Page 31 of Hibiscus Heights (Crown Island #4)
For a moment, neither of them seemed to know what to do. But when Grant’s gaze met hers and he swung open the gate, his hand outstretched, her hesitation and fears evaporated.
At the steps to the patio, she lifted the hem of her dress. He clasped her hand and guided her onto the patio.
“I didn’t know if I’d ever see you again,” he whispered. “I’m sorry I didn’t know how to express myself. It’s been a long time.”
Deb touched his cheek. “Maybe I’ve had a change of heart.”
“I hope so. This is a welcome surprise. It’s just me and the boys, and they wanted to see the fireworks before going to bed. Will you stay and watch them with us?”
Maybe it was what Kitty had said, the earnestness in Grant’s eyes, or the warmth of his hand in hers. Whatever it was, she suddenly knew what she wanted.
“Let’s get comfortable.” She kissed Grant on the cheek and then opened her arms to Teddy and Mason, who threw their arms around her.
In the happy tangle of limbs, joy flooded her heart, which seemed to crack open with an outpouring of love. At once, she realized there was no turning back now, even if there were obstacles ahead.
Grant rearranged the patio furniture to make room for her, and they eased into a double lounge chair for couples behind the boys.
“There goes another one,” Mason yelled, pointing out the streak in the sky to Teddy.
As that rocket burst overhead in a shower of shimmering colors, Grant turned to face her. The explosion reflected in his eyes, and the ocean breeze ruffled his hair. A distant memory of another night like this sprang to mind.
Grant took her hand and kissed it. “I have some news for you. The boys and I have decided to stay on Crown Island. They want to start school here, so I’ll stay with my mother until I find a home for us.”
Deb thought the boys seemed more joyful tonight. “I think that will be good for them.”
“Maybe for us, too.” Grant’s voice was barely audible over the crowd’s cheers and the thunder of fireworks. He leaned closer to her. “Would you be willing to try again? Not as the people we were, but as who we are now.”
“We’ve changed, and yet…” She paused, recalling the moment she’d first seen him again, and her physiological reaction. It was as if her heart had recognized his in an instant, despite the chasm between them.
He traced her hand. “And yet?”
“My feelings for you haven’t changed.” She kissed him softly and felt him respond.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Mason nudge Teddy and glance back at them. Teddy giggled, and two boys bent their heads together, clearly elated.
Grant caught that, too. He wrapped his arms around her and said, “Boys, you’re going to see a lot more of Deb around. I hope that’s okay with you.”
Teddy broke into a broad grin. “What about Duke?”
“Absolutely,” Deb replied as joyful laughter bubbled up in her.
The boys clambered onto them, and they all hugged each other while fireworks lit the night sky.
Watching the spectacular show snuggled in Grant’s strong, familiar embrace, Deb thought of the years that had lapsed between them.
The hurt and healing they’d experienced on their paths had given them the advantage of wisdom.
And Grant looked at her as if she were the only woman in the world for him.
She felt the same now.
Nearby, guests exclaimed over the fireworks, and the sweet smell of smoke drifted in the air.
With his sons’ attention glued to the sky, Grant kissed her lightly. “At our age now, we are who we are.”
“And our future is what we make it.” Deb had built the career she’d dreamed of and enjoyed her success. Grant had loved and lost and become a father. Now it was their turn to come together.
Building to a grand finale, fireworks popped in rapid succession, lighting the sky with sparkling cascades of color.
“Let’s get closer.” Mason took Teddy’s hand, and they rushed to the edge of the patio, craning their necks with delight.
Cradling her face, Grant kissed her again, soft and sure.
The crowd cheered for the spectacle overhead, but Deb knew the real magic was happening right here.
When they finally broke apart, she spied Matteo watching them from a few feet away, a satisfied smile on his face. He raised his champagne glass in a silent toast before turning back to Babe.
Grant stroked her shoulder. “I loved you the first time I saw you as the Crown Island Princess, but I’ve fallen in love with you all over again.”
Deb had longed to hear these words. This was the man she’d measured all others against. She smiled at him with mischief. “I suppose I’ve always loved you, even when I didn’t like you very much. I’ll admit, you’ve earned your way back into my heart.”
Grant laughed, and their lips met again in the sweetest of kisses.
High overhead, the last fireworks burst with gold and silver, showering them with the magic of a second chance at love.
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