This Loving Feeling (A Mirror Lake Novel) (24 page)

Sam smiled. “It’s incredible. How did you suspend it? I mean, this ceiling’s higher than the cathedral’s.”

“The magic of physics,” he said proudly.

“Magical,” Jess said, looking starry-eyed. “Completely magical.”

“Would you ladies like some wine?” Evan asked.

“We’d love some,” Jess said. As soon as he was out of earshot, she grabbed Sam by the elbow. “We’re dating,” she whispered. “I didn’t want to upset you, but I’m so excited. He’s nice, Sam. I really, really like him. And to think I never would have given him a second look. Thank goodness he gave me a second chance.”

“I love Evan . . . But Jess, tell me you’re not taking up French poetry or studying physics or something like that.”

“Nope. But I did take him shopping to get a few things at the Gap. And he’s a runner like me, and you would not believe the bod he was hiding under those ugly clothes. He just needed a little style help to bring out the sexy.”

Sam smiled. “I’m really happy for you.” It wasn’t a lie. Someone should be happy around here, right?

“What about your second chance? With Lukas?”

“Didn’t work out,” she said. “But it’s okay.” She’d survive. With the help of her wonderful friends and family.

The overhead lights blinked a few times, signaling the crowd to take their seats. Sam started up the grand staircase, waving and chatting to everyone she knew before walking down the aisle to take her seat in the front row next to Brad. She could do this. For the next couple of hours she could smile and be social and brave. Yes, she could, even though it was exhausting, and as long as she blocked out every single thought of Lukas, because every time she let her thoughts drift in that direction, she got teary. Her speech faltered. And she fought the urge to run screaming down the aisle.

Yes, she might be borderline crazy. She just had to hold off tipping over the edge for another couple of hours.

As soon as she sat down, Olivia gave her a little wave from her seat on Brad’s other side, and Brad took her hand and gripped it tightly. “You look lovely tonight. I’m so proud of you.”

She shrugged, unable to speak.

She wanted to tell him so many things. Thank him for being here. For supplying all this food on a few days’ notice.

“Looks like you were right about Lukas after all,” she managed. “For all I fought you on it.”

He squeezed her hand. “Maybe I was, maybe I wasn’t. But I’m done interfering, Sam. Only you know what’s best for your own life.”

“Yeah, well, I did a great job of that, didn’t I?” The pull of success had taken Lukas away again, and it always would. He wasn’t the kind to settle down. She’d known it all along. She’d just hoped for a different ending.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Brad said.

The lights dimmed. Her beloved stars shone on the dome overhead, the wisps of clouds threaded through the softly twinkling lights. She couldn’t help but remember Lukas kissing her neck while she looked up at those stars, whispering sweet words to her . . .

“May I have your attention,” Mayor Kline was saying. He welcomed everyone, told them how important the theater was to the community, and asked everyone to give generously to such a great cause. Sam had asked him to make the final plea for donations and not to recognize her. It wasn’t necessary, she’d said. But truthfully, she just didn’t have the heart.

Sam tilted up her chin and braced for the curtain to open. She realized her fists were clenched and she was holding her breath. Some stupid, naive part of her was still holding out hope that the curtain would open and there Lukas would be, his thick black hair shiny in the spotlight, his dark eyes and satiny voice telling her that he’d come back for her, that he’d do anything for her . . .

The curtain rose. There, center stage, was a red-haired man with a guitar. The crowd screamed and applauded. She clapped and smiled, but disappointment crushed her. Not that she didn’t love Ed but he simply wasn’t Lukas. Well, of course he wasn’t! Lukas was in New York opening for the Stones. Far, far away from this ancient relic of a theater that wouldn’t ever have state-of-the-art sound and lighting unless the renovation got funded. Which was dubious at best, even with this benefit.

She turned to Brad. “I’m going to the bathroom.”

“Are you okay? Let me come with you.” Brad immediately started to get up, until he must’ve realized he really couldn’t accompany her to the bathroom. He turned to his wife. “Olivia, will you go with Sam to the bathroom?”

