Chapter 27
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“I still can’t believe you haven’t been to Corey’s store yet,” Michael teased. “It’s been the talk of the town for weeks.”
Caitlin laughed as they strolled down the sidewalk together, holding hands. “I know, I know. This is probably going to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.”
He grinned at her. “Hey, I think looking for centerpieces for our wedding is going to be a very memorable experience.”
“You’re right,” she said, suddenly flooded with sentimental happiness. “This is a very memorable experience.”
They paused in their walking to share a tender kiss, and Caitlin reflected that she felt like the luckiest woman in the world.
A few minutes later, they arrived at Coastal Keepsakes. A cheerful bell jingled over their heads as they stepped inside the cozy, sweet-smelling shop.
“Hey!” Olivia hurried forward to greet them, grinning from ear to ear.
“Hey, Olivia!” Caitlin said, hugging the other woman. “Do you work here now?”
Olivia shook her head, smiling. “Nope, just helping out. My boyfriend’s a busy man, and I try to hang out with him any way I can. Besides, I love this store.” She laughed.
“It’s a great store,” Michael said, and then grinned as he caught sight of Corey. He strode across the shop to talk to the other man, and Caitlin and Olivia stayed chatting by the front door.
“What brings you two in?” Olivia asked. “Just out for a stroll?”
Caitlin shook her head. “We’re doing some wedding planning, actually.” She grinned, feeling herself flush with happiness.
“Wedding?” Olivia squealed. “Ring, let me see the—oh gosh, it’s gorgeous. Congratulations!”
The two of them hugged again after Caitlin had shown the other woman her ring.
“What are you on the hunt for?” Olivia asked. “Anything in particular?”
“Yes! We’re actually looking for some of Marsha’s handmade macramé vase covers. We’ve decided those will be part of the flower arrangements—for the centerpieces at the wedding venue specifically. We called your aunt and she said that most of her stock was here in the store, and she encouraged us to give Corey the business.”
“Oh, I love all of that!” Olivia gushed. “Those will be beautiful centerpieces. What a lovely idea.”
“It was Johanna’s,” Caitlin said. “She and Alissa and Josie have all been helping me and Michael make decisions about the wedding. They’ve all been a huge help, especially Johanna! She’s got impeccable taste and a great eye for detail.”
“I can imagine.” Olivia grinned. “How’s she doing? I know she had a broken leg, right?”
“She’s doing great,” Caitlin said. “The cast is off her leg, and she’s in the process of moving into her new place. It’s just darling. She keeps saying she wants to start hosting get-togethers there, so you’ll probably see it soon.”
“Sounds great!” Olivia grinned. “Let her know that I’d be happy to help with the move, and then maybe I’ll see it sooner.”
“Sure!” Caitlin nodded. “I know she’d love that. Right now, her moving in consists of shopping for furniture and then asking for help bringing it into her new house.”
“Perfect. That sounds like a very fun way to move in somewhere!” Olivia’s eyes were twinkling. “Let’s go talk to Corey about these vase covers,” she added, starting toward the counter. “How many do you need?”
“Around ten, I think?”
They approached the counter together, and Corey shook Caitlin’s hand. “Congratulations on the engagement,” he said warmly. “Michael’s been catching me up on your good news.”
For a few minutes, the four of them chatted excitedly about their lives. Caitlin observed with a thrill that Corey and Olivia were clearly in love—their eyes shone when they looked at each other, and they joked and bantered comfortably with each other like old friends.
“Hey, Dad!”
An adorable little girl raced into the main part of the store from the back room and skidded to a halt in front of the counter.
“Haley, we have guests,” Corey said to her gently. “What do you say?”
“Hi, I’m Haley,” she said, turning around and smiling shyly at them. “Nice to meet you.”
Caitlin and Michael introduced themselves, and then a little boy followed his sister into the store.
“And this is my brother, Max,” Haley said. “Max, this is Caitlin and Michael. They’re going to get married.”
“Cool,” Max said. “My dad’s going to marry Olivia.”
Every adult’s jaw dropped, and the tips of Corey’s ears turned bright red.
“Max,” he stammered, “we—people date each other before they—”
Olivia was laughing so hard she could hardly speak. “Max, if your dad and I get married, will you give a speech at the wedding? You are a very funny guy.”
“Yeah.” Max grinned. “I’ll give a speech about the day we were all pirates.”
Still blushing, Corey went to grab ten vase covers for Caitlin and Michael, and while he was ringing up the purchase, Haley wrapped her arms around Olivia’s waist. Caitlin’s heart warmed to see how much Corey’s kids adored his new girlfriend.
“I can’t wait to work on our art project, Miss Olivia,” Haley said. “The one we’re making with Aunt Marsha.”
“I can’t wait either,” Olivia told her eagerly. “You’re getting really good at choosing colors to go together, Haley.”
The little girl beamed up at her. “Someday,” she said dreamily, “I want to be a good enough artist to sell things in a shop, just like Aunt Marsha.”
“You’re a great artist,” Olivia encouraged her warmly. “I think you can do anything you set your mind to.”
Caitlin noticed Corey watching the exchange between his daughter and Olivia with adoration in his eyes, and she smiled. She felt ecstatic that Corey and Olivia had found each other—they seemed perfect for each other.
Calling out cheerful goodbyes, Caitlin and Michael left Coastal Keepsakes. As they were walking through the door, Caitlin heard Max telling Olivia that he thought Michael looked kind of like Superman, and she grinned.
Once they were back out into the sunlight, Michael took Caitlin’s hand again.
“Such a nice couple,” he said. “I’m really happy for them.”
“Me too,” she agreed. “I felt a lot of empathy for Corey when he moved to town. I know how hard it can be as a single parent—I can’t imagine being a single parent with twins! I’m so glad he and Olivia met. They seem like a great match.”
“Yes.” He nodded. “I think they’re really good for each other. I’m glad they found each other.” He smiled at her.
She stopped, turning to Michael as a sudden rush of emotions filled her. “I’m so grateful that you and I found each other too. You’ve changed my life for the better in so many ways. Thank you for being you. For being so caring and patient and thoughtful.”
“Right back at you,” he said, his voice soft with tenderness. “Thank you for being so caring and patient and thoughtful.”
She grinned. “Right now, I’m not feeling very patient. I feel impatient to be married to you. I’m anxious to be your wife.”
“You will be. Soon.” He took her in his arms and drew her closer to him.
“And I’m so happy you’re going to be a permanent part of Pearl’s life as well,” she said.
“I can’t wait for that either,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “I can’t wait to be her dad.”
Caitlin’s heart filled with a glow of perfect happiness, and she and Michael shared a sweet kiss.
The series continues with A Wedding in the Bay !