by T. I. Lowe
“And . . . that’s time! Put your paintbrushes down!” Freda shouted as the band closed the song.
“Ladies first.” August tipped his head in Josie’s direction.
She swiped a wisp of hair from her cheek, leaving a streak of red paint behind, and August was certain he’d never seen her look more beautiful. Josie turned her canvas to the audience to show off the quick depiction of the renovated firehouse. The bay doors were up with their rocking chairs set up at the opening. She signed the piece La vie est trop courte pour vivre sans toi. Life is too short to live without you.
“Now that is quite impressive, young lady,” Freda complimented with the audience joining in by clapping and whistling. “How on earth are we to decide a winner?”
“Won’t be difficult,” August yelled out over the noise.
“Says who?” Josie glared at him. “You’ve not even shown us your artwork yet.”
His lips curved up on one side. He liked her spunk and also the fact she’d not stuttered once. “Like I said . . .” August revealed his painting to the crowd, causing them to break out into a raucous round of applause. The background was a modest smearing of delicate watercolors with two simple words written in bold black paint in the center of the canvas. You Win.
Josie scrutinized the canvas in confusion until understanding lit her face. “You’re going to make it that easy on me?”
“I’m not a complicated man.” August placed the canvas on the easel and took a step closer to her. “Are you going to allow me to make it that easy?”
“Well, that’s not really my style.” She wrinkled her nose and picked up the small jar of wet sand, swiping a small dollop onto her palm.
August reached over and grabbed the jar and did the same. “We need to get something straight right now. We’re a team. We’re going to do this and everything else together. No running from the scary parts.”
Josie nodded her head. Both artists braced themselves and slurped down the mushy sand with the kids in the audience chanting their names.
“Josie! Josie! August! August!”
Even as he struggled to get the grit down his throat, August savored the moment. Once he choked the sand down, he leaned over and whispered, “Each time you walk along the shore and your toes sink into the sand, you’ll remember the day you made me fall even more in love with you.”
Josie choked a bit on her sand, until finally getting it down. She wrapped her arms around his neck and said close to his ear, “And you’ll remember I went fishing for you—used sand and paint as my bait—because you are worth it . . . I love you.”
“Well now, that’s my kind of fishing.” August leaned down and brushed a gritty kiss to her smiling lips.
Later that night, once they were finally able to escape the camp, August took Josie to the firehouse to share his grand gesture with her. As soon as they stepped inside and he flipped on all the lights, she released a loud gasp.
“Oh, August . . .” Josie walked to the middle of the floor and stared up at the giant shimmering sun. He’d constructed a wire-and-mesh form and then glued page after page of her designs to cover the sun.
“I hope you don’t mind that I added to your artwork.” August sidled up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I filled in the voided areas you didn’t color in with gold metallic paint and then sealed the entire piece with an iridescent clear coat.”
“I love it,” she whispered, leaning against his chest. “I love you.”
“And I love you.” August smoothed her hair and placed a kiss against her temple. “Josie Slater, you are my sun. My rainbow of color. Without you, I’ve had shadows and smudges, too.”
Josie turned in his arms as tears cascaded down her cheeks. “You found my note.”
“Yes. I wish I’d understood sooner.” He used his thumbs to wipe the tears away, but they continued to trail down her face. Needing to experience those tears, he pressed his lips to the damp warmth of her skin. “I only want to be your sunshine. Your rainbow of color. Baby, I can’t promise the shadows won’t show up every now and then, but I can promise we’ll get through them together.” After caressing several more tears with his lips, he angled away just enough to take her in. “Whaddaya say, Jo?”
Blue eyes glittering with more tears, pink cheeks the perfect shade of passion, brilliant-white teeth showcased by smiling ruby lips, Josie’s beautiful face gave him all the answer he needed. When she finally breathed a delicate yes against his lips, August sensed the shift. One whispered word collected all the drifting dreams and created the vibrant world meant for the two artists to share together.
EPILOGUE
TEN MONTHS LATER
The Sand Queens stood inside the art studio at the camp, stealing peeks at the guests getting settled in their seats around the courtyard. It was a breathtaking spring day with the subtle breeze swaying the palmetto trees above the guests to offer just enough shade and comfort from the early afternoon sun.
“All right, Jo-Jo. Time to get this show on the road. I’m going to go sit with Dalma.” Jasper gave Josie a hug and scooted outside.
“Are you absolutely sure you want to do this?” Opal, of all people, asked as she handed Josie the white bouquet.
“Absolutely. August insisted I walk the aisle to a remix of ‘She’s a Rainbow,’ so this is what he gets.” Josie giggled at the absurdity of it all, right proud of herself for being brave enough to do what she was about to do. “I can’t wait to see August’s reaction.”
“You definitely get points for boldness, my friend.” Opal directed Josie to bend at the knees so she could better reach her hair.
“That man would marry you regardless of this or any other stunt,” Sophia commented, a small yet sincere smile on her face.
