More Than Love (NG3)

39 - Sand

If Laney could spend every minute with Reed, she would. Even before they made love, she knew she loved him. When she walked into Sasha's cottage, her eyes strayed to the bathroom door. Reed had walked through the door with the towel wrapped around his waist, and she felt like he was a gift of fate. On the beach, she felt an instant connection to the guy with the surfboard.

Being at the cottage with Reed brought them full circle from their scene at the ice cream place, and Sasha's smile confirmed she was pleased. Laney felt more comfortable as the stepson's girlfriend than the birth child.

As they sat in Sasha's kitchen, the warmth between the other two felt natural. Reed told her his mother was jealous through the years and she understood why. Marnie loved her son, but she had three other children and Sasha, well Sasha, didn't. The love Sasha would have poured into her she gave to Reed instead.

Sasha pulled her into the conversation. "You'll enjoy Reed's friends. Robbie will be the one to see the resemblance."

Reed laughed. "Because he had a crush on you."

Sasha blushed. Laney wrinkled her nose. "That's like me and Davis."

Reed didn't take a breath. "No way. You and my dad broke my heart."

Sasha laughed. "Dramatic."

Laney looked into Reed's eyes and knew he was serious. He had felt fate's hand, just as she had. Was it too soon to be in love with him?

Reed recovered. "If Robbie comments, what should we tell him?"

"Whatever Laney is comfortable with. I'm proud to share the truth."

Laney wondered when she would just be Laney?

Sasha shooed them out the door. "Go have fun."

Reed had pointed out the house earlier in the day. It was gorgeous and right on the beach. She would want to paint every minute if she lived there. Sasha lived in a cottage, but they walked toward a large home. As they approached, music poured out of the open windows.

The door opened before Reed knocked. A good looking older gentleman greeted them. His British accent surprised Laney. "Come in. Join the merriment. I'm Matthew's Dad, Harry. Drinks are over there."

He pointed to a table with a punch bowl and wine bottles. People were gathered in clusters wearing everything from fancy dresses to shorts and tee shirts.

Reed pulled Laney to his side and led her through the crowd. He waved and greeted people on their way to the patio overlooking the beach. Once outside, a voice called Reed's name. They walked over to Phoebe, the girl she met on her first visit. Reed introduced Laney to his friend, Robbie, and a lot of other people, whose names were a blur.

Robbie smiled at Laney, then Reed. "You found a girl who looks like Sasha."

Reed looked at Laney and squeezed her waist. Deal with it and move on, she willed herself. "I'm adopted. Sasha gave me up."

Phoebe reacted first. "Wow! How old was she?"

"Eighteen."

Robbie slapped Reed's back. "You're a lucky man. I've heard pieces of the story, but it makes sense now." He turned to Reed. "Did you know she had a baby?"

"No, but I'm glad because I may not have met Laney."

Phoebe smiled. "I think it's romantic."

Robbie kissed her as Reed steered Laney to the edge of the patio. They both looked out at the ocean. Each saw the same view differently. To her, it was a painting, but it was his playground. Yet they both loved it.