Epilogue
EPILOGUE
M aileah strolled into Cuppa Jo’s with Sailor, beaming at their friends. The atmosphere was electric, as it had been every weekend since Adrian’s song had broken out. The diner was packed, with a line snaking out the door and down the street. Adrian’s music filled the air, his newfound fame drawing locals and tourists alike.
Seated with Sailor in the usual booth Jo reserved for them, Maileah watched as people held up their phones, live-streaming Adrian’s performance. Jo bustled behind the counter, taking orders and serving up food.
“I can’t believe how crazy it’s gotten here,” Maileah said.
Sailor nodded, grinning. “Dad is loving every minute of it. And look at Jo; she’s in heaven with all the business.”
They watched Jo deftly manage the crowd. Candy brought the hamburgers and fries that Sailor had called in earlier.
She and Sailor were planning a beach wedding and discussing plans for their future, which included starting a family soon.
As Adrian’s set ended and the applause died down, Sailor turned to her. “You’ll have to give up the cottage you rented from Babe after we get married. ”
“I could use it as an office,” she said. “But what about Skeeter? She has been talking about bringing a community college outpost to the island.”
Sailor nodded in approval. “I think she’d love that. For a while, anyway. I’ll ask her.”
As they continued to chat and laugh, planning their life together, Maileah felt a sense of belonging she’d never known. And it was beautiful.
Later, when Sailor took her back to her cottage, he hesitated at the door. “Are you up for going out on the water tomorrow? You might get wet.”
“Sure. What did you have in mind?” She loved his ideas and surprises.
“Can’t tell you.” With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he added, “I’ll call you in the morning.”
True to his word, Sailor knocked on Maileah’s door early.
“Ready to make some waves of our own?” he asked. “Come look.”
She stepped outside. A trailer with twin jet skis was hitched to the back of his vehicle. She’d been dying to take those out ever since she’d had a peek at them.
“I love your spontaneity,” she said, throwing her arms around him.
He smiled and kissed her. “And I love you.”
A little later, as they zoomed across the sparkling water, the wind in their hair and the sun on their faces, happiness surged through Maileah. She had always dreamed of such a life, and now she was diving in headfirst.
Thank you for reading Orange Blossom Way . Can’t wait to find out what happens next on Crown Island? Read Deb’s story in Hibiscus Heights and continue following these sweet characters who are like friends and family to me—and to you, too, I hope !