Chapter 56
Naomi watched the fireworks display in delight, surrounded on the beach by everyone she loved.
She couldn’t have hoped for a better birthday celebration.
Everything felt right with the world again, better even.
Yes, she was single, but she wasn’t alone.
Her family and friends had gone above and beyond to make the day memorable, and the resort sunset party tonight had been a spectacular finale.
She was only sorry the trip had now come to an end.
Once the show in the sky finished and she’d danced the night away, she ambled alone back to her suite, choosing the long route along the beach to make the journey that much longer.
On the way, she passed the room Will and Holly were staying in and lingered a moment.
The lights were on inside; no doubt he was busy trying to get his daughter ready for bed after tonight’s excitement.
That pleasant tableau tugged at her heart and the unfilled desires within it. She’d love the responsibility of readying a child for bed, and not simply any child – hers.
She envied Will the gift he had. What would it be like to be part of something like that? The question popped into her head unbidden, but Naomi found herself contemplating it as she stood in place for a moment.
What would it be like to come home to a little girl like Holly eagerly running to meet her?
Or how nice would it be to walk into Will’s restaurant and be greeted by his smiling face as he ushered her to sample some new dish he’d come up with.
What would it be like to wake up to a man like him every day?
She shook her head then, feeling stupid. These thoughts were dangerous ones that only confused her even further. As much as Naomi liked Will, and as much as she’d enjoyed his and Holly’s company, it was just a brief holiday encounter.
She had to accept that. And accept too, that when it came to motherhood, Naomi might always remain on the outside, looking in.