AllFreeNovel
Share Us
By the way, I have some good news.
She could really use some.
What is it?
I’ll tell you when I see you.
Ismay climbed off the bed, brushed her teeth, pulled her hair into a ponytail, and grabbed a jacket, in case it chilled off. She didn’t want anything forcing her back to the house before she was ready.
She’d opened her door and was about to walk into the hall when she realized she hadn’t yet taken off her promise ring, although she’d told Remy she had. Taking a few seconds to twist it off her finger, she put it in a monogrammed leather dish-like holder Remy had on the dresser and walked out.
As soon as her feet hit the main level, Bastian leaned up over the couch. “Where are you going?”
She didn’t even look at him, let alone reply.
Ismay was happy to see her brother when she found him waiting for her down the road. There was strength in numbers. They would support each other and manage to make the most of their once-in-a-lifetime stay on Mariners, she told herself, even if this summer was far different than what they’d both expected.
“How’d it go today?” she asked as she came even with him.
“Good. One more day and the fence will be fixed.”
“Bo told me he’s really grateful for all the help you’ve given him.”
“He’s a cool dude—sort of like working with Dad, except without all the criticism if I do something wrong.”
She laughed. “He’s the strong silent type?”
“Pretty much. I can’t help liking him.”
Ismay couldn’t help it, either. She quickly turned her face away, because the memory of kissing Bo earlier immediately came to mind, and she didn’t want a silly smile or dreamlike expression to give her away. “What’s the good news?”
“Honey called Bo just before I texted you.”
“What for?”
“To tell him that her daughter has broken her ankle.”
“Ouch!” Ismay sent him a sharp look. “That’sgoodnews?”
“No, sorry. Not that part. Honey’s taking the first flight out tomorrow. She’s needed to help take the girls where they need to go for softball and their other activities.”
“I hope her daughter’s foot heals quickly, but I bet it feels good for Honey to know she’s needed.”
“She’s certainly anxious to get there. She said I can move in tomorrow. She asked me to come by at eight thirty tonight, so she can go over how to take care of the cat and her plants and get the mail and whatever else she wants me to do.”
“That’s wonderful! Bo will have his bungalow back, so we’ll no longer have to worry about getting him in trouble with the Windsors, and you’ll have a place of your own,” she said and then came to a sudden stop.
“What is it?” he asked, turning back to see why she’d quit walking.
Ismay thought of how uncomfortable she was staying with Bastian, despite the size and elegance of the cottage. “Do you mind if I move in with you?” she asked.
He seemed taken aback. “Of course not. You’re the one who found me this place. And I’m sure there are at least two bedrooms. I can ask Honey tonight if it’s okay. But why would you want to leave the cottage?”
She raised her eyebrows.
“All right,” he said, immediately backing away from the question. “Bastian’s a good reason. But what about Remy? Will you move back when he arrives?”
She started walking again and he fell right in step with her. “Maybe. We’ll have to see what happens.”
