THEPRINCESS

ZANEMORROW

CONTENTS

Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10

AboutZaneMorrow

Copyright©2017byZaneMorrow

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T

1

hough I tried to engage Grace in conversation, she excused herself and rushed

inside.LaterIcaughthertalkingwithBrooke.Icouldactuallyfeeltheturmoilwithin
her. Being close had my stomach rolling. Or maybe the churning came from the
alcohol.I’ddefinitelyingestedaninordinateamountoflate.WhatelsecouldIpossibly
do to survive this antiquated ritual my brother had insisted upon experiencing? Of
course, there was the possibility the wedding was all his new wife’s fault. I narrowed
my eyes and studied her while tugging at my chin. Yes, she seemed not only the
marrying type, but the big church wedding huge reception type as well. What of her
bestfriendthough?WasGracedeterminedtomarry?Wasthiswhyshewassoputoff
by my practical suggestion we maintain our relationship posthaste once the camp
closednotonlyforthesummer,butforgood.

Thistime,butterflies.TheideaofnomoreCampHopemademenearlygiddy.Too

bad the source of my joy brought her so much grief. There was a possibility if we
talked, she might understand my problems with the place. Naturally, the prospect of
gettingallintouchwithmyfeelingsaroundthewomanwhointriguedmesouredmy
mood.

Turning on my heels, I stalked out of the room and returned to the gardens. The

freshairmightgivemeafreshperspective.Thequietandalonetimewoulddefinitely
soothe my nerves. When I reached the bridge over the koi pond and leaned on the
railing,avoicebrokethesilence.

“I heard you tried to give Grace the camp.” Trent’s voice was low and I couldn’t

quitedetecthismoodfromthetone.

Slowly,Ishiftedandglancedhisway.“Whatofit?”Ilacedmyfingersandstaredat

thewater,willingthefluidmotionsofthefishtocalmme.

Trentmovedcloser,steppingupontothearchedbridgeandstoppinglessthanafoot

fromme.“ThemovesurprisedmeIguess.”Hechuckledandshookhishead.“We’re
stillcompeting,Isee.”

Mybrowsarched.“Doyou?BecauseIdon’t.”Isetmyjawandstraightenedsometo

griptherailing.MyknucklesturnedwhiteasIstruggledtohidemyirritation.

Hegesturedtomyhands.“Oh,Ithinkyoudo.Lookatyou.Thepissedofflittleboy

has grown into an angry man.” Trent’s eyes flashed while he smirked at me. “No
wonderBenspentsomuchtimewithme.”Heleanedcloserandsneered.“Nowonder

hespentsolittletimewithyou.”

Mychesttightened.Suddenly,Ifeltlikemylungsrefusedtofillwithair.Therewas

morethanalittletruthtohiswords.Theproblem,however,camefromthefacts.Did
he know? Did he suspect? I looked away and refused to meet his eyes. There was a
distinct possibility if I looked at him, I’d be sorely tempted to break his nose. As my
mind raced to find a solution, a way out of this situation while saving face, another
voicebrokethetensionintheair.

“Well,Ineverexpectedtofindyoutwotogether.”
I whipped around, grateful to hear Grace’s voice. She stood on the cobbled path a

fewfeetfromus.Foramoment,Iwilledhertolookatme.IfIcouldsimplystareinto
hereyes,acalmwouldwashoverme.Iknewitintrinsically.Afterall,theothernight,
shehadbeenXanaxinhumanform.Icouldn’trememberthelasttimeIfeltsorelaxed
andateaseinmyownskin.

“Sogoodtoseeyou,Grace,”Trentmurmuredasheleanedinandplantedakisson

hercheek.

My blood boiled and my hands fisted at my sides. The man knew what he was

doing.Yearsofpracticehadtaughthimhowtogetundermyskin.Thecalculatingboy
had grown into a manipulative man. I closed my eyes and blew out a breath. A
momentlater,ahandwrappedaroundthebackofmyneckandmyeyesflewopento
findhernearlypressedagainstme.Istartedtospeak,butthegrimlookonherfacehad
myjawsnappingshut.

“BlakeandIhavesomeimportantmatterstodiscuss,Trent.Itwasnicerunninginto

you,butifyoucouldexcuseus…”Hervoicetrailedoffasshedismissedhimwithoutso
muchasaglanceinhisdirection.

