One Sweet Day I Found You: A Sweet Romance Book 1

by Jillian Walsh

  Nick still looked confused. “Okay. Thanks, Dad,” he said slowly. “But why is Courtney here?” He looked at Courtney, his eyes gentle but baffled.

  Courtney opened her mouth to say something.

  “Well, why wouldn’t she be here?” Mrs. Bingham spoke first. “She was visiting with Victoria when we arrived. Nicholas, where are your manners?”

  Nick didn’t answer his mother, but he looked at her with a slight, if not bewildered, apology.

  He finally shot Courtney a look. What’s going on?

  She returned his gaze with tightly closed lips. Not talking? Okay, that was also strange.

  Did they even know who Courtney was to him? His best guess said they didn’t. Yet, she’d apparently spent some time with them already.

  Victoria sipped her lemonade and set it back down quickly. “Oh, my goodness, Julia, Kenneth, I never mentioned it, did I? I’m so sorry. I should’ve told you when I first introduced Courtney—she’s dating your son.” Victoria sounded delighted. “Isn’t that wonderful?”

  Nick heard his mother gasp.

  The entire room went silent. And then everyone stared at Courtney.

  Courtney began to turn pink and plastered a smile across her face.

  Okay, now it all made sense. They’d thought she was only a tenant. Nick’s cheeks also felt warm, but he had to save Courtney. Talk about putting her on the spot.

  He rose then went and squeezed in next to her on the sofa and grabbed her hand. “Yeah so, Mom, Dad, this is not how I imagined introducing you to my new girlfriend. But here she is. Courtney and I have been dating for a little over a month now.”

  His mother sat up.

  His father sat back. “Ah-ha.” His expression softened.

  Kenny finally spoke up, and his voice was lighthearted. “You’re kidding me? Why have you been holding out on us, man?”

  Nick was grateful for the encouragement, or for any comment, at this point, really.

  Kenny walked over. “Welcome to the family, Courtney!” Courtney rose and he gave her a bear hug.

  “Thank you,” Courtney looked relieved and returned the affection.

  Gloria followed and did the same.

  Nick laughed, but still, he was nervous. His father came over next to shake Courtney’s hand and voice his approval. Courtney thanked them agreeably.

  Dr. Bingham slapped Nick on the back. “That’s wonderful, Nick. You should’ve told us sooner.”

  “Sorry,” Nick said quietly into Courtney’s ear as everyone returned to his or her seat. Courtney waved it off.

  Nick looked at his mother. She shook her head as if scolding him for not mentioning it earlier but she seemed to be getting over the shock. “Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I’m very happy for you both.”

  Nick took Courtney’s hand again and addressed the group. “I’m sorry. I was going to tell you all, soon.” His face probably matched Courtney’s rosy color by now.

  Victoria seemed to be enjoying the whole exchange. Nick shot her a glance, shaking his head. That woman—pulling the strings.

  Courtney smoothed her shirt and spoke up, addressing Nick’s mother and father. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything before. I feel silly telling this, but I actually didn’t realize you were Nick’s family, until…” She looked at Josie. “Well, until Kenny asked about him. And then Josie started telling you all about the coast guard rescue, and then I wasn’t sure what to do.”

  Julia laughed, waving it off, and Nick looked over at Josie on the other side of the room.

  “You told them what?” Nick said, trying to keep a playful tone to his voice. The day just kept getting stranger.

  “I told them about the rescue! John was so proud of you, Nick. He said it was rough out there. You really impressed him.”

  “Oh—wow.” Nick smiled appreciatively. “Thanks. Yeah, that was quite a day.”

  Dr. Bingham was encouraged. “It sounds like you’re doing some great work around here, son. Are you able to use your medical training very much on these rescues?”

  Once again, Nick’s head began to spin. Did he detect a note of approval in his father’s voice?

  “Yeah, all the time,” Nick answered quickly. “It’s been a pretty busy summer. I’ve been cutting back my hours at the shop a little so I can take on more hours with the team.”

