"Possibly. It's a small town, and you're both locals."
"Tell him he better treat you well."
"I have a feeling he will." Jasmine tried to hold in a smile, but couldn't.
Zachary leaned over the table. "Tell him I'll beat him up if he doesn't."
"Will do."
A phone rang.
Zachary held up his. "It's mine. Looks like they need me back in the shop. I'm glad we were able to talk this out. Are we good now?"
"I guess." She shrugged, pretending to think it over.
He made eye contact with her, and they burst out laughing.
"I'll take that as a yes." He waved the waitress over and handed her a card. She left with it and Zachary turned back to Jasmine. "Can we reschedule that date we missed the other day? I'll talk with Jake when I get to the shop."
"Sure. You want me to call Erin about the covers?"
He took her hand and helped her up. "I'd be much obliged."
The waitress returned with his card, he signed the slip, and they walked back out into the blustery cold.
"You sure you want to move here?" Zachary asked, shivering.
"I can handle the cold. I don't want to leave that guy I told you about. I think he might keep me distracted from the weather."
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, kissing her. Jasmine shivered, but not from the weather. She loved being in his arms, and never wanted to leave. She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around him.
"Mmm. I could stay here all day," he said. "Unfortunately, my brothers would have my hide. Do you want me to drop you off at your car?"
"That would be wonderful." She pressed her palm against his and laced her fingers in between his. He was so much warmer than she, so she leaned against him, warming up.
"You make it hard for me to go to work," Zachary said, running his hand through her hair.
"I wouldn't want to get you in trouble." She forced herself to step back.
"Eh, they're my little brothers. I can take them."
The wind blew harder, sending a branch near them. Zachary grabbed her shoulders and moved her out of the way.
"We'd better get in the car," he said. They ran over and hurried inside, barely missing another branch.
"That's some crazy wind," Jasmine said, trying to catch her breath.
Zachary started the car. "I'm afraid summer's officially over."
They discussed the possibility of a rough winter on the short drive to the Hunter house. Zachary helped her out of his car and into hers.
"Call me later," she said.
"As soon as I can." He gave her a quick kiss on the forehead before closing her door and waving.
Jasmine drove to Lana's. Just as she was about to get out, her phone rang. She didn't recognize the number and answered it, hoping it was about the rental insurance. She needed to get that moving so she could replace her stuff.
"Hello?"
"Jasmine Blackwell?"
"Speaking."
"This is Nurse Keller from the hospital. Do you have a minute to discuss your mother's care?"
Her heart sank. "Yeah. What's going on?"
"She's agreed to rehab."
"What?" Jasmine exclaimed. "Really?"
"Yes. She wants to work past her addictions and get clean. It took some convincing, but between wanting to avoid jail and dealing with her withdrawals, she thinks she's up for it. But she's going to need some support. Do you think you can provide that? She asked specifically for you."
Jasmine took a deep breath. She didn't want to deal with her mom's problems, especially with everything going so well with Zachary. On the other hand, if her mom was serious about cleaning up, maybe they could both have a happily ever after. Maybe. She wasn't going to hold her breath."
"Are you still there?" asked the nurse.
"Yeah, sorry. As long as she's serious, I'll be her support."
"Oh, good. We're trying to find the right facility to send her to, but she won't agree to anything unless you're here."
She never thought she'd see the day her mom wanted help. "Why does she want my help?"
"Your mom said she's trying to get out of a bad living situation, and you're the most responsible person she knows."
That was the nicest thing her mom had ever said about her—even if the nurse had reworded it to make it sound better, as Jasmine suspected. "Um, okay. I can be there in about a half an hour."
Jasmine ended the call and pulled out of her spot, unable to believe the events of the day.
When she stepped to the hospital room, her mom sat in a chair, flipping through a magazine.
"Mom."
She looked up and half-smiled, showing her yellowed teeth. "Jas. You came."
Jasmine stepped closer. "You really want to turn your life around?" she asked, not hiding her disbelief. Jasmine had no reason to believe her mom.
"I do. That's why I came to you in the first place, but didn't have the self-control to stop. Wish it hadn't come down to this, but here I am. Sorry about your apartment."
"What about everyone else's condos?" Jasmine snapped.
"Those, too," she muttered. "I'm ready to change, and now I see my need for help."
Jasmine studied her face, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Her mom held up the magazine in her lap. "This is the rehab place they want to send me. What do you think?" She handed it to Jasmine.
She glanced it over. "It seems okay. I don't really know much about those places, though."
"I can't focus on any of these details, so I need to know what you think. It's close to here, but I don't know if you're staying. You move around a lot, don't you?"
Jasmine hesitated. How much of her life did she dare sharing with her mom? "When I was performing, I did." Jasmine sat in the seat across from her. "I just finished school to teach dance. Well, when my internship is complete, I'll be done."