Usingmyperipheralvision,IcouldseeTrentstiffen.“Ofcourse.”Hebowedslightly

andbackedaway,butIcouldfeelhimseethinginanger.

We didn’t even acknowledge him. Instead, my eyes were fixed on her. “Grace.” I

whisperedhername.Ididn’ttrustmyvoicetonotcrackifIspokeanylouder.Inmy
newestactofbravery,myhandsfoundhertinywaist.Iswearmyfingerscouldnearly
circleher.“Damn,you’repetite.”MyfingersdugintohermorethanIintendedandI
sawherwince.“Sorry.”Icouldfeelmyearsturnpink.

Herheadtiltedasshestudiedme.“What’sgoingonwithyou?Areyouokay?”Grace

drewherhandawayfrommyneckandnowlaidthebackofitonmyforeheadbefore
shebrushedagainstmycheek.

Again,Ifoundmylidsloweringtosavorhertouch.Thiswoman.WhatwasIgoing

todo?Ineededtofindawaytowinher,tohelpheragreetobewithme.Grabbingher
hand,IdraggedittomymouthwhereIgrazedherknucklesandpressedthemagainst
mylips.“Whatbringsyououthere,Princess?”

Her face softened. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she actually enjoyed my little

nicknameforher.“Youbastard,”shegrumbled.“IalmostforgotIwasmadatyou.”

My brow furrowed and I feigned innocence. “You’re mad at me? How could you

ever be angry with me?” I playfully flashed a smile. I’d been told it not only
transformedmyface,buthadmeltedsomepantiesatimeortwo.ForGrace,Ihopedto
hearovariesexploding.God,Iwantedher.

“I’mfurious.”Shepursedherlipsandnarrowedhereyes.

Ishrugged.“Sorry.Ijustdon’tseeit.Isthatyourangryface?”Inmychest,Icould

feelmyheartbegintobeaterratically.

“Youcan’ttell?”Herbrowshotup.
Frowning,Ileanedin,handspoisedinchesfromherface.“MayI?”
Shesteppedback.“Mayyouwhat?”
“Justletme…”Ireachedoutandstartedtoplayatmoldingherface.“Thereholdit

likethat.”Ipushedherbrowslower.“Nowlipslikethis.”Imodeledwithmyownwhile
trying to force hers to purse. She held the pose while I stepped back to study my
masterpiece.“Yes!Nowthat’samuchbetterfuriousface.”Igrinnedasasmilespread.
“Stillfurious?”

“Terribly.”Gracesighedandwalkedintomyarms.
Themomentshelaidherheadagainstmychest,Icouldfeelthetensionmeltaway.

“Neverleaveangryagain,Princess.”

Herheadleanedbackandshepressedherchinintomyribs.“Isthatanorder?”
Iwincedandshookmyhead.“Moreofasuggestion,really.”
“Well,here’smysuggestion.”Shestraightenedandsteppedback.
I braced. I couldn’t help it. I knew her enough to suspect where this was going.

Gracedidn’tdisappoint.

Her finger shot out and she poked me in the sternum. “Next time you give a girl

someproperty,makesureyouownitfirst.”

Noddingnumbly,Ibitmycheek.“Yougotit,Princess,”Imumbled.ThenIsagged

againsttherailing.Shesureknewhowtotakealotoutofaguyinandoutofbed.

“Good.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “So what do you think is going to

happenonMonday?”GraceglancedupatmeandIcouldreadtheconcerninhereyes.
MaybewehadmoreincommonthanIthought.Maybeshehidherfearbehindamask
ofangerlikeIdid.

MybrowsknitasIstruggledtofindananswertoherquestion.Thosepleadingeyes

hadboredstraightthroughmysoul.Still,Icouldn’tbringmyselftolietoher.Itwasn’t
myway.IknewtoowellthedamagetheycausedandIrefusedtoeverharmanyoneI
caredaboutinsuchashallowmanner.Igesturedtowardthebenchontheothersideof
thebridge.“Caretositforamomentwhilewetalk?”

Crossingherarmsoverherchest,sheglaredatme.“We’renottalking.Ijustasked

youaquestion.”

