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When the segment is over, Will takes my wine glass from me and sets it down on the coffee table. He places his hands on my face. “You’re an amazing woman, Julia Becker or Casey Bishop. Your name matters not to me. I only care about what’s inside. You have the most beautiful heart of anyone I’ve ever met. I don’t know how it’s possible when I’ve only known you a short time, but I love you with every fiber of my being.”
“And I love you, Will Darby, with every fiber of my being.”
FORTY-TWO
WILL AND JULIA
Conrad returns from Charleston a changed child. He’s more carefree and less tense. I never realized how anxious he’s been. Learning the boogeyman chapter of our lives is over and that we no longer have to live in fear has given him a more hopeful outlook for the future.
The first days of the following week pass in peaceful bliss. After dropping our children at school, Will and I spend our mornings in my bed, making love and getting to know each other better. On the days he doesn’t have to rush off to work, we bundle up against the October chill and go for long strolls on the beach.
Twice during the week, Conrad invites a new friend to come home with him after school. Jamie is well-mannered and they are content to play in the sand at the edge of the yard while I work on the porch. On Thursday afternoon, I finish the last draft of my novel and send the manuscript off to my editor. The cover draft is stunning, although I haven’t yet decided which name to use. I have a large following as Casey Bishop, but I’m not sure my cozy mystery readers will be interested in romantic suspense. Perhaps I’ll use Julia Becker as my pen name and write in both genres going forward. Now that I no longer have to hide my identity, I have direct access to my royalties, and I can continue to promote my backlist.
As for real life, I’ve grown accustomed to my new name, and everyone in Water’s Edge knows me as Julia Becker. Julia feels right to me. She’s the young woman who took on a corrupt organization and won. Maybe one day soon, I’ll trade Becker for Darby. Julia Darby has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?
* * *
I’ve taken over morning carpool duty from Mia. I enjoy listening to the girls chatter during the drive. I’m leaving school after dropping them off on Friday morning when my real estate agent calls with a full-price offer on my house.
Sadie pushes back when I tell her to accept the offer. “Are you sure about this Will? Are you ready to give up the memories of the life you spent there with Tracy?”
“I’m positive, Sadie. My memories of Tracy are in my heart. And I’m ready for a fresh start.” My future is with Julia, and since she’s become as one with the ocean, I wouldn’t dare ask her to live inland. “I’m ready to get serious about finding something on Catawba Sound.”
“Coincidentally, I’m working with a couple to put their home on the market. It’s a fabulous property but needs a lot of work.”
My hopes soar. “Sounds ideal. Tell me more.”
“Brace yourself. The location might be a deal-breaker for you. It’s the Sullivan’s property on Pelican’s way. How do you feel about living across the street from your sister?”
I smile to myself imagining how excited my girls would be to live in such close proximity to Marsh Point. “A year ago, I wouldn’t have considered it. But now, I’d love nothing more than to live across from Ashton. Besides, I’ve always admired the Sullivan house. When can I see it?”
“The Sullivans are out of town for the weekend. I mentioned you might be interested, and they’ve agreed to let me show it to you. As you know, they are older, and they’d prefer not to go through the turmoil of showing the house to dozens of people who aren’t serious buyers. I’m in the area. Any chance you’re available now?”
I glance down at the dashboard clock. Julia is expecting me. “Now is fine. Can I bring a friend?”
Sadie snickers. “Only if the friend is Julia Becker. I’m dying to meet our town’s newest celebrity.”
“Ha. You mean our town’s only celebrity. I’ll see you in a few.”
I wait until I’m stopped at a red light to send Julia a text with the address. Short notice. Sorry. I’m looking at a house and would love your opinion.
She texts back right away. Be there soon.
I arrive at the property ahead of Julia, and Sadie suggests we wait inside out of the morning chill.
I knew the Sullivan kids growing up, and I visited the house many times as a child. I remember well the feeling of grandeur created by the curving staircase, wide center hallway, and vast rooms.
“It’s stunning,” I say to Sadie. “More impressive even than Marsh Point.”
Sadie elbows me in the ribs. “I wouldn’t go that far.”
When Julia arrives, I make the introductions, and Sadie takes us on a tour. Other than updating the kitchen and baths, the house is in relatively good shape. The twelve-foot ceilings, detailed woodwork, and random-width oak floors captivate me. The waterfront location lends a casual air to a house that would otherwise be formal.
Upstairs in the primary bedroom, Sadie excuses herself to take a call. I throw open the French doors, and we step outside to the second-floor veranda. We mosey over to the railing and look out across the sound.
“What do you think?” I ask Julia.
She inhales a deep breath of salt air. “I think it’s positively scrumptious. It’s just what you’ve been looking for.”
