Seaside Avenue (Cedar Cove #7)(25)

As soon as his mother was gone, Anson cast Allison an apologetic look. “How long did I keep you waiting?”

“A couple of minutes, that’s all.”

“Did she get on your case?”

“About what?”

“Me and the military.”

Allison shrugged. “Not really.”

Anson released his breath. “She blames you.”

Allison wasn’t worried. Cherry could blame her, for all she cared.

“The military’s my way out, Allison,” he said as if he needed to explain his motivation. “Without it I wouldn’t have a chance of getting an education. Cherry doesn’t seem to grasp that.”

“I know.” Anxious to leave now, she tugged at Anson’s hand. “Come on, let’s go.”

They both climbed into the car and Allison left the trailer park. She drove cautiously to avoid the kids and dogs playing in the dusty roads.

“Is your family expecting us right away?” Anson asked.

“I…I suppose. Why?”

He sent her a quick, secretive smile. “Can we go to the waterfront for a moment?”

“Sure. Anywhere in particular?”

A slow, happy grin spread across his face. “Somewhere private.”

Allison did take her eyes off the road then. She knew a good place down Lighthouse Road

and went in that direction. The tide was out, so she pulled onto a stony area near the beach, glancing around to make sure it was as deserted as she’d expected it to be.

There was no one around.

Anson got out of the car and Allison did, too. When he joined her, he took her hand; together they walked the short distance to the water. A log had drifted up onto the shore and they stepped over it, making their way along the pebble beach. A pair of long-legged herons waded in the shallow water and seagulls cawed overhead.

“I’m sorry you had to wait for me,” Anson said again. “I know what my mother’s like.”

“It’s okay.” Allison didn’t want to waste their last day discussing his mother.

“I planned to be back sooner, but I needed Shaw to take me someplace.”

Anson reached inside his pocket and removed a small jeweler’s box, which he flipped open. Inside was a silver ring with a single blue stone. A sapphire, Allison guessed.

Anson stared down at it and then at her. “I wanted to give you this before I left.”

Her throat instantly clogged with tears. “Oh, Anson.”

“I want you to have something from me to wear so you won’t forget me.”

“Anson, there’s no chance of that! I won’t forget you.” She hadn’t before and she wouldn’t now. She’d meant what she’d told his mother; she loved Anson.

“You’re going off to college. You’ll be surrounded by all those smart, good-looking guys.”

She would’ve laughed if her tears hadn’t made it impossible. “Haven’t you figured out yet that you’re the only guy I care about?” She managed a brief smile. “And, Anson? You’re smarter and better-looking than any of them.”

He looked up then, his eyes warm with love. “I adore you, Allison. You’re my whole world. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you these last few months. You were all that got me through basic training.” He held out the small velvet box. “May I put this on you now?”

She gave him her hand and he slid the ring on her finger. “It fits,” he said, sighing with relief. “This ring is a promise from me to you that I won’t even look at another girl while I’m away.”

“I promise I won’t date anyone else, either.” She stretched out her hand, turning it this way and that. “The ring is beautiful, Anson. My favorite color. It’s perfect.”

“I had to guess at the size.”

Allison threw her arms around him. “I love you.” They clung to each other for a long moment. When he kissed her, she felt as if she’d spun off into some new galaxy, unknown to anyone but them. It was hard to break away from him, hard to remember that they were in full view of the road and anyone who happened to drive by.

“Thank you, Anson,” she said softly, gazing down at her ring again. “This is so thoughtful. It’s so you.”

“I wish it was the Hope Diamond.”

“In my heart it is.” Allison would treasure this ring all her life. She didn’t want him to go, especially so far from Cedar Cove, but at the same time, she knew this was an unmatched opportunity for him. She wouldn’t take it away from Anson for anything.

Anson locked his arms at the small of her back and leaned his forehead against hers. “Wait for me.”

Allison nodded. “I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be here for you, Anson. Always.”

He kissed her again. They separated reluctantly and, holding hands, walked back to the parked car.

In the morning Anson would be gone.

Ten

When Teri left the mall Tuesday evening after work, she found James waiting for her. Her husband’s driver, following Bobby’s instructions, drove her to and from the salon; Bobby seemed to think she was safer that way. James stood outside the car near the passenger door, waiting for her. “Good evening, Miss Teri.”