“Right.”Ichuckled.“AndifIanswerandyouhaveanewquestion…atsomepoint

thisisgoingtopassthroughthatgrayareastraightintoaconcreteacceptance.Admitit.
Thisisaconversation.”Isighed.“Come.Sitwithme,Grace.”Iofferedalopsidedsmile.
Manywomenhadfoundthisboyishlookratherdisarming.Ihopedtheoneinfrontof
mewouldfeelthesame.

Sheexhaled.“Idon’twanttogiveyouthewrongidea.”
“Thatwe’retalking?You’rejustborderingonridiculousnow.”Iheldupmyhandsin

surrender while I walked over and collapsed onto the bench leaving her plenty of
room. “Look, you don’t even need to touch me.” I measured with my hands. “Look.
Thismuchroom.”Iheldthemup,theywereagoodthreefeetapart.“AndIknowfrom
experience,youonlytakeupthismuchroom.”Imeasuredmypelvis,thistimepalms
up,halfcupped,muchliketheyweretheothernightwhenIheldherassassherode

me.Apparently,sheknewwhatIwasrecalling.Hercheeksturnedaflamingredasshe
fumed.

“YouwonderwhyIdon’twanttositnearyou?”Shehuffed.
Ishookmyhead.“Notatall.Mostly,IwonderwhatI’mgoingtohavetodotoget

youtostraddleme.Ineedarepeatoftheothernight.”Iwinkedather.

Graceglaredatme.“Therewillbenorepeats,”shegrowled.
Mybrowsrose.“Ever?”
Shespokethroughherteeth.“Everever.”
“How can you be so certain?” I ran my fingers through my hair. “I was always

taughttheonlycertaintiesinlifeweredeathandtaxes.”Ishrugged.“Andyetyouseem
convincedwe’llnevermakeloveagain.”

“Make love?” She practically spat the words. “Is that what you’re calling it?” This

time she didn’t simply roll her eyes. No, Grace in one of her more dramatic moves
somehowmanagedtorollherentirehead.Shewaslikesomedamnbobbleheaddoll.

“That’snotagoodlookforyou,”Iwarned.“AndwhatwouldyoupreferIcallit?”I

frowned,butinsidemyheartfrozeinfear.

“Callitwasitwas.Iwasjustanotherfucktoyou.”Gracestaredatme.Iswearshe

wantedareaction,buttheshockhadleftmewithoutwords.BeforeIcouldrecover,I
noticedthetearsinhereyes.

“Oh,Princess.”Ihopedmypetnamewouldappropriatelysootheher.Instead,she

stiffenedmore,sniffledquicklyandbolteddownthepath.Sheseemedtobeblindedby
tears, stumbling some. I couldn’t leave her to her own devices, especially not when
she’dprovenherselftobesovulnerable.Caseinpoint,Trentappearedandshenotonly
ranintohim,butsomehowmanagedtowindupinhisarms.

“Grace,darling.What’swrong?”Trentcradledheragainsthischest.
Sheshookherhead.“Somethinginmyeye,”shelied.
Okay,itwasn’tacompletelie.TherewerethosetearsI’dnotedmomentsbefore.“I

cantakeitfromhere,thanks.”Ireachedforher,butthatratbastardturnedheraway
fromme.

“DidBlakesaysomethingtoupsetyou?Youcantellme,”hecooed.
Inthatinstant,ittookeverythinginmetonotslammyfistintohismouth.Istepped

closer.“I’vegother,”Igrittedout.MynostrilswereflaringandTrentrespondedwitha
smirk.

“IthinkweshouldletGracedecide.”Hetuckedhisfingerunderherchinandforced

her to look at him. Then when he had her attention, he reached into his pocket and
pulledoutahandkerchief.“Drythosetears,love.Whatevertheproblem,I’msurewe
cansolveit.”

“I’msureyoucan’t.”Iscowledathim.
“Thecamp.”Shemanagedinbetweensniffles.
“DidBlakesaysomethingaboutthecamp?”Hefrowneddownatherintentionally

ignoringmeandtryingtomakemeouttobethebadguy.

Graceshookherhead.“I’mjustfeelingemotionalaboutthecamp.”Shedabbedat

hereyesandmetmystare.Imarveledather.Thoughshe’dbeenpresentedwiththe
perfect opportunity to throw me under the bus, make me out to be the villain, she
hadn’t.

