by Kay Lyons
Samuel's chin quivered for a moment before he scrunched his face up and took off running.
"Samuel!"
The kid kept going, and Dominic mentally kicked himself once more. Ireland might have agreed to their friendship and practice dates, but Samuel had been a part of a few of them and was now hurting because of it.
He turned toward the office door and saw Ireland standing in the doorway. She closed and locked the door, the sign in the window stating the office would reopen in an hour after church and listing an emergency number.
"I'll talk to Sammy," she said as she approached, not quite meeting his gaze. "He'll be fine. My dad will distract him when they get back. They'll be here tomorrow so it's… it's all good."
"I never meant to hurt him—or you. You know that, right?"
"Of course." Ireland glanced at a couple walking by on the sidewalk. "Drive safe, Dominic."
He lifted his hand and brushed the hair from her mouth, tucked it behind her ear. "I saw you walking with your sisters on the beach last night. I wanted to call out but I didn't want to intrude."
"We were just… talking. Holland's home."
"I would've liked to have met her."
Ireland's face was tilted up as she talked to him, and he reached out once more, snagging her sunglasses and gently removing them.
"Dominic…"
"Let me see you." He tucked the sunglasses atop her head for safekeeping and framed her face in his palms. "I would very much like to kiss you good—"
The words had barely left his mouth when she launched herself toward him, meeting his lips with a kiss that rocked him to his soul. Sweet and innocent, heady and mind-blowing, it melded lips and tongues and breath and expressed everything he couldn't. A whimper escaped her, and he used his hold to gently turn her, press her against his car. He deepened the kiss to one that wasn't sweet or innocent at all but revealed everything the last two weeks of knowing her had meant to him. Even though he couldn't say it.
After a long, long moment, Ireland ended the kiss, her grip on his arms tight, until she slowly let go. "Drive s-safe."
Dominic slid his hand beneath her chin and lifted her face, hoping she would meet his gaze, but she didn't. “Ireland…”
"Here. This is for you,” she whispered, the words thick with tears.
"Ireland, you don't have to give me anything."
"It's not from me."
She shoved an envelope toward him.
"She said to tell you it's the last one. Goodbye, Dominic."
Ireland slipped from between him and the car and hurried down the street toward the pavilion. Dominic turned the envelope over, recognizing his name written in Lisa's handwriting.
The envelope crumpled in his fist, and he threw the wad into the passenger seat of his car before climbing behind the wheel.
He started the engine. Then just as quickly punched the button to turn it off. He glared at the envelope and growled as he reached for it, then ripped it open.
Dear Dominic…
* * *
Ireland didn't sit beneath the pavilion like she usually did on Sundays but instead found a nearby swing where she could listen to the service while staring at the ocean. She needed peace, and the sunlight flickering atop the water like diamonds, the sound of the waves, and the words preached behind her, reminding her of God's grace, were what held her together through moments like this, while Samuel silently cried for them both.
Seconds after she'd sat down, Samuel had joined her, plopping down on the swing beside her and burrowing into her side like he had as a baby. They sat huddled together, silent, and after a while, the service ended and the crowd dispersed. She leaned over and kissed her son's head. "We're going to be okay."
"But he's gone."
"Sammy, honey, we knew all along Dominic wasn't staying. Only visiting."
"But I thought—"
"You thought right," Dominic said from behind them.
Ireland gasped as Samuel scrambled up out of the swing and faced Dominic with his fists clenched at his sides. She reached for Samuel to pull him back to her, but her son evaded her touch and glared at Dominic.
"You're not going to make her cry."
Her heart shattered at Samuel’s protective fierceness, and tears flooded her eyes once more because of the love behind it. Her son faced the man who’d hurt them, however unintentionally, tears streaming down his face, and Ireland prayed for Samuel’s future wife to be worthy of such a treasure.
"I sure hope I don't, Sammy. But I would like to talk to her. Alone. With your permission."
"Sammy, it's okay. Go to the pier house and get a drink for me. Please. Sammy? I’m okay." Ireland waited until Samuel had walked a ways away before she allowed herself to exhale. "Dominic—"
"You said you didn't want a long-distance relationship. I know it's not ideal, but I’d like to know if there’s any chance I can change your mind."
Afraid to hope, she crossed her hands over her front and waited. "Go on."
A hint of a smile pulled at his lips, distracting her, but Dominic apparently took it as a good sign and stepped toward her, not stopping until she smelled his cologne and inhaled deeper because she wanted to internalize everything about this moment.
"I care for you, Ireland. I’ve… fallen in love with you, and I'd like to think you feel the same for me, even though we haven't known each other long."
"Lisa—"
"Was smarter than both of us," he said, holding the slip of paper in his hand up for her to take. "She always had a knack for this kind of stuff. Maybe it’s woman’s intuition or she had some kind of divine providence… I don’t know. But she knew."
Frowning, she unfolded the paper.