"Will you be close by if I need you?" asked her mom, her eyes widening. "I know I haven't done anything to deserve your help, Jas, but it would mean a lot." She stared into Jasmine's eyes. Her eyes were bloodshot and she had dark bands underneath.
"I plan on staying in Kittle Falls for a while—just not in the condo."
Her mom frowned and looked down, playing with her ragged fingernails. "I'm really sorry about that."
"I know. And yeah, if you need me, I'll be around. What about Dad?"
"What about him?"
"Are you going to ask him to support you through the process, too?" Jasmine asked.
"That man is never going to change. The only way I'll be able to move on is to stay away from him."
Jasmine nodded. "That's probably for the best. Do you think you'll be able to? You've been with him a long time."
"I'm already happier after this little bit of space from him."
"What if you decide you want to go back to drinking? Or smoking?" asked Jasmine.
Her mom shook her head. "I want to get clean. Rehab, support groups, whatever it takes. Can you press that red button on the bed? I'm ready to have the nurses get my transfer ready. You think that place looks good?" She gestured toward the brochure.
"As best I can tell." Jasmine pressed the nurse call button. "Want me to check the ratings online?"
She rubbed her temples. "If you can."
Jasmine pulled out her phone and did a quick search. "Seems to be the best rated one around here."
"Okay." Her mom slouched in the chair.
"Anything else?" Jasmine asked.
"The light is really bright, and I'm starving."
Jasmine stood and dimmed the overhead lights. "Are they feeding you enough?"
"I'm always hungry. They say it's from giving up the cigarettes."
A nurse came in. "What can I help you with?"
"My mom's ready to get set up with the rehab unit," Jasmine said.
"Good. Let's get her set up."
Jasmine took a deep breath, hoping her mom was serious.
Thirty
Zachary squeezed Jasmine's hand. "I think this place is perfect for your studio. It won't take much to transform it."
The empty retail space in front of them was a former karate studio, and already had much of what Jasmine needed for her dance studio, including mirrors on nearly every wall. They would need to tear out the floor mats, but there were supposed to be nice hardwoods underneath. Those would just need to be buffed.
Jasmine stepped back, letting go of his hand. "And my settlement from the fire should cover most of it. I really can't believe how much they awarded me."
He moved over to her and wrapped his arms around her from behind. Her hair brushed against his face, tickling it. "Everything has fallen into place."
Zachary's phone beeped.
"Another sale?" Jasmine asked and then laughed. "You need to turn those notifications off."
"I love that sound."
"You know, they say you shouldn't check the sales more than once a week."
"I've never been one to follow advice."
She shook her head. "Then keep it up. Turn up the volume. Shout it from the rooftops."
"Are you trying to use reverse psychology on me?"
"Who, me?"
His phone beeped again, indicating another book sale. He rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay. I'll turn them off." He pulled out his phone and silenced the notifications.
Zachary slid his hands down her arms and turned her around, gazing into her eyes. "You can try that on me as much as you want. I'm just glad that you're staying in town. You've managed to walk into my life and turn it upside-down—in the best way possible. I'd still be chasing down agents and publishers if it weren't for you."
"And who knows where I'd be?" she asked. "Back in Oregon, lonely and bored."
He kissed her nose. "We're both better off. Is your mom still doing well in rehab?"
"They're supposed to re-evaluate later this week, but it sounds promising. Last week, they told me she was their star 'student.' I had serious doubts, but in this case, I'm so glad to be wrong."
Zachary kissed her cheek. "Me, too, beautiful."
"It was so nice of your parents to offer her a place to stay until she gets on her feet."
"And I thought it was pretty nice of that random dance instructor to offer her a job doing office work, too."
Jasmine shoved him playfully. "Unfortunately, I can't imagine anyone else hiring her. She hasn't worked in over twenty-five years, and she will have just came out of rehab."
"Still, it was quite nice of you. Especially after everything you've told me about your history."
"If she's ready to turn over a new leaf, then I want to help her."
"Kind of ironic how the fire she started is helping to pay for her first job."
Jasmine shrugged. "Like you said, everything has worked out. Are you ready for the long drive? I can't wait to get this graduation over and finally be a real instructor."
Zachary stood taller, his heart jumping into his throat. Not only were they driving to Portland for her graduation, but they were going to get engaged—assuming she said yes. His heart raced, just thinking about it. He slid his hand into his pants pocket where the ring was stored safely.
"Zachary?"
"I'm ready. Are you?"
She nodded. "I hope so."
"You're going to do great. Let's go." He had to get his mind off the proposal before he talked himself out of it. She would say yes, but his nerves were making him doubt.
Lana had asked Jasmine a bunch of questions about what style of engagement rings she liked and her dream proposal. Luckily, she had always wanted a traditional one with the guy lowering onto one knee and expressing his devotion. Zachary had thought about planning out a complicated, unique proposal, but with his nerves as they were, he'd be better off with something simple.