Myheartswelledthenfilledwithfear.IfIwasn’tcareful,I’dfallforthewoman.I

stood there rubbing my temples. I needed more alcohol to deal with this, or maybe
someibuprofen.Attheratethingsweregoing,I’dbeonbloodpressuremedswithina
week.

“There’s an emergency board meeting on Monday. I’ll take care of everything. I

promise.”Trentsmileddownather,butIswearsheshudderedinresponse.

Hopeflaredinsideme.MaybeGracewasn’tsotakenwithhimafterall.

“

C

2

omeinside,”Brookeurged.ShegrabbedGrace’swristwithonehandthencaught

minewiththeother.“It’snearlytimefordinner.You’veallbutmissedtheappetizers.”

“I’mnothungry,”Gracemurmured.ShelaidahandonherstomachandIswearI

hearditgrowldespiteherobjections.

Withasigh,Ipulledawayfrommynewsister-in-lawandscoopedGraceupinmy

arms.“Let’sgo,Princess.Wecan’thaveyoupassingoutandruiningtheweddingnow,
canwe?”Iwinkedatherandwaspleasedtoseehersoftensome.

“I’daskyoutoputmedown,buthonestly,I’mfeelingratherweakatthemoment.”

Shelaidherheadonmyshoulderandnuzzledintomyneck.

IswallowedhardandwishedweweresomewhereprivatebecauseI’dgiveanything

to get under this gown. I swear she knew it too. Before long, she was teasing my ear
withhertongueandIwasshakingasItriedtocontrolmynaturalurges.“You’reacold,
cruel woman,” I grumbled under my breath. In response, I was rewarded with a
snicker. The little vixen knew precisely what she was doing. “I’ll remember this.
Turnaboutisfairplay…”

Shepausedforamoment.“Ihavenoideawhatthatmeans.”Graceshruggedand

resumedhersexyministrationsonmylobe.

“You’llsee.Idon’tknowhow.Idon’tknowwhen,butIassureyou,I’llgetyoufor

this.”Icouldbarelyspeak.Mybreathcameinpants.Shiversrandownmyspineandall
thebloodinmeranstraighttomygroin.Myonlyhopetonotutterlyhumiliatemyself
in a minute was to let my mind wander. Only, the one thought I focused on was
whether or not there had ever been another woman who’d elicited such a reaction
fromme.Therehadtobe.NowaywasIpeakingwithGrace.Istartedmumblingnames
asIcompared.“Taylor.Emme.Shayne.”

“Onemore,”shewarned.“Sayonemorechick’snamewhileI’minyourarmsand

seewhathappenstoyou.”

“Behave, you two,” Brooke warned. “We’re at the steps. Anyone glancing outside

canseeus.Ifthedoorsareopenoranyoneisaround,therumorswillfly.”Shegaveus
anexaggeratedwink.

“Whatwasthat?”Ifrowned,feelingutterlyconfused.
GracegiggledthenwriggledoutofmyarmsuntilIgentlysetheronthecobblestone

path.“Brookewantsusmarried.Everyoneshouldbeashappyassheandyourbrother

are.Right?”Shesighedatherfriend.

“Listen,fortwopeoplewhohateeachother,yousuredon’tactlikeit.”Brookelifted

the front of her gown and prepared to mount the first step. “Help,” she hissed at her
maidofhonor.

“You got it.” Grace gathered up the back of the gown and dutifully followed her

friendupthestairs.

Istoodthereadmiringtheswayofherhipsasshemovedwhenahandlandedon

myshoulder.Istaredatitdisdainfully.Sureenough,itbelongedtoTrent.Inbusiness,
we’retrainedthathewhospeaksfirstloses,soIsimplypastedaserenelookonmyface
whileIwaited.Theassholedidn’tdisappoint.

“Don’tgettooattached,”hesneered.“Gracewillbemine.”
“Will she now?’ I crossed my arms over my chest and sucked on my cheeks as I

rolledmyeyes.

“Absolutely.” He removed his hand from my shoulder and stuffed it in his pocket

whileherockedonhisfeet.Trentseemedsoself-assured.LittledidheknowI’dalready
spentthenightwithGrace.

Then I frowned. Clearly, however, I hadn’t sealed the deal, so to speak. The little

princess was angry with me, for reasons I couldn’t quite wrap my mind around. I
tuggedatmychin.“Justwhatmakesyouthinkso?”

