“So, I finally get to meet the famous Jack.” Becki reached out to shake his hand and smiled widely at him.

Laney couldn’t help but grin. Her sister seemed to like Jack. She’d told her all about the mix-up regarding the conference and had received an “I told you so” from her younger sister.

“Nice to meet you both.” Jack shook Becki’s hand and Mac’s and then stepped back to address Becki. “Laney talks about you all the time.”

“Nice things I hope,” Becki said.

“Of course.” Jack smiled and Becki laughed.

“So, are we ready to get dinner?” Mac asked, gesturing at the restaurant behind them.

Laney nodded. “I’m starving.” She looped her arms through Jack’s and they all walked in together.

Once they were seated and had ordered, Becki turned to Jack. “So how do you like Fortune’s Bay?”

“It’s beautiful.” He glanced around the restaurant. “I hadn’t been here much in the past, but that will definitely change in the future.” He gazed at Laney with such love that her insides turned to mush.

“Do you think you might move here someday?” Becki asked. “Long-distance relationships are tough.”

Mac elbowed her in the side.

Laney stared at her. “Becki! We’ve only started dating. I don’t think Jack intends to make any major life changes right now.”

Jack laughed. “It’s alright.” He rubbed his chin. “I’ve given it some thought. I’m thinking about taking some time off from the university to write another book, this time about the Livingston. I think Fortune’s Bay will be the perfect home base for me while I’m writing it.”

Laney looked up at him. “I do too. For now though, we’ve decided to take things one day at a time.” She eyed her sister. “We’ll visit each other on the weekends. I, for one, am excited to get to spend more time back in Ambright. I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed being a student there.”

Jack squeezed her hand and she felt a rush of love for him.

Their food arrived, saving Jack from any more inquisitions from Becki. After dinner, Becki pulled Laney aside.

“He’s great,” she whispered. “I really hope things work out between you two.”

“I think they will. We’ve already made it through a major trial in our relationship and things are stronger than ever.” She stared at her sister pointedly. “But, it would help if you stopped quizzing him on how he plans to spend the rest of his life.”

Becki blushed. “I’m sorry.” She squeezed Laney’s arm. “I just want everyone to be as happy as Mac and I are together.”

“I know.” Laney gave her a hug. “Thank you for caring. But, I can take care of myself. Remember, I’m the big sister.”

Becki smiled. “I remember. You’ll never let me forget that.” She glanced at Mac. “We’d better get going. Mac’s daughter is in town and we promised the babysitter we’d be home before nine.”

They walked closer to where their dates were chatting with each other.

“I’ll see you later,” Laney said.

“Nice meeting you,” Becki said, giving Jack a little hug. “We have to go, but the four of us will have to get together next time you’re in town.”

“Definitely.” He smiled at her. “It was nice meeting both of you.” He shook Mac’s hand.

Becki and Mac walked away, leaving the two of them alone in front of the restaurant. Jack held out his hand to her. She took it, threading her fingers between his. Being with him felt

like nothing she’d ever experienced before. There was reassurance in this simple touch that spread down her arm and filled her with warmth and a sense that everything was so right.

“Do you want to take a walk down on the beach?” He tipped his head toward the ocean. “It’s a beautiful night.”

“I’d like that.”

“Race you to the pier?” he asked, winking at her.

She laughed. “You’re on.” She took off running before he even said go.

They didn’t make it all the way to the pier before he grabbed her, encircling her waist with his hands and bringing her close against his body. Laney gazed up at Jack, seeing nothing in his eyes but love. She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him. He grinned and tilted his head down, meeting her halfway. They stood that way for a while, locked in a close embrace, knowing that together they’d make it through whatever the future may hold.

* * *

Thank you so much for reading Laney and Jack’s love story.

Did you miss Becki and Mac’s love story? You’re in luck! Read the full short story, starting on the next page.

* * *

As always, if you liked this novella, I’d really appreciate a review on Amazon.

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