Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Kylie drove to the docks, wearing a navy cocktail dress, trying not to think about anything.
She wanted to enjoy tonight at Tidewater.
She would be meeting Alexander Wagner, who had arrived earlier today, and joining him for dinner, along with Zane and his grandparents.
Zane assured her that if she missed the last ferry to the mainland, he would return her in the skiff.
Meeting the elder Wagner already had her on edge, and she tamped down the nerves flitting through her. What was even worse was imagining what her life was going to be like once Zane left the Bay.
She loved him. There was no changing that fact.
Of course, she would never voice her feelings to him.
They had begun a casual affair, and it would ruin these last precious hours they would spend with one another if she spoke up about her love for him.
Kylie had to be satisfied with all the things Zane had done for her.
He had opened her eyes to new possibilities.
He had given her the courage not only to believe in herself again—but believe in love.
If she could love Zane after all the tragedy which had occurred in her life, perhaps one day, she might find another man with whom she could spend her life. Even build a family with him.
But she would never, ever forget her time in the Bay with Zane. A part of her would always love him.
She parked and left her car, going to the new waiting room.
Craig’s construction crew had done an amazing job in erecting the simple structure in such a short timeframe.
Tidewater had opened two days ago, and already the waiting room for the ferry had been packed, according to Danny.
Right now, however, she had it to herself.
Even the kiosk selling Denise’s baked goods and Annie’s collectibles from Tidal Treasures were now closed.
When she spotted the ferry approaching she stood, figuring she would be the only passenger. It was odd to not see her brother piloting it. Danny had more regular hours now, which thrilled Denise, especially with the baby due next month.
She stepped to the dock and saw one person sitting onboard.
Zane …
“Hi,” she called, warmth flooding her at the smile he gave her.
“Hi,” he replied, taking her hand as she boarded and pulling her toward him for a soft, sweet kiss. Then he turned and looked to the pilot. “This will be the only passenger. Head back now.”
“Yes, Mr. Wagner.”
Zane led her to a seat, his fingers still laced through hers.
“I’m surprised you had time to meet me,” she told him. “With your dad arriving in town and Tidewater now open, I thought you’d be busy.”
“I’m never too busy for you, Kylie,” he said huskily, his eyes darkening with desire.
They sat in silence as the ferry moved across the water to where Tidewater stood.
It was a contented silence, one neither felt as if they needed to fill.
She wondered if she would ever feel this comfortable in another man’s presence but pushed the thought aside, telling herself to live in the moment and not worry about the tomorrows to come.
Tonight was the only night that mattered right now.
They took one of the golf carts to the main building, with Zane saying, “I hope you don’t mind that Gran and Gramps will be joining us for dinner.”
“Not at all. I always enjoy their company. How are they taking to retirement? I know Neville sure enjoyed fishing with you the other day.”
Zane chuckled. “Gramps is still bragging about having the biggest catch on the boat that day. Actually, I think they’re both a little relieved to step back, along with the fact that the diner is still in family hands.”
“Do you think they’ll be able to keep from giving advice to Cinda and Rae Anne?”
“Let’s hope so. They’re going to be staying at Tidewater a few more days, then they’re going to FaceTime with Emily and plan a couple of trips, one in the US and one abroad.”
“They’re in remarkable health for their age. I hope they’ll get to see a lot of the places on their wish list.”
He pulled the golf cart to a stop and helped Kylie from it.
They entered the lobby of the resort for what she thought would be her final time.
She would have no excuse to come here once Zane returned to New York, and she certainly didn’t have the income to book a room as a guest or even ferry over to dine at one of the expensive restaurants.
“We’re eating at Tyler’s restaurant tonight. Dad tried another one for lunch, but I wanted him to eat Tyler’s cooking tonight.”
They arrived at the restaurant, and the hostess greeted them, saying, “The rest of your party has already been seated, Mr. Wagner. Please follow me.”
She led them through the restaurant, which was three-quarters full, to a round table at the center of the room. Immediately, Alexander Wagner came to his feet, smiling at her. It was as if a curtain had been pulled back because she could see exactly what Zane would look like a few decades from now.
“Kylie Mayfield, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Both my parents and son have sung your praises since I got to the Bay.”
He offered his hand to her, and she shook it. “It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Wagner.”
“Alexander,” he insisted. “I went to school with a Dave Mayfield. He was a few grades behind me but a guy everyone liked.”
“That’s my dad,” she told him as Zane seated her. Kylie looked to the older Wagners. “It’s good to see both of you. Have you been able to sleep in the past few mornings?”
Nellie laughed. “I thought it would be harder than it’s turned out to be. Then again, we’ve been kept busy here at Tidewater. We fall into bed every night, bone-tired. Why, this morning, Neville and I slept until almost eight o’clock—and then had breakfast in bed!”
“It doesn’t get more decadent than that,” Neville said, his eyes twinkling.
Tyler appeared at their table. “I am looking forward to cooking for this esteemed group this evening.”
“I enjoyed my lunch today, Chef,” Alexander said. “I know guests at Tidewater will be attracted to the golf course and beach their first visit, but I have a suspicion that they’ll return for your fine cuisine.”
“I appreciate the compliment, sir. I was given wide latitude to hire whomever I wanted. We have a top-notch staff, from our chefs to sous chefs to line and prep cooks.”
Tyler nodded to the hostess, who distributed menus to those seated at the table, while a server placed glasses of water for them.
“Jamie will give you a few minutes to make your selections,” Tyler said.
He excused himself, and Kylie picked up her menu, perusing it. “Everything looks wonderful. I know you’ve eaten here a few times now. Are you partial to anything?”
