Kaylah sat on the sand, staring at the water lapping the shore in gentle waves. Moonlight danced across the water, and if her heart didn’t ache so much, she’d reflect on the romantic spectacle that Mother Nature had offered.

Resting her head on her knees, she wondered how life had become so difficult and so draining. A week ago, she was a hopeful bride looking forward to a new life with Felix. And now, she had destroyed a family and cheated on her fiancé with his brother. God, how pathetic was she?

Despite how it all ended, she knew she’d done the right thing by her and Felix. The wedding was off but at least she still had her pride and self-worth.

She and Felix had both agreed to marry for all the wrong reasons. She’d accepted his ring for what she thought she wanted. But she’d realised almost too late that she didn’t need him to be the woman, mother, and wife she wanted to be. She could do that herself, couldn’t she? Elaine had always said so and so had…Jonah.

Jonah. His name on her lips made the breath rush from her lungs. He believed in her, admired her and saw her worth. Her heart rate quickened thinking about him, how he’d come to see her here in Queensland.

She liked him…a lot. She’d kissed him when she was engaged and thought about him more times than was decently appropriate. Why? Because she liked him more than Felix, that’s why.

Jonah was handsome but didn’t have confidence oozing from him like his brother. But that didn’t bother her. In fact, it made her like him even more. Plus, he listened to The Beatles, watched sci-fi movies and loved the beach as much as she did.

Jonah was more down-to-earth and laid back. Plus, she was physically attracted to his broad shoulders and trim waist.

Like his brother, he valued his family and worked hard, but Jonah was easy going, less concerned about what other people said, and used his time and money for charitable works.

Scratching her forehead, she couldn’t remember Felix ever donating money, even in the tins at Christmastime.

Okay, so she liked Jonah and felt he was a better match for her than Felix. But what of it? How could she face his parents? His family? The humiliation burned along her skin, and she rubbed her forearms up and down. How could she return to their home? What about the aunts gossiping about her, and Eleanor’s friends? Swallowing the remorse stuck in her throat, she affirmed to herself that she’d made the right decision.

Staring at the water, all she could see was Jonah’s smile. Her fingers came up and touched her lips, remembering how magical their kiss had been. Despite the wrongness of it, she’d loved the feel of him holding her. Thinking back, she reflected on the softness of his lips and how good they were as they trailed along her jaw to her ear.

Unlike Felix whose lovemaking was polished, as though he were being judged on his performance, Jonah’s touch was raw, uninhibited and more passionate. She’d felt alive when he touched her, like she’d been awoken from a deep sleep.

She had no doubt that Jonah would be a considerate lover, because he valued her. It would come through in every touch and every kiss. He genuinely liked her and there was no hidden agenda.

It might be wrong to compare the brothers, but she had to. It was because of Jonah that she had a broken engagement. She hadn’t cancelled the wedding because of him, but rather she’d had a realisation that she was giving up her self-worth to be with Felix.

She valued faithfulness and integrity, two ideals that were not part of her engagement to Felix. All because she wanted his family.

Yes, she’d had a crappy childhood, but unlike many other women, she’d overcome adversity and made a career for herself. She was smart, independent and hard-working. Look at what she’d achieved despite not finishing high school. Her body relaxed into the sand.

Did she want to try a life with Jonah? Should she allow gossip to affect her decisions? She didn’t have to call Elaine to know what her advice would be. Forget others and focus on yourself. That’s what she would say.

That meant she needed to stop with the oh-woe-is-me attitude and get on with her life. Good. Decision made.

Her breathing slowed and she took long, easy breaths of the salty air. From now on, she’d focus on the present and make decisions based on what she wanted. Not what her past self wanted. It sounded contradictory but she wanted to live her life fully and not have regrets. All starting now.

* * *

Jonah trudged back to the hotel and despite wanting a drink to help ease the pain of rejection, he found a park bench and watched the roll of the waves. The calm movement of water reminded him of his months at Samoa, and he made a mental note to ensure he spent time regularly at the beach. Whether he went swimming or walked along the foreshore, the ocean had a calming effect on his soul.

Leaning back, his legs stretched out, he gazed at the darkness and a heavy dullness settled in his chest. He’d really hoped to win Kaylah over. He’d tried and failed. Time to return to Melbourne and re-start his life. Thanks to the money he made from developing apps, he was in the fortunate position to buy a place he wanted, and wouldn’t be restricted by money. He’d look at the Bayside suburbs, near the beach. His heart lifted, just slightly, knowing that even without Kaylah in his life, he would continue to focus on being healthy, exercising and finding a work/life balance.

