Nick stood, turned around to face Bella and got down on one knee. He held the ring up. “Bella, will you marry me? I meant what I said about forever. When I think of forever, I see it with you. If you’ll have me.”

Her eyes filled with tears that spilled over as she spoke. “Of course, I will. I love you, Nick.”

Chapter 40

Paula was in her office Friday and was thinking about what to do for lunch when her phone rang, and it was her brother, Nick.

“Hi, Nick, what’s up?”

“Just wanted to let you know Bella and I are having a cookout on Sunday to celebrate our engagement. Everyone is coming—the rest of the family, Andrea, Marco all our friends. And, hopefully you.”

She laughed. Nick had told them the good news the day after he’d proposed to Bella and also let them know that she was going to be on Nantucket for at least the next year. They were all thrilled for both of them. “Of course. I’ll be there. Let me know what I can bring.”

“Whatever you feel like bringing, bottle of wine or a dip or something, it’s all good. There will be tons of food.”

“I have no doubt. Sounds like fun.”

Paula hung up the phone and stared out the window, watching the surf crash on the shore. It was early October, but the weather on Nantucket was still beautiful. The fall was always her favorite time of year on the island. It was less crowded with tourists and still warm enough to go to the beach. She thought about Nick and Bella and was really happy for her brother. She’d never seen him like this with anyone before. And they all really liked Bella.

Everyone seemed settled and happy these days. Lucy was going strong with Jason and Andrea and Marco were pretty serious. She’d never seen Andrea so relaxed and downright pleasant. It was nice to see. And then there was Paula. She hadn’t heard a word from David, but she hadn’t really expected that she would. She was feeling pretty good overall, though, as she’d really settled into her new job and was enjoying it more than she’d ever imagined that she would. She was glad that she’d stepped out of the back office and her comfort zone to try something new.

She poured herself another cup of coffee and checked some emails while she tried to decide what to do about lunch. She could run home and make a sandwich or order something to be sent up from the restaurant. She was just about to look up the restaurant menu when there was a tap on her door. She turned and did a double take when she saw David standing there.