  Should he tell them his news? He hadn’t even told Courtney yet. Nick glanced around at his family.

  Oh, why not? He might as well come out with it. The conversation was already over the top.

  “Actually, I was offered a job this week with the local emergency services. I mean—a paid job, in Anderson Cove. They need someone to start in mid-September.”

  Everyone looked stunned once again. Courtney turned her head and stared at him, eyes wide. She squeezed his hand. “They did?”

  Nick nodded. Victoria and Josie seemed delighted. Kenny and Gloria nodded with support. His father looked skeptical.

  Nick finally rested his gaze on his mother. He could see the torment on her face, although she tried to hide it. She must’ve really had her heart set on him returning to Chicago. Nick shot her an apologetic look.

  “And have you accepted, Nicholas?” Victoria asked sweetly.

  Nick glanced at Victoria and then at his mother. Courtney squeezed his hand and he squeezed hers back. “I have.”

  The room went quiet again.

  Courtney watched Dr. Bingham glance at his wife and then back at his son. The older gentleman sighed heavily then finally spoke. “I’ll admit, Nick, it’s not what I wanted for you.” He ran a hand across his cheek. “But maybe what I want isn’t what’s right for you. I see now that I should’ve trusted you, son. You’re obviously making good decisions without any help from us.”

  Courtney held her breath.

  Dr. Bingham went on. “And you’re obviously happy here.” Nick nodded vigorously, still holding Courtney’s hand. “So, I guess I just need to let you live your life on your own terms.”

  Nick finally relaxed and Courtney tried to hold back tears.

  Dr. Bingham stood and walked over. Nick stood up and the man pulled his son in for a tight hug then gave him a confident slap on the back. “I’m proud of you, son. Congratulations.”

  Nick looked relieved. “Thanks, Dad. I really appreciate that.” He grabbed his dad’s hand again for another quick shake.

  Kenny stood up again and went in for a hug next. “I’m sorry I got on your case before, Nick. I’m really happy for you.”

  Mrs. Bingham sniffled and finally, sighed heavily. It might take her some time, but Courtney guessed she’d come around to the idea that her younger son had built a whole life for himself here, in which he was happy and fulfilled. She seemed to love Nick more than she could express. She stood up and walked over then held out her arms. “Oh, Nick.”

  Nick reached out and took his mother in his arms, holding her there for a few moments. Finally, Julia let go. “I’m so proud of you, honey. We’re going to miss you, though.”

  Nick nodded.

  Kenny and Gloria offered their approval, and Courtney turned for a look at Victoria, who was watching, enrapt, as if this was all playing out just as she’d hoped. Courtney beamed at her and Victoria returned the sentiment.

  Twenty-Eight

  A gull raced across the late-afternoon sky as ripples of white crashed softly against the sand. Courtney leaned back on her elbows and dug her bare heels into the white sand, adjusting the bikini top straps that were tied behind her neck. Nick lay stretched out on his back on a blanket next to her, sporting a pair of red swimming trunks. A hint of coconut came from the sunscreen they’d applied.

  It was just over a week since Nick’s parents had left, and Nick had one of his only Saturdays off for the whole summer, so he and Courtney had decided to make a day of it. They’d invited the group along for a few hours to soak up the sun on the sandy coastline of Door County’s eastern shores.

  “I’ve got to leave soon, but who’s
up for one more dip in the water first?” Angela sat up from her blanket. She and Marcy both worked the evening shift that night and had driven out together.

  Jake—a friend of Tom’s—hopped up, tall and toned, with locks of wet hair swept back across his head. “I am!” Before she could answer, he hollered, “Race ya!” and made a beeline for the water.

  Angela, in a black-and-white two-piece that flattered her long legs, jumped up and took off after him. Jake beat her to the water and proceeded to duck out of sight. When Angela reached the depth where he’d gone under, he shot up out of the water and grabbed hold of her waist, then dunked her. She came out splashing him until he picked her up and threw her in. Angela finally squeezed her arms around his neck and pulled him close, and he dunked them both.

