by Debby Mayne
"Actually, that's the first time I've ever said it."
He rubbed her shoulder. "I know."
"So what's this trip all about?" she asked.
"You."
"Me?" She glanced at him but kept her focus mostly on the road.
"I guess I should have said us. We'll talk later. Did my loyal girl cousins ask you to set aside a couple of nights for me?"
"Yes, of course they did. They even worked up a schedule and told me I wasn't allowed to work more than the hours they had me down for."
He chuckled. "So who's in charge of your shop now?"
"I'm beginning to wonder. But I can't complain. Alexa and Amanda are both very good at their jobs. Steph wants to phase into working more for me so she doesn't have to stay in the restaurant or bakery businesses. The problem is, things keep happening at the bakery, and they need her."
"Sounds like I'm not the only family defector."
"I always thought it would be nice to know my family was there for me with a safety net of established businesses, nice houses, and helping hands."
"Things aren't always as wonderful as they appear." He thought for a few seconds then added, "But I shouldn't complain. My family may have its flaws, but they're good people who have enough unconditional love for all of us."
"Yes," she agreed. "That's a wonderful thing."
"So tell me what nights you'd like to get together with me."
Paula broke into a smile. "I'm free every night while you're here."
Nick pumped his fist. "Yes! The girls came through for their pitiful cousin."
"Pitiful?" She shook her head. "I don't think so."
"I will be if I don't get my way."
"Oh, come on, Nick. You're being silly."
"That's what happens when I'm around you. I get all silly and goofy."
"You are definitely a goofball."
"So tell me more about Kate and Sam. That's one I didn't see coming."
Paula told him all about how Kate started going to church regularly, and Amanda talked Sam into attending after that night when he'd stormed into the house, angry at Kate. Something in the pastor's sermon that week struck a chord in him, so he returned and kept going back.
"Everyone was shocked to see them out and about together."
"It's incredible how things have worked out."
"I guess you can say that Kate and Sam are living proof of what God can do," Paula said.
"Isn't that the truth. I'm happy for Amanda."
"She's doing so well in school she might qualify for some scholarships if she keeps her grades up through next year."
"Amanda's going to college?"
Paula nodded. "She said she wants to run a business just like mine, and I convinced her that college will give her a foundation for it. She'll probably go to the Tarpon Springs campus of St. Petersburg College—at least to start with."
Nick knew that all this talk about Amanda was the easiest way to divert attention from what was on both of their minds. But that was fine. He had a plan, and now wasn't the time to execute it.
"Where to?" Paula asked as they entered Tarpon Springs. "Who won the privilege of hosting the golden boy this time?"
"I was just here, so they didn't do that. My parents are expecting me."
She dropped him off at his parents' house. After he got his suitcase, he leaned over and talked to her through the window.
"What time will you be ready tonight?"
"How about seven?"
"I'll be at your doorstep at seven sharp."
She laughed as she gave him a mock salute. "Aye, aye, sir."
"Paula. I'm in the Air Force, not the Navy."
"Sorry." She pulled away with a smile on her face, warming his heart and letting him know he'd made the right decision.
Paula tried on three outfits before she decided on something. She laughed as she thought about how much she was becoming like Alexa. That made sense, though, because they'd been spending most of their afternoons together. Alexa was becoming more businesslike, and Paula had gotten more girly. She'd even started going to the mall and ogling handbags. That was a first for her.
The phone rang, and it was Kate. "Ready for your big date yet?"
"Almost. I wish I knew what was going on with Nick. Something seems different."
"Come on, Paula. You know exactly what's going on. That man is pulling out all the stops to make you his."
Paula laughed. "So how about you? Tell me what's going on between you and Sam."
"He started sweeping me off my feet, but then he got scared."
"That's not what I heard."
Kate laughed. "If you heard it from my daughter, there's no telling how the story went."
"So are you and Sam an item now or not?"
"We're trying to be, but there are still a lot of issues. I'm supposed to make an appointment with the pastor for us to work through some stuff."
Paula was happy to talk about Kate and keep the conversation off her and Nick. She asked a few more questions then said she had to go.
"Make sure you listen to whatever Nick has to say with an open mind. I'd hate to see the two of you waste more time. You're not exactly getting younger, ya know."
"Thanks, Kate. I'll talk to you in a day or two."
"You better believe you will. I'm calling tomorrow for a full report."
As Paula hung up, she thought about her unlikely friendship with Kate. Both of them had overcome their insecurities through their mutual faith and Amanda's increasing insistence they all get together. The more she got to know Amanda's mother, the more she realized how similar she and Kate were. They both had absentee fathers and mothers who did the best they could without help from anyone. The biggest difference between them was that Paula's mother had brought her to church that one time, and she'd been pulled into the loving congregation at Crystal Beach Community Church. And now that Kate was part of the same phenomenon, all their lives had changed. Paula wanted things to work out for Kate and Sam so Amanda would have a stable home. It came sixteen years late, but at least it seemed like there might be hope for them.
Nick was at her door right on time. And Paula was standing there waiting for him.
He looked her up and down. "Still the most beautiful girl in Tarpon Springs."