Zane said, “I think the duck à l’orange is outstanding. So is the Coquilles Saint-Jacques. If I were you, I’d go with the second. It’s scallops, and you can’t get fresher ones than right here in Driftwood Bay.”
The server returned, and they placed their orders. Wine was brought to the table and poured for each of them, but Neville said, “I’m going to also need some sweet tea, Jamie. Can’t eat a meal without it.”
“Of course, Mr. Wagner. May I bring more iced teas or sparkling waters to the table?”
They all asked for iced teas, and Jamie left.
Alexander turned to Kylie, who sat on his right, and said, “I hear you’re one tough negotiator. Someone who was prepared. I like that. Zane sent me a copy of your presentation. He said it’s one of the best he’s ever heard, and he’s sat through his fair share of pitches over the years.”
“I wanted to make certain Tidewater was a success, and that meant transporting guests not only from the airport but to the resort itself. At the same time, I also wanted Mayfield Charters and the town of Driftwood Bay to share in that success. I think the agreement we came to was a win-win for all sides.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Alexander seconded.
Their appetizers arrived, and Alexander said, “I wanted to let you know something which will be announced tomorrow at the end of the parade.” He paused and looked to Zane. “Why don’t you share the good news, son?”
“Wagner Enterprises has purchased several acres on the north end of town, just outside the city limits. We will be building an event center on the grounds for the community, along with a small chapel, in case brides wish to be married at the event center. Once we receive the permits, we’ll break ground on it in about two weeks, and both structures will be completed by the end of the year. ”
“That’s fast,” Nellie said. “Then again, if my son and grandson are involved, I know things will be done quickly and efficiently.”
“Thanks for the compliment, Gran,” Zane said. “The Bay is full of hard workers. It just takes hiring the right people—with the right design.”
“I’m assuming Sullivan has had a hand in that,” Kylie said.
“He did,” Alexander confirmed. “It helped that he spent so much time in the Bay and came to know it well. I think the town will be happy at both the look and size of the event center, as well as the chapel.”
They talked some about Tidewater as their entrees arrived, but more of the meal was spent on Alexander and Zane sharing the places they wanted Neville and Nellie to visit.
“I’m all for travel, but I don’t want to feel as if I’m living out of a suitcase,” Neville told the pair.
“You won’t have to worry about anything, Dad,” Alexander said. “A driver will meet you at the airport each time and convey you to your destination. Staff will unpack for you, as well as do your laundry, then they’ll pack for you when it’s time to return home.”
“That’s quite a lifestyle change for us,” Nellie said. Then she grinned. “But I’m happy to try it out.”
As they lingered over dessert and coffee, Alexander asked Kylie, “What are you doing for your family’s business?”
She explained how she had made changes to the website and contributed new ways to draw in customers for fishing and diving charters.
“One of the most successful has been charters for bachelor parties. It helped to fully book our summer season and even beyond.”
Alexander frowned. “I was hoping to get out on the water and do a little fishing with Dad while I’m here. He’s talked nonstop about the charter he and Zane took last weekend.”
“Let me check and see how full each charter is, and I’ll get back to you.”
“If we can’t go out with you and Dave, I’ll take my son out in my little fishing boat,” Neville said.
Once the finished their meal, Nellie yawned. “I’m sorry. Guess it’s time for us to hit the hay. Neville and I are going to take the earliest ferry to the mainland in order to get good spots at the parade.”
Kylie had always enjoyed going to the parade as a child and then participating in it when she was in high school. They had a full boat tomorrow, however, so she would be missing the parade and all the accompanying festivities.
And missing Zane…
She hoped she would be able to see him tomorrow night, knowing he was leaving the next morning for New York.
Tyler appeared again. “I hope everything was satisfactory.”
Alexander beamed at him. “Chef, I would say you are the best hire at Tidewater. I hope you might be open to talking with me in the future about an expanded role within Wagner Enterprises.”
Kylie saw surprise cross Ty’s face. “Yes, sir. I’m open to any discussion.” He looked to the others. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
She hugged both Nellie and Neville, telling them to enjoy the parade, and then she turned to Alexander.
“Thank you for bringing Tidewater to your hometown. It’s going to make a huge difference in the local economy.”
“It was a pleasure meeting you, Kylie,” the older man said. “Please tell your dad hello for me.”
“I will,” she promised.
Zane led her from the restaurant and said, “Would you like to stop for a drink?”
Even though it was getting late, she wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to be with him.
“That sounds lovely.”
He placed his hand on the small of her back and led her outside to one of the pools, where they ordered pina coladas and took a seat at a small table for two in the corner. While no guests were in the pool at this hour, a few were scattered about the area, sipping drinks, as well.
“You don’t have to go home this evening,” Zane said. “You can stay with me at Tidewater if you want.”
Much as she wanted to take him up on his offer, the dutiful daughter rose to the surface.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. I’ve got my charter. You’ve got the 10K. We did schedule an extra ferry crossing early tomorrow morning to bring any runners or parade goers to the mainland, so make sure you’re on that.”
Zane took her hand. “You aren’t working tomorrow. You have the entire day off.”
Surprise filled her. “What?”
“I spoke to Annie about it. Karl is taking your place on the charter. That way, you can come to the race. Or even run in it if you choose. See the parade.”
He lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss against her fingers. “And then we have the rest of the day to ourselves.”
She trembled, thinking of the trouble he had gone to in order to arrange this last day for them to be together.
Meeting his gaze, Kylie said, “Let’s make it the best day ever.”