A Kiss in the Moonlight (Pelican Bay #3)

17. Epilogue

Ty stood on his mark waiting for the director to call for quiet on set. He was familiar with Beach House Flippers ’ practice of blocking the view of the final renovation, but the anticipation was driving him crazy.

What if he’d made bad decisions on the design?

What if he was wrong about having the tiki hut and tables to relax after an hour or more of paddleboarding?

What if it wasn’t as great as Connor told him it was?

What if his mom and sister hated it?

What if—

“Breathe,” Maddy whispered in his ear. “It’s going to be fabulous.”

He squeezed her hand, feeling himself settle, and nodded. “Yeah, it is.”

She blew him a kiss and slipped into the crowd as his mom and Emma moved forward to stand on either side of him. Ty had wanted Maddy by his side too, but she insisted he bask in his own success with his family. Plus, she wanted to maintain some level of anonymity in the town as long as she could, and being seen on a national TV show would make that impossible .

Someone called “action,” and the camera started rolling. Since it was Connor’s project, he gave the introduction and history of the building and why it was special to the Erickson family.

Ty only half listened to what he said. Then Connor and Jason rolled the barricade away, and he finally relaxed. The crowd could be heard in the background cheering.

“Welcome to Jersey Boy Paddle Company,” Connor said, and motioned them forward.

Ty was speechless. It was pretty close to the design mock-up Evan had shown him and even better than he had imagined.

“This is fantastic, man,” he said to Connor.

Connor winked. “We’re just getting started.”

His friend led them through the area for rentals, inside the retail shop, and back out to the front and the tiki hut, where they were handed drinks in coconut shells.

“I love how you kept the old Pelican Bay Water Rentals sign,” Emma said, pointing to the faded sign that hung on the outside of the rental counter.

“Retaining the history is important to the town,” Connor said. “I’m happy we could find a way to incorporate it.”

They finished filming the segment, which included the declaration of the Paddle Company renovation as the winner between the Maguire Brothers.

Finally, the cameras were off and they were open for business.

Dave and Ally were both there with staff from existing Jersey Boy locations. Ongoing, they would rotate team members across the two Pelican Bay stores to keep things fresh and interesting for the workers, but agreed it would be best to have seasoned staff working the first day .

Ben was ready with the Shuck Truck and, based on the tantalizing scents, had started cooking. Food and beverages would be free today, along with paddleboard lessons, and yoga demonstrations by Toni.

Ty helped, instructing how to paddle and giving tips to first-timers. It was hours before Maddy cornered him, pushed him into a chair, and shoved a lobster roll in his hand.

“You need to eat,” she said.

He wanted to argue, but the scent of the seafood had him taking a large bite. He took two more before he spoke. “Did you try this? It’s fantastic.”

“Emma and I shared one earlier. It’s hands down the best I’ve had.”

He took a much-needed swig of water. “I can’t believe how many people are here.”

“Told you there was no reason to worry.”

He finished the sandwich and pulled her onto his lap. “What have you been up to?”

“Shopping,” she said. “Although I was told my money was no good here.”

“You’re engaged to the owner. I can’t have you paying.” He fingered the Jersey Boy Paddle Company tank top she wore over boy-cut swim trunks. “Besides, it’s good marketing having you wear this.”

“I like how you created a unique design but still kept it in line with the basic logo. Maybe I’ll have you work on the logo for the recording studio.”

“I’d be happy to.” He looked throughout the crowd, at people laughing and having fun.

“Are you still worrying?” Maddy asked.

“I’m trying to commit it all to memory. ”

“All of us are proud of you.” She brushed his hair back. “Your dad would have loved this place. I hope you know that.”

Ty’s best memories had been spent with his dad in this spot. He would never get to have new memories with his father, but the old ones were forever imprinted in his mind.

He’d nearly broken down when Connor unveiled an enlarged photo of Ty and his dad that had been framed and hung inside. It had been taken in front of the old place with broad smiles on their faces.

The joy they’d felt that day was what Ty wanted to bring to all the people who came. Looking back still hurt, but it was hard to be sad at all the happy memories. And the good certainly outweighed the bad of one horrific storm.

He and Maddy had survived a horrible event, and each suffered with their guilt over what happened. Rather than holding on to that guilt for surviving, Ty could now set it free. Together with Maddy and Dylan, he could live in the moment. Like his dad had always taught him, he vowed to make each day great for all his customers. That included making special memories with Maddy and Dylan…and hopefully other children, including his future niece or nephew.

“I do, but thanks for saying so,” he said.

He picked her up, and she squealed. “What are you doing?”

“Are you ready for your first paddleboard lesson?”

“Now? So everyone can see me make a fool of myself?” she said.

“You’re doing better and better with your swim lessons.”

Truth be told, she was doing so well that they’d taken Dylan into the ocean for the first time the other day. Not too far, but enough for waves to crash over her legs. The toddler squealed with delight and there were no panic attacks for either of them.

“Paddleboarding will be a piece of cake,” Ty continued .

“Okay, future husband. Show me how it’s done.”

At the little beach, they waded in and he showed her how to start on her knees and transition to standing. It wasn’t as easy as it looked, and after a few tries, he paddled while she sat on the board in front of him.

She’d get there in time.

They had all their lives to get there.

Together.

I hope you enjoyed Maddy and Tyler’s story!