Dear Dominic,
Oh, my love. What a year you've no doubt experienced. I'm sorry for leaving you, but I hope I've made my passing easier by the little surprises I arranged to brighten those dark days. And I hope when you get this letter you're tired of mourning and ready to get on with your life. Ready to be happy and create a new beginning with someone else.
We loved so deeply it will be hard, I know, but you must realize sharing that kind of love means you have an abundance of love to give to someone else. In my heart, I know you've avoided dating, thinking it's too soon, but, my love, life is short and you shouldn't waste a moment of the life you have left. So right now, I want you to know it's okay. I want you to remember me often but stop mourning. I want you to find that someone and go on dates and remember what it's like to be in love again. That's my wish for you, Dominic. To love and be happy. The kids will understand. We've discussed it already. They know to give you space when you realize you’re ready.
Now, my surprise vacation for you… Did you enjoy it? I hope so. And I hope you found Ireland as sweet and loving and charming as I did. Call me crazy, but I see you two together.
Ireland gasped and looked up at Dominic, unable to believe what she'd read. "She… Seriously?"
"Keep going."
Ireland pulled her gaze from Dominic’s, her shock making the paper tremble.
Dominic, Ireland’s been hurt so badly in her past, and she needs the love of a good man. And Samuel… Oh, how that child made me laugh! He needs a father, Dominic. He needs a good man in his life to help him reach his potential. So, when you read this letter, I'm praying Ireland is still single, and I suggest you ask her out on a date immediately if you haven't already.
But if she isn't available, I hope you'll take this note as my dying wish that you find your next true north. You need someone by your side, someone who sees you and truly loves you. Find her, Dominic, and don’t settle for less out of loneliness. Do it for me. For the kids. But most of all, for you.
With all my love, for eternity, Lisa
Ireland released a shuddering breath and clamped her hand over her mouth, unable to believe the last two weeks had been a thought in Lisa's mind when she'd visited two years ago. Much less that she'd— "I can't… I just can’t believe…"
Reconsider? She laughed and cried and nodded all at once. Surged out of the swing to wrap her arms around him and press her lips to his. She kissed him over and over again, the precious letter clutched in her hand.
Dominic held her tightly against him, lifted her up so that their mouths were even, and took control and deepened the kiss for a long moment before he let her up for air.
“Is that a yes?”
She sniffled and laughed, pressed her forehead to his, and locked gazes so that there was no question as to how she felt. "Yes,” she whispered, voice choked with emotion. “It’s definitely a yes.”
Want to read more about the Cohen sisters? Check out this short excerpt from LATTES AND LULLABYES:
"I'm a software engineer, and right now I'm behind the eight ball on a program for a pretty big client. I managed to catch up quite a bit in the last couple of hours, though I'm afraid it was at your expense."
"Like I said, it's not a problem. You inspired me to be more productive, and I can now face my accountant fully prepared when the time comes because of it."
He smiled at her words and nodded.
"Glad to hear it. So, uh…"
Silence filled the air and became a bit awkward as they simply gazed at each other. Cooper inhaled before narrowing his gaze.
"Are you hungry? Maybe you would let me officially apologize by taking you to dinner?"
Dinner? "Oh, that's not nec—"
"It's the least I can do after you've watched out for Rocco and stayed two hours past closing because I couldn't dig my head out of my computer."
She tilted her head to the side, liking the way he looked at her but needing to know the answers to some pretty key questions. "Your wife won't mind?"
His expression revealed his amusement. "Since I'm not married, no, she won't. Do you get asked to dinner by a lot of married men?"
"Can't say it hasn't happened."
"I see. Did you go out with them?"
"No. I told them they needed to go home and date their wives."
His eyes warmed with amusement, and she found herself relaxing in return. The whiskey color of his gaze hypnotized her and made her think of the golden bronze of molten glass.
"Glad to hear it."
"Mmm." Her heart rate picked up speed, and she cocked her head to one side as all sorts of thoughts raced through her mind. "Are you separated? Because being separated doesn't equal divorced. It means married, living separately—which is still married."
He shifted his stance and braced his palms flat against the countertop, his gaze holding hers with an intensity that left her flustered and a little breathless.
"Not married, not separated. Not dating anyone. Single and hungry. For food," he quickly added. "You?"
"I could eat."
A deep, rumbling chuckle emerged from him. "Ah, really? You're going to make me ask? Okay, fine. Are you single, separated, or married?"
"Single and… hungry for food," she said, earning another grin from him when she mimicked his response.
"Good to know. So, have I answered all of your questions?"
"Hardly. My sisters say I'm nosy, but I choose to believe I'm keeping myself informed. It avoids misunderstandings later."
"Sounds perfectly reasonable. How many sisters?"
"Four."
Cooper whistled softly. "I can't imagine five kids. Any brothers?"
"Nope. My poor father, right? Six women under one roof."
His expression shifted to a mixture of awe and horror.
"That is a lot of estrogen. The, uh, kids are my niece and nephew. That's probably why you asked about me being married?"
"I wondered."
"Yeah. I, uh, adopted them. I haven't actually had them for long, so I haven't quite worked out the right way of discussing them."
