Her Maine Squeeze (When in Maine)

Chapter Eight

Tears brim in my eyes as I help Charley adjust her veil. “You’re the most beautiful bride in the world.”

She waves a hand in front of her own eyes. “Don’t make me cry. I’ll mess up my makeup.”

Laughing, I squeeze her into a tight hug. “Thank goodness for waterproof mascara.”

When we break apart, she turns to look into the mirror one last time. “Are you sure it’s good?”

“No one has ever looked more perfect,” I tell her. And it’s the absolute truth.

Her forehead crinkles with worry. “Do you think Luke will think so?”

“I know he will. In fact, I’ll bet a thousand dollars that he cries like a baby when he sees you.”

She laughs. “In front of all his old teammates? Not a chance. No one can hold in the tears better than a hockey player.”

I shake my head. “When he sees you, he’ll forget they’re even here. I guarantee it.”

A smile stretches across her face. “You’re the best, Lindy. I already love you like a sister. I hope you know that.”

Tears prick at my eyes once more, and I wave my hands to dry them again. “I love you, too.”

Charley picks up her gorgeous bouquet from the pillow it’s resting on. “Thanks again for agreeing to let us get married on your birthday, by the way.”

“Of course. It’s the best birthday gift ever.”

A mischievous glint dances in her eyes. “I know I’ve been busy with the wedding details this week, but I’ve heard the gossip around town.”

“Gossip?” I ask innocently.

“You and Oz have been spending a lot of time together.”

“He’s been helping at the sandwich shop,” I say innocently.

She smirks at me. “My secretary says she saw you kissing on a park bench.”

“And there’s been a little bit of kissing,” I admit.

She laughs. “I can’t wait to hear all about it. But first, I have a wedding to get to.”

Twenty minutes later, Luke proves my crying prediction to be correct. In fact, tears start leaking from his eyes as soon as the string quartet plays the first notes of the bridal procession.

After the vows are exchanged and Charley and Luke have shared their first kiss as husband and wife, Oz and I walk arm in arm out of the church. He leans down to whisper in my ear. “Can I talk to you for a few minutes in private before we head to the reception? I want to give you your birthday gift.”

“Of course,” I say quickly. We’ve spent every day this week together, but he hasn’t mentioned the marriage pact even once this week. As far as I know, he doesn’t remember anything about it. So, he probably just wants to give me a regular birthday gift. A gift card. Or a scarf. Definitely not a diamond ring. Nevertheless, my heartrate kicks into overdrive, thrumming in my chest like a jackhammer.

He leads me to a bench overlooking the bay. The sun is beginning to set, and the pink sky is reflected in the surface of the water.

“Beautiful,” I breathe.

“Yes, you are,” he says.

I feel the heat rise to my cheeks and Oz chuckles. “I love it when your cheeks turn pink,” he murmurs. “I hope I always have that effect on you.”

“I’m sure you will,” I mutter.

“Good, because I sold my business this morning. I’m moving back to Fog Harbor. It’s time to come home… to you.”

I glance up at him. “To me?”

He pulls a tiny box from his pocket. “I made a promise.”

“Oz.” I clutch my throat with my hands. Is he proposing? I’m not ready. It’s too soon… isn’t it?

His beautiful green eyes meet mine. “I know we’ve only been dating for a few days, but I’ve loved you for most of my life, Lindy, and that’s not going to change.” He takes a deep breath, preparing to open the box.

“Wait!” My hands tremble and my mouth goes dry. This is too much, too soon. I love Oz. If I wasn’t sure before, I am now. But marriage…?

“Let me finish,” he says, chuckling. “My feelings will never change. But I know you well enough to know that you’re not ready for a proposal. So—” He opens the tiny box to showcase a breathtakingly beautiful opal ring with diamond accents. “—this is a promise ring.”

“Oh,” I breathe, reaching out a finger to brush the precious stone with my finger. “It’s perfect.”

He takes it out of the box and slides it onto my finger. “Happy birthday, Lindy. I love you. And I promise that I always will.”

My gaze flickers to his face. “I love you, too, Oz.

He kisses me softly on the lips and then nuzzles my nose with his. “Someday, when the time is right, I’m going to ask you to marry me.”

When that day comes, I know I’ll say yes. But for now, I happily lean in for one more kiss.