Chapter 30
E leanor smoothed her skirt and checked her reflection in the hall mirror one last time. Winston sat at her feet, his tail thumping against the hardwood floor as footsteps approached the front door.
“Someone’s coming,” she told Winston, who perked up his ears.
Through the window, she spotted Jonah walking up the brick pathway, his silver hair catching the porch light. His smile stretched wide across his face, making her heart skip.
She opened the door before he could knock. “You’re right on time.”
Winston padded over and nosed Jonah’s hand in greeting. “Evening, Ellie.” He scratched behind Winston’s ears. “And hello to you too, old boy.”
“Would you like to come in for a drink before we leave?”
“I would.”
She led him into the front room and poured two glasses of wine. Jonah stood by the window, looking out.
“Aren’t you going to sit down?” She walked over and handed him his glass.
He turned around slowly. “You know, it took everything in my power not to come over before today. Three days you made me wait. You said Friday, so I waited. But Ellie, I have to know.”
“Know what?”
“Know if you meant what you said. That you… that you want me. That you don’t care who knows.” He looked down at his wineglass before looking back at her. “Because I lost you to Theodore once. You chose him over me.”
She took his glass back and carefully set both their glasses on a table. “I did do that. I was young and foolish.”
“But you’ve been doing your best to avoid me since I’ve returned. We’ve only gone out a few times. And… just like before… you’re so worried about what other people think.”
“Jonah, you listen to me now. Yes, I meant what I said at Coastal Coffee. I’m sorry how I’ve acted since you returned. Sometimes…” She grimaced. “Sometimes I can just be an old fool. Set in my ways.”
His hand was warm as he clasped hers, his fingers slightly rough against her skin. Her heart skipped a beat at the contact.
“I hope you truly mean it this time. That you’re choosing me.” The hint of vulnerability in his voice made her ache deep inside.
The familiar scent of his aftershave brought back memories of stolen moments all those years ago.
Moments they’d shared before she let her family’s expectations guide her down a different path.
Standing here now, in her formal living room with Winston dozing nearby, she knew with absolute clarity that she’d finally made the right decision.
She studied his familiar face—the laugh lines around his eyes, the distinguished silver of his hair, the same kind expression he’d worn all those years ago. Without hesitation, she reached out with her free hand and touched his cheek, feeling the slight stubble beneath her fingertips.
“Yes, Jonah. I choose you. I’m certain of this choice.” She paused, her own insecurities bubbling to the surface. “I just hope you haven’t changed your mind.”
“I haven’t changed, Ellie. Not in the ways that matter.” His voice was soft, but sure. “I’ve loved you since that first summer day I saw you.”
The admission she’d held back for decades rose in her throat. She squeezed his hand, gathering her courage. “I loved you too, Jonah. Even when we were apart. I’ve loved you through all these years.” Her voice cracked slightly. “I never stopped.”
Winston shifted in his sleep, sighing contentedly by the window. The familiar tick of the grandfather clock marked this moment, this confession that had waited so long to be spoken.
Jonah stepped closer, his free hand coming up to cup her cheek. “Then don’t you think we should do something about it?”
“What did you have in mind?”
“I thought…” He gave her the impish smile she remembered so well. “I thought we might start with a kiss.”
Her heart fluttered as his lips met hers. His touch was feather-light, almost reverent, and she closed her eyes, savoring the sweetness of the moment. The years fell away, and she was transported back to that first stolen kiss behind the marina so many summers ago.
His fingers traced along her jaw as he pulled back, his eyes bright with emotion. “I’ve been waiting so many years to do that again.”
Her hands trembled as she smoothed his lapel, needing something to ground her in this moment. All those wasted years, all the times she’d chosen what others expected over what her heart wanted, none of it mattered now.
Winston let out a soft snore from his spot by the window, breaking the spell. She laughed softly, feeling like a teenager again despite her silver hair and sensible shoes.
“Was it worth the wait?” she asked, surprising herself with her boldness.
“Every minute.” His thumb brushed across her cheek. “Though I’d rather not wait another fifty years for the next one.”
“I don’t intend to make you wait at all.” The words came easily now, all her earlier hesitation gone. This was Jonah—her Jonah—and she was tired of denying what they both wanted.
His eyes twinkled as he smiled, and her heart skipped. That smile had always been her undoing, even back when she thought she needed to be sensible and proper and make the expected choice.
“Good,” he said simply, drawing her closer. “Because I have a lot of lost time to make up for.”
I hope you enjoyed Seaside Sunshine. Are you ready for the final book in the Magnolia Key series? Book seven is Boardwalk Breezes . Yes, Beverly will finally get her book! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this series as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it.
As always, thanks for reading my stories. I truly appreciate all my readers. — Kay