Chapter 21
CHAPTER 21
O nly the sound of the ocean’s waves hitting the shore could be heard in the dark as Trevor and Sarah returned home.
Their children slept in the backseat the entire way home, and two of the three still had chocolate lining their mouths.
Trevor carried Noah into the house and put him to bed before returning to the car to help Sarah get Sophia and Little Maggie out of their car seats.
“I can’t believe how fast they crashed,” she whispered. “I don’t think we left Mom’s driveway before they were asleep. With all the sugar they consumed, I thought for sure they’d never get to sleep.”
Once inside, they put the two little ones to bed and the house slowly settled into a peaceful silence.
The gentle hum of the ceiling fan mixed with the distant sound of the waves reminded Trevor how lucky they were to live where they did. Sanibel was a beautiful island, and their home, which was not far from the water, was a paradise they’d made for their family.
Trevor walked into the living room and sank into the sofa, letting out a deep sigh. He kicked off his sandals and leaned his head back against cool leather.
Sarah turned on the Christmas tree lights, went into the kitchen and retrieved a small plastic container with chocolate chip cookies in it. She put them on the coffee table, grabbed one cookie, and then sat next to Trevor.
“I’m exhausted. How about you?”
He nodded. “It’s been a long day.”
He reached for the lighter on the coffee table and lit a candle, adding to the cozy ambiance. He stared at the candle’s flame, lost in thought, the conversation with Steven at Thanksgiving replaying in his mind.
“Penny for your thoughts?” she asked.
He smiled and palm up, offered his hand.
Sarah took it. “Your hands are cold. Do you feel okay?”
“I’m fine. Actually, I’m better than fine. I wish you were with Steven, Paolo and me the other day. Sarah, it was incredible. I had no idea that people were building houses from the most unusual materials. It was truly inspiring.”
She smiled. “ I wish I was there, too. Did you all talk more about you going to work for him?”
Trevor nodded. “Work with him, at least that’s how he described it. It’s his company, but he has a wonderful attitude about everything. He thinks of his employees as colleagues, not subordinates and treats them as such. He’s an impressive guy.”
“So, what is this impressive guy offering you?”
“He’s letting me decide. He needs people in both marketing and promotion, as well as project managers to oversee building sites. He also needs people in sales, but I told him right off the bat that I’m not a salesperson. He seemed to respect that. So, I’m not exactly sure. I’m still thinking it through, but no matter what I pick, the money is more than I made working for my father.”
“That’s impressive all right,” she said. “Of course, you won’t have even a little ownership in his company the way you do with the family business.”
“True, but don’t forget, whether I work for my father or not, I’m still a shareholder. That’s not going to change.”
“Speaking of your father, I was surprised that you didn’t want to go over there for even a little after we left the inn. I thought you promised your mother you’d bring the kids over?”
Trevor nodded. “I did, but I called her and explained that I wasn’t ready to talk to Dad. She understood.”
“At least she got to see them the other day, so that’s something.”
“So, what do you think about Steven’s offer? Are you going to accept?”
Trevor reached for a cookie. “I think I am. What do you say? It’s a big decision.”
Sarah nodded, taking a cookie for herself. “I know it is. But it could be a great opportunity for you. For us. I’ve seen how unhappy you’ve been at your father’s company. This could be a chance for you to do something you’re passionate about, something that aligns with your values. That’s a huge thing.”
He looked at Sarah, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the Christmas lights. Her support meant everything to him, and he knew she was right. He had been miserable at his father’s company, and this was a chance to start fresh.
“While we’re on the subject of careers that make us happy, I’ve decided to go back to the Outreach Center part-time. Ciara says she really needs me, and the truth is that I need to work. I don’t want to miss out on the kids’ important milestones, and part-time will give me a chance to contribute something outside the home. I think I can do this. What do you think?”
“How long have you been thinking about this?” he asked.
Sarah shrugged. “Long enough to know that I miss the sense of purpose I had when I was working. I love being here for the kids, but I think I can find a balance. Seeing you inspired has given me the push I needed.”
Trevor smiled. “I love that. Honey, if it’s something you’re passionate about, I think you should do it. You have my support, although we’ll need to figure out who will watch the kids when you’re working.”
Sarah smiled. “Way ahead of you on that. I can take Sophia and Little Maggie to the Outreach Center, and I’ll only work mornings while Noah is in school. I’m sure I can do this, Trevor.”
He nodded. “I know you can. I’ll support you any way I can, just as you’ve done for me.”
Sarah smiled and kissed him, and then looked over at the Christmas tree.
“I only have one request.”
“What’s that?” he asked.
“Next time Donovan Hart comes for a visit, can you tell him we’re busy?”
Trevor laughed. “No more dinners with Donovan. I promise.”
Jacqui and Joshua lay side by side on a blanket covering the cool sand of the beach. The Christmas Parade earlier had been a blast, filled with festive floats, twinkling lights, and the infectious laughter of children. Now, with the beach deserted, they relished the tranquility and the canopy of stars above them.
The moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the water. Joshua reached over, taking Jacqui’s hand in his, and sighed contentedly.
“This year’s parade was amazing,” he said. “I haven’t had that much fun in a long time.”
Jacqui turned her head to look at him, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight.
“I know, right? It was like being a kid again. I loved every minute of it.”
“And now we have this,” he said, gesturing to the empty beach. “Just us, the stars, the moonlight and the sound of the ocean. It’s perfect.”
She nodded, feeling the same contentment.
“I’m curious, how many times have you done this with other women?” she teased.
He quickly turned to look at her.
“What? I can’t believe you asked me that.”
“Deflection. I call deflection. Come on, confess.”
Joshua laughed. He acted insulted, but he enjoyed Jacqui’s quick wit and sense of humor.
