was supportive, unfortunately.
“Thanks, Dixie. What do I owe you for the book?"
Dixie smiled. "Just consider that a gift. Now, you better get over to that inn and see your momma. Set things right.“
"I will. Thanks for the talk."
As Meg walked back out onto the sidewalk, she finally smiled for the first time in a long time. Maybe there was hope. Maybe things could get better. She would have to step out on faith and ask for help if she ever wanted any hope of being the best mom she could. Vivi deserved it.
Colleen sat nervously at the table. It had been a few days since Tucker's proposal, and they had both done a wonderful job of avoiding each other. She missed him. There was no doubt about that. She wondered if he missed her too or if he regretted the time they had spent together over the last few months. She was encouraged that he had accepted her text invitation to meet for lunch, at the very least.
She tapped her fingernail on the metal bistro table, looking around the square. He was never late, but it was five minutes until noon and he still wasn't anywhere to be seen. Maybe he would get back at her by making her wait and never showing up. After all, she had probably embarrassed him in the worst way possible. It had kept her up for the last several nights as she thought about the look on his face when she said no. They hadn't even gotten a chance to talk after that because Tucker made a hasty retreat, leaving her on the beach to think about what she’d done.
Of course, she couldn't blame him. How nervous he must've been to ask the question, and how shellshocked he must've felt when she said no. It honestly broke her heart every time she thought about it.
To be honest, she didn't even know why she had invited him to lunch other than to try to explain herself yet again. She’d texted him a couple of times since the incident, but he had only responded with one or two words. She imagined he must be very angry.
She looked at her phone to check the time again. Three minutes until noon. Maybe he wasn't coming. Maybe she should try to gather up what she had left of her pride and drive back over the bridge to go home. After all, she didn't even really know if she still had a job. As soon as everything had taken place, she immediately used a few of her vacation days to avoid making Tucker feel uncomfortable at work. Why did things always have to be so complicated?
“Hey.” She looked up to see Tucker standing in front of her. He was wearing jeans, black boots and a pale gray T-shirt. She loved when he wore T-shirts. It showed off his amazing muscular physique, and right now she wanted to wrap her arms around him.
"Hi. I'm so glad you agreed to come."
He nodded slightly before pulling out his chair and sitting down. He rested his forearms on the table, his hands clasped together. “So, I was surprised that you wanted to meet. I thought things were pretty much over between us."
She looked at him, her lips turning downward into a slight frown. “Are things over?"
"Well, it seems to me that you saying no pretty much tells me about the state of our relationship, so…"
"Tucker, I didn't mean no forever. It's just that…"
"Just that what? I thought we were headed somewhere. I thought we had a future."
"I did too. I mean, I do. It's just that I was engaged to someone else not that long ago, and it really did a number on my head.”
"Are you comparing me to Peter?"
"Of course not! That whole engagement really took a lot out of me. I was enjoying us getting to know each other and taking our time. I just didn't expect for you to suddenly go down on one knee and propose. I was taken aback and scared.”
“Look, Colleen, I love you. We fell hard and fast. I know what I want. I want my future to be with you, but I'm worried that you don't feel the same way. I never want to feel like I’m giving my heart to somebody and they just don't want it. I’ve had my share of broken hearts along the way.”
"Tucker, nothing has changed for me. I want to be with you and build a life with you. I