  “I’m not sure if she’s trying to threaten the guy or make out with him,” Tom said.

  Several people laughed. “Hope you’re not jealous, Tommy boy,” Nick said.

  Tom snorted. “Oh, come on. Ang and I are just friends. She’s allowed to play with any of the kids on the playground.”

  Nick grinned. “Okay, sure.”

  “No, really.” He turned to Gia, voluptuous and bikini clad in white. “Now, if you jumped on Jake, I might get upset.” He smiled big and made eyes at her.

  Courtney knew he was teasing but Tom had been flirting with Gia all day. Courtney cocked an eyebrow at Gia.

  “Is that right?” Gia glanced back at Courtney then shot Tom a mischievous grin. She certainly didn’t seem to mind the attention.

  Tom winked, then moved in closer to Gia to chat.

  Kira turned over to lie on her front, grinning. “Will you all keep it down? Little too much chatting going on over there. Aussie, Nickle, will you tell them to keep it down?”

  Everyone laughed. Marcy turned over and pulled her hat over her pale and freckled face. “What she said.”

  Nick turned to Courtney and held out a hand. “You want to take a walk, Aussie?”

  “You know it, Nickle-ode-eon.” Courtney allowed him to pull her up as he laughed. On her feet, she reached up on tippy-toes and planted a quick kiss on his lips. Nick linked his hand with hers. “We’ll be back. Don’t wait up.”

  “All right, but watch out for sharks,” Tom joked. Courtney heard Gia giggle.

  Nick laughed and gave Tom a thumbs-up.

  Courtney squeezed Nick’s hand as they made their way down the beach. “You still owe me that ride through the woods, you know. I promised Beecham I’d write the story about the bike trails.”

  “Oh, that’s right.” Nick nodded and gave it a thought. “How’s this Wednesday? I have the day off.”

  “Wednesday would be great.”

  “If I don’t get called in on a rescue, that is,” he teased.

  “You’d better not!” She laughed and kicked some sand at his ankles as they walked.

  He laughed. “I’m only kidding. Sort of.”

  “I know.” She took his arm in hers.

  He reached down and gave her a peck on the lips while they walked. “Can’t wait. You’re gonna love it.”

  After the visit and the string of surprise announcements at Victoria’s last week, Nick had been able to switch shifts with Marcos so he could take a little time off to spend with his family for the short time they were visiting. They’d invited Courtney along on their outings, too.

  Dr. Bingham took the six of them to dinner one night at the steak house where Marcy worked, and the next day they rented a pontoon boat from the local marina that had comfortable seating and a sunshade. Nick gave them a scenic tour of the area from the lake, including a lighthouse in Headland State Park and some of the islands that lay just a few miles off the coast of Heritage Bay. They’d finished off the day by bringing take-out to Victoria’s so she could join them for dinner.

  Courtney had already grown fond of Nick’s brother and Gloria, and they in turn, took her under their wing. Nick’s mother had finally resigned herself to the idea of Nick staying on in Wisconsin but had encouraged Nick to bring Courtney home for a visit to Chicago in the fall. She’d also taken to Courtney immediately, once she realized the extent of her son’s affection for her.

  Victoria was getting better, and the home care nurse had started coming everyday. Courtney still went to visit with Victoria most days, even if just for a few minutes when Courtney was busy.

  Dr. and Mrs. Bingham had also spent some more time with Victoria before they left. Dr. Bingham took the opportunity to evaluate her regarding the concussion and the state of her blood pressure levels and pronounced her progress as excellent.

  Courtney kicked at the softly lapping waves along the edge of the beach as she and Nick walked. She inhaled the fresh scent of the lake on the breeze as they admired the sand dunes along the shoreline.

  What a summer it had been already, and still a month and a half to go. Things were great. Her career was headed in the right direction. She loved the work and she’d do everything she could to make Beecham keep her on after the first of the year.

