Page 95 of Until We Break

I signed the back of the check and returned it to Dean. He stuffed it into his jacket pocket next to his chest.

“I’m going straight to the bank from here and I have the tax documents at my office. I have court this afternoon too on the mainland.”

“I was wondering about the dark suit.”

“The judge doesn’t care if it’s summer or not. Can’t wear a light suit to court.” He groaned and rose from the table. “Anything else you need from me right now?”

“I have access to the account, right?”

“Of course you do.”

“Will you send me the balance after all the taxes are paid?”

“I’ll have my assistant email the balance sheet tomorrow. Does that work?” He moved toward the door.

I was thinking about all the plans Caleb, and I had brainstormed for the Blue Heron. There was still time before the end of the summer to try movie nights on the water. I could buy a working ice machine and maybe a vending machine. I could repair the broken boards and paint a new sign on the road, pointing tourists down the winding gravel road.

“Margot?”

I looked up. “Huh?”

“Does it work to send the balance sheet to you tomorrow?”

“Oh yes.” I nodded. “That’s great. Thank you, Dean.”

He tapped the doorframe. “I’m glad I finally got to bring you some good news. You were due for some, kid.” He smiled as he left the cottage.

I took out a sheet of paper and started making a list of what to prioritize first. It was clear I needed to make the repairs before I invited more customers onto the property. One lawsuit would destroy all plans I had.

Ever since Ethan had gone back to New York last week, I had been slowly healing my scars again. It was a different kind of pain than I had experienced the first time. It was a different kind of repair too. I didn’t hide under the quilt. I didn’t shut the blinds. I didn’t shut Caleb out. I took my time to tell him stories about my parents. I took my time to move through the day.

I spent more time on the beach, adding to my shell collection. I set aside hours for my journals. I watched the boats sail in the harbor. I went for swims. I dropped by Reel Time for biscuits each morning.

I’d learned the locals’ names. I knew all the roads and even the back pathways to get to the coves. I could list off the family businesses and had finally memorized the ferry schedule. The social media accounts for the Blue Heron were up and running.

For the first time, I had found my footing on Marshoak. I hadn’t realized how it had all come together until now. I smiled. I didn’t want to admit it, but all this time I was plagued with fear. Scared of the taxes. Terrified of the building and the piers falling in around me. The anonymous donor had given me hope. They had given me a gift I’d never be able to repay.

I had enough money to stay. I wouldn’t leave him again. I knew now what my purpose had been. Why the book had failed. Why Uncle Walt had given me the Blue Heron.

I had the answers I’d been seeking for seven years.

Caleb was the first person I was going to call.

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Crash Over Us

I wasn’t supposed to fall first.

Maybe it was because I never got over the girl who disappeared seven years ago.

Margot drives me the good kind of wild. Enough to make me think she’s going to stick around this time.

But like every hurricane that hits this island, she’s just as unpredictable and I don’t know if I can trust her to weather the next storm.

I know she’s scared to take another chance on me, but I’m not going to give up being a rescue swimmer. I can show her she’s safe with me, especially in my arms.

I know the risks this time and I’m willing to gamble everything because I’m going to get what I want—her.