Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove Series, Volume 2 by Debbie Macomber

would,” Cherry told him.
    Allison felt him stiffen at that response. Then he turned deliberately away. “Come on, Allison, let’s get out of here.”
    â€œBye-bye,” Cherry said with a flippant wave. She moved inside the trailer and pulled the door shut.
    As soon as his mother was gone, Anson cast Allison an apologetic look. “How long did I keep you waiting?”
    â€œA couple of minutes, that’s all.”
    â€œDid she get on your case?”
    â€œAbout what?”
    â€œMe and the military.”
    Allison shrugged. “Not really.”
    Anson released his breath. “She blames you.”
    Allison wasn’t worried. Cherry could blame her, for all she cared.
    â€œThe military’s my way out, Allison,” he said as if he needed to explain his motivation. “Without it I wouldn’t have a chance of getting an education. Cherry doesn’t seem to grasp that.”
    â€œI know.” Anxious to leave now, she tugged at Anson’s hand. “Come on, let’s go.”
    They both climbed into the car and Allison left the trailer park. She drove cautiously to avoid the kids and dogs playing in the dusty roads.
    â€œIs your family expecting us right away?” Anson asked.
    â€œI…I suppose. Why?”
    He sent her a quick, secretive smile. “Can we go to the waterfront for a moment?”
    â€œSure. Anywhere in particular?”
    A slow, happy grin spread across his face. “Somewhere private.”
    Allison did take her eyes off the road then. She knew a good place down Lighthouse Road and went in that direction. The tide was out, so she pulled onto a stony area near the beach, glancing around to make sure it was as deserted as she’d expected it to be.
    There was no one around.
    Anson got out of the car and Allison did, too. When he joined her, he took her hand; together they walked the short distance to the water. A log had drifted up onto the shore and they stepped over it, making their way along the pebble beach. A pair of long-legged herons waded in the shallow water and seagulls cawed overhead.
    â€œI’m sorry you had to wait for me,” Anson said again. “I know what my mother’s like.”
    â€œIt’s okay.” Allison didn’t want to waste their last day discussing his mother.
    â€œI planned to be back sooner, but I needed Shaw to take me someplace.”
    Anson reached inside his pocket and removed a small jeweler’s box, which he flipped open. Inside was a silver ring with a single blue stone. A sapphire, Allison guessed.
    Anson stared down at it and then at her. “I wanted to give you this before I left.”
    Her throat instantly clogged with tears. “Oh, Anson.”
    â€œI want you to have something from me to wear so you won’t forget me.”
    â€œAnson, there’s no chance of that! I won’t forget you.” She hadn’t before and she wouldn’t now. She’d meant what she’d told his mother; she loved Anson.
    â€œYou’re going off to college. You’ll be surrounded by all those smart, good-looking guys.”
    She would’ve laughed if her tears hadn’t made it impossible. “Haven’t you figured out yet that you’re the only guy I care about?” She managed a brief smile. “And, Anson? You’re smarter and better-looking than any of them.”
    He looked up then, his eyes warm with love. “I adore you, Allison. You’re my whole world. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you these last few months. You were all that got me through basic training.” He held out the small velvet box. “May I put this on you now?”
    She gave him her hand and he slid the ring on her finger. “It fits,” he said, sighing with relief. “This ring is a promise from me to you that I won’t even look at another girl while I’m away.”
    â€œI promise I won’t date anyone