Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72059 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
“You look cute.” He touched the tip of her nose with his finger.
Caroline and Galvin had gone to the mall, which was about an hour away due to traffic. Although had they taken a boat they could’ve been there in something like ten minutes. That was something she’d learned about being in Seaport—the mapping system would tell her; her desired location was five or ten miles away—but would take her an hour or more to get there. The app never accounted for the bay, and it gave her the most direct route—through the water.
The day of shopping, which had been exhausting for Galvin, not so much for Caroline, who despite being pregnant could literally shop until she dropped, procured a nice winter wardrobe. The items she’d brought from California were great for fall or a mild winter, but according to Caroline, Galvin needed cute, stylish, winter wear.
“Thanks.” Galvin’s eyes looked upward at the white knit hat she bought to go with her new red parka. Everything had to be color coordinated, which mean the turquoise-colored hat and mittens set Galvin wanted, she couldn’t get. Mostly out of fear the fashionista in the family would tsk.
Over the past month or so, Galvin and Caroline had grown close. They were the two on the outside, dating the brothers of the most prominent family on the island. Well, Galvin was currently dating. Caroline was engaged and carrying the first grandchild of said family. As far as anyone was concerned, the red carpet had been rolled out for her, and no one missed a beat when it came to her.
The currently dating situation thing weighed heavily on Galvin’s mind. Sail would be returning to Miami soon, and the last thing Galvin expected was a long-distance relationship with him. Sail’s adamant nothing has to change between then, and in hindsight it’s only a few months and then he’ll be back. And he’s promised to come home for spring break, which unfortunately isn’t at the same time as Galvin’s.
Sail led her to the car, held the door open for her, and then ran around the front. He wore jeans and a peacoat. Galvin suspected he had a sweater or pull over on underneath the jacket. Sail always dressed impeccably and very preppy, which was a far cry from the other guys Galvin used to date.
“Where are we going?” she asked as Sail pulled away from the curb.
“It’s a surprise,” he told her, much like he’d said each time she asked before.
“Are we leaving the island?”
Sail glanced in her direction and smiled. “Not unless we need to. Do you need to do some Christmas shopping?”
She shook her head. She’d been able to do it all when she and Caroline had gone shopping. Her father was staying in California to give his employees the time off since most of them had families with little kids, and Galvin would stay in Seaport to save money.
This would be Galvin’s first huge Christmas, according to Sail. His family didn’t do anything small, and their definition of small was twenty or so people. Galvin suspected Christmas with the Carter’s was much like Thanksgiving – a revolving door of endless people. At least this time, she would have a good idea of who everyone was.
Sail drove toward the middle of the island, which was thicker populated, but farther from the water. Not that people were ever far from the water. The island itself was only five miles wide. Go any which direction and there would be water.
His first stop was a coffee shop. They went in and each ordered a peppermint mocha and bagel, choosing to sit by the fire and enjoy their breakfast inside.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
Sail shook his head. “Why can’t it be a surprise?”
Galvin shrugged. “I’ve never been good at waiting for surprises.”
He laughed and winked which was something she vowed to never get over because each time he did it, her heart did a little flip each time he graced her with the gesture.
“I fully intend to surprise you every chance I get.”
“I guess I better up my game.”
“We’re not playing a game, Galvin. We’re in a relationship. One I happen to cherish and am very happy in. It’s not a competition.”
His words stunned her.
Sail shook his head. “That didn’t come out right, but I hope you understand what I’m saying.” He took her hand and kissed the back of it.
“I do,” she said, smiling. “I’m just eager.”
“Well, let’s get to it,” he said as he pulled her to her feet. They got back into his car and drove for another two blocks before he pulled into a nursery. The parking lot had a good number of cars, and it wasn’t until she saw someone carrying a Christmas tree to their car had she realize what they were doing.