Sam held out a hand to stop them. “I just need some air. Do not follow me. I promise I’ll be all right.” She didn’t wait for his answer, instead she began gingerly climbing over people’s legs and purses. “Excuse me. Sorry, Mrs. Christopolous. Hi, Mr. Marks, Jeannie. Good to see you. Thanks for coming.” Then she was bolting down the long aisle. If she could just not cry long enough to hang a left into the hallway past the restrooms and out the back parking lot door into the fresh, cool night, she’d be all right. But she never made it to the back of the theater.

A lovely British voice rang through the theater loud and clear. “Is Samantha Rushford here?”

She froze in the middle of the gaudy carpet. Turned slowly toward the stage.
Why was Ed Sheeran asking for her?

“I understand that Samantha is the head of the Palace Theater Restoration Committee, and if it weren’t for her, this event would never have happened. Let’s give Samantha a round of applause.”

A spotlight sought and found her. She had only seconds to wipe away what she could of the ghoulish mess that was her makeup. Plastering on a smile even as she felt her heart in her chest, heavy and full as a wet sponge, she waved to the packed crowd. Applause thundered around her. Whistles and whoops. Then suddenly everyone was standing, and the clapping kept going on and on and on.

“Would you come on up here, Samantha, and say a few words to your community, who clearly loves you so much.”

Sam looked at the faces of so many people she’d known most of her life. Even in her heartbreak, she was overwhelmed. They wanted the theater. They were glad she’d tried so hard to save it. They’d given their all to help her pull this off tonight. How would she have the heart to tell them she hadn’t succeeded? At least she could tell them how much she loved them all. For them she could be strong. Even without Lukas.

She’d been so frightened to let go of Harris. So afraid to be cut loose, adrift without him and the safety net he represented. But she knew the safety net was more like a fishnet she’d become bound by, and knew now that she hadn’t loved him, not the way you were supposed to. Not in a way that made your heart ache and your lungs hurt just from breathing when you thought of your entire life alone without the man you loved. Real love sucked in a way, didn’t it? Because it ripped your heart out without mercy and let it bleed all over the floor.

She saw her brothers looking at her, frowning, their dark brows knit low. Tom was already halfway down the aisle, and Ben was out of his seat. But she forced a smile and waved them back. She didn’t need their help. She could do this alone.

She walked onto her beloved stage. The Moorish castle façade was bathed in a soft glow on each side, the night sky peeking out between the columns and walls, and fake flower vines wrapped around the intricately carved columns. It was so realistic, she half expected to hear crickets chirping. She smiled widely and gave Ed a big hug. Someone handed her a microphone.

“I wanted to thank everyone for coming. The restoration committee has worked hard over these past two years to raise a lot of money to maintain our magnificent theater as a historic landmark that will be preserved for generations to come. My students made all the decorations tonight and served. Brad Rushford, the owner of Reflections, provided the appetizers, and Ted Lawrence, owner of Mona’s Bakery, provided the sweets. Ed, I wanted to thank you for coming to our little town and attracting such a large crowd tonight.”

She paused. She’d hoped to quietly fade into the background and go home as soon as the concert was over, and pray that other people felt the beauty of the theater and donated and that somehow they’d make the cut.

But that was a fairy tale. No matter what was going on in her personal life, she had a responsibility to her town. Her community. She would tell them the truth.

She held the mic carefully and looked out into the crowd. Over three thousand seats, all filled. “We were counting on the matching funds from the state grant that expires this year but despite all our efforts, we’re still two million dollars short.”

“Actually, we’re not,” someone from behind her said.

The crowd gasped. Behind her, a man in a tux that hugged every smoking hot muscle on his tall lean frame walked onto the stage. His thickly layered hair shone in the spotlights and his wicked smile gleamed. Tiny diamonds flashed from his ears. He was the sexiest man she had ever seen. And he’d come back.

