Page 19 of Always, For Love
"Can I tell you something?" he asked softly, his voice laced with sincerity.
"Of course," Ariel replied, her heart brimming with gratitude for the man who stood before her.
Miles took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before he began. "When my business collapsed and my wife left me, I felt like my whole world was falling apart. Everything I'd known and built up was suddenly gone."
Her heart began to pick up. It was so rare that he shared about his past. She knew that he’d been through a very painful time before, and his ex-wife, Emily, had left him brokenhearted. She wanted to let him open up the way he let her—and make him feel safe to do so.
He paused for a moment, his gaze drifting toward the horizon before returning to meet Ariel's. "But then, I came here, to Endless Harbor, and I found solace in the sea. In the beginning, I thought I'd never love again – that the pain of loss would always be too great. But then, I met you."
A tender smile graced his lips as he continued, "You taught me that it's okay to open my heart again, to let someone in despite the fear of losing them. And I know that your father's absence is causing you pain right now, but I truly believe that love has a way of healing even the deepest wounds."
The chilly wind caressed their faces, carrying with it the faint scent of salt and pine. Miles's words resonated within Ariel like an anchor, grounding her in the present moment while offering hope for the future.
"I only wish my dad could see the amazing man you are."
"Maybe one day he will," Miles said, his voice filled with unwavering support. "But for now, let's focus on us. Katie. Our friends and family. Leeside. The things that matter."
Ariel nodded. He curled his fingers under her chin. "Look at the stars," Miles said, pointing upward. "They always remind me that even in our darkest moments, there is light."
Ariel tilted her head back, her eyes widening at the sight before her. The sky was a vast canvas, adorned with countless twinkling gems that pierced through the darkness. She drew in a deep breath, feeling the crisp winter air fill her lungs, and exhaled slowly, releasing some of the tension she'd been carrying.
"You know, one of the reasons I love you is that you calm me. My mom used to do the same," Ariel said softly, her eyes still glued to the celestial splendor above. "She used to tell me that stars were like people, each one shining brightly in its own unique way."
Miles smiled, his gaze never leaving Ariel's face. "She must have been a wise woman," he replied, his voice warm and tender. "And I'm sure she'd be proud of the strong, beautiful woman you've become."
The moon cast a silvery glow on the tranquil waters, casting shimmering reflections that danced in harmony with the gentle lapping of the waves. The scent of salt and sea mingled with the crisp winter air surrounding Ariel and Miles as they stood at the harbor's edge. The peaceful ambience seemed to weave its magic around them, softening the heaviness that had weighed upon their hearts as they delved into deeper conversations.
"Tell me about your plans for our wedding menu," Miles said, lightening the mood as his eyes twinkled down at her with curiosity.
"Ah, you're in for a treat," Ariel responded playfully, the weight on her heart lifting ever so slightly. "I'm thinking lobster bisque, filet mignon and prosciutto wrapped asparagus, followed by eggnog fudge. And the fancy wedding cake, of course."
"Sounds perfect." Miles grinned.
"Hey, now you tell me something," Ariel said, her voice light and playful. "What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you? I mean, can you top tracking down your long-lost father, only to be utterly rejected by him right before your wedding?"
Miles chuckled, his warm breath forming small puffs of white in the cold air. "Oh, I don't know if I should share that with you. It might change your opinion of me forever."
"Come on, we're about to get married," Ariel teased, nudging him gently with her elbow. "We're supposed to share everything, remember?"
"All right, all right," Miles acquiesced with a grin. "When I was younger, I entered a sailing competition with my friends. We were so confident that we'd win, but we ended up sailing right into a patch of floating seaweed. Our boat got stuck, and we had to be towed back to shore by the very people we were trying to beat."
Ariel laughed, picturing the scene in her mind's eye. "Oh, that must have been mortifying!"
"It was," he admitted, joining her laughter. "But it taught me a valuable lesson about humility and not underestimating the unpredictability of the sea. A lesson I actually forgot, if you remember, that day in Mermaid Cove."
"Isn't it interesting how our most embarrassing moments often turn out to be the best learning experiences?" Ariel mused, her own breath visible in the frosty air as they continued their leisurely stroll.
"Indeed," Miles agreed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "And now that I've shared my story, it's your turn. What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?"
Ariel hesitated for a moment before saying, "Besides the dad thing? Well, I wasted years of my life in Miami with a man who never loved me when you were out there somewhere and perfect for me. How embarrassing is that?"
Miles leaned down and kissed her nose. “What word did you use? Mortifying.”
As they walked and talked, the shadows of their pasts seemed to recede, replaced by the warmth and understanding that only comes from sharing oneself completely with another. The tranquility of the night enveloped them as they ventured further along the harbor. The soft murmur of their voices carried on the breeze, blending seamlessly with the symphony of the sea around them.
Slowly, the weight of the world began to lift from their shoulders, replaced by the quiet joy of simply being in the presence of one another, hearts entwined in love.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN