Page 58 of Sweet Summertide

Shoot, Holly thought and looked up at Teddy’s face. His puckered lips and deep breath showed his disappointment, but she wasn’t sad.

“Are you upset?” he asked.

“No, because I think I already won,” she said and threw her arms around his shoulders. Teddy challenged her to be a better person. He was the man who would protect her, encourage her, and love her no matter what. “Teddy?—”

“I love you, too,” he said and crushed his lips against hers again. His passion caused her to melt into him. He was her puffin, viciously fighting for what was his. She hoped she could earn his loyalty every day, and starting now, she would ensure she was worthy of his love. The good thing is, neither of them were in a hurry to leave the Cove, to start over anywhere else or with anyone else. They had time on their side and the support of their true friends.

She looked over and saw Millie and Alfonso going at it, lip to lip. “Look, look,” she said to Teddy, breaking their own connection.

“To be young and in love,” he said and winked. She intertwined her fingers with his and stood back. “Does this mean I’m your girlfriend now?”

“Oh, honey, you’re my everything. Now let’s enjoy this firework show.” He guided her to a stone bench surrounding the fountain.

They sat down, her head rested on his shoulder, and they watched the sparkling colors explode overhead just like the bangers lighting up in her heart. She might have taken the long and bumpy tracks to get there, but no other way would have been as exciting a ride. “I love you, Teddy Black.”