He held up his hand and one-by-one, counted on his fingers. When he got to ten, he kept going.
“Too many to remember…sorry.”
She punched him on the arm then rolled over onto her stomach.
“Seriously, Jacqui, where is the romance? Of all the women I’ve dated, you are the least romantic of them all.”
“Not true, and I’ll prove it.”
She moved her head close to his and said the words he’d been dying to hear.
“I love you, Joshua Powell. I think I did the moment you gave me a hard time and wouldn’t let me win an argument. I hate every minute of our fights but love the way we make up. I learn from you all the time and respect you so much. Now, after all this time, I’ve finally accepted the truth.”
“And that is?” he asked.
“That I can’t and won’t live without you. You’re my person,” she said.
Joshua pulled her to him and looked into her eyes. His hand moved to her face, and he kissed her, and when he pulled away he said, “I love you, too, more than you know.”
They kissed again and then they both stayed on their stomachs, looking at the water.
“I love Jacqui Hutchins so much, I’ve claimed this beach for her,” he yelled.
She laughed. “Why do I feel as though you should have some sort of armor or be up on a white horse when you say that?”
“It’s true. I’ve claimed the beach as yours…soon, I’ll also claim the island. Is there anything else you’d like while I’m claiming stuff?” he asked.
She smiled. “I’ll get back to you on that.”
Joshua rolled over onto his back, while Jacqui stayed on her stomach. A faint, magical glow began to shimmer in the water. Jacqui sat up, her eyes widening with excitement. “Joshua, look! The plankton is lighting up again.”
Joshua propped himself up on his elbows, watching the bioluminescent plankton create a mesmerizing light show as the waves rolled in. “Wow, that’s incredible.”
“I want to see it up close,” Jacqui said, already standing and pulling Joshua up with her. “Come on, let’s run into the water.”
Laughing, they sprinted towards the ocean, their feet splashing through the surf. The water around them came alive with a radiant blue glow, each step they took leaving a trail of light. Jacqui twirled and danced, her laughter mingling with the sound of the waves.
“This is amazing!” she exclaimed, her face lit up with pure joy. Joshua watched her, feeling his heart swell with love. The moonlight and the bioluminescent glow made her look ethereal, like a creature of the sea.
When they finally returned to the beach, breathless and exhilarated, they lay back down on the sand, their clothes damp but their spirits soaring.
Joshua broke the silence, his voice soft. “You know, Jacqui, I felt really connected to you at your parents’ place. More than ever before.”
She turned to him, her heart swelling. “I felt it too, Joshua. It’s like everything just clicked into place, and no matter what my father or brothers threw your way, you just batted them away. It was like a tennis match and you were the pro.”
He smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “Although, there’s one thing I’ve been thinking about.”
“Oh? And what’s that?”
He hesitated, then said, “As much as I love you, Jacqui, I can’t imagine ever sitting down for a serious talk with your dad about marrying you.”
Jacqui burst into laughter, the sound carrying over the gentle waves, until she looked at his face, which had turned serious.
“What, you’re scared of my dad now?”
Joshua grinned. “I mean, have you met the guy? He’s intimidating. And let’s not even talk about Clayton.”
She laughed again, shaking her head. “Yeah, I can see that. But you’re joking, right?”
He chuckled. “Of course, I’m joking. Sort of. But seriously, I think it would be the most terrifying moment of my life.”
Jacqui rolled onto her side to face him, her expression softening. “You don’t have to worry about that, Joshua. My dad likes you, even if he doesn’t show it all the time. And as for Clayton, well, he’s just Clayton. He likes to provoke people.”
Joshua nodded, looking up at the stars. “Yeah, I know. It’s just… sometimes I wonder if I’m really good enough for you.”
Jacqui reached out and cupped his cheek, turning his face toward her. “Joshua don’t ever think that. You are more than enough for me. I love you just the way you are.”
He smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. “I love you too, Jacqui. More than anything.”
They lay there for a while longer, the moonlight casting a gentle glow on their faces. Joshua felt a sense of peace settle over him, knowing that he and Jacqui were in this together, no matter what challenges they might face.
“You know,” Joshua said after a while, “I used to dream about nights like this. Just lying on the beach with someone I love, watching the stars.”
“Really? Could you make out the face of the woman or was it all fuzzy and blurred?” she asked, teasing him more about his playboy past.
He turned to her, his eyes filled with adoration. “Dreams do come true, huh?”
She smiled, nodding. “Yeah, they do.”
The moon continued its slow ascent, its light creating a shimmering path on the water that seemed to lead straight to them. Joshua felt a surge of happiness, knowing that this moment was one he would cherish forever.
“So, what’s next for us?” he asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
Jacqui shrugged, her eyes still fixed on the stars. “I don’t know. More nights like this, I hope. More adventures, more laughter, more love.”
He smiled, feeling a sense of excitement for the future. “I like the sound of that.”
They lay there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the moonlight casting a gentle glow over them. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them alone on the beach, their hearts beating in perfect harmony.
As the night wore on, they continued to talk, their voices mingling with the sound of the waves. They shared their dreams, their fears, and their hopes for the future, knowing that whatever came their way, they would face it together.
The moon climbed higher in the sky, its light bathing them in a soft, silvery glow. Joshua felt a sense of contentment wash over him, knowing that he was exactly where he was meant to be, with the person he loved more than anything in the world.
“Jacqui,” he said softly, turning to look at her, “I don’t need to have a serious talk with your dad to know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
She smiled, her eyes shining with love. “I feel the same way. And when the time is right, we’ll figure it out together.”
He leaned in and kissed her again.
The stars continued to twinkle above them, the moon casting its gentle light over the beach. In that moment, Joshua knew they were exactly where they were meant to be, their hearts and souls intertwined, ready to face whatever the future held, together.