Chapter 23
VAUGHN
It isn’t because of our daughter.
That isn’t the reason why we’re walking up the stairs to the roof of the Dizzy Duck Inn. I have a romantic night planned because I owe it to us to see if we have any future.
This is out of my realm, the whole dating-because-it-matters thing. Then again, so was becoming a dad, and I now believe I was always meant for that.
Maybe I’m also meant to be a better man. One that commits their life to someone.
Isla gasps when we arrive on the roof, her eyes instantly observing the scene.
There is a small table with a few candles, and hanging lights border the roof.
Most of all, we have the view of Lake Spark and the pines surrounding the water that are outlined by the full moon.
The water has specks of a few boats with their lights on, anchored in the middle of the lake.
And we’re all alone.
She pivots on her heel to face me. “You arranged this?”
I smirk as my hands rest in my jeans pockets, and my eyes lower because I’ve never been one to surprise a woman in this manner.
“Yeah, Declan mentioned it, and I put the wheels in motion. The staff seem receptive to bribes and people who play hockey,” I joke.
“Figured this arrangement is a well-kept secret, and private too.”
Her bright smile is pure affection. “I love it.”
I tip my head in the direction of the table as I walk there.
“You’ll like this.” I lift the cover on a tray to reveal a bunch of appetizer options, and best of all, a desserts section, with small pots of chocolate mousse, but most of all, fancy cheese with berry compote to complement.
“A cheese plate for dessert is very European of us.”
Isla comes to join me at the table. “It’s also very us. I have to say that our periodic cheese discussion is the last thing I thought would have been the key to getting me interested in our attraction, but bravo that you did it.”
We both laugh before we sit down. I hold up the wine from the ice bucket, checking if she wants a glass.
“Please. I can have a glass, it will be fine. I pumped before we left, and mama can let loose, as there is plenty of milk in the freezer. I might be a little buzzed , though, as it’s been a while.”
I grin as I pour her a glass. “That’s okay. You might be kind of fun tipsy. Plus, I know where you live to ensure you get home safely.”
Her smile widens. “Ah yes, because someone at this table put my house onto the rental market in a gutsy move.”
Leaning back in my chair, I’m confident with my actions. “And? It seems to have worked out.”
She playfully offers me a look of doubt. “We’ll see.”
I bring my glass out to clink hers. “To… a perfect daughter and a good night?” I say, questioning if that’s the right toast to give.
Isla ensures our wine glasses touch. “Cheers.”
It’s a few seconds of silence, kind of in disbelief that this is where we find ourselves. Nearly a year ago, we were just a flirtation at a wedding brunch, with no possibility in sight. Now? We’re way more than we ever imagined, our lives intertwined.
“What are you thinking?” I ask.
Her mouth twists to the side while she sets her drink down. “I think, maybe I’m a little nervous about the fact that I’m not nervous to be here with you.”
I take one more sip then also set my wine aside. “That’s encouraging for me.”
She crosses her arms on the table. “Okay, so first-date questions. Let me see…”
“Work?”
“Kind of already know that. Uhm, food?”
“You change depending on mood. Currently on hummus and pretzels,” I answer.
“And you love a chicken burger with a side of honey mustard sauce, but it has to be in those little dish things and never from a packet.”
I chuckle. “Hmm, it seems we already know a few things about one another.”
She raises her finger in the air. “I got it. Travel. Where do you want to go? It can’t be any place where hockey games take place.”
“Huh, that makes it kind of difficult. I love it up in Calgary and near Banff, but warm weather wins every single time. I’m kind of sad to have left Florida simply for that, but summer here is the right temperature.
So I think anywhere in Mexico or the Caribbean—wait, actually, I’ve never been to Italy. ”
Excitement hits her. “Yes, the Amalfi coast or more up north near Cinque de Terre. I bet the food is amazing. I actually went to France, and that’s the only place I’ve been in Europe.
Briggs and I were planning an Iceland trip, but well…
he found a girlfriend, and I became occupied with a tiny human. ”
I bite my bottom lip, appreciating that we align on interests, but I have to ask. “How did your brother take the news when you told him?”
Isla scoffs a laugh. “Surprisingly well. He wanted to know who to kill, but I told him not to ask, so he didn’t. Instead, he supported me in every single way, no questions asked. We are kind of one another’s ride-or-die, ya know?”
“Yeah, I know. Stone is the same way for me.”
