so glad you want to be with me. But, Zach, you didn’t have a choice. I know you say you did, but you didn’t. I called Alan to see if he could help me find a way to set you free to do what would make you happy.”
It had been one of the most awkward conversations of her life, but staring into Zach’s love-filled expression, it had been worth every embarrassing moment.
Zach’s grin got wider. “So, let me get this straight. You phoned Alan and told him that you love me.”
No use in feeling embarrassed about it now. “Pretty much.”
He leaned in. “Good for you.”
She supposed. She glanced over her shoulder to where the papers were now ocean litter. “We’re not married anymore.”
The sweet sound of his laughter rumbled around her. “We could do something about that. And I mean something that doesn’t require tequila or BRIDE and GROOM T-shirts.”
Her heart rate kicked up again. “Do you want to get married for real?”
The smile she received flashed sunlight bright. “I do. Thank you for asking. I am so going to gloat to everyone that you proposed to me.”
“Did I just—?” Oh my God, she had. Julia slapped a hand over her mouth for a second before grabbing hold of his shoulders and going in for a hug. “Okay, fine. We’re going to get married for real.”
But first she was going to savour the sensation. The complete rightness of being in his arms. Of being held tight and knowing that this was exactly where he wanted to be.
Knowing that they belonged with each other not because of some accident or twist of fate. Not because of liquor and circumstance.
Because of choice.
Speaking of which. Julia pushed back. “What do you think about a fall wedding?”
He lost some of his smile. “Um, really? I was kind of thinking beach wedding, this afternoon.”
She shook her head. “We did the fast and oops type of wedding once. Maybe it would be good to take our time this go-round. Have our friends and family involved. Besides, that will give us something to look forward to.”
“Then we can make it the fall. We need a memorable day—since there’s not much about the first time we actually remember,” he teased. His expression brightened. “But I do have one thing to make right now unforgettable.”
He reached into his pocket and to her utter surprise, pulled out a shining blue ring that made her heart sing with happiness.
“It’s gorgeous.”
“Which means it’s perfect for you.” He slipped onto her finger.
She kissed him again, mostly because she could. Falling into his love and his caresses and caring.
A small cough sounded beside them, and they broke apart to discover Rita standing a few inches away. “Excuse me, Uncle Zachary. Grandpa wants to know if you’re okay. I told him I thought you were because you were kissing Julia, and you shouldn’t kiss somebody if you’re not feeling well.” She turned her gaze on Julia and added very earnestly, “Germs.”
“Very true,” Julia whispered back. “Kissing is a dangerous business.”
Rita shrugged then glanced back at her uncle. “If everything’s okay, can you come back to the house? Everybody’s waiting for your birthday breakfast, and Mom says I can’t have whipped cream until you’re there.”
Zach tangled his fingers around Julia’s. Both of them stood as he nodded seriously to his niece. “I’m very sorry we held up breakfast and the whipped cream. Everything is wonderful, so we’d better go get my birthday party started.”
Only two steps down the path, Julia spotted the rest of the family. Their heads poked out of windows and around corners, a sea of worried expressions as they waited for their return.
Rita danced on ahead, leaving them a little privacy. Julia tugged on Zach’s fingers. “Does your whole family know? About the divorce?”
“Just my dad, unless he told everybody.”
Up ahead of them, Zachary Senior had taken a very visible position. He’d climbed on top of the fence and stood like a sentinel. But he had his finger pressed over his lips and offered them a wink.
“I think we’re safe for now,” Julia informed Zach. “Let’s deal with your birthday first. We can let everybody know the rest of the plans in a couple days.”
“Good idea.”
A table full of people who loved him had gathered to sing “Happy Birthday.” There were plates stacked high with pancakes and more than one bowlful of whipped cream and peaches waiting.
This time the bag full of names was left on the counter. Zach remained on his feet