She rolled her eyes as she pulled the door closed behind her. "We're in Palm Harbor now."
"Palm Harbor too."
She laughed. "And you're still the biggest charmer in town."
"Only when I'm with you. I thought we'd drive over to Crystal Beach before dinner if that's okay with you."
"Sure. You're in charge of our schedule tonight."
He parked the car near the church. After they got out, he gestured toward the path. "Wanna walk?"
Paula was glad she'd decided against high heels in favor of some sequined flats Alexa talked her into buying. "Sure."
They walked about twenty feet before Nick stopped and turned to face the water. "Nothing is as gorgeous as the sunsets here . . . except . . ." he tilted her face toward his. ". . . you."
"Nick." Her breath caught in her throat as he leaned down and dropped a kiss on her lips.
He cleared his throat. "Paula, I've decided not to reenlist."
"What are you talking about, Nick? You love the Air Force. How can you do that?"
"Yes, I do like the Air Force. A lot. But I love you with all my heart, and if I can't have both, I've decided I'll do whatever it takes to have you in my life."
Paula suddenly felt sick to her stomach. "No, Nick, I can't let you do that."
"You don't exactly have a choice."
"Maybe not," she said as she looked into his eyes. "But I won't be part of something that pulls you away from the career you've always wanted."
The pained expression on his face ripped at her heart. "I'm miserable without you."
She was miserable without him too, but she knew if he left the Air Force, he might wind up resenting her in the future. "We can figure o
ut something, but not this."
Nick placed his hands on her shoulders and held her at arm's length as he looked into her eyes. "I want you to know that I'll do anything it takes to be with you. Nothing else matters to me."
But after the honeymoon . . . Paula shuddered to think about the resentment that might follow.
"Let's go to dinner now," she said.
They walked in silence, hand-in-hand, to the car. Paula didn't try to make conversation until they turned off Alternate 19 toward Bon Appetit.
"I've always loved this place."
"Yes, I know." Nick smiled as he pulled into a parking spot. "I wanted this to be a night to remember."
Nick had reserved a table overlooking the water. Paula felt her pulse surge merely by looking at the man across the table from her. If she'd ever doubted his love, she couldn't any longer. That made her want to please him even more.
"Nick, please don't leave the Air Force. I can't stand the thought of you being miserable here in Tarpon Springs."
"I won't be miserable."
"But you won't be happy either."
He tilted his head downward and shut his eyes. Paula knew he was praying.
When he looked back at her, he said, "I still have a few weeks after I get back to the base to let them know my decision."
She smiled. "You're an amazing guy, Nick."
"That's what I keep trying to tell you."
At that moment, Paula knew what she needed to do. But she needed to wait for the right time to make sure Nick wouldn't do anything he'd regret.
29
Don't breathe a word of it to Nick," Paula said. "And please make sure Lance doesn't slip up and say something."
Beth giggled. "I love surprises—especially when I'm the one doing the surprising."
"I haven't been on this end of the surprise very often," Paula admitted. "But I have a feeling I'll enjoy it."
"Okay, so let me get this straight. I'm picking you up at the airport, and we're coming back to my place. Lance will get Nick to come over with him." She paused for a couple of seconds. "That might be the hard part. Lance said it's getting harder to talk Nick into anything lately. All he wants to do is mope around and think about you."
"Ironic, isn't it?"
Again, Beth giggled. "Yeah, but we have to figure out a way to get Nick here."
"I have an idea. Why don't you have Lance leave his car at your place, so he can tell Nick he needs a ride? Nick is a good guy, so he can't turn Lance down."
"You are brilliant, Paula."
"When it comes to conniving, apparently so."
After they made their plans, Paula came out from the back room and told Alexa everything was confirmed. Alexa pumped her fist.
"Nick will be so surprised he won't know what hit him."
Paula rubbed her neck. "I just hope you continue to like working here. If that ever changes, this whole plan will tank."
"I can't see that happening," Alexa said. "But if it does, at least you have backup with Steph, Amanda, and Kate."
"That's another thing. What made you think Kate would be so good at sales? She sold more during her shift yesterday than I ever sell in a week."
"I dunno," Alexa said as she placed the palm of her hand on her abdomen. "Just a gut feeling, I guess."
"I'm just glad you and I are on the same team. You've been amazing."
Alexa beamed. A small amount of praise went a long way with her.
Paula left to check on the folks at the Senior Center. Mildred met her at the door. "We're already getting applications for the new jobs. I don't think we'll have any trouble filling them. Every senior citizen in Tarpon Springs and Palm Harbor has heard about the perks of working for you." She snickered. "We love our freebies."
"And I love my Mildred," Paula said. "You're doing a great job. I just stopped by to see if you needed anything."
Mildred shook her head. "Not now. When are you leaving for Texas?"
"Next week. I would have liked to do this next month, but there's a time element for Nick. I have to do this before he makes his decision about reenlisting."
"My Frank was in the Army. Career man. Loved serving, and when he got out, we had his retirement to fall back on."
"How did you feel about moving every couple of years?" Paula asked.