  Regardless, she was living in the moment, and in doing so, she’d found a new home and new friends who cared.

  And Nick. They’d come a long way together already. She couldn’t get enough of him. She’d continue to prove her devotion to him, whatever happened. She felt his constant devotion to her now, too.

  Nick and Courtney soon reached a more deserted part of the beach. “So, hey,” Nick began casually, “now that my family absolutely adores you, and I called you my girlfriend in front of them, I think we should probably go ahead and call this a thing.”

  “A thing?” Courtney swung their hands forward and backward together as they strolled, amused. “Well, aren’t you the hopeless romantic? What kind of a thing?”

  Nick stopped walking and turned to face her. He took off his sunglasses then reached out and gently took off hers so he could look her in the eye.

  His broad and powerful, tanned chest almost made her lose focus. She stared into those eyes—those patient and kind, honest blue eyes. She put her arms around his waist.

  “I’ll tell you what kind of a thing,” he said. He reached down and let his lips linger against hers and kissed her softly. Then he rested his arms on her shoulders. “I think about you all of the time, and I want to make you happy. I want to be there for you.” She felt his eyes melt into hers. “I’m in love with you, Courtney Elizabeth Price. Completely in love with you.”

  Courtney sucked in a breath. Her heart pounded in her chest as she searched his face. She found it there—tenderness, love, everything she’d ever wanted.

  She reached up, tippy-toes in the sand, a warm breeze blowing softly across her skin, and put her arms around the smooth expanse of his neck. She savored the feeling of his arms around her and looked into his eyes. “That makes me so happy. I’m in love with you, too, Nicholas John Bingham. Helplessly, utterly, completely in love with you.” She smiled. “So yeah, I say we call this thing a thing.”

  THE END

  Books in the Series

  Follow the lives of these characters and more delightful people in the next books in the ONE SWEET DAY series.

  Book One: One Sweet Day I Found You

  Book Two: One Sweet Day is Never Enough

  Book Three: One Sweet Day Can Last Forever

  Book Four: One Sweet Day I’ll Be Yours

  Acknowledgments

  I would like to thank my family for their constant love and never ending support.

  I would like to thank my editor and all of my critique partners and beta readers who so generously took the time to read my manuscript and share their honest opinions with me.

  And I’d like to thank you, readers, for taking the time to read my book. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it—which was a lot! Please consider leaving me a review. I would love to hear from you!

  And don’t miss out on any book news or releases! Stop on by and join my email list at JillianWalshRomance.com. You’ll get the e
xclusive short prologue to this series for free!

  About the Author

  Jillian Walsh writes clean, feel-good, sweet romance with heart. She’s been weaving stories inside her head for decades. Fortunately, nowadays, she writes them down. Fall in love with her heartfelt characters, soak up her dreamy, vacation-like settings, and get caught up in her escapist PG reads.

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  Letter to Readers

  Dear Reader,

  Oh my goodness, do you love Kira as much as I do? How about Tom? These two characters literally made me laugh out loud even as I brought them to life on the page. They’re both blends of various real-life personalities I’ve known and adored over the course of my lifetime, pulled together into the perfect sidekicks to the faithful hero and heroine in this story. But don’t worry—they’ll be back.

  How about Gia? Don’t you just want to hug her and then set her up on a date with one of your nearest and dearest male friends? I would love to see her happily-ever-after with a handsome, sweet, and sophisticated young gentleman, so that’s what we’re doing next. Look for Gia’s story in Book Two, One Sweet Day is Never Enough. Trust me, you will not be able to get enough of winegrower and cherry farmer Seth Pederson.

  Tom, who might possibly go down as my favorite male character that I will EVER write, will have his day in Book Three. The love of Tom’s life will not be revealed until then.

  And Angela, our gentle fair maiden (just kidding—she’s anything, but!) will be starring in Book Four. Don’t miss a moment of the drama. I hope you’ll join me for their journeys.

  Until then, I wish you the best!

  ~Jillian Walsh