epilogue
Maya
Four Months Later
E llie and my brother are coming back to Love Beach now that their tournament schedule is winding down. I moved into Phil’s place a couple months ago but kept the vacation rental so they have a place to stay. Although Ellie’s hinted at looking for a house to buy. They both say big changes are coming but won’t say anything else. I’ve talked to Phil about it and all he does is grin and tell me not to worry about it.
I don’t like it when people keep secrets from me. Once Ellie and Sean are settled, there will be a discussion. Until then I’m so looking forward to having my bestie and brother close. Maybe we can settle the final plans for their wedding. I’m moving great now. The extra work in the gym—and the personalized attention from the owner really helped. I’m ready to walk down the aisle for Ellie so before long she can walk down mine.
We meet at the Sandy Sipper and as a treat Nyla serves us the beach volleyball special sandwiches she created for the Love Beach tournament. Ellie and I do the majority of the talking, because there’s a ton of stuff to catch up on, so much that couldn’t be said in letters, texts or phone calls. Our men remain indulgently silent.
“We need to settle on the location for our wedding soon,” Ellie says while staring out over the beach. Then she gives me a side-eye glance. “Before I grow out of my dress.”
“That makes no sense, Ellie. As long as I’ve known you, you’ve looked the same. Not even those fabled freshman fifteen made any difference.”
“I only gained five pounds freshman year.”
I give a soft snort. “Whatever. Is there a problem with your dress? I thought you’d settled on one months ago.”
“I did. And I love it. I don’t want to give it up just because I’m pregnant.”
It takes a long moment for her words to sink in. I lean forward then surge to my feet. She rises and we squeal as we hug then jump in a small circle.
Sean elbows Phil. “Told you.”
Jerking to a stop, I glare at the love of my life. “You knew about this?”
He has the gall to not even attempt to look repentant. Instead he winks. “Yep. Calm down, honey. We’ll talk about it later.”
My brother also has a shit eating grin. In two steps I stand in front of him and poke his chest. “What are you not telling me?” I give each of them a hard glare. “Why are you all keeping secrets from me?”
Sean shakes his head. “Not really keeping stuff from you, baby sis. More like waiting until you regained the focus to be a part of all this. With your healing, and finishing your book, and…” He jerks a thumb at Phil. “…this guy, I didn’t want to add anything more to your plate.”
“You guys suck, you know that don’t you? All three of you. Now tell me what’s going on or I’m walking.”
Sean raises his hand. “I’ll start. First by apologizing. We thought we were making it easier for you by not adding more worry to your list. I was wrong in that assumption. My news is that I’m quitting individual coaching and starting up a permanent facility for volleyball camps and training.”
“You’ve had that dream for a long time, big bro. I’m so much more happy for you now than I was pissed you haven’t said anything.”
“Thanks, I think. Ellie’s father is one of the financial backers for the project and we’ve already completed site design.” He rushes to continue. “Which I’ll need your approval on. This is partly for you, Maya. I value your opinion and suggestions. I want this to be a family endeavor.”
Ellie draws a deep breath. “I’m quitting the circuit. I was thinking about it even before…” She pats her lower belly. “Sean has really drawn me into his dream. His vision is mine now, too. I’m hoping to help coach or do whatever’s needed to make Sean’s dream a success.”
“But you were doing so well with your new partner. How does she feel about your retirement?”
“No problem there. You’ll never guess who she’s teamed up with.” Ellie is barely holding back a devilish grin.
Realization hits me like a brick wall. “No. With Karol? You’ve got to be kidding.”
Sean sets his empty glass on the table. “Actually, they make a pretty good team. Compliment each other’s play. Personality wise? Not sure it’s going to work out. Only time will tell.”
I’m amazed at how all the twists and turns in life can actually come together successfully. “I wish them both luck.”
One more confession to go. “And what about you?” I ask Phil.
“That extra land I bought when I established the gym? There’s still a large tract that’s undeveloped. Your brother’s plans and initial sketches were enough to convince me to become a partner in the project as well. Another expansion to Tolenski’s Gym.”
I slip onto his lap and run my fingers through his hair. “You need a better name to encompass all the sports and offerings.”
“Want to help me think one up?”
“I’ve got a few ideas.”
Ellie clears her throat and glances at her watch. “Didn’t you say you had plans this evening?”
I grin at Phil. Every month we’ve had a special celebration to mark the day he found me crying on the steps. The day we met. And from what we’ve told each other about that day, it was also the day we both fell in love.
“We do,” I reply and stand. “And didn’t you say you had something for me?” I ask Ellie.
“Oh, yeah, I do. Come with me and we’ll get it from the car.”
When she hands me the cloth bag, Ellie leans closer to peer into my eyes. “Are you sure about this? Don’t tempt fate and injure your knee again.”
“I won’t. Thanks for your concern. And a huge thanks for getting these for me. I owe you.”
She waves away my words. “I’m just happy you’re, umm, getting out of your shell a little. The right man can sure help with that. Speaking of, here come the guys. You’d better get that hidden.”
After hugs for Ellie and my brother, Phil and I head home. I’d like a little time to prepare my surprise celebration so I need for him to stay away for a while.
“Uh, baby doll, is it okay if I drop you off at home?. There’s something I need to get for tonight.”
Fantastic. I struggle a little to keep from fist pumping the air in celebration. “Sure, no problem.”
I’ve completed my preparations and I’m waiting on our front porch when he drives up in a classic chevy convertible. Red. With the top down. I race from the porch and he catches me in his arms.
“You remembered,” I say then cover his face with kisses.
“I was only able to rent this for an hour. I hope that’s okay.”
He’s adorable those few times when he seems unsure of himself. I press a longer kiss to his mouth. “It’s perfect. Let’s not waste any time.”
With a gentlemanly bow, he opens the door and I slide onto the cream-colored leather seat. Someone spent a lot of time and money making this vehicle a standout. Once we’re buckled in, he asks, “Where to?”
“You know what I want.”
We drive through town, making one circle on the main drag then head for the highway. I lift my arms to try to catch the wind and shout for joy. Much too soon we have to head back to town. I’m sad this fun drive has to end and also excited for him to discover what I’ve got planned.
“Don’t be too long,” I tell him when he drops me off at home.
“Ten minutes. Tops.”
I watch him drive away then rush into the house. I leave the rest of the house dark and light candles in our bedroom. I open the bag Ellie got for me and pull out the shoes. The six-inch spike heels aren’t much bigger around than an ice pick. The deep purple straps look barely wide enough to keep the shoes on.
Definitely not made for walking.
I strip and place a few drops of his favorite vanilla fragrance in strategic, erotic places. Then I rearrange the pillows on the bed, adding a few more from our stash in the closet. A glance at the clock shows nine minutes have passed. The low rumble of the garage door opening means he’s home. With a minute to spare.
Dangling the heels from my fingers, I position myself on the bed then struggle to get the silly things on my feet.
The door from the garage slams shut. “Maya?”
Finally the shoes at least look like they’re on. I rearrange myself so the first thing he sees when he enters will be how my feet arch in the shoes, and the thin, thin spiky heels.
I’d left the bedroom door cracked and he pushes it open. “You in here?”
“Phillip,” I whisper.
The bouquet of flowers falls from his hand to the floor. His mouth moves silently. Then he blinks and starts clawing at the buttons on his shirt.
“Baby doll, you remembered.”