The Inn At Seagrove - Rachel Hanna Page 0,9

do you think we could maintain a relationship when I live on the coast of South Carolina and you're all the way in Texas?"

"I haven't even decided if I'm taking the job!"

"But, you haven't decided that you aren't, William."

"So you just expect me to only take opportunities that are right here in town for the rest of my life? I mean, do you ever plan to leave this place?"

She sat with that question for a moment. Did she? Janine had traveled all over the world for so many years that she had finally realized she never planned to leave Seagrove Island. It had become her home quickly, and her family was there.

"No."

"No? You're never going to leave this place? How can someone who has traveled as much as you have just decide they're never leaving this place?"

“Of course I'll take vacations, William. But I don't plan to ever live anywhere else. Why would I? This is my favorite place on earth. My family is here. I have new friends here. I have a great business here."

William blew out a breath. "Well, I guess that's the difference between me and you. You have everything you want here. I’m not sure I do.”

Her stomach clinched. "Then I suppose that is a very big difference between us."

"You know I love you. But, I have to grow as a person and in my career just like you do."

In a way, she understood what he was saying. She didn't like it, but she understood. She couldn't blame him for needing more in his career anymore then he could've blamed her for needing to open the yoga studio.

"So what do we do now?"

"I have to give my boss an answer tomorrow afternoon. I feel like I have to try this, Janine. I have to know whether I’m meant to go up in my company or stay here in Seagrove and build a life."

"William, if you have to even question whether you want to build a future that includes me, then I think you already have your answer."

As they just stared at each other for the next few moments, Janine knew things were never going to be the same. Just like always, she always ended up getting her heart broken in the end.

"I cannot believe what a beautiful picnic you set up," Colleen said. Tucker had gone all out, picking up their favorite foods from the local seafood restaurant. There was just something about sitting right there on the warm sand, the constant breeze blowing through her hair, the last hints of sunlight dancing across the waves. All of it made her feel at peace.

"Anything for the woman I love," Tucker said, smiling at her.

Their relationship had moved so quickly, much quicker than the one she had with Peter. But everything felt right about it. He treated her with so much respect, and they were already talking about future plans like vacations they’d take and where they each saw their careers going.

The “I love you” phase had happened within a couple of weeks of them dating, and she was okay with that because she really did love him. She couldn't imagine a man better than Tucker out there.

"Care to take a walk by the water?" he asked as he cleaned up their spread of food.

"Of course.”

For the next little while, they walked along the water's edge, holding hands and talking about all the latest gossip. Colleen told him about her concerns for her sister, and Tucker talked about the latest toy they were developing at work. It was going to be specifically for kids with sensory issues, like many who have autism.

Without warning, suddenly Tucker stopped in his tracks and stood there. He turned her around to face him, holding both of her hands in his.

"You know how much I love you, right?"

"I do. But you're scaring me a little bit."

He chuckled. "Ever since I met you, my life has been so much better. I can't imagine a future without you in it."

She smiled up at him. "Good because I feel the same way."

And then something happened. After the fact, she couldn't figure out how she hadn't seen it coming. In slow motion, it seemed, he lowered himself down to one knee and looked up at her, a small black box open in his hand.

"Colleen Marie Pike, I will love you for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?"

She froze like a deer in headlights. She tried to muster up the courage to let words