She blinked, unable to believe it. The crowd went crazy, whistling and whooping. Lukas man-hugged Ed and nodded to Sam a little tentatively, like he wasn’t sure how she would react.

She was stunned. Speechless. Shaking. And tearing up. Again. Lord, she’d cried more in the past week than she had her entire life.

“Hi, everybody,” Lukas said to the packed house, “I’m Lukas Spikonos. Ed and I are going to sing together.” That made everyone roar even louder, but he signaled for quiet. “But right now I’d like to say a few words.

“As you know, I’m from Mirror Lake. But I wasn’t from the nice part of town. I didn’t come from a nice family. In fact, I could pretty much say it was a miracle that one day I met someone nice who made me want to be a better man. And that someone is standing next to me.

“Samantha,” he took her hand in his warm, callused one, “you’re everything to me. More than the stars and the sun and the moon—and the Stones. And I have something for you.”

He had something for her? It was enough that he was here. She didn’t need anything else, ever.

Murmurs of surprise drifted up from the crowd, but Lukas kept talking. “A long time ago, I wrote some music, but I didn’t have any words for it. In fact, I’d never written words to a song before. But Samantha wrote me a poem and as I read the poem, I realized it fit perfectly to the music. So I used her words without asking, never thinking the song would ever be anything more than a little tune I’d sing as part of a late-night set in some smoky bar.

“Sam, ever since ‘You Don’t Know Me’ came out, I’ve put all the proceeds from it into an account.”

You could drop a Q-tip on the floor and hear it.

“Stevie, come on out here.”

The little boy ran onto the stage holding an enormous cardboard check that was almost as big as he was. His hair was slicked back and he wore a tux with a black bow tie that matched Lukas’s. He was absolutely adorable. The check had “The Palace Theater” written on it and the words “two million dollars.”

“This is half the money from the song—my half for writing the music, and I’d like to give it as a gift to the theater. I’m sorry about not giving you credit, Sam. The other half is yours to use however you’d like.”

Sam was stunned. She was having a hard time processing. Lukas had saved the theater. He’d come back for
her
.

Lukas took the cardboard from Stevie, and Sam bent to kiss and hug him. “We’re back, Sam,” Stevie said. “And now you can be my mom and Uncle Lukas can be my dad. Say you will, okay?”

“I have to ask her to marry me first,” Lukas whispered to Stevie.

Lukas’s gaze fixed on her, and she saw everything in his eyes. Love. And a little bit of mischief. Sam backed up a bit. I mean, there were a ton of people out there. She was never one to envision a marriage proposal that was shared by three thousand people. But Lukas grabbed her waist, halting her escape. And dropped down on one knee, handing the mic to Stevie so only Sam would hear.

“You don’t have to—” she said.

“Yeah, I do.” He held fast to her hand.

“Lukas, before you go any further, I have to tell you something. I was always afraid of having a risky life. But I’m willing to do what it takes to be together. If that means going out on the road, I’ll do it.” She paused. “Thank you for saving our theater. But I don’t want the extra money. All I ever wanted was you.”

Lukas looked into her eyes. “I was afraid I couldn’t love you or anybody. But you taught me about love, Sam, and Stevie taught me that maybe just loving someone with all your heart is enough. I want to give us a chance, Sam, and I’ll do anything for it. I’ll cut down on the touring. I’ll build a recording studio in the house. I’ll write songs for other artists. Whatever I do, I’ll do better this time if you give me a chance. I want to build a life here with you and Stevie. I want to put him in school here, have a real home base, and I’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen. I’ve loved you from the moment I caught your eye walking down that street by Clinker’s, and I was a stupid fool to ever let you get away. Will you marry me?”

She was crying now. “I love you, too, Lukas. I always have. I was thinking Stevie and I could come with you sometimes—in summers, on vacations. We can work it out.”

“Yeah,” he said, pressing his forehead against hers, “we can work it out.” And there, on the old stage, in front of over three thousand people, with Ed Sheeran crooning a love song behind them, and the crowd going wild, Lukas kissed her.

