Page 11 of Love Takes A Tumble (Midlife Meet Cute #3)

Palmar Island, three months later…

Audrey sat cross-legged in the window seat of the Magnolia Suite, laptop balanced on her knees, the cursor blinking at the end of her manuscript. The late September sunshine streamed through the windows, warming her shoulders as she read the final paragraph one more time:

As Daniel descended the lighthouse steps for the last time, he didn't look back.

The beam would continue its sweep across the water, guiding others to safety, but his own journey was taking him somewhere new.

Somewhere he'd never expected to find himself—toward love, toward home, toward the greatest adventure of all.

With a deep breath, Audrey clicked "send," watching the email disappear into the digital ether. Just like that—after decades of dreaming, months of writing, and countless revisions—her novel was on its way to her agent.

"Done?" Harrison's voice came from the doorway, where he leaned against the frame, tool belt slung low on his hips.

Audrey looked up, a smile spreading across her face. "Done. Just sent it to Maggie."

"Congratulations." He crossed the room, bending to kiss her softly. He smelled of sawdust and the faint hint of lemon polish. Remnants of his morning spent repairing bookshelves at the island library. "How does it feel?"

"Terrifying," she admitted. "Exhilarating. Like I've jumped off a cliff and haven't hit the water yet."

Harrison laughed, the sound warm and familiar.

Over the past three months, they'd settled into a rhythm that felt both comfortable and exciting.

Harrison divided his time between odd jobs around the island and helping Jacob with the inn's ongoing renovations.

Audrey worked on her novel and occasionally contributed book reviews to the local paper.

"This calls for a celebration," Harrison said, taking her laptop and setting it aside. "Get your sweater. I have something to show you."

"What is it?" Audrey asked, rising from her seat.

Harrison's smile was enigmatic. "You'll see."

An hour and a short boat ride later, they stood at the base of the island's lighthouse, its red and white stripes gleaming in the afternoon sun. Audrey looked at Harrison questioningly.

"You said your novel needed a better ending," he reminded her. "I thought this might help with inspiration for the sequel."

"How did you arrange this?" Audrey asked as he produced a key to the normally locked door. "Private tours aren't even offered anymore."

Harrison's smile was tinged with satisfaction. "Fixed the historical society president’s back steps last week. He owed me a favor."

They climbed the spiral staircase together, the familiar soft ache in Audrey's ankle a distant memory now.

Harrison led the way, pausing occasionally to point out interesting architectural details.

The craftsmanship of the curved walls, the ingenious ventilation system, the perfect balance of the structure.

When they reached the top, Audrey gasped. The view was spectacular. The island spread beneath them, the ocean stretching to the horizon, and the Pelican Inn visible in the distance, its white clapboard gleaming in the sun.

"Now I understand why my lighthouse keeper was so reluctant to leave his post," she said softly. "It's like being on top of the world."

Harrison moved to stand beside her at the railing, his arm sliding naturally around her waist. "Worth the climb?"

"Absolutely." She leaned into him, feeling the solid warmth of his body against hers.

The past three months had changed them both.

Harrison was more settled, more at peace with his new direction.

Audrey felt more confident, more willing to reach for what she wanted.

Together, they'd found a balance neither had expected.

"You know," Harrison said, his voice taking on an unusual note of hesitation, "I've been thinking about something you wrote. About how finding your way home isn't a destination but a journey."

"Something like that," she agreed, turning to face him. "Why?"

Harrison took both her hands in his. "Because I think I've found my way home, Audrey. And it's not a place. It's you."

Her heart began to beat faster as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box. "Harrison—"

"I know it hasn't been long," he said, his eyes never leaving hers.

"But when you've been lost for a while, you recognize home when you find it.

" He opened the box to reveal a simple ring with a single pearl.

"I found it in a shop here on the island.

I've been carrying it around for weeks, waiting for the right moment.

I thought, maybe, when you finished your book. .."

Audrey's vision blurred with unexpected tears. "You remembered."

"Of course I did." His smile was tender. "That was the goal you set for yourself when you came here. To write your story. And now that you have..." He took a deep breath. "Audrey Whitaker, would you consider writing our next chapter together? Will you marry me?"

The sun dipped lower on the horizon, illuminating the island and Pelican Inn in a golden glow. Audrey thought of the months she'd spent on the island, of the woman she'd been when she arrived—afraid to reach for happiness, afraid to want too much. How far she'd come. How far they both had.

"Yes," she said, the word carrying all the certainty she felt. "Yes, I will."

As Harrison slipped the ring onto her finger, then drew her into his arms for a kiss that promised a lifetime of tomorrows, Audrey thought of her lighthouse keeper and his journey toward home.

Sometimes the best stories were the ones you never saw coming.

The ones that began with a simple fall and ended with the greatest adventure of all.

Not the end, but the beginning.

Not ready to say goodbye to Harrison and Audrey? I’ve written a fun bonus epilogue that takes place on their wedding day. I think you’ll enjoy it. You can grab it here:

I also invite you to check out the Later in Life Love At Pelican Inn series starting with Restoring Pelican Inn.

Love, Laughter, and Second Chances—Who Says Romance Ends at 40?

Welcome to a collection of fun, feel-good romantic comedies where love comes with age, second chances are swoon-worthy, and happily-ever-afters are just as sweet the second time around.

Set in charming small towns, these later-in-life romcom novellas are filled with laugh-out-loud moments, sizzling-but-sweet romance, and unforgettable meet cutes.

Whether it’s enemies-to-lovers fireworks, a second shot at love on the ice, single moms rediscovering romance, or fixer-uppers that spark unexpected chemistry, these stories promise the perfect escape.

No steam, just swoon! So pour a glass of lemonade, settle into a porch swing, and enjoy these delightful love stories.