Gage looked up to see Aurora return her phone to her pocket. “Good news?” he asked as he joined her back on the porch.
“Very,” she answered, her eyes alight with happiness. “That was my editor. He called to tell me that they love what I’ve sent them so far and want to offer me a full-time position withWorld Adventures Magazine.”
“That’s great news,” he told her.
“Except I’ll be traveling on their schedule instead of my own,” she added with a nervous frown. “To places far away from Emmy and my family in Oregonandhere.”
Gage saw the panic come into her eyes. “This is your dream,” he gently reminded her.
“But what if it turns into a ‘be careful what you wish for’ situation? What if they don’t like my photos? What if I don’t like traveling so much?”
He smiled. “And what if it turns out to be even better than you dreamed it would be? I’ve seen your work, Aurora. They are going to love anything you give them.”
She looked up, meeting his gaze.
“As far as travel goes,” he went on, “I think you were born to do it. You happily soak up any environment you’re in with ease, and you will be doing what you love to do. Definitely what I’d call a dream job.”
Her mouth lifted into a grateful smile. “Thank you for talking me down. This truly is what I’ve wanted for so long. I can do this.”
“Thatta girl. I’d better head back to the lodge and let you get inside where it’s warm,” Gage told her. “I’m sure you’ll want to make some calls to share your good news with your family and friends.”
“And I’ve taken up your entire day,” she agreed. “I guess I’ll see you at breakfast in the morning.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Thank you so much for making my last day here so wonderful.”
“It was my pleasure,” he replied, looking down at her beautiful face. Trying to burn it into his memory. “See you in the morning.”
Aurora rose up on her toes and pressed her lips to his, taking Gage by surprise.
He returned the kiss, his heart filled with all the things he wanted to say to her, wished he’d said to her before that call came in and pulled her life in a new direction.
When the kiss ended, Aurora said, “I’ll never forget my time here. Or you, Gage. Good night.”
He nodded, unable to speak, and stood there until she had disappeared into the cabin. Then Gage started back to the lodge, his heart heavy. Aurora was sweet, kind, and beautiful, inside and out. Where things had been off between him and Jess, Aurora feltright. Emotions he hadn’t expected gnawed at his gut.
The retreat wouldn’t be the same when Aurora was gone. Her effervescent energy and never-ending desire for adventure had breathed new life into his family. Something that had been missing since his father’s stroke. Hiking around the island wouldn’t have the same sense of adventure. Gage had truly enjoyed seeing his world anew through Aurora’s eyes. And family game nights would lack the challenge Aurora gave him with such glee. Night walks around the retreat would be just that—walks. No more shared laughter beneath star-filled skies.
Gage sighed. He’d known from the beginning that Aurora’s being there was only temporary. She had a life and a career she had to return to in Seattle.
“I’m so excited for you!” Emmy shrieked through the phone.
“It’s what I’ve wanted,” Aurora replied as she paced the cabin that had been her home away from home during her stay on Conley Island.
“For forever,” Emmy told her. “So why don’t you sound more excited about this job offer?”
“I am,” Aurora said, trying to have a bit more gusto in her voice.
“Well, that was convincing,” her friend said sarcastically. “Now, do you want to tell me what’s really going on here?”
Hot tears rushed to Aurora’s eyes. “I’m going to miss seeing you as often as I usually do.”
“We can video chat when you’re out of the country,” Emmy assured her.
“I know that,” Aurora replied. “So I’m not really sure why I feel so sad. I should be dancing around my cabin.”
“Maybe this has more to do with that handsome pilot you’ve been getting to know during your stay there ...”