She grabs a piece of fresh baguette. “Your brother seems really sweet. Funny and kind too.”
My eyes grow large. “Uh-oh, are you doubting if you picked the right brother?” I tease.
Isla throws a piece of bread at me. “Nah, he doesn’t have dimples like you.”
Bringing my long finger to slide along my chin, I point out something. “We didn’t grow up in big families, in fact we lacked the essential parents in some ways. However, maybe all it takes is one person to be your family, just like we had our brothers.”
Her eyes dart to the candle while she gets lost in thought. “I believe that, but it’s extra special when you can create, I don’t know… more family.”
I nod in understanding and agreement. “We established our proven theory.”
Her soft smile returns. “We have. Now tell me something else… what is your ideal Saturday? Ours have been kind of scheduled around a certain person. Wait… I already know your answer, actually.”
“What? I enjoy grabbing a coffee then a walk. In the evening, go out for a drink or concert. The whole club scene is done, now that I’m past my prime. It's the same for you, no?” My fingers trace the edge of the table while I listen intently.
“Exactly. Coffee, leisurely walks. Concerts are great. We have a summer festival in Lake Spark, and they get quite a few good acts visiting.”
It sounds quaint and calm. It’s appealing, if I’m being honest.
“We should go.”
“We missed it, but there is a big market next weekend.”
“Ah, that’s why I’ve seen signs everywhere, and Declan mentioned something about maple syrup as a sponsor or something.” I grab a few fried pieces of eggplant while I hear Isla laugh.
It’s a solid hearty laugh too. “Vaughn, how can you have forgotten? First…” She holds up one finger.
“Everyone in town has been talking about our weekend events; didn’t any of the old ladies from the knitting club stop you on the street to remind you of their bake sale?
And two…” She adds a finger. “Declan’s family owns Grizzly Dash, you know that maple syrup with a dancing bear on it.
That’s one of the reasons he has more money than we can count.
His parents sponsor almost all Lake Spark events.
Did you forget about his syrup connection? ”
I scratch the back of my neck because I’m playing her completely as, of course, I’m familiar with my team owner’s family brand.
“Sorry if I’ve been distracted. Those coffees from Jolly Joe’s, with the jellybeans, might have distracted me.
Who the hell adds a jellybean to coffee? ” I humorously sound frustrated.
“The wizard of happiness, that’s who. It’s supposed to bring luck,” she states matter-of-factly before her demeanor changes to a hint of seriousness. “Admit it, Lake Spark has grown on you, even if your job wasn’t in the picture.”
You’ve grown on me.
“You completely caught me. I’m now a man who abides to signs of deer and duck crossings and patiently waits for the fresh eggs to arrive at the general store,” I say in jest. Yet, I owe her an honest truth. “But you’re right, I do like it here.”
Isla gets comfortable on her chair, holding the wine glass close to her chest. The candlelight highlights her jubilant face and a twinkle in her eyes.
“Uhm, you know, I’m kind of aware that the whole hockey-life thing means that eventually you could end up at a different location.
I know you have a four-year contract, but I just want you to know that it is in my head, and that if things…
flow between us.” Her crooked look is priceless.
“Then I’m aware that we would kind of follow you, for Nora… and me.”
My jaw flexes side to side, grateful that she simply understands, and it doesn’t feel like a big issue in terms of logistics, but it’s colossal step when it comes to a promising future.
“I guess thinking that far into the future is a bright start to this first date. You’re totally going fast.” I’m completely joking with her.
“But I think it’s a safe thought to have. ”
She nervously gulps a sip of wine. “Okay, I should tuck into some food. It looks delicious.”
We each pile our plates with some cuisine and get settled into our meal.
“We could have had three courses, but I kind of felt that this would lead to less disruption.”
Her eyes flick up at me with a sultry look. “Why? In case you want to take me here on the roof?”
“Nah, I would wait until we’re in the car.” I love the banter that just flows with us.
She chortles a laugh at the memory and the fact that we had an escapade in my car all those months ago.
“I’m not sure anyone has ever done something this romantic for me, this dinner and location. Sure, I’ve dated, but it was always simple dinners or beer at the bar. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t need to have fancy stuff. It’s just you put a lot of thought into this.”
“You deserve it, plus I only bring my A-game.” I take a bite of food.
Isla sets her fork down. “It’s definitely worthy of praise.”