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Sara shrugged. “You know what they say about things being bigger in Texas.”
April rested her chin on her palm, grinning. “I guess you’re in a position to know, huh?”
The heat washed over Sara’s cheeks as the table erupted into laughter. “No comment, except that I’m a happy woman.” It was time to change the subject, so she turned her attention to April. “No one interesting at the other dive shop where you work?”
She had been watching Hope and April carefully, but couldn’t detect any tension between them. Sara would still be more comfortable if April were involved with someone, but if Hope wasn’t concerned, then she couldn’t interfere too much, despite itching to do so. She’d never asked Hope about April, a rare flash of reluctance in not wanting to upset her sister’s happiness.
April shook her head. “There’s just one other divemaster. He’s in his fifties and married.”
Hope glanced at her watch. “Speaking of married, I’d better get going. I’m meeting Alex for dinner. We’re having a date night.” She turned to Sara. “We’re diving the house reef tomorrow afternoon, right?”
“Even if I have to drag you away from the office or your oven. I’m not taking no for an answer this time.” Hope had canceled on her twice.
She laughed and stood. “Don’t worry, I cleared the decks. I don’t want to be late—I haven’t even seen Alex today. See you guys later.”
After Hope left, Cindy turned back to her daiquiri. “That’s what I want. What they have.”
Selena smiled. “What? A tall, gorgeous man head over heels in love with you? Who wouldn’t?”
Sara set her beer on the table with a frown. “Me, actually.” They all turned to stare at her. “I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother-in-law. I’d much rather have an everyday kind of man. Someone like Alex would be just... too much.”
“I’m not sure that’s a compliment to Jack,” April said.
“Yes, it is. He’s sensitive and artistic. And dependable. I like him a lot.” A big smile had come over her face. She’d never consciously thought about what she found so attractive about Jack, but was happy with her answer. “And those huge brown eyes. I’m kind of a sucker for those. Ok, he is pretty good looking.”
Cindy raised her glass. “To finding our fish in the sea. And throwing back the bad ones.”
* * *
The next afternoon, Sara put her scuba kit together alongside Hope. They kneeled under the shady palapa, preparing to dive the house reef. Hope pulled off her T-shirt, revealing an orange bikini top. Sara stared, sure she had to be imagining it. Must be a shadow. Then Hope moved into the sunlight and there was no mistaking it. Sara giggled, which quickly turned into guffaws.
Hope stared. “What’s so funny?”
“God, Hope! You’ve got a huge bite mark on your boob!” It was at the top of her breast, just above the material.
She frowned and pressed a hand to it. “Dammit. I thought it would have faded by now. Good thing we decided not to go on the afternoon boat trip.”
Sara couldn’t stop laughing. “He bites you?”
Hope sighed absently and screwed her regulator onto the tank. “No, biting is usually my thing. Alex decided on a little payback last night.”
Sara’s laughter died away as she studied her sister. “Wow. I didn’t realize you two were so... vigorous.”
Hope grinned and her ears turned pink. “What can I say? We’re a happy couple.”
Sara let the subject go, still surprised how much Hope had changed.
But apparently Hope wasn’t finished yet. She sat up, looking thoughtful. “I’ve always felt so safe with Alex that even sex that’s a little rough has never... triggered me. And he’s incredibly sensitive about all of it.”
Sara gave her a small smile, acknowledging that Hope and Alex shared facets of themselves that others never saw. “I’m very happy for you. I can’t tell you how much.”
Hope stared evenly at her. “There’s a lot of benefits to a committed relationship, you know. Maybe now you’re the one who needs to be reminded that not all men run off.”
“I know. And I admit some of my fear to commit is because of Dad. But don’t try to sell me a ball and chain just yet.”
They both laughed and returned to their equipment, but Sara was brought back to that awful time. Caleb’s attack had resulted in Hope being hospitalized, and Sara, only fifteen, had been terribly worried about her. Her older sister had changed drastically afterwards. Eventually, the physical wounds had healed, and testifying against Caleb had helped provide some closure for her. But Sara had begun to despair of Hope ever overcoming the emotional wounds. It had taken Half Moon Bay—and especially Alex—for that.
Sara fumbled with her regulator, bringing herself back to the present, and Hope arched a brow. “Everything ok? Need help with that?”
