Three hours later, the three of them sat at a table on the upstairs patio of Surfboards on the pier. The sun set on the ocean, and the light cast a warm glow reflecting off their glasses as they cheered a toast to Wes’s good news. Champagne for the adults, sparkling water for Marissa. Sitting there with them, being invited to their special celebration that evening, warmed Sarah’s heart. To be included, to feel like she belonged there with them, was a good feeling. She’d expected a little awkwardness the next day after their night together, a bit of questioning, an adjusting… But everything felt right that evening.

Marissa was positively beaming as she glanced back and forth between them. “So…how was your night?”

Sarah blushed and choked on the bubbles, and Wes grinned. “We made the best of it after you ditched us,” he told his daughter.

The little girl just laughed, looking proud of her involvement in the two of them getting together.

Sarah was more than a little grateful for the matchmaking skills of the nine-year-old. “When will you hear back about the space?” she asked Wes.

“Hopefully by next week. The leasing agent is out of town at some real estate convention, but I’ve put in my offer, so we’ll see…”

He looked excited but nervous, and Sarah reached across the table and touched his hand. “It’ll work out. I know it will.”

His gaze locked on hers, and she immediately wished they were alone back in her room at the inn, but they’d already discussed their plan of not leaving the bedroom once Marissa left for camp the next day.

So for now, Sarah shifted her focus to her. “Are you excited about camp?”

Marissa shrugged. “Not really, but it’ll be nice to see old friends.” She toyed with the edge of her napkin; there was definitely something on her mind.

“Is there anything we still need to buy?” Wes asked her.

She shook her head. “I think I have everything.”

“We should probably pack tonight,” he said.

Marissa nodded. “Sounds good.”

Wes glanced at Sarah, and she returned his concerned look. Marissa was obviously wanting to say something, and it was a rare occurrence for the little girl not to speak her mind. Sarah’s palms sweat a little. Was she concerned about the two of them together? She’d wanted it to happen before, but maybe now she was conflicted?

Wes leaned toward her. “Hey, everything okay?” He paused. “Is this…the three of us having dinner together okay?”

Marissa’s eyes widened as she nodded emphatically. “Yes! Definitely. About freaking time,” she muttered and Sarah relaxed. “I just wanted to ask…Friday is parents’ day at camp…” She turned toward Sarah. “Do you think you could come?”