Chapter 45

forty-five

BEN

I lifted my suitcase off the carousel at LaGuardia Airport. The presentation of the award from Wilson Enterprises was tonight and, for the last week, I'd worked hard, completing as many jewelry orders as I could.

Two hours into my flight, I realized how difficult it would be for anyone to divide their time between Manhattan and Sunrise Bay. It wasn't only the physical distance that'd be an issue.

A man with two children clinging to his trousers reached for a large bag. I pushed my own suitcase to one side. "I'll get that for you."

He sent me a relieved smile. "Thanks. It's not easy traveling with my children."

I looked at the little boy and girl, smiling when the little boy hid behind his dad's legs. He was the same height as his sister and had the same curly red hair and bright blue eyes. They couldn't have been more than five years old and they were definitely twins.

"Your children are adorable. Do you have any more luggage?"

"There should be another three bags coming through." The man lifted the suitcase onto an airport cart. "I can get them. I don't want to hold you up."

"It's okay. My boyfriend won't be here for another half hour."

"You don't know how much I appreciate your help. I'm Elijah and this is Eddie and Molly."

I smiled at the two children and shook their dad's hand. I was sure I'd seen Elijah before, but I didn't know where it would have been. "It's nice to meet you. Are the other suitcases the same size and color as this one?"

"They are. Look for the red bows on the handles."

Between the two of us, we wrestled the bags off the carousel and loaded them onto the cart. It turned out Elijah lived in Sunrise Bay. He'd moved there last year. Like me, he'd started his own business, creating websites for clients and managing their social media accounts. Elijah had come to New York to spend time with his parents.

As we walked into the arrivals area, I held Molly and Eddie's hands. Their tiny fingers curled around mine, trusting that I wouldn't lead them astray.

When I saw Daniel standing beside a metal rail, I smiled. Confidence, intelligence, and kindness surrounded him like an invisible cloak, and made me wish we didn't live so far apart.

He met me halfway across the walkway and hugged me tight. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too." I felt a gentle tug on the leg of my pants and smiled. "Daniel, this is Molly and Eddie, and their dad, Elijah. We met by the luggage carousel."

Elijah shook Daniel's hand. "It's nice to meet you. I don't know what I would have done without Ben's help."

Daniel looked at his luggage. "You've got a few suitcases. Ben and I are heading into Manhattan. Would you like a ride?"

Elijah shook his head. "Thanks for the offer, but my dad will be here soon to collect us."

I knelt on the floor beside Molly and Eddie. "It was lovely meeting you both, but I have to go now."

"Are you staying with your granddad, too?" Molly asked.

"No. I'm going to a party with Daniel."

Elijah must have seen the way his daughter's face lit up. "No, we can't go to Ben and Daniel's party. But we will visit Ben when we go home."

Molly's big blue eyes looked up at me. "Bye, Ben. See you soon."

I had no idea whether a five-year-old had any concept of time, but it didn't matter. Molly's sweet smile reminded me of all the good things there were in the world. "See you soon, Molly."

While I said goodbye to Eddie and Elijah, Daniel took my suitcase off the cart. Before too long we were heading toward the parking lot, moving around people who had even more luggage than Elijah.

"I thought I knew most of the people in Sunrise Bay," I murmured. "I can't believe I haven't met Elijah and his children before now."

"You've been busy in your store and he's probably been busy looking after his children. That doesn't leave either of you with a lot of free time."

"That's true. It sounds as though his business is doing really well." A woman rushed toward me with a bag clutched to her chest. I stepped out of her way, hoping she hadn't missed her final boarding call.

Pulling my gaze away from the stranger, I focused on Daniel. "Is everything organized for tonight's presentation?"

He held my hand. "It is. Are you ready to accept the award?"

I grimaced. "As ready as I'll ever be. Paul and Jonathon listened to my speech last night and enjoyed it. I just hope everyone else does."

"I'm sure they will."

Daniel's reassuring smile calmed some of the butterflies in my stomach. Accepting the award was a big step. Bigger than anyone except my dad realized.

Over the last few years, I'd gone from being homeless to owning my own jewelry store. At times, the journey to where I was today had been incredibly difficult. But through all the sleepless nights, the bank loan that still gave me nightmares, and the times I'd almost given up, I'd made it.

Daniel pointed to the next row of vehicles. "My SUV's over there."

I looked around us. Walking through the parking lot was like being in a different world. The distant sound of engines and honking horns reminded me of a giant intergalactic spaceship. All they needed was a platoon of little green men marching down the ramps and the scene would be set for a fantastic movie.

Daniel's eyebrows rose. "Why do I get the impression you like parking buildings?"

"I used to be terrified of them. When I was little, I got lost in one in Los Angeles. Dad helped me get over my fear by telling me parking buildings are really landing pads for alien spaceships."

Daniel smiled. "That's an unusual way to make you feel better."

"I was fascinated by UFOs and anything to do with the solar system. For a while, I wanted to be an astronaut."

"You would have made a great astronaut but, for my company's sake, I'm glad you became a jeweler." Daniel pointed his keys at a black SUV. The red taillights flashed and a high-pitched beep echoed against the concrete walls. "This isn't a spacecraft, but it'll take us to my apartment. We should be there in about half an hour."

I stood back while Daniel lifted my suitcase into the SUV. "Can you walk from your apartment to where you work?"

"If I want to, but it's easier to take the elevator."

My mouth dropped open. "It's in the same building as your office?"

Daniel nodded. "My brother thinks I'm mad, but my commute time is fantastic." He closed the back door and hugged me tight. "I'm glad you're here."

I relaxed against his body, enjoying the feel of his arms wrapped around my shoulders. "So am I."

And after tonight's presentation was over, I'd be even happier.