Lukas lifted Stevie up in his arms and all three of them hugged.

Then Stevie ran off stage, and Lukas kissed her until she really did see stars.

EPILOGUE

“I’m glad you’re engaged but when are you two going to get married?” Effie asked from her seat in the wicker rocker on Lukas’s front porch where she sat with many of the Rushford family and friends. It was nearly sunset, and the kids were running around on the lawn playing freeze tag while Ben and Tom were getting the fire pit started to roast marshmallows for s’mores. Everyone was relaxing, enjoying the good company and the fine summer evening. And celebrating Lukas’s and Sam’s engagement.

Lukas couldn’t believe the changes the past few months had brought. Or that the old house he’d bought would be brimming with people, kids’ laughter echoing though the yard. Mom and Pop Ellis would be really happy about that.

“I know you don’t approve of us living together before we’re married but at least we’re engaged,” Sam said, gently rotating her new engagement ring in the waning light.

“Wish you two were as old-fashioned as that beautiful ring,” Effie grumbled.

It was an antique European-cut stone with a filigreed setting Lukas had worked with a jeweler to create. But of course it didn’t nearly do Sam justice.

“I’m so glad you’re back to being sweet,” Sam said with a wink at Lukas.

Effie leaned over and tilted Sam’s hand so it caught the last rays of the sun. “It is a sparkler. And it’s vintage, like me.”

Lukas grinned at his beautiful fiancée. Once they’d decided to be together, they just couldn’t stay apart, and they hadn’t wasted a single minute. They had too much time to make up for. Sam had moved in and they’d set to making the house a home.

Despite not touring this summer, Lukas found that his new single was still skyrocketing. He’d managed to be creative about traveling, and had insisted on plenty of home time, take it or leave it, and they’d taken it. He hadn’t regretted a single second.

Neither, it seemed, did Stevie. He’d finally unpacked his backpack. Maybe it was because he loved having his own room. That was painted dark gray—not black—with flames. A compromise.

“I’d marry her tomorrow,” Lukas said, “but we’re waiting for Stevie’s adoption papers to be finalized. Then we can really celebrate.”

“And once we get married I’ll officially adopt Stevie, too,” Sam said.

“They found your brother yet?” Meg asked Lukas.

“Actually, the PI called me yesterday. Nico’s in Philadelphia. It’s a matter of getting him to go to a notary and sign. I’m flying there tomorrow. And I’m hoping maybe I can get my brother into rehab this time.”

“That’s great news,” Ben said, walking up to the porch with a plate of s’mores.

“Not until I hold the papers in my hand,” Lukas said, rubbing his palms together a little nervously. They were so close, and he was holding his breath until the feat was accomplished. What if Nico said no? What if he wanted Stevie back? Anything could happen.

“Stevie seems really happy,” Olivia said. “I thought it was so cute that Stevie bought Annabelle that little necklace.”

Lukas laughed. “He made me take him to Target to pick it out.”

Brad rolled his eyes.

“It’s okay, brother,” Sam said, patting Brad on the back. “Now that you don’t have me to worry about anymore, you can focus on your own children.”

“But until then,” Brad said, “I hope you’ll let me walk you down the aisle.”

Sam hesitated just a little before she answered. “You’ve been the only father I knew growing up,” she said. “And I’d be honored.”

“You know, Sam,” Joe Malone said, “I’m officially volunteering to be Stevie’s new grandfather. If that’s okay with you two.”

“As long as that doesn’t conflict with you being my boss,” Sam said. “Thanks for giving me my job back, by the way.”

“I’m thrilled my best art teacher’s coming back,” Joe said.

“I’m your only art teacher,” she said, giving him a hug.

“And thank you for giving the gift of an art endowment to the school,” Joe said.

“You know she gave the rest of that money to the theater,” Effie said. “Since our family donated so much, I think I want a bigger portrait.”

“No way, Effie,” Sam said. “It was hard enough to get you to sit for the first one.”

