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I grinned. "I'm starting to think you know me too well, but you're right. I want tonight to be unforgettable, and I'm counting on your pastries to be the perfect finishing touch.
He beamed as he gestured toward the fully stocked display. I cast my eyes on a showcase of baked masterpieces, each item a work of art crafted with meticulous detail. "Take your pick, but I do have a suggestion. My newest creation is a raspberry-almond frangipane tart. I can guarantee that Ronan has never tasted anything like it. "
As I perused the offerings, my earlier apprehension began to creep back into my mind. I tried to keep my tone light while I chatted, but Rafe, ever perceptive, sensed an underlying tension in my voice.
"I don't mean to interrupt your preparations, but I sense there is something bothering you."
I sighed. "I can't hide anything, can I? Do you think... I mean, when we solve this mystery, do you think Ronan will..." My voice trailed off, protecting me from saying the words.
Rafe reached across the counter to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. "I've seen how his eyes sparkle when he looks at you. That man is head over heels in love, and it's not just an artifact of the treasure hunt. What you two have is real. It won't disappear just because you solve your mystery. Even if he does return to California, I'm convinced it will only be a very temporary separation."
I nodded and did my best to let Rafe's words sink in and soothe my frayed nerves. "I know, I just... I can't help but worry. His life in California, slick and contemporary... is a world away from Blue Harbor."
Rafe looked me in the eye. "Listen, when love is true and strong, it has a way of bridging any distance. If you and Ronan are meant to be together, you'll find a way to make it work. Don't let your fears get in the way of that."
I took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of hope and determination wash over me. Rafe was right—I couldn't let my doubts overshadow the incredible connection Ronan and I had forged. We would face whatever challenges lay ahead, together.
"Thank you, Rafe. I needed to hear that."
He winked, his trademark grin back in place. "Anytime, my friend. Now, let's get you those pastries. Can't have you keeping your man waiting."
With a chuckle, I chose the frangipane tarts and watched as Rafe carefully placed them in a white bakery box. He warned me to keep them upright. As he handed me the box, he offered one more encouraging nod.
When I pulled up to the Grand Harbor Hotel's circular drive, butterflies took flight in my gut. The idea of spending an entire evening with Ronan outdoors under the stars sent electric sensations up my spine. I parked the car and gazed into the rearview mirror, making sure nothing had gone awry. After checking for anything stuck between my teeth, I decided that I was ready.
After jumping out of the car, I bounded up the front steps leading to the hotel's stately entrance. As I was about to reach for the door handle, it swung open. Ronan stood there looking jaw-droppingly handsome.
A fitted pale blue linen short accentuated his lean build. He wore the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. As always, he'd left his dark hair artfully tousled, begging me to run my fingers through it. As our eyes met, he smiled from ear to ear, his eyes glimmering, reflecting lights from the hotel.
"I have a surprise for you," Ronan said, speaking first. "Instead of our usual spot, I thought we could have the picnic at a different cove tonight. Gus mentioned it was Ian's favorite place."
"You saw Gus again?"
"Oh, there's a story there, too. Last night, I thought I needed to take a walk, and he was wandering around by the marina."
Intrigued, I raised an eyebrow. "Gus suggested a different cove? I didn't even know there were any others nearby."
Ronan grinned. "Who would have guessed? It's somewhat hidden, secluded, and apparently holds a special meaning for Ian. Gus gave me the instructions for how to find it. It's a much easier walk than scrambling down Whispering Bluffs."
As I pulled the car into the marina's nearly empty parking lot, I wondered what might happen at a new cove. Would we be one step closer to unraveling the mystery of Ian's treasure? Or would it simply be a beautiful spot for us to create new memories and bask in the love growing between us?
I took the wicker basket and handed Ronan the bakery box before we set off on foot for the cove. The sun was dipping down below the bluff above us leaving stunning streaks of orange, pink, and purple spreading across the sky. The gentle sound of waves hitting the shore was a constant reminder of the presence of Lake Michigan.
Ronan shared the details of his conversation with Gus as we walked along the water's edge on firm, damp sand. He explained how we'd probably been on the wrong path when we explored the cove beneath Whispering Bluffs. Gus said the new location was the place Ian would retreat to for peace and inspiration.
"Gus said that he would spend hours there, sitting on boulders and gazing out at the water. He said it was like Ian was always searching for something. He had a restless mind that wanted to find answers to the questions he kept to himself. I bet it's where the shipwreck is, too."
"Shipwreck," I whispered. "I'd almost forgotten about that."
I squeezed Ronan's hand. It was possible we weren't that different from Ian, the undaunted explorer. "Maybe we're doing the same thing," I mused as I gazed out over the vast expanse of the lake. "We're searching for answers to questions we haven't asked yet. It's a way of finding parts of ourselves that we didn't know were missing."
Ronan nodded. "Do you think it's possible we'll find even more answers in this new to us place that meant so much to Great-Uncle Ian?"
"Perhaps." We continued on and navigated a section of the path where large rocks reached out into the water. We had some tricky steps, but it was nothing compared to stumbling down the bluff. As we rounded a final bend, we saw the cove, and my jaw dropped.
It looked like a postcard photo, a hidden gem tucked away from the beaten path which left it in pristine condition. A rocky cliff backed the cove with a smooth stone face worn smooth by centuries of wind and water. The center of the cove must have been deep. It had a deep blue color. Tucked between the cove and the cliff was a dry sandy beach, the perfect location for our picnic.
I watched as Ronan's eyes opened wide, like a kid who just discovered a playground built specifically for him. He turned in a full circle, taking in the beauty of the surroundings. He followed me to the soft, sandy beach and kicked off his shoes.
