AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Can’t blame her,” I said, my laughter mingling with hers. “Becoming a big sister is huge news.”
“Everything today feels that way.”
I nodded before turning just enough to rest my cheek against her forehead, reveling in the softness there. Then, breaking away reluctantly, I moved toward Warren, who was standing with his feet in the water as he scanned the sea.
“Beautiful day for a picnic, isn’t it?” I said as I approached him.
“Nothing like the open water to clear your mind,” Warren replied, his voice seasoned with the salt of many years spent at sea.
“Stella tells me you’re providing the fresh catch for Orchid. Must feel good to be out on the sea again.”
He smiled. “I could fish every day and not tire of it. You’ve been good for Stella, Aiden. You balance each other. I’m glad you returned to take over Dr. Nelson’s practice.”
Warmth filled me at the praise, which meant a lot from this man. “I love it here. I love what I do, and I love your daughter very much.”
“Just don’t let me hear otherwise and we’ll get along fine.” His laugh tempered the edge of his words, and I liked that he was protective of his children. “You’ll fit right in with us, don’t worry. Stella tells me you’re quite the sailor. Do you enjoy fishing too?”
“Absolutely,” I said with a nod. “There’s something about the ocean—it’s where I feel most alive.”
“If you have a free morning, you should come out with me on Real Deal sometime.”
I nodded eagerly. “I’m experimenting with flex hours at the clinic, moving our appointments to the afternoon and evening one day a week, which gives us the morning off. It’s been a hit so far, and it helps Stella and me line up our schedules a little better. So I’ll take you up on that offer soon.” We stood side by side in comfortable silence, watching the waves dance in the shallows.
After Stella’s father excused himself to talk to Gabe, I threaded my way through the clusters of family as warm sand stuck to my feet. The salty breeze carried laughter and snippets of conversation. I caught Stella’s eye and hitched my head toward April and Liv, who were chatting as they packed up the remnants of our feast.
“Hey, congratulations to you both,” I said as we approached. “An engagement and a baby announcement.”
April beamed, the healthy radiance of impending motherhood already lighting her features. “Thanks. Gabe and I are very excited. Neither of us is getting younger, so we’re thrilled I got pregnant so fast.”
“Have you and Evan set a date?” Stella asked Liv, admiring her ring again.
“Oh no! I’m still getting my feet back under me with the two bakeries. It’ll be a little while yet.”
After a few more minutes of conversation, Liv and April excused themselves to fold the blankets. Soon we were back in the water, then climbing aboard the dive boat. Gabe pointed us back to Calypso Key and we left Sugar Beach behind, though I was sure the memories would stay.
As I stood at the bow, the wind whipping past, Stella slid into the space beside me. The boat gently rocked us, and without thinking, I stepped behind her and wrapped her in my arms, pulling her back against my chest. I rested my chin on the top of her head as we watched the island slowly grow larger before us. The water flew by in a stunning mixture of blue hues. This was more than just an end-of-summer celebration. It was the start of something new. Not just for Liv and Evan, or Gabe and April, or even Hunter. But for Stella and me too. It was hard to imagine a future any brighter than the one unfolding before us. A future I had hoped for and that she had been brave enough to embrace.
“Thank you,” she said softly. “For not giving up on me. On us.”
“I don’t give up easily,” I said, my voice holding a tinge of levity. Then I brushed a soft kiss over her temple. “You’re worth it. We’re worth it.”
She turned in my arms, her gaze capturing mine. Her hand rose, fingers tender as they brushed my cheek. “I’m very lucky you sailed back into my life. And this is only the beginning.”
“Only the beginning.” I leaned in, my forehead touching hers as we shared a breath, a moment, a silent vow. A second chance realized.
Epilogue
Stella
SIX MONTHS LATER
I cradled a delicate orchid in my palm, admiring the vibrant lavender petals thriving under my care. Setting it gently on the smooth wooden surface, I smiled. The special plant display Gabe had crafted was more than just woodwork—it was a symbol of new beginnings and deserved its place in front of the bright, sunny window. After Matt had been arrested, I bought two new specimens of the Queen Sirikit orchid to nurture myself before placing them in the restaurant. Matt had hurled both at Hunter in an effort to get away, which was how he got the black eye.
Note—do not mess with Hunter.
I returned the plant to the spot next to its twin before brushing my fingers over the empty space on the top shelf. This was reserved for really special orchids, ones I hardly dared to dream of owning. I sighed contentedly, maybe even hopefully.
Aiden’s and my cottage, now peppered with unopened boxes and scattered belongings, felt like the most inviting place on Dove or Calypso Keys. Despite the continued chaos of moving in only a few days ago. Three of these cozy two-bedroom homes stood in a row like soldiers, slightly separated from the Big House. We took the one on the southern end, the cottage nearest the Big House itself housing Maia and her family.