“I hope Stevie needs an honorary aunt,” Jess said, just joining the crowd.

“And uncle,” Evan added, circling his arm around Jess, who actually blushed.

“Hold on a minute,” Alethea interrupted. “I’m officially the new Ya Ya. And I’ve always felt that Lukas is the son I’ve never had.” She beamed a maternal look at Lukas. “If you want, Joseph,” she said to Joe, “you can be
Papou
.”

“Um, thanks, Alethea,” he said, clearing his throat, “but being Irish and all, I’ll probably just stick with Granddad.”

“Well, it’s settled, then,” Sam said, linking her arms through theirs.

Lukas got up and put his arm around Alethea. “I’m lucky to have you, Alethea.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, you’re just saying that because I bring you
baklava
.”

“I do love your
baklava
but I love you more.” He gave her a kiss on the cheek. She really was a good woman. Determined that Stevie learn all about Greek culture, too.

“Now just go and find your long-lost brothers,” she said, patting his arm. “So you can get your family back.”

“I’m actually working on that, Alethea. You’ve inspired me.”

She clasped her hands together as if in prayer. “Oh, more Greek boys. More family. That would be a miracle!”

“Hey,” Brad said, sounding just a tad sensitive. “Don’t forget about me, Ya Yas and Granddads. I had a big influence here. I taught Sam a lot.”

“Sure did,” Sam said with a wink. “Like how to stay away from bad boys.”

“Good thing you didn’t listen,” Lukas said. Then he turned to Brad. “And may your daughters never listen either.”

“Spikonos, are you cursing me? Because if you are, I’ll wish you more daughters than you can count on one hand.”

Actually, daughters sounded good. And sons. Brothers and sisters for Stevie to grow up with.

“Now that everyone’s here, I have an announcement,” Sam said. Lukas looked over at her, startled.

“Oh my God, you’re pregnant!” Alex said.

“Nope.” Sam reached under a wicker seat cushion and pulled out a folder. “I have an update for you, Lukas. Your PI didn’t exactly find Nico, but he found your brother Roman. Roman knew where Nico was and got him to sign the papers. Congratulations. You’re officially a father.”

Lukas blinked a couple of times. It was nearly dark, and he thought he might be seeing things. He took the folder when she handed it to him, but he couldn’t speak.

Suddenly Sam was at his side, in his arms. “You did it,” she said. “Stevie’s ours now.”

“Yeah,” he said, a little dazed. “Stevie’s ours.” There was wine for everyone and congratulations all around. Lukas held Samantha tight. “Marry me tomorrow.”

She laughed. “I would, except that Meg’s ordered me this gorgeous dress and it won’t be in for six months.”

“Find another dress.” That was probably a dumb thing to say, but he was a little overwhelmed. About how he got a son and a wife—and hell, an entire big extended family. How his life was complete in ways he never would have dreamed possible. How he got another chance with the woman he never forgot.

“I love you, Sam. I’m so glad you gave me another chance. I promise I’ll do right by you this time.”

“Okay . . . ,” she said softly.

“Okay what?” he asked, still not letting go.

“I’ll get another dress. The sooner we’re married, the sooner I can get my name on those adoption papers.” She smiled. “Oh yeah, and I can’t wait to be your wife. I love you, too.”

“Shall we go tell our son the news?” Lukas asked Sam.

“You see? Love isn’t complicated,” Effie said to no one in particular. “It’s simple. Sometimes you just have to take a risk.”

Sam beamed at Lukas and said very quietly, “And sometimes the riskiest love turns out to be the safest one of all.”

And sometimes someone like him, who didn’t think he could ever learn to love, can hit the jackpot. “But not too safe,” he said. “I mean, safe might sound just a little boring.”

“Somehow, I don’t think we’re going to have that problem,” Sam said.

Lukas whispered, “Well, I’m glad you took a risk on me.” He stopped to kiss her softly on the lips, and whisper something else about a promise for later meant only for her ears. Then he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and they set off into the yard to find their son.