Chapter 28
Time flew by in a flurry of activity. Each night people streamed into the theater and the show closed to thunderous applause. The thrill of the performances never waned, and the roar of applause that followed the final curtain call each night filled Tori’s heart with such joy. Magnolia Theater was back.
The show’s two-week run concluded with the bittersweet final show. Tori had seen Gavin almost every night. But now, with the successful opening show behind them, they had time to spend together, away from the theater.
Hand-in-hand they headed out to the quiet end of the beach, their steps measured and in perfect rhythm. Finally, finally, they were falling in sync with each other.
He looked down at her as they walked in comfortable silence. “Are you relieved to have your first production behind you?”
“I am. And a bit sad. It was so special. And I’m just so pleased at how well it turned out and how well it was received.”
“You did a wonderful job.”
Her cheeks flushed at this praise. “We did a wonderful job. I know I might have balked at some of your suggestions, and you were annoyingly right at times…” She teased him. “But I really loved working with you.”
He paused and lightly touched her cheek. “And I enjoyed working with you. It was a very special time, Tori Duran.”
She savored the warmth of his touch, her heart full of happiness and looking forward to so much more for the theater. “I have one more play scheduled, and soon we can have a regular schedule and also use the theater for town events. And do some productions with local actors. Just like they used to do when I was young. Oh, and the principal has already asked for it for high school graduation. And a young woman whose mother used to perform here in the town productions wants to hold a small wedding at the theater. They’re going to get married on stage. Her mother is thrilled.”
“Sounds like Magnolia Theater is back up and running. Just what this town needed.”
“It’s what I needed.” She gave his hand another grateful squeeze as they continued down the path.
They reached the beach and walked across it, their feet sinking into the cool, powdery sand. As they reached the water’s edge, they stood and let the foamy edge of the waves splash up over their feet before it rushed back out to sea. She could stand like this forever with Gavin. Stand here at the edge of the world where time stood still. The vast ocean stretched before her, reminding her how tiny they were in the scheme of things, and yet she felt infinite with Gavin at her side. Capable of anything. Ready for anything.
He looked down at her, his eyes filled with an emotion so strong it took her breath away. “You know something, Tori Duran?”
“What?” Her heart somersaulted from just seeing the look in his eyes. One she’d never seen there before.
His eyes never left hers as he spoke. “I love you.”
Her heart recovered from the somersault just in time to zig-zag through her chest. “You do?”
“I do.” He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers in a gentle, lingering kiss. She melted into his embrace.
When he finally pulled back, she looked directly into his eyes. “That’s a good thing. A good thing you love me. Because you see, I love you too.”
He broke into a wide grin. “And look at us. In sync now.”
“Yes, we are.” She reached up and touched his face, drawing a line across his cheek. The sun slipped below the horizon as she stood there, wrapped up in his arms as they watched the brilliant display before them. The moon rose like a spotlight over the waves, bathing them in its silvery light.
Peace settled over her, and she knew two things for certain: Magnolia Key was where she belonged, and her heart was Gavin’s.
I hope you enjoyed Tori and Gavin’s story. Are you ready for book three in the series? Coastal Candlelight is Amanda’s story. She’s taking a break from her hectic life in the city and books a vacation rental on Magnolia Key—a place she’d visited with her parents. There she meets Connor, a reclusive woodworker. He wants nothing to do with the woman renting the cottage next to his. But fate has other plans for them…
Try Coastal Candlelight coming Fall of 2024. As always, I appreciate each of you and hope you’re enjoying the Magnolia Key series.
Kay