He offered her his hand. She took it. His heart soared.
She smiled sweetly. “I’m ready.”
CHAPTER SIX
STACEY COULDN’T BELIEVE how quickly she had changed her mind about spending time with Cody. All it had taken was for him to show up at her door and all of her firm resolve had crumbled. It hadn’t taken her even a minute to decide she wanted her short time on Maple Island filled with wonderful memories of him. She could have those, and take them to Ethiopia or wherever she went for the rest of her life.
The past week had been miserable. Avoiding Cody outside work had been doubly difficult because her common sense had constantly been at war with her undeniable desire to be with him. She had never felt lonelier in her life. Despite living on a beautiful island during springtime, she wasn’t enjoying it. Even the opening celebrations of Founder’s Day Weekend had been spoiled because she’d been so wary of running into Cody.
With the air cleared between them it was like they were truly friends. They said little on the ride but there was nothing uncomfortable about the silence. It was as if they were both determined to make the time they had left positive.
The sun shone brightly and the sky was blue as they walked into the festival. She looked forward to really experiencing it. Today she planned to soak it all in. Being with Cody made it even better.
Stacey stopped for a second to tie her sweater around her waist. “Wow, there’re a lot of people here today as well.”
“With more hours of daylight, people are making the most of the event. It has been a good year. It helps when the weather is nice.” Cody looked around with a smile. “There’s a band tonight and many folks will stay late for that.”
He took her hand but gave her a quick, questioning glance as if asking for permission. Stacey squeezed it, and he gently tightened his grip. As they moved from tent to tent he didn’t let go of it. More than one person spoke to him as they strolled along. With each one he introduced her right after returning their greeting.
They were busy looking at handmade weathervanes when someone called, “Cody.”
They both looked around to see Dr. Rafael Valdez, who was pushing a stroller, and Summer Ryan coming their way.
Stacey knew them from the clinic. From what she understood, Rafael was a relatively new addition to the staff, only having arrived on the island a few months ago.
“Hi, there.” Cody offered his hand and the two men shook.
“You two enjoying the festival?” Summer asked her and Cody.
“Yes, we are.” Stacey smiled at Cody, who returned it. She looked into the stroller. “Who do you have with you? I don’t believe we’ve met.”
“This is my daughter, Gracie.” Pride filled Rafael’s voice.
“Hi, there,” Stacey said to the girl.
“We’re just going for a bite to eat. Want to join us?” Rafael asked.
“Thanks, but we have a few more tents to visit. Maybe another time,” Cody said.
“Then we’ll see you tomorrow.” Rafael waved over his shoulder as he and Summer moved on, Gracie preceding them in her shaded stroller.
Stacey watched them leave. “They make a nice couple.”
“Rafael is a topnotch addition to the staff.” Cody turned to her. “I hope you don’t mind me not accepting their offer. I wanted it to be just us tonight.”
Stacey’s heart did a pitter-pat. “I like that plan.”
They continued walking while looking at the arts and crafts.
He tugged gently on her hand. “I’m getting hungry. How about you?”
“Starving.”
Cody steered her toward the food court. “Good. How does a lobster po’boy sound?”
“I don’t know. I’ve never had one.”
“It’s lobster meat on a bun. I think you’ll like it. Willing to give it a try?”
Stacey was confident she would give anything he asked a try. “Sure.”
A few minutes later they had their sandwiches and drinks. Luckily, they found an empty table among those set up near the food trucks.
“Goodness, this is so big. I don’t know if I can get my mouth around it.” Despite what she’d just said, Stacey opened wide, managing it with little trouble.
“Doesn’t look like you’re having a problem to me.” Cody chuckled.
Stacey glared at him. “And to think I thought you had no sense of humor when I first met you.”
“Maybe you bring that out in me.”
She liked that idea. Cody should smile often. She loved his smile. “I’m glad I can be of some help.”
“That’s all you’ve been since you arrived. Help with my patients, help in the OR, help with the girls, and the list could go on.”