“We’ve got a pulse. Turn her!” They move her to her side in time for her to throw up a stomach-full of seawater.
“Medics should be here in less than five,” one of the officers says.
I shiver, the combination of the cold water and icy wind and receding adrenaline creating a tenseness that makes my entire body hurt, though my mind feels a new sense of ease and calm.
“Raegan!” Poppy yells, her feet falling loud and fast across the dock. She doesn’t hesitate, wrapping her arms around me even though I’m sopping wet. Her grip is tight, her embrace warm for a full second before she pulls back and looks at me with a scrutinizing glance. “Are you okay?”
I’m barely able to confirm with a nod before she’s hugging me.
A fire truck arrives, closely followed by an ambulance, and we watch in silence as they assist Lindsay. My ease grows as she moves her legs and arms, and then plummets when she motions to the back of her head.
“She’s fine. She’s going to be just fine,” Lincoln says, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You saved my life.”
Before his words can sink in, Dad walks toward us, pushing a hand through his hair. He looks ten years older than he did a few weeks ago. He stops several feet in front of us. “Are you guys okay?” His gaze crosses between us, guilt furrowing his brow. “I swear, I had no idea she’d do this.”
“But you should’ve,” Pax says. “You ruined that girl’s life, and in the process, you nearly took Raegan’s. That’s on you.”
Dad nods. “I know. I understand.” He turns his gaze to me, silent apologies creasing his brow. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. I never meant to hurt anyone.”
Poppy keeps hold of my arm but turns to face him. “You can’t expect them to accept your apology. Not now, not after this. You’re going to have to clean this monumental mess you’ve made, and then after you do that, you can offer another apology, but you can’t expect an acceptance. That’s not how apologies work. It’s her choice. It’s his choice.”
“I didn’t—” Dad starts.
Poppy shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter. Actions speak louder than words. Prove that you’re sorry, and don’t make them feel guilty for not being ready to accept your lousy apology after everything you’ve done.”
Dad nods. “I will. I’ll fix this.”
Memories of him promising to fix things that night I found him with Lindsay make my eyes sting and betrayal to creep into my thoughts. Still, I want to believe him. I want to think of the man I knew when I was little, the one whose toes I stood on as he spun me around the kitchen, and sat patiently with me while I stared out at the ocean, waiting to catch a glimpse of a whale. The one who attended every football game of Paxton’s and cried openly when Maggie left.
“Dad,” I say, taking a step.
He stops from turning around, the same hope I’m feeling apparent in his eyes. “It’s not just us who need you to clean things up. You need to talk to Maggie and to Mom. And you need to help Lindsay without taking more from her. You’ve hurt her so much.”
Dad presses his lips together, running a hand over his shaven jaw. He slowly nods. “I understand.”
Pax blows out a long, slow breath as Dad turns, speaking to an officer who approaches him. “You’re out of your mind, you know that, right?” He asks. “I can’t believe you jumped in there.”
“Yes, you can,” I tell him.
He fights a smile, running a hand over his face as water drips from his hair. “You’re still crazy.”
“I fell in love with your best friend. If that isn’t proof that I’m crazy, then I don’t know what is.”
Pax shakes his head, a near-silent scoff. “I told you to date a book nerd.”
“I did,” I argue. “Have you seen how many books he owns?” I ask, glancing at Lincoln.
He smirks, his brown eyes bright with humor. “This is true,” he says.
“If that wasn’t bending the rules, then I don’t know what is,” Pax says with a smirk.
“I’m pretty sure they broke the rules,” Poppy says, turning her attention to me, bestowing me with a wide and familiar smile. “Finally.”
I move my attention to Pax. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” I say. “I know this sounds like an excuse, but I just didn’t want to interfere when you already had so much going on. I swear, I was going to tell you, after your last game, I was going to tell you everything.”
Pax links his arm around my shoulder, his touch cold for several seconds before turning warm. “You should have told me about the cranes, and Dad, and Lincoln.”
I nod. “I know.”
“But, I get it. And while it’s strange as fuck, I get it. I see it, now. It’s going to take some time to get used to this, but,” his gaze cuts to Lincoln, “I’m not going to get in the way. You guys need each other, and I’m not going to mess it up.” He pulls in a breath. “So, kiss and make up while I go buy you five minutes from all these cops.” His hand slips from my shoulder, and he walks up the dock with Poppy at his side.
I turn to Lincoln. His wet dress shirt is plastered to his chest, and his lips are starting to turn a light shade of blue. “I’m sorry I left. I should have stayed and talked to you about everything. I should have explained to you how I felt and why it bothered me so much, and I should have trusted you instead of her.”
He shakes his head. “I wasn’t even thinking. That stupid necklace I gave her meant nothing to me, but I can see how it would mean something to her, and more importantly, to you. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I swear, I will do anything—everything—to make sure you’re safe and that you’re happy and feel heard—feel seen because I see you, Raegan Lawson. I see every part of you, and I love you.”
I reach forward, trailing my fingers over his cheek. “I was so scared when she aimed the gun at you,” I admit.
The column of his throat moves as he swallows. Then, he lowers his forehead to mine. “I swear to God, I’m building you a bubble.”
I laugh, closing my eyes as his hand comes to my waist, anchoring me.
“I need to hear you say it again. Tell me you love me without following it by diving into the fucking ocean again.”
My lips curve into a smile, my laughter catching in my throat as he takes a step back, his dark eyes more intense and intent than I’ve ever seen them—his vulnerability fully exposed as he stares at me.
“I love you, Lincoln. I love you so much. I’ve loved you—”
He silences me with a kiss that is demanding and impatient, much like Lincoln is. We kiss urgently in the borrowed time, knowing later we’ll be making time for slower kisses where we can appreciate these words and their truths.
Epilogue
Lincoln
Coach Harris chews his gum so furiously his jaw pops with protest. He leans back on his heels. “This is it. This is what you’ve all been working for.” He peers at our team, stopping when he reaches me. “Let’s get back out there and show this team what you’re made of. You hear me?” The team whoops and claps and then turns back around. Coach Harris stalks to me, his hand on my shoulder. “You all right, son?”