Hechuckled.“I’mgenerous.WebothloveCampHope.It’sasolidfoundationfora

relationship.”Trenthadbeentickingreasonsoffonhisfingers.

“That’sit?”Ilaughedandheldmystomachasifithurt.“That’swhatyou’vegot?”I

shookmyheadandstartedtoturnandmountthesteps.

Hesplutteredaminute.“Whatmakesyouthinkshe’dchooseyou?”
I paused on the first riser, collected my emotions, and lazily moved to respond. I

shruggedasIlookedhimintheeyes.“WhatmakesyouthinkIwanther?”Iwatched
hisreaction.Thelightwentoutinhiseyes.Hisshoulderssagged.JustasIsuspected,he
was only interested in Grace because of me. My heart ached as I imagined her as a
pawn on some human chess board. How could this man be so cruel? People weren’t
property. I stepped down and closed the distance between us while maintaining eye
contact. I could see him second-guessing everything. He glanced about nervously a
sweathadbrokenoutacrosshisbrow.

“Youdon’twanther?”Helickedhislipsandsquintedatme.
This was my chance to save her. One lie could take her off the board. “Of course

not.”Ishookmyheadvehemently.“WhywouldIwantsomeonelikeher?”

Thefrownonhisfacemorphed.Hischeeksturnedpinkandheseemedpositively

delighted.Ifroze.AchillrandownmyspineasIswiveledandmovedtomakemyway
intotheclub.AsIglancedup,IrealizedGracestoodtwostepsaboveme.Atthesightof
her,mytensionmeltedaway.Iwantednothingmoretopickherupinmyarmsand
runawaywithher,butinsteadofreceivingmeawithaplayfulsmileorevenawitty
remark, her cheeks were pink and her nostrils were flaring. “Princess?” My brow
arched.Ihopedteasingherwouldlightenthemood.Inherhands,sheheldtwoflutes
ofchampagne.Istartedtoreachforone,butshedrewback.

“I brought this to you. Open bar.” She blinked back tears and I tilted my head in

confusion.“Thoughtyoumightbethirsty.Heat,”shemumbled.

“Areyouokay?”MybrowfurrowedasIheldoutmyopenarms.
Grace shook her head and took a step back. “Don’t.” She blew out a breath and I

watchedherheelcatchonthehemofhergown.

“Careful.”Icaughtherelbowandtriedtohelpherfindherfooting.
Sheshookherheadandyankedoutofmygrasp.Somehowshemanagedtostumble

upthenextfewstepstothelanding.“Don’ttouchme,”shehissed.

“Grace,letmehelpyou?”Trentglidedupthestairstowardher.
Iwatchedasshelookedbackandforthbetweenus.Atthemoment,itseemedshe

didn’ttrusteitherofus.Sheshookherheadandboltedintheoppositedirection.When
Gracehaddisappearedinsidethebuilding,Trentlaughed.“What?”Iscowled.

Heshookhisheadandgrinned.“Ihopeyoumeantitwhenyousaidyoudidn’twant

her?”

Istiffened.“Oh,andwhyisthat?”Itriedtopasteaboredlookonmyface.
“Because she heard every word. And now she hates you.” Then Trent positively

danceduptherestofthestepsandenteredthebuildingbehindtheonewomanwho’d
everbeenabletogetundermyskin,whileIwasleftalongfeelinglikeI’dbeenpunched
inthegut.

Historically speaking, this was about right. For a moment, I stood frozen, staring

downatmyshoeswhileIcontemplatedmynextmove.IwantedtogorescueGrace.If
I could simply explain things weren’t as she’d heard. Only…for now, they had to be.
Throughtheyears,I’ddiscoveredhowpoisonousTrentcouldbe,thedamagehecould
do,thehavochecouldwreak.IrefusedtoputGraceinharm’sway.

Instead,Iwalkeditoff.Iwanderedthroughthegardensatabriskpace.Itfeltmore

likedoinglapsinatuxanddressshoes.Mysocksweresoaked,blisterswereforming,
the heat had dried my mouth to the extent I couldn’t have spoken had my life
dependedonit.Still,bythetimeImademywaytojointhereception,Ifeltnobetter.