Mildred shrugged. "It had its good points and bad, just like everything else. I liked making new friends, but leaving the old ones was difficult. However, many of them showed up at other posts, and I've been able to find the ones who are still around, thanks to the Internet." She put her hand on Paula's shoulder. "How do you feel about all these decisions?"
"Surprisingly at peace about them. Everything has fallen into place so well, I know it's a God thing."
"You're a good girl, Paula. Nick is a fortunate man."
Nick stared at Lance. "Why did you leave your car at Beth's?"
"We went out last night, and after I got there she said she wanted to drive." Lance wouldn't look Nick in the eye, so he knew something was up. "We forgot my car was at her apartment, so she dropped me off here." That was the final hint. Lance loved his car.
"So I need to take you to Beth's place, but not until six o'clock." Nick narrowed his eyes.
"Right."
"Man, this is strange."
Lance lifted his hands. "I know, but Beth said to wait until six and not to get there before that."
So Beth was in on whatever was up too. Nick sure wished he knew what it was, but he guessed he'd find out soon enough.
He left for the gym then came back to the barracks, where Lance waited out by the parking lot. "Ready?"
Lance shook his head. "You're not going like that."
Nick opened his arms and looked down. "I just got back from the gym. Whaddya expect?"
"Take a shower and put on something decent."
This sounded very suspicious. "Is this a blind date? Because if it is, I don't want any part of it."
"Blind date?" Lance cleared his throat and looked everywhere but at Nick. "No, it's not a blind date. Go shower and change, and I'll wait. Just don't take too long."
Nick wasn't falling for something so obvious, so he stood his ground. "No. If you want a ride, I'll take you now."
A look of concern washed over Lance's face, but he quickly recovered. "Okay, whatever."
"Just to make it very clear," Nick said firmly, "I'm not going in."
After they pulled onto the main road in Beth's apartment complex, Lance whipped out his cell phone and speed-dialed Beth. "Meet us outside." He listened then cut a nervous glance over at Nick. "No, just come on out. We'll see you in the parking lot."
Nick rounded the corner to Beth's apartment and blinked. He had to be seeing things. He blinked again. Nah, it couldn't be. So he slowed to a stop and turned to Lance. "Tell me that's not Paula."
Lance shot him a grin. "Can't do that because it would be a lie."
"Paula's here." He said that more for his own sake than for Lance's. No wonder Lance wanted him to shower.
"Yeah." Lance gave him a smug grin. "Wish you'd listened to me and taken a shower?"
Nick slapped his palm on the steering wheel. "I can't believe this." At least he'd known Paula long enough that she'd seen him all sorts of ways—including after his high school football games.
He whipped the car into the closest empty spot and hopped out of the car. Paula walked toward him, slowly, tentatively, until he opened his arms. Then she ran straight for him.
As he lifted her off her feet, she put her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Surprised?"
He put her down and gestured toward himself. "What do you think? If I'd known you were here, I would have done what Lance told me to do and taken a shower."
"I don't care. I'm just happy to see you."
Nick cupped her face and kissed her on the lips. "What are you doing here? I'm happy to see you too, but what's up with not telling me?"
"It's my turn to surprise you."
"Okay. What else is going on?"
Paula cast a glance over her shoulder, where Beth and Lance stood watching. She gave them a thumbs-up, and they headed inside.
"Wanna go somewhere?" she asked.
"If you don't mind how I'm dressed."
"I've never cared how you dressed, Nick. You know that."
A surreal sensation blanketed Nick as he drove to the closest park. This was the kind of thing he dreamed about. He bit his bottom lip and winced. Ouch. This wasn't a dream. Then he smiled.
"Look. There's a hiking trail." Paula pointed to one of the brown signs. "Let's go for a walk."
If she'd told him to stand on his head and spin around ten times, he would have. "Okay. Whatever you want to do."
She laughed as she led the way. After a few minutes of asking questions about the terrain, she stopped, turned to face Nick, and took his hands in hers.
"There's something we need to discuss." She let go of his hands and pushed her hair behind her ears with a shaky hand.
He leaned in toward her and wrapped his hands around hers again. "Okay, so start discussing."
"You kept saying you wanted us to be together forever."
"That's right," Nick said. "And that's why I've decided not to reenlist."
"It's not too late to change your mind, is it?"
He narrowed his eyes and studied her. "Are you telling me you don't want me to come back to Tarpon Springs?"
Paula nodded. "That's exactly what I'm saying."
What kind of a cruel trick was this? "This makes no sense. If you didn't want me around, why did you bother coming here?"
"I didn't say I don't want you around. Just not in Tarpon Springs." She let go of his hands and took a step back.
"Okay, so exactly what are you saying, Paula? Stop playing this game."
"Do you miss me?" She placed a fist on her hip and tilted her head, not once taking her eyes off him.
"Why are you doing this?"
"Just answer me, Nick. Do you miss me, and do you still want us to be together for life?"
He slowly nodded. She might be playing a game, but he wasn't going to lie. "Yes."
"Then why don't we do something about it?" She stepped closer to him again. "Let's get married."