A Nantucket Affair (Nantucket Beach Plum Cove #4)(34)

“I’m sorry I was a jerk. Forgive me?” As if there was any doubt. She opened the box and popped a chocolate in her mouth. They were from Sweet Inspirations, her favorite place for chocolates on Nantucket.

While she waited for Chase to come home, Beth did her laundry for the week and cleaned up a bit. Unlike Angela, Beth hated cleaning, and Chase wasn’t too fond of it, either. They both pitched in and it really wasn’t too bad as their place was small. Someday, when they could justify the expense and were living elsewhere, they’d hire Angela’s company.

Beth finished the laundry and cleaning and had just flopped down on the sofa to watch a little TV when Chase walked in. He saw her and grinned, as she was holding the box of chocolates and had just put one in her mouth. He sat down next to her.

“Does this mean I’m forgiven?” He glanced at the chocolates.

Beth laughed. “Does what mean you’re forgiven? I’m just sitting here eating chocolate. They’re very good. Would you like one?” She held the box out and he grabbed one.

“I really am sorry. I’ve just been a grouch. It was a stressful week and we just have to be so careful now with expenses on the flip house.”

“I know. It’s been stressing me out, too, but I’m just trying to stay positive. And of course you’re forgiven.” She leaned toward him and his lips met hers for a quick kiss.

“Good, because I hated that we fought. You’re the most important person in my life.”

“It was our first real disagreement. I’m sure it won’t be our last. I hated it, too. You’re the last person I want to fight with.”

“So, if you’re interested, I thought maybe we’d grab a bite to eat somewhere? Are you in the mood for anything in particular?”

Beth thought about it for a moment. “How about the Thai place? We haven’t been there in a while and it’s inexpensive.”

“Sounds good to me.”





Later, over dinner, Chase turned the discussion back to the flip house.

“I think if all goes well, we should be finished in just about two weeks. Lauren called yesterday and said she’s already told some of her buyers that she has a great property coming soon. She suggested an open house again, no showings until that day. Maybe we can collect multiple offers.”

“Wouldn’t that be nice?” With all the unexpected expenses, Beth was hoping to just break even. Anything more would be a very welcome bonus. And multiple offers would give them a better chance for a good profit.

“A few more flip houses, and then we might want to start thinking about taking some of that money for a down payment on our own dream house.”

That was the first time Chase floated the idea of them building a house together, and Beth saw he was watching her closely to see her reaction. Her heart filled. They hadn’t actually talked about marriage yet but since they were living together, she’d assumed that eventually they’d get there.

“I love that idea. Assuming there’s some profit left on this one.”

“There will be. I’m feeling better about it now. It’s a great house.”

They’d just ordered dessert and when the waiter brought the cheesecake with cherries to the table for them to split, Chase surprised her by standing up, and then getting down on one knee. The air in the small restaurant seemed to still and Beth was vaguely aware of other tables turning their way.

Chase held up a small black velvet box.

“Beth, when I asked you to move in, I knew that this day would come because there was no doubt then or now that you’re the person I want to spend forever with. And even if we fight now and then, I want us to always come home together and to make up. The making up could be fun, actually.” He smiled and opened the box. An absolutely gorgeous princess cut diamond was surrounded by smaller ones on a pretty gold setting.

“What do you think? Want to get married—to me?”

Beth felt a rush of emotion overwhelm her and couldn’t speak for a moment. She could see that her hesitation was unexpected and there was a hint of nervousness in his eyes. And then the words came out in a rush.

“Of course. I’d love to.”

Chase stood and slipped the ring on her finger. It dazzled, even though the restaurant lighting was soft. She couldn’t stop staring at the ring. He’d surprised her totally. She certainly hadn’t expected a proposal today.

He kissed her, then sat back down and admired the ring on her finger.

“It looks good on you.”

“It does. You did well.” She grinned. “Your mother is going to be thrilled.”

“That she is.”





Chapter 20





On Sunday, as usual, Sue went to visit her mother at Dover Falls. When she walked in the door, her mother was dressed in her Sunday best, and was sitting at a round table playing cards with three other residents. She smiled when she saw Sue, then looked around the table.

“Ladies, looks like I won’t be taking any more of your money today. Time to go visit with my daughter.” The women all said hello to Sue as her mother gathered up her pile of dollar bills.

They went into the dining room and found a sunny table by a window. Over a delicious lunch of chicken pot pie and mashed potatoes, her mother filled her in on all the goings on since she’d last seen her.