Brettsawmefirst.“Takeaseat,”hemutteredunderhisbreath.
“Iseeyou’vebeenmisinformed.Again.”IsighedasIpulledoutmychairandtook

myplacetohisright.

“Dependsonwhoyouask,”hegrumbled.Brettseemedintentoncuttinghisprime

rib,butfinally,hegaveup,sethissilverwaredownontherimofhisplateandglaredat
me.“It’smyweddingday.”

I took a sip of my water before responding. I swallowed hard. “I know,” I replied

blandly.“Iwasthere.”

“Stop. Just stop.” He rolled his eyes. “I don’t know what happened to you, to us.”

Brettshiftedinhischairandinchedclosertome,whileIshrankinmine.

I knew. The camp changed everything. I draped the napkin across my lap. “The

primeribseemstobecookedtoperfection.”

“Tryingtodeflect?Really?”Herubbedhisforehead.
“Seemstoworkforpoliticians.”Iofferedasmilethatdidn’treachmyeyes.
“Just…leaveGrace alone. In thispast week, you’ve hurther enough for a lifetime.

So…stayaway.”Brettseemedsatisfiedwithhisedict.

PickingupmyforkandknifeIbegantosawthroughthemeatonmyplate.“Icould

do that, dear brother, but I wouldn’t want to disappoint Miss Milly.” I eyed him
pointedly. “We wouldn’t want to do anything to jeopardize Grace’s ability to save the

campnow,wouldwe?”Iwatchedashestruggledtoprocessmywords.

“Ifyouhurther…”Hisvoicetrailedoff.Brettwasthekingofemptythreats.Hehad

nothingtoholdoverme.Iwasolder,stronger,tougher,andheadofthecompany.

“You’llwhat?Seriously.Whatexactlywillyoudo?”Istabbedapieceofthebeefwith

my fork, dipped it in horseradish sauce and stuffed it in my mouth. Then I chewed
lazilywhileIwaited.

Brett shook his head. “I don’t know, Blake. But I swear if you ruin my wedding,

we’rethrough.”

Irolledmyeyes.“Herewegoagainwiththeidlethreats.”
“No,Imeanitthistime.YouhurtGrace,ithurtsallofus.We’refriends.You…you’re

justanasshole.How’dyouevengetthiscold?”

Amemoryflashedandthepainofithadmelookingaway.Ishivered,buttriedto

playitoffasashrug.“Don’tknow.JustluckyIguess.”

“Right.Likeyouwerebornthisway.”Heeyedmeevenasheleanedaway.“Only

that couldn’t be the case. Mother is loving and caring. Father was too. Oh, but you…
you’recoldasice.”

Itookanotherbiteofmymeal,butIcouldn’ttasteit.Hiswordshadwoundedme.

His distrust hurt. Watching Trent a few tables away trying to catch Grace’s attention
mademychestache.Wewerehoursfromcakeandmytoast.Wouldthisnightnever
end?

A

3

nhourlaterandI’ddownedroughlythreerocksglassesofscotch.Thegreatthing

aboutscotchiswhenyou’reinaterribleplace,itgoeswitheverything.Forexample,
therewasnoclashwithmybakedpotato,myasparagus,ortherestofmyprimerib.I’d
hadmyfirstscotchinlieuofthesaladcourseI’dmissedandthebreadIcouldn’tbring
myselftoeat.NowthemusichadbegunandtheDJwascallingtheweddingpartyout
ontothefloortostarttheparty.Someparty.

Gracestoodofftothesideofthedancefloor.Shestaredatmeamomentandeven

inmyseriouslybuzzedstate,Icouldreadthereluctanceinherface.Iswallowedthe
restofmyfourthglassandseconddouble.Inolongerfeltitburningonthewaydown,
although I did note how hard it hit my stomach. Still, that little bit of liquid courage
helped.

Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I strode over to her a second after

Trentreachedherside.“Stepoff,”Igrowledwithoutevenlookingathim.Graceheld
myattention,asmuchasIcouldfocus.

“Excuseme?”Therewasanoteofsurpriseinhisvoice.
Iwhirledaroundandstumbledslightly,butIsoonfoundmyfootingandconfronted

him,sincethiswasobviouslywhathewanted.“WasItoopoliteforyou?Hmmm?”I
leaneddownslightlysowewerenose-to-nose,sinceIwasagoodthreeinchestaller.