Zachary had been worried that Jasmine would figure out why Lana was asking all the questions, but Lana swore it was typical girl talk.
Brayden had gone with Zachary to the jeweler, helping him to find the exact ring that Jasmine wanted. Then Brayden had even roll played with Zachary, pretending to be Jasmine—Zachary had been that nervous about the proposal. No surprise since his gift was writing, not performing.
They climbed into Zachary's car and he started it, his palms sweating. He took a deep breath again, but Jasmine didn't appear to notice his nervousness.
She pulled out her phone. "I made you a playlist of my favorite songs."
He looked over at her, surprised. "You did?"
"I hope it's okay. I don't want to encroach on Sophia's CD."
"Never. I bet she'd be glad I'm listening to something new. Maybe she can even hear this one from somewhere."
Jasmine squeezed his hand. "Maybe she's even with Carter listening."
"I'd like to think so." He pulled out of the parking spot, curious to hear the music she'd chosen. He enjoyed the first song, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as he made his way toward the highway. They made lighthearted conversation the whole way until they came to Portland.
"Do we have time to get something to eat?" she asked.
He checked the time. "I wish. But I don't want you to be late to your own graduation."
"It's not a real graduation. I'm just—"
Zachary put his finger over her lips. "It's real, and I'm proud of you. Top of your class."
Her face turned red. "It's not a big deal. I'm just getting a certificate."
"Don't downplay it. You did great, and you deserve your day."
They climbed out of the car and Jasmine brought out her phone. "Hey. We do have time to get something to eat."
Zachary shook his head, his heart rate increasing. "Nope. You need to get there early and make sure you're prepared."
They walked toward the building and Zachary stopped in front of a pretty rose bush.
"What's the matter?" Jasmine asked.
Zachary's heart pounded against his rib cage. He was about to break into a sweat. Taking a deep breath, he bent down. "What's that?"
"What?" she asked.
Zachary kneeled on the ground, a tiny rock pressing into his knee through the pants. He dug his hand into his pocket, finding the ring. His heart pounded even faster as he pulled it out. "This." He held it out in front of her.
Jasmine gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. Her eyes widened and shone.
He took her hand and kissed it, preparing his words. "Like I said back at your studio, you've changed my life, Jasmine. The last month and a half have been the best of my life. You've supported and challenged me—given me exactly what I need. I know this probably seems crazy after such a short time, but I can't live without you. Will you marry me?"
Jasmine squealed, nodding frantically. "Yes!"
Zachary slid the ring on her finger. It was a perfect fit, thanks to Lana finding out her size for him. He stood and picked her up, spinning her in a hug.
"Would it be okay if I had this dance?"
She looked around. "You want to dance? In the parking lot?"
"I've been practicing."
"With whom?" Jasmine asked.
Heat crept into Zachary's cheeks. "Cruz."
Jasmine threw her head back and laughed. "Cruz? You danced with him?"
"Can we forget about that and just dance?"
"Did you record any of it?" she teased.
"You think this is pretty funny, don't you?"
She kissed him. "I think it's incredibly sweet you'd do that for me."
Zachary kissed her back and then pulled her close. He slid his hand down to the small of her back, and held her other hand in his. Though there was a slight breeze, the sun still shone, reflecting light from the ring.
Just as they finished the dance, a rustling noise sounded not far away.
"Did we miss it?" someone called.
They turned around. All of Zachary's brothers, his parents, Lana, Tiffany, and Kate were headed their way.
Jasmine gave him a questioning
look. "Did you invite them?"
"Not really." He laughed.
The girls crowded around Jasmine, admiring the ring. The guys congratulated Zachary. Cruz held up his fist.
Zachary bumped Cruz's fist with his own. "Thanks for helping me dance. It really worked."
Cruz glanced at the other guys. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Okay," Zachary said.
"I want to see you guys dance," Kate said.
"So do I," agreed Zachary's mom.
Zachary felt his face heat up, but as soon as Jasmine was back in his arms, he forgot about everyone else.
He led her, gliding along the concrete in a beautiful, well-choreographed dance. His heart pounded steadily against his chest as he looked into the beautiful eyes of his new fiancée.
Author's Note
Thanks so much for reading Seaside Dances. I hope you're enjoying the series as much as I am. It was a step out of my comfort zone writing sweet romance after writing paranormal romance and contemporary suspense, but I really love the Hunters! Each one is different, and has their own endearing qualities. It was fun to write about Zachary since he's a writer, too!
Anyway, if you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review wherever you purchased it. Not only will your review help me to better understand what you like—so I can give you more of it!—but it will also help other readers find my work. Reviews can be short—just share your honest thoughts. That's it.
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Meet the Hunter brothers of Kittle Falls…
Seaside Dances: A Sweet Romance (The Seaside Hunters Book 3) Page 19