Caelyn, Griffin, and Parker said their goodbyes, Parker promising that the official statements could wait. Suddenly, we were alone again. I brushed the hair back from Shay’s face. “Feel a little better?”
She let out a long breath. “I do.”
I gazed into her eyes. “You’re free now. You can go anywhere you want.” I hadn’t realized until this very moment how terrified I was of that. Shay could decide she wanted to play in an orchestra on the other side of the world. Or that these islands held too many painful memories. But if she left, I would follow.
Shay brushed her lips against mine. “The only place I want to go is home. With you.”
I’d never heard sweeter words.
Epilogue
Shay
ONE MONTH LATER
“Have you seen the tomatoes, Everly?” I asked as I sliced the mozzarella.
“They’re over here. Do you want me to wash them?”
“That would be great. Thank you.” I smiled up at my friend, who I’d only known from the confines of my computer, but who had now been to Harbor twice since my kidnapping. As soon as she’d heard what had happened, she’d taken the first ferry she could get. The combination introduction and reunion had been bittersweet since I was a mess of guilt, fear, relief, and gratitude.
But I was doing better these days. Breathing easier and feeling free for the first time in my life. That freedom meant I could enjoy everything this sweet life had to offer. And a big part of that was my amazing friends.
Caelyn bustled into the kitchen with Bell and Kenna in tow. “I’ve got the pasta salad makings, and Hunter’s starting up the grill.”
“Do the kids have everything they need?” I asked.
“Happy as clams,” Bell answered. “Ford and Crosby talked them into a game of soccer.”
“And how’s this little one?” I set down my knife to round the counter and let little Harriet grab hold of my finger.
Kenna smiled. “Growing like a weed.”
I nodded. “I swear she gets bigger every time I see her.”
Everly glanced at the clock on the wall. “How long until you think Brody is back?”
“He should’ve been here by now, but Carson’s ferry might be running late,” I said, heading back to my cutting board. I did my best not to let any worry take root. But it was easier said than done when we’d been on edge for so many months. Any time Brody was late, just a flicker of dread slipped through.
Caelyn came up next to me and gave my arm a squeeze. “Don’t worry. He’s got Griffin with him, and he’s only going to Shelter.”
Griffin and Brody’s friendship was adorably sweet. I had no idea how they spent their time together since Griffin barely said two words in my presence, but it seemed to work for them. “Knowing the two of them, they might’ve stopped at a hardware store.”
Caelyn chuckled. “So true.”
Shrieks sounded from outside and Mia’s high-pitched cry of, “Oh my gosh!”
I wiped my hands on a towel and headed for the front door. “What in the world?”
As I headed outside, I caught sight of Griffin and Carson lugging bags and a box up the hill. My gaze shifted to two creatures straining against a leash that Brody held. Mia jumped up and down and raced towards the dogs.
I couldn’t contain my laughter at the doggy odd couple. One was a tiny, fluffy Pomeranian, and the other looked to be some sort of massive Mastiff mix. I looked at Carson. “You didn’t tell us you were bringing your dogs.”
“Hey, little caretaker.” Carson gave me a wink. “Those aren’t mine.”
I turned towards Brody just as the dogs reached me. I sank to the ground to soak up all the licks and cuddles. “Whose are they?”
Brody smiled down at me. “They’re yours.”
I blinked rapidly, my gaze jumping from him to the dogs and back again. “What?” I whispered.
“You said you’ve always wanted a dog. I figured now was a good time.”
The Pomeranian jumped onto my lap as the Mastiff mix licked the side of my face. “You got me a big dog and a purse dog?”
Griffin chuckled from behind Brody. “He’s a goner for you, Shay.”
Brody rubbed the back of his neck that was growing a bit red. “The shelter said they were a bonded pair, and no one wanted to take both of them. I knew we could.”
I launched off the ground, tucking the little dog under one arm and throwing my other around Brody. “Thank you. They’re perfect.” The Mastiff gave a deep bark of agreement as he danced around us.
Brody brushed the hair away from my face. “Love you, Shay.”
I pressed my lips to his, not caring who was watching. “So much it almost hurts sometimes.”
Hunter and I brought up the rear of the group as we headed down to the dock. I looked up at the man who’d tried so hard to save me. His sling was a reminder that he’d almost lost his life in the process. “Are you feeling okay?”
He scowled at the path ahead, but his tone remained gentle. “I’m fine.”
I wanted to ask a million more questions, give voice to an endless stream of thoughts. Instead, I simply said, “Thank—”
“If you try to thank me one more time, I’m going to tell your boyfriend you’re running away with me to a Greek island.”
My mouth fell open. “You wouldn’t.”
He arched a brow. “You’ve baked me endless amounts of cookies and brownies. Brought me a case of my favorite beer. Offered to drive me to physical therapy. I think you’ve said thank you enough.” He looked out at the water as our friends climbed on Griffin’s boat. “I didn’t even help you. I failed.”
I gripped his good arm. “You almost gave your life for mine. That’s not failure. That’s noble.”
“Didn’t see what was right in front of my face until it was too late.”
I was about to argue when Ford let out a whistle. “Hurry up, Hunt.”
Hunter glanced down at me. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”
“I’m glad you’re okay, too.” Except I wasn’t so sure he was.
I wound my way down the dock to Brody, who wrapped an arm around me. We waved as the boat drove away, Mia blowing kisses from the back. I leaned into his side, watching our friends leave. “Do you think Hunter is going to be okay?”
“Physical therapy takes time. And so does getting your mind right. He’ll get there.”
“I hope you’re right.” I smiled as the two dogs danced around us. We were still deciding on names, but Mia really wanted us to go with Princess and Giant. Brody was partial to Yahtzee as the name for the little one. “We’re going to have to make sure they know how to swim. Maybe we can get them life jackets.”
Brody’s face scrunched as if he smelled something bad. “I am not putting our dogs in life jackets.”
I grinned up at him. “Our dogs. I like the sound of that.”
“Me, too.” He swept his lips across mine. “How about a few more things being ours?”