Always you

Chapter 12

The Fourth of July arrived in a dazzling burst of sunshine and excitement, with Marie's home transformed into the centerpiece for a festive celebration. Bright red, white, and blue decorations adorned every corner, flags fluttering gently in the summer breeze. Long tables were set up outside in the expansive backyard, complete with twinkling string lights that would cast a warm glow over the evening festivities once night fell. Everyone in town seemed to be gathering, from the Camerons to Layla and Kiara's families, Topper's family, and Marie's own relatives. It was a night designed for laughter, warmth, and companionship.

Sasha arrived with Alex and Daniel, joining the clusters of guests that had already gathered on the lawn. She could see Ward and Rose Cameron talking to Sean, while Wheezie and Sarah were catching up with Layla and Kiara near the buffet tables. She scanned the crowd, her heart giving a little leap when she spotted Rafe across the yard, talking to a few people but looking slightly distracted. Almost as if he felt her gaze, he glanced over, and their eyes met. A subtle smile played on his lips, and Sasha felt her pulse quicken.

"Hey, you okay?" Alex's voice interrupted her thoughts as he handed her a glass of lemonade.

"Oh, yeah, I'm fine," she said, accepting the drink with a quick smile. "Just...taking it all in."

Alex chuckled, following her gaze to where Rafe stood. "He cleans up well, doesn't he?"

Sasha rolled her eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Alex laughed, giving her a friendly nudge. "Sure, you don't."

The evening wore on, and Sasha found herself drawn into conversations and laughter, sharing memories and stories with old friends and new. She was genuinely enjoying herself, yet part of her was hyper-aware of Rafe's presence, her eyes straying to him whenever he was in sight. Finally, as if by some unspoken signal, he made his way over to her.

"Fancy seeing you here," he said, his voice warm and teasing as he leaned against the table beside her.

"Who would have thought, right?" she replied, giving him a playful look. "I thought you'd be off somewhere more exciting."

Rafe shrugged, his gaze never leaving hers. "Turns out, this is exactly where I want to be."

Sasha felt a blush rise to her cheeks, though she did her best to hide it. She was conscious of everyone around them—their friends and families, the comforting hum of conversation in the background. But with Rafe standing so close, she found herself completely focused on him, her surroundings melting away.

For a brief moment, a silence fell between them, but it was charged with something unspoken. Sasha felt her thoughts drifting back to what Sarah had told her on the yacht, the cautionary words about Rafe's past. She'd tried to put it out of her mind, to focus on the person he was now rather than the person he had been. But the hesitation lingered, a nagging thought at the back of her mind.

"You look like you're lost in thought," Rafe said, raising an eyebrow. "Want to share?"

She hesitated, then forced a smile. "Just...thinking about how strange it is to be back after so long. Everything's familiar, but different at the same time."

Rafe nodded, seeming to accept her answer. "Well, I'm glad you're here. It's been...nice getting to know you."

"Has it?" she asked, a teasing glint in her eyes.

"Absolutely," he replied, matching her tone. "You're not quite the little girl who used to tag along with Alex and Daniel, but you're still Sasha."

She laughed, feeling a little of the tension ease. "I'll take that as a compliment."

As the night progressed, dinner was served, a feast of traditional Fourth of July favorites: burgers, corn on the cob, fresh salads, and an array of desserts that made Sasha's mouth water. She spent time catching up with Layla, Sarah, and Kiara, but every so often, her gaze drifted to where Rafe was sitting with his family. Their glances met across the table more than once, each look laden with unspoken words and shared moments. She noticed how his father, Ward, occasionally cast a fond glance her way, as if remembering the young girl she'd once been.

After dessert, people started gathering on the lawn to watch the fireworks. The night was warm, with a gentle breeze rustling the trees, and the excitement in the air was almost tangible as everyone waited for the first burst of color in the sky. Sasha found herself standing near Rafe again, their arms occasionally brushing as they both looked up at the night sky.

The first firework exploded in a burst of red and gold, illuminating the night, and Sasha felt a thrill rush through her as the crowd cheered. Rafe glanced down at her, a soft smile playing on his lips.

"Do you have a favorite color?" he asked, nodding toward the sky where another firework bloomed in green and blue.

"Hmm, I'd say blue," she replied. "It reminds me of the ocean."

He nodded, seeming to store that little piece of information away. "Good choice."

Another firework went off, and Sasha felt Rafe's hand brush hers. She glanced up at him, and for a moment, it was as if the world had shrunk down to just the two of them. The sound of laughter, the bursts of light in the sky—all of it faded into the background.

"You know," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "I think I've been waiting for this summer my whole life."

Her breath hitched at the intensity in his eyes, but a part of her still held back, remembering everything Sarah had told her. She looked away, trying to gather her thoughts, but Rafe gently took her hand, his touch warm and steady.

"Sasha," he murmured, his tone serious yet soft, "I know there's a lot you might be wondering about. But I want you to know that I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

She looked back at him, her heart pounding. She wanted to believe him, to let herself get swept up in whatever this was. But she also knew that her time here was temporary, and her mind was flooded with the complexities of his past.

As if sensing her hesitation, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "No pressure. Just...know that I care about you. A lot."

She felt her resolve waver, the weight of his words sinking in. Despite everything, despite the uncertainties, she realized she felt the same. There was something about Rafe that drew her in, something she couldn't quite put into words.

The fireworks finale began, filling the sky with a cascade of colors and lights. Rafe turned her to face him, his hand moving to the small of her back. They were close, so close she could feel the warmth radiating from him, the steady rise and fall of his breathing. She looked up into his eyes, feeling an electric tension build between them.

"Sasha..." he whispered, leaning down ever so slightly.

Her heart raced, every nerve in her body alive with anticipation. She found herself leaning in, the pull between them undeniable. And then, just as their lips were about to touch, she hesitated, her mind flashing back to Sarah's words.

Rafe stopped, his gaze questioning but patient. She took a shaky breath, pulling back slightly, though her heart ached to stay close.

"It's just...a lot to think about," she murmured, feeling a little breathless.

He nodded, understanding flickering in his eyes. "I get it. I'll be here whenever you're ready."

The last firework went off, casting one final glow over them before the night fell back into a peaceful darkness. They stood in silence, the quiet between them filled with unspoken promises and possibilities. As people started to disperse, they made their way back toward the others, their hands still linked, and Sasha felt a sense of warmth and comfort settle over her.

Whatever lay ahead, she knew that this moment would stay with her, a memory lit by the warmth of summer and the glow of fireworks.