“That was a good thing you did, though.” Sarah smiled. “I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, kiddo,” he said as they sipped from their glasses and looked out at the pale silhouette of the horizon. “About you…” Paul said and tapped her arm. “I can’t believe my little girl is going to get married.”
“Yeah.” She blushed and looked at the princess-cut diamond on her finger. “I can’t believe it either. I was so surprised when he asked.”
“I wasn’t. He would have been crazy not to.” Paul grinned.
Sarah sighed. “I just wish Mom could have been here for the wedding.”
“I know.” Paul sighed. “I wish she were here too, but you’ll have to do it with just me.”
Sarah smiled. “I can live with that. I know Aaron is fond of you. Speaking of which, I wonder how he’s doing on his rounds. He’s doubling tonight.”
“That’s why I’m not a nurse. I’m a cook. I work during sane hours,” Paul teased.
“Well, luckily for you, there are people like us who work insane hours when you need us,” she said and stuck out her tongue like a child.
He laughed. “I was just messing with you. In fact, I think it’s great that he’s a nurse. The medical field needs more men like that.”
“You can say that again,” Sarah agreed. “What are your plans for the rest of the night?”
Paul scratched his head. “I didn’t really have any plans. I brought Nikki here for lunch and then…”
“Nikki?” Sarah asked with sudden intrigue.
“Don’t get any ideas.” He chuckled. “She’s Trish’s sister, although we used to have a thing back in high school.”
“Oh, you did?” Sarah asked, and Paul could see the wheels turning in her head. “Is she pretty?”
“Sarah, I know you’re happy with Aaron, but that doesn’t mean you should start with the matchmaking. It’s never worked before,” Paul said and downed the rest of his glass of wine.
“But this time, it’s an old flame. Is she single?”
“Yes, but it doesn’t matter. We aren’t thinking about that,” he told her flatly.
“Speak for yourself,” Sarah goaded. “She might be interested.”
“What we had was decades ago. What are the odds we’d reconnect now?”
Sarah shrugged. “Who knows why anything happens?”
“You’re right,” he said and looked around. “But don’t get your hopes up.”
“Okay, but I can’t promise you anything.” Sarah giggled. “Anyway, I think I need to get going. I had a long day, and I want to put my feet up,” she said.
“That makes two of us,” Paul agreed as he pushed his chair back. “Let me walk you to your car.”
They walked slowly toward the parking lot, the wind whistling in his ears. The air was crisp and salty, just the way he liked it. That was one of the reasons he’d moved to Camano after he’d completed his education. He loved the dynamic flair of the place and the uniqueness of the individual villages.
The people were warm and friendly, and he quickly grew attached to the place.
“So,” Sarah said when she got to the car, “I’ll come and see you soon.”
“Should I believe you this time?” Paul asked and moved a wisp of hair from her face.
“Yes!” she said emphatically. “Unless I get extra busy, in which case I deserve a pass and a lot of forgiveness.”
Paul laughed and hugged her. “Take care of yourself, will you?”
