to compose myself during dinner? We cross the street to the beach and stroll along the edge of the gritty sand. The warm breeze caresses my face, causing a few loose strands of hair to tickle my skin. I gaze out into the ocean, watching the waves crash in a perfectly choreographed rhythm.
A bottle of champagne rests in a chiller atop a wooden platform covered with a blanket, surrounded by white candles in the sand. I squint and jerk my head back slightly. Did Van do all this for me?
I cover my mouth with my hands. My knees are weak, electricity jolts throughout my body. My lips part and I drop my hands to my side, staring into the emerald abyss. “This is the most romantic moment of my life.”
Soft lips touch mine, breaking my trance.
He pulls away and rubs his hands down his pant leg. “Your favorite, picnic style.”
I slide off my flip flops and sit on the soft blanket. Van fidgets, biting at his nails as he joins me. Two shiny silver domes cover our dishes. How fancy. What kind of meal awaits? Wait, those flowers scattered around the blanket are familiar. I pick one up and examine it. Asphodels, the flowers in our tattoos. I look over at Van who’s biting his lip as he stares at me. What does he have up his sleeve? I lift my silver dome. Huh, there’s no food on the plate, just a small silver gift bag with the most beautiful asphodel on top. I glance over at Van and narrow my eyes as I open the bag. I gasp! It’s a small velvet box.
Van’s already down on one knee. Oh my God, is this really happening? My heart bangs against my chest. Tears well up in my eyes as the warmth of the sun flows through my body. My cheeks flush and a smile that could light up the darkest night forms on my face.
Van takes the box from my trembling fingers and holds my hand. “My world changed the moment I met you. I never knew what was m
issing. Everything’s better when you’re here and nothing’s right without you. I never feel as good as I do when you’re by my side or as bad as I do when you’re away from me. So far it’s been a blissful tragedy. I love you, Lexie, and I’ll love you forever. I promise you much more bliss and much less tragedy. Will you marry me?”
A tear rolls down my cheek as I stare into eyes that can bring me to my knees. Every moment we’ve shared flashes before my eyes. I’m not the same girl that I was before. Everything missing from my life is standing in front of me, asking for forever. I wipe the tears from my face. “Yes, of course I’ll marry you.”
Van exhales deeply, lunges forward, and slams his soft lips against mine in a frenzy of passion. My heart pounds. I reach around and wrap my arms around his neck, weaving my fingers through his hair. Ah, most definitely the best kiss of my life!
He pulls away and holds out the velvet box. “I almost forgot.” He lifts the lid.
I’m breathless. My jaw drops and my eyes widen as they travel over the large, round, flawless stone. “It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen.”
“I can’t take all the credit. Jenna helped me pick it out.” Van laughs. “She was muttering something about wishing she waited longer to get engaged so she could have a ring like this one.” He slips it on my finger.
Perfect fit! “Yeah, that sounds like Jenna.”
He pops open the champagne bottle and fills our glasses. “May our tomorrows be as happy as today.”
We clink our glasses and sip the bubbly.
I gaze out onto the ocean as I cuddle on the blanket with Van, occasionally looking down at the faultless diamond on my finger. The gentle breeze caresses my skin, as the sun descends and disappears into the water. I’m the luckiest girl alive!
“I made us a dinner reservation at a quaint restaurant on the beach.” Van looks over at me, barely able to contain his smile. He stands up and holds out his hand. “Walk with me.”
My heart palpates and my skin tingles as I take Van’s hand and stroll through the sand, watching my diamond sparkle in the setting sun. “I will walk with you forever Van Sinclair.”
I have the man I’ve longed for, a dream job, and wonderful friends and family. What more can I ask for? My life is suddenly and completely perfect. No tragedy, all bliss.
Coming Soon
Wrecked
Eighteen year old Layla Anderson has it all. She’s queen bee of her high school, head cheerleader, and dates the captain of the football team, but all her popularity won’t help expunge her tarnished record and help her win the scholarship to a prestigious culinary school she’s been vying for. When she’s partnered up with mysterious bad-boy Chase Cooper in traffic school, she vows to steer clear of him and the trouble that seems to follow. Then tragedy strikes, pulling her from her perfect life and plunging her into a downward spiral. Can the most unlikely person turn into her hero? How can you pick up the pieces when your whole life’s been wrecked?
About the Author:
Romance author by night, pharmacist by day, Amy Gale loves rock music and the feel of sand between her toes. She attended Wilkes University where she graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. In addition to writing, she enjoys baking, scary movies, rock concerts, and reading books at the beach. She lives in the lush forest of Northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, six cats, and golden retriever.
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