“Well, look at you,” she said.
“What do you think?” he asked. “I don’t dress up very often.”
“Let’s see.” She tapped her chin, teasing him as she took in his sand-colored khakis and a white linen shirt, sleeves casually rolled up to reveal muscular, sun-kissed forearms. His longish blonde hair, freshly washed, brushed the edge of his collar, giving him a rakish charm that made her heart skip a beat. He looked every bit the island heartthrob he was.
Yet, this relationship was more than a paradise holiday romance.
This was for keeps.
“You clean up well, surfer dude,” she said, sliding her arms around his neck. “You have my whole-hearted approval.”
“And look at you.” He took her hands and stepped back to admire her. His gaze lingered appreciatively over her outfit. “You look gorgeous.”
She feathered her lips against his in the softest of kisses. “Would you help me with my necklace?” She handed him a chunky turquoise necklace that she’d borrowed from her mother and turned around, lifting her hair for him.
He draped the necklace around her neck and fastened it, kissing her neck before she let her hair down. “I’ll be the luckiest guy in the room tonight.”
She loved hearing that. She thought about how he’d been at the beach today with all the young women in bikinis. He’d only had eyes for her.
They got into his vehicle. Soon, the Majestic Hotel loomedbefore them, its grand red and white facade lit against the deep blue ocean beyond.
“Welcome,” Whitley said with a broad smile, ushering them inside. “What a handsome couple you two make.”
Tonight, his bright coral jacket was a cheerful pop of color against the new blue, white, and dove gray interiors that April’s friend Deb had designed around the existing antiques.
“Right this way,” Whitley said. “Your mother and grandmother have already arrived.”
“You’ll have to save a dance for my grandmother tonight,” Maileah said.
Even though she knew the way to the ballroom, she let Whitely guide them. She knew he was keen on Ella.
“What a good idea,” Whitley said, tapping his temple. “I’ll be sure to do that.”
As they followed Whitley through the hotel’s renovated corridors, Maileah’s excitement grew. The ballroom doors swung open, revealing a space transformed into a beachside paradise with special lighting, a tiki bar, seashells, and surfboards.
Ella, Margaret, and April were bustling about, putting the finishing touches on the decorations.
“This looks like fun,” Maileah said. “Especially the tiki bar.”
“The volunteers have been a wonderful help,” Ella said. “And your silent auction will certainly draw attention.”
“We’re also taking online and phone bids,” Maileah said.
April spoke up, “Sailor, I was quite impressed with your abilities today.”
“Maileah is my good luck charm,” he said. “Ever since she came into my life, I’ve been more focused.”
“I’ve been watching,” Ella said, her eyes twinkling. “You’re having your best year ever, aren’t you?”
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied, clasping Maileah’s hand. “In many ways.”
Margaret joined them, brushing decorative sand from herhands. “Congratulations on your marketing and fundraising efforts, Maileah. Before the event begins, I wanted you to know we’ve already exceeded the target from ticket sales and Adrian’s song. That was a huge success for us—and so innovative. Extra funds will allow us to do even more for injured athletes and others.”
Those words of praise warmed Maileah’s heart. “I’m so glad to hear that.”
From across the room,the soft strumming of a guitar caught their attention. Adrian sat on a chair by the stage, tuning his guitar. His good friend was also accompanying him tonight.
Adrian looked up, a proud smile on his face.