Josie took the opportunity to study Sophia closely as Opal fussed with placing a few white roses throughout Josie’s thick braid. The physical signs of last month’s nightmare had finally healed, which was why Josie and August decided to push the wedding back a month, but from the vacancy in Sophia’s teal eyes, she had a long way to go before the emotional wounds would heal. Josie still wanted to hunt down that awful excuse for a man and put a whooping on him for what he did to Sophia. She felt remotely better from knowing August and Lincoln had taken care of matters already.
“I think August and I are going to postpone the honeymoon to Italy until the fall.”
Josie’s comment snapped Sophia out of her careful facade. Sucking her teeth, she wagged a finger at Josie. “No ma’am, you are not! Your behind will be on that plane this evening with your husband. It’s time for Josie Bradford to go on an adventure.”
“I agree.” Opal moved around Josie and locked her arm with Sophia’s. Both petite women wore identical pale-blue dresses and determined looks.
“We’ll be right here when you get back in two weeks and expect at least one postcard while you’re gone.” Sophia wagged her finger one last time before moving over to the table to gather her bouquet and satchel.
“Linc and I’ll be keeping a close eye on her and Collin. Promise,” Opal whispered as she gave Josie a hug.
Josie knew Sophia would be safe while she was gone. Lincoln Cole had already put the fear of God in Ty Prescott, so it was highly unlikely that idiot would show up anytime soon. It was baffling that they’d all missed the signs, and Josie continued to carry a good bit of guilt for not pressing Sophia to open up when her friend refused to share the extent of what she was enduring last year.
“Stop worrying. You know she’ll have a hissy fit if you don’t go.” Opal stepped back, gave Josie one last once-over before grabbing her own bouquet and satchel. “Now come on. Let’s go make a mess of your perfectly white wedding day. We’ve waited long enough.”
“We sure have.” Josie grinned, trying not to get teary-eyed.
Settling into a relationship with August had been the easiest thing she’d ever done. Their days were filled with painting and stealing more memories together. Between surfing, teaching Sunday sc
hool side by side, and spending time with their family, the two had gathered quite an impressive collection.
Of course, August had big plans to add even more and shared them with her one night back in September, after the first summer session of Palmetto Fine Arts Camp was in the books. August finally talked Josie into sliding down the fireman’s pole that night. She recalled screaming like a lunatic but surviving the descent, only to nearly pass out at the sight of August waiting for her on one knee with a diamond ring placed on the palm of his paint-stained hand. Josie held her own paint-stained hand out and allowed him to slip the ring on her finger, knowing he would lead her on an adventure filled with every color of life under the sun.
Grinning at the memory, she was ready to go show August Bradford just how colorful they were going to make their wedding day. As “She’s a Rainbow” began filtering through the outdoor speakers, she followed her friends out into the sunshine. Her eyes landed on August where he stood with their pastor, Lincoln and Carter by his side in matching gray tailored suits.
Josie waited until her two friends were in place up front before taking her first step down the aisle, and as instructed, the guests lifted small pouches of colored powder and launched a flume of rainbows at her. Through the colorful cloud, she watched August tip his handsome face skyward and bellow out in laughter as his buddies and the Sand Queens doused him in color as well.
By the time she reached her groom, they were both living examples of the Rolling Stones song. August wrapped Josie in his arms and led her in a dance. As the song concluded, he dipped her and laid one memorable kiss on her smiling lips, mixing their rainbows, until the pastor cleared his throat.
“Do you two mind knocking it off until at least after exchanging your vows?” It was hard to take him serious with most of his head dusted in blue powder.
“We can try. Just need to steal a moment with my bride first.” August righted Josie but kept her gathered in his arms, sending laughter and whistles moving through the group. His silvery-blue eyes glittered with unshed tears as he skimmed his knuckles along her cheek. “Every time I hear that song, I’ll remember the moment my wife made herself my rainbow and painted my dreams to come true.”
“She ain’t your wife yet. The vows. Sometime today would be great,” the pastor tried again, this time laughing with everyone joining in.
August finally agreed and moved them to stand up front like a proper bride and groom should. Josie kept her gaze on the charismatic man she was about to have the privilege to call husband, knowing she’d remember the moment just as he described. Truly, it was a magnificent one to steal.
Turn the page for a preview of book three in the Carolina Coast series,
Sea Glass Castle
Available in stores and online summer 2020
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1
“I’m so tickled the Sand Queens are back together!” Opal scooted around the table on her back deck and grabbed a glass of lemonade. The summer day was warm and sunny, with a breeze carrying laughter from beachgoers and squawking from seagulls.
“Me too,” Josie agreed as she tucked a wayward wave of white-blonde hair behind her ear. “Two months is too long to go between meetings. I’m glad I talked August into giving me the afternoon off from the camp.”
“Your husband knows how important we are to you, so of course he’d give you some time off,” Opal said in that reassuring tone, the one that was trying to relay a hidden meaning.
Sophia caught the meaning but chose to ignore it. Yes, it was she who had stood up the other two, but tough. That was life. And for the past several months—closer to a few years—life had served her a platter brimming with unfairness.
“Sophia, aren’t you glad to be spending time with us today?” Josie asked in that small voice that never really suited her.
Sophia looked at Josie’s long, paint-stained fingers where they rested on her forearm. “Nothing against the two of you, but I’d rather spend my Monday alone. . . . I have a lot on my mind.” Yes, the warmth of the sun and the softness of the breeze felt good on her skin, but that was neither here nor there.