"I see. Well, you will."
"Mmm."
Cooper's response tweaked her curiosity, but she felt the uncomfortable awareness of a subject too personal to discuss in depth given their three-hour acquaintance. Time would tell if she'd learn more or go on wondering about the specifics. Obviously he wanted to clarify the situation, but why? He wanted the kids or he wouldn’t have adopted them. Maybe he felt unworthy of having them? Or, maybe, his type-A mindset simply wanted her to know he wasn't irresponsible.
A quick glance at the table where he'd spent the last several hours working provided backup for her third guess. Not a paper, pen, computer, phone, or paper pad was out of place.
Cooper's stomach growled. Loudly.
"Look, as far as dinner goes, you'd be doing me a huge favor. I wouldn't have to eat alone in a new town, I'd repay your kindness, and I'd avoid the chaotic scream-fest that is bedtime."
Unable to resist his charm and wanting to know more about him, she closed the laptop in front of her with a soft thud. Single man with two kids and, no doubt, a story to go with them from what he'd just told her. Dating potential? Debatable. But she admired that he was up-front about it, and she was getting to an age where the odds of meeting someone without kids in the mix were fifty-fifty. Plus, it's a thank-you dinner. No more. "Where are we going?"
* * *
CLICK THE LINK TO CONTINUE READING LATTES AND LULLABYES OR CHECK OUT MORE SERIES AND TITLES BELOW. HAPPY READING!
THE SEASIDE SISTERS SERIES:
THE LAST GOODBYE
LATTES AND LULLABYES
MAP OF DREAMS
WORTH THE RISK
LOST LOVE FOUND
TAMING THE TULANES SERIES:
SMALL TOWN SCANDAL
THEIR SECRET BARGAIN
CROSSING THE LINE
THE NANNY’S SECRET
SOMEONE TO TRUST
THE STONE RIVER SERIES:
WORTH THE WAIT
NOT BY SIGHT
THROUGH THE VALLEY
LEAD ME NOT
CHRISTMAS AT HOLLY WOOD
THEIR CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
SECOND CHANCES
MONTANA SECRETS SERIES
HEALING HER COWBOY
IT HAD TO BE YOU
HERS TO KEEP
MILLION DOLLAR STANDOFF
HIS CHRISTMAS WISH
THEIR SECRET SON
SMALL TOWN SCANDALS SERIES
BRODY’S REDEMPTION
FALLING FOR HER BOSS
WITH THIS MAN
More books:
Secret Santa
Secret Santa II
For more information about Kay Lyons, please visit her website at www.kaylyonsauthor.com. You can also find her at the following:
@KayLyonsAuthor (Twitter)
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About the Author
Kay Lyons always wanted to be a writer, ever since the age of seven or eight when she copied the pictures out of a Charlie Brown book and rewrote the story because she didn’t like the plot. Through the years her stories have changed but one characteristic stayed true— they were all romances. Each and every one of her manuscripts included a love story.
Published in 2005 with Harlequin Enterprises, Kay’s first release was a national bestseller. Kay has also been a HOLT Medallion, Book Buyers Best and RITA Award nominee. Look for her most recent novels with Kindred Spirits Publishing.
For more information regarding her work, please visit Kay at the following:
www.kaylyonsauthor.com
@KayLyonsAuthor (Twitter)
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Author_Kay_Lyons (Instagram)
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FAQ
FAQ ABOUT THE SEASIDE SISTERS SERIES:
* * *
Is Carolina Cove a real place?
Carolina Cove is purely fictional; however, it is loosely based on one of my favorite places—Kure Beach, North Carolina. Kure Beach is home to a wonderful pier, a pavilion for special events, swings facing the Atlantic, pelicans Pete and George, coffee shops, restaurants, and more. It’s also close to the North Carolina Aquarium, Carolina Beach, and Wilmington.
* * *
What about the other places mentioned in the series?
Carolina Cove is fictionally located near Carolina Beach, just like Kure Beach. Also featured in the stories are: Wilmington, Bald Head Island, Southport, Wrightsville Beach, and areas in and around Wilmington, North Carolina.
* * *
Can I stay at the Carolina Cove Inn?
While Carolina Cove and the Carolina Cove Inn are purely fictional, there are plenty of motels and rentals in the area to enjoy.
* * *
But the pier is real?
Yes! And it has quite a history. Be sure to check out the Kure Beach Pier Cam for a view of Kure Beach and the Atlantic. And story note: much of the series was written while sitting in my car parked near the pavilion facing the pier. What can I say? There’s just something about the beach, right?
* * *
What about the restaurants and coffee shops and places you’ve mentioned in the series?
London’s Lattes is based on two of my favorite local coffee shops in Kure Beach and Carolina Beach. Are there more? Yes, plenty. But those two shops I know well because I’ve visited fairly often while writing these stories. Neither of them on their own was perfect for what I had in mind for London’s, however, so I basically combined the two and ta-da! London’s Lattes was born. But, no, if you go into either of them, you won’t find London’s exact business. Isn’t fiction wonderful?