Rising, he stretched his legs and started to turn towards his hotel when he saw Kaylah sprinting from the beach towards the resorts. Was she okay? Why was she running? Bad news?

“Kaylah,” he cried out. “Are you alright?”

Instead of waving away his concerns, she jogged up to him. “I came to see you.”

“Me?” his voice sounded squeaky, as worry made his belly tie up in knots. “Why? Is Felix okay? Elaine?”

She brushed away his questions with a wave of her hand. “No, I wanted to speak to you. It has nothing to do with anyone else.”

He grimaced in anticipation of being rejected again. How much could a guy like him bear?

Her movements were short and jerky, and she cleared her throat a couple of times. “I don’t know how to say this, so I’m just going to say it.” She pasted on a smile and said, “I want to give us a try.”

His heart felt like it had skipped a beat. “What?”

“I’m sorry that I let you go, I should’ve…I don’t know what I’m saying. All I know is that I really like you. I felt guilty that I liked you more than Felix. It was wrong of us to kiss when I was engaged, but we did.” Her breathing came in rapid bursts. “I didn’t call off the wedding because of you, but because of me.”

He took her hands in his and was surprised to see a slight shake. Nerves? He was more nervous than her.

“I know, Kaylah. I think you made the right decision in not marrying Felix. He wasn’t the right guy for you, and you were marrying for the wrong reasons. I think you would’ve felt trapped.” His thumb massaged her pulse point. “I can’t imagine what you went through when you grew up, but all I see now is an incredibly talented woman who’s smart, charming and beautiful. You are amazing and you don’t need to give away your principles just to be happy. You can do that yourself. Any man would be lucky to have you as his wife.”

Blinking rapidly, she said, “I want to get to know you better and if people talk, let them.”

He took a deep breath. “You mean that?”

Nodding, she said, “I do. I hope it doesn’t hurt your parents but…” She blew out a long breath. “If I worried about everything everyone said about me and my background, I’d have to live solo and never come out of my apartment.” She held his hands tighter. “I want us to date and see what it’s like without the shackles of me wanting a family, and me being engaged. I just want to be with you and see how we go.”

He grabbed her in a hug, holding her tight. “Thank you, my darling.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You’ve given me the chance I wanted.” He paused. “I have to be honest. I’ve never fallen for a woman like I have for you. It’s pretty scary for a guy like me.” Hope fluttered in his belly. “I just want to jump for joy but at the same time, I want to kiss you.”

Taking a step back, but still holding his hands, she looked at him with a cheeky smile. “You want to kiss me before we even have our first date?”

“It’s a little forward of me, I know.” He pretended to apologise, placing his hand on his heart. “But perhaps, it’s a getting-to-know-you kiss?” He lifted a brow.

She grabbed the front of his T-shirt. “Forget it, I want a kiss and I don’t care what anyone thinks about it.”

She tugged him towards her and their lips met. This time, without the worry of Felix and the impending wedding, they relaxed into each other’s arms and kissed. Kissed because they wanted to.

He dropped his hands to her hips, anchoring her to him. Their kiss started off slow as though it was their first time together. He heard her sigh as he deepened the kiss, and he groaned as she welcomed his tongue. They stood in the moonlight on a warm, balmy night kissing.

His hands came up to cup her cheeks, before he trailed his fingers down the side of her face. The scent of her hair, a mixture of berries and flowers, filled his nostrils and he wanted to remain there with her, holding her always.

Moving his lips, he pressed kisses along her jaw and to her ear where he tongued her lobe and gave it a tiny nibble. “Your skin is so soft,” he murmured.

Stopping, he just gazed at her, taking in the beauty of her smile, and the radiant glow of her skin. “You are so beautiful,” he said, before kissing away her answer.

Eventually, they broke apart. “I think we’re giving a show.” She nodded towards the families who were packing up after their barbeque dinners, in the nearby picnic area.

He chuckled, not really caring. All he cared about was having her in his arms. Looking at his watch, he said, “I should take you for dinner, our first date.” He brushed his lips against hers and felt her shiver.

“I’d like that very much.” Her wide smile made his heart melt with joy.

With his arm around her, they walked slowly to the strip of restaurants along the beachfront. “Any preference?”

“I don’t mind, I’m happy to be with you,” she said.

“Me too, sweetheart. Me too,” he said, guiding them towards the restaurants.