“Oh, I bet. Are you considering signing Collin up for the preschool program at the church this fall? I heard Momma talking with you about it after Sunday school yesterday.” Opal took a sip of her drink and gave Sophia an innocent look that was really her meddling expression.
Sophia let go of a long sigh and decided not to call her out on it. Instead, she gave the excuse, “He has to be potty-trained before they will accept him.”
“That’s easy enough.” Opal shrugged. “YouTube some tutorials and go get him one of those tiny toilets.”
“I’d rather he decide when he’s ready. So far there’s no interest.” Sophia tucked her left thumb underneath her ring finger and couldn’t contain the cringe at finding it bare. It was a habit she had formed right after Ty slid the flashy engagement ring onto her finger. Touching the back of the ring had always offered comfort and a reminder of his promises. She was still struggling to grasp that the wedding ring—and the promises—no longer belonged to her.
“I’m sure you want to help Collin along. The preschool would be a great opportunity for him to interact with children his age. And it would allow you to get a job.” Josie smiled but seemed uncertain. She wasn’t nearly as good at meddling as Opal.
Sophia narrowed her eyes at both women, wondering what their game was. “I have alimony and child support and a nice severance package. I don’t need a job.”
Ty’s PR team had been quick to get most of his dirt swept under the rug, and his lawyers even quicker to finalize the divorce. Sophia had only been required to sign nondisclosures about the abuse allegations that prevented her from ever speaking about it publicly, and that was fine by her. She agreed after they added a clause that Ty had to undergo anger management counseling and could have only supervised visits with Collin.
“That’s hogwash. Never has your strong backbone stood for someone else taking care of you and—”
Before Opal could carry on her rant, Josie piped in. “But a job would be a great reason to get out of the house and be around adults. Plus, you’re too talented not to be out there doing something with yourself.”
Sophia had recently endured not only the demise of her marriage, but also the demise of her career. When Southeastern Public Relations had to choose between a replaceable consultant and their star athlete, the decision to let Sophia go was more than easy.
“Really? Southeastern seemed to think I’m nothing more than a grunt worker who somehow deserved to be beaten up by her famous husband for catching him in bed with another woman.” Sophia growled and slammed her glass down, sending a fountain of pale-yellow liquid sloshing onto the table. That didn’t release enough of her pent-up anger, so she added stomping her feet against the sandy deck and another growl.
Sophia’s intuition had always been spot-on. She was an ace at using that skill for the betterment of others and keeping her firm’s clients out of hot water. Herself, not so much. It didn’t do her a darn bit of good when it came to the bronze-haired Adonis with his lustrous skin tone and that aw-shucks smile. Ty Prescott’s stunning facade had fooled her right along with the masses. Months had passed since Ty had completely removed his mask while taking a part of her soul with it, yet she was still dealing with the wreckage. She was so mad at herself for allowing it to happen in the first place. The worst part was that she’d failed not only herself but also her son.
“Then why are you allowing their opinion such power if you don’t believe it to be true?” Opal asked, knowing exactly what button to push. “You sure have been acting like you believe it.”
For months, Sophia had allowed circumstances to dictate her self-worth. The only days she had any hope of turning things around were the days she could make her baby smile, and that wasn’t nearly as often as it needed to be. A saying her grandmother shared once flic
kered through her thoughts as she pounded her fists against the arms of her Adirondack chair. “Never underestimate the power of a good ole hissy fit.”
The haze of despondency cleared momentarily as Sophia had herself one glorified conniption. “I’m not a nobody! I have just as much talent as that giant schmuck running around a dumb field with a ball! I want to slap that smirk off his lips! I want to show him he didn’t break me!”
Opal nodded exuberantly. “This is good!”
“What?” Sophia snapped back, hot tears cascading down her flushed face. She caught Josie echoing the question in a much more subdued whisper.
“You’re alive!” Opal fist-pumped and jumped up and down. “She’s alive! Hallelujah!” She turned back to Sophia and shook her by the shoulders. “For a hot minute I thought you’d turned into a robot.” Opal giggled, followed by Josie snickering, and that had Sophia snorting. And from there it escalated to an outlandish round of laughter.
And that was Opal for you. Always twisting and turning a touchy situation until she could figure out how to defuse the tension. It was one of the reasons Sophia loved her so much—and also the reason she wanted to pinch Opal’s little button nose half the time.
“Y’all, I’m sorry . . . I’m just having a hard time getting my act together.” Sophia shook her head. “I never thought I’d let a man manipulate me or lay a hand on me out of anger.”
Josie moved over and knelt in front of Sophia’s chair. “I sure wish you had confided in us about what was really going on.”
“I was embarrassed. Still am.” Sophia watched Opal join Josie in front of the chair, their wall of support causing a heaviness to press against her chest. Clearing her throat, she whispered, “It didn’t happen that many times, but it was enough to leave a lasting effect. Made me doubt my strength and character. I hate being weak.”
“One time is way too many times.” Opal squeezed Sophia’s knee. “But who says you’re weak?”