47. Chapter 47

Chapter 47

Tripp

Golden Cove, Maine: Where Each Day Has the Chance to Glimmer. The welcome sign is just as it was the last time. The wave of nostalgia hits me like a splash of cool water on a warm summer day—I haven't been back in years.

"Golden Cove? That doesn't even sound like a real place," Willow croons as she tries to take a picture of the welcome sign with her phone.

"Home sweet home." I earnestly put a hand on my chest.

"How many people live here?"

"Right around 5,000, last I checked."

We drive through town, and it takes me all the way back. It's the diner, where my mom and I had breakfast every Sunday, the only religion I'd ever known. It's the ice cream shop, where I got my first job and would work on the weekends.

This feels like it hasn't changed a bit. Just how I like it. There's always comfort in familiar places like this.

We pull into The Cove. It's the only bed and breakfast on the beach and my go-to place to stay.

"The game plan. We check in, drop our bags, and get to the carnival."

Willow gives me a thumbs up.

We walk in, the bell dings, and Sally pops up from behind the front desk .

"Tripp Owens! You made it. It's been too long." She walks out behind the desk, squeezes my cheeks, and then hugs me tight. The main area is still riddled with trinkets and shells.

"Couldn't miss the carnival when it fell on a bye week."

"Who did you bring?" she asks, a nosey glimmer in her eye.

"This is Willow. Trying to impress her with all Golden Cove has to offer." I wink at Sally, and she chuckles. Willow puts her hand out but Sally hugs her like they've known each other their whole life. "How has the beach been?"

"Unseasonably warm. Shouldn't be too windy tonight. Also, I chatted with a stern gentleman, Seth, they're all checked in down the road."

"Wait, you got Seth to stay somewhere else?" Willow questions.

"I did but it's barely a block away. If that."

Sally hands me the key to the room.

"Everything is like you remember. Let me know if you need anything. We still do breakfast in the morning."

"You know I wouldn't miss a breakfast," I scoff at her, picking up our bags, and leading the way to our room.

The Cove has been around since the 90s, but it does not have a 90s feel. It may be a bit eclectic in the main area, but the rooms can rival any of the 5-star hotels, in my opinion. As soon as you step in, you're caught off guard by the massive windows that go almost from wall to wall. The natural light is crisp and illuminates the room.

"Woah. This isn't what I expected," Willow says while sitting in a dark green velvet chair in the corner.

She sits for only a minute before switching to the king size bed. Canopy and all. It feels like it should be too much, or it shouldn't fit, but it does. For me, at least.

"This is amazing," she says, her voice dripping with admiration. "Look, an entire basket of blankets!" she squeals .

"You will never run out of pillows or blankets here. Promise you that."

"Can we just lie down for a minute? Stretch out before we go to the carnival?" Willow asks, getting comfortable.

I go to what would be my side of the bed back home. I lie on my back and Willow lies on her side, her arm draped across my chest. We stay in comfortable silence. There are no words. I play with her hair, turning the soft brunette strands between my fingers.

It's surreal being here with Willow. I've stayed in this room almost every time I've been back, but this bed has always been only for me. I like it even better with someone to share it with.

Who would've thought?

Is there anything better than October? It's always right when the football season is getting good. The air has a chill that soothes my bones. The best season. The best month.

Willow reaches for my hand as we walk into the fall carnival. I rub her palm with my thumb, like my body finds new ways to touch her. The security team, in normal day to day clothes, is also walking in. You'd never guess they were with us. I tried telling Seth that we wouldn't need them, but the compromise was they'd arrive and poke around, away from the two of us.

The sun hangs low in the sky bringing the chill at the edge of the day. The wind brings the smell of cider, pumpkin, and fried sugar. Sally was right, it's warmer than I thought it'd be.

"My mouth is watering," Willow says, sucking in a deep breath, and then leaning her head on my shoulder.

"First stop, the caramel apples. A must." I point to the stand .

"I will not argue with that."

Willow keeps looking around and seems a little antsy.

"What are you looking for?"

"Seth. Also, cameras."

"Seth is right over there." I point to the group of men about thirty feet away. If you looked closely, you'd think they were out of place. "And I told you, you won't meet any press here. Someone might ask to take a photo, but this place is the best at keeping secrets." I nudge her shoulder with mine.

"I trust you. It just seems… weird."

"Oh, it definitely is. Guess there are still some good people in the world. Present company included."

"A Ferris wheel?! My favorite!" Enthusiasm rolls off of her. Her eyes shine with excitement.

All color leaves my face. Willow notices right away.

"No way. Tell me big, bad Tripp Owens, Super Bowl MVP, isn't afraid of heights?" I can't help the flush showing in my cheeks.

"Heights are not my thing but I'm not afraid to admit it. If the Ferris wheel makes you smile like that, we're definitely doing it."

"You're a good man, Tripp Owens."

Something is clear in this moment: there's nothing I wouldn't do to see her smile like that. I'm at the mercy of Willow and her love of Ferris wheels and who knows what else.

How lucky am I?