“GoodLord.”Heheldahandinfrontofhisface.“It’slikesniffingastill.Howmuch

haveyouhadtodrink?”

“About enough to speak my mind.” I narrowed my eyes on him. “Want to know

whatI’mthinking?”

“Notespecially.”HeshruggedandworeasmuglookIwantedtopunchoffhisface.
Apparently, I’m a mean drunk, or Trent brings out the worst in me because I’ve

neverhitamaninragemywholelife.Now,inself-defensewasadifferentstory.Father
insistedwetraininmartialartstoprotectourselves.Beingwealthymadeustargets,he
claimed.Trustme,hewouldknow.“Well,I’mgonnatellyouanyway.”Ilickedmylips.
“Fuck off.” His eyes widened. “That’s right. Fuck. Off. Trent.” I gestured toward the
door.“You’renotinthewedding,soIdon’tknowwhyyou’retryingtohedgeinonthis
dance.Hell,Idon’tevenknowwhyyouwereinvited.”

“I’montheboard.”HerolledhiseyesandexchangedalookwithGrace.
Thismerelyservedtofurtherinfuriateme.Ihadareallytinytriggeratthemoment.

“Sogetoutofhereandletmedancewithmybestgirl.”IsmiledatGrace.Ithinkitwas
asmile.MyfacewasbeginningtofeelnumbandmymindgrewfoggyasthealcoholI’d
consumedatsucharapidpacefinallycaughtuptome.

“Best girl?” Grace crossed her arms over her chest and stared at me with peaked

brows. “Now I’m your best girl. An hour ago you wanted nothing to do with me. So
howdoesthatworkexactly?”

“Simple.” I wobbled some on my feet as I held out a hand to the hauntingly

beautifulwomanbeforeme.“I’mthebestman,soyou’rethebestgirl.”Ichuckledat
mycleverness.Gracedidn’t.

“Right.Pass.”Shelookedaway.
Shemightnotwantanythingtodowithmeatthemoment,butatleastshedidn’t

want anything to do with Trent either. This was of some comfort to me. “Come on,
Gracie,”Iwhisperedinherear.“Don’truinthewedding.Dancewithme.”

“Oh,sonowifIrefusetoletyoudrunkenlypawmeonthedancefloorinfrontofall

ofHarper’sIsland,I’mruiningthewedding?”Sheglaredatme,whichonlymademe
wanttokisshermore.Ireallydidlikeherallfeisty.

“Yes?”Itiltedmyheadandshehuffedinresponse.“Imean,no.”Ishookmyhead

and held onto a nearby chair so I didn’t lose my tenuous balance. Gravity was no
longer my friend. “Don’t make me beg, Princess.” I buried my face in her neck and
plantedafewlingeringkissesinatrailuptoherear.ThenIbegantonibbleonherlobe
asshe’ddonewithmineoutsideearlier.

Grace whimpered. “Please don’t do this here.” She gently pushed me back with a

palmtomychest.

I perked up. There seemed to be a distinction. She didn’t tell me not to do it. She

simply didn’t want me to do it here. “Where do you want to go?” I straightened and
glanced about. “Upstairs? I bet we could get a room upstairs.” Suddenly nothing else
mattered, nothing but the possibility of being with Grace again. I’d forgotten
immediatelyaboutallmydutiesasbestman.Icouldcarelessforaboutthetoast,the
cake,andespeciallycatchingthegarter.Everythingwasallabouther,beingwithher,
havinganotherchancewithher,holdinghernear.Ineededitmorethanair,oralcohol,
ormoney.“Let’sgo.”Ishiveredinexcitement.

After a glance at Brooke and Brett, she frowned. “I guess you’re right. We should

dance.”

“Yes,”Iagreedlazily.
Gracetookmyhandanddraggedmeoutontothefloorandpositionedusinaback

cornerinbetweenthespeakerandthenewlyweds.Shewrappedherarmsaroundmy
neckandwebegantoswaytothemusic.I’magreatdancer,normally.Yearsoflessons,
followedbycountlesssocialoccasionstoputthemintopracticeandIwasayounger,
wealthierversionofFredAstaire.Tonight,Gracegruntedundertheweightofme.

“Can’tyoustandatall?”Shesighed.
“Of course.” I grunted as I struggled to right myself. I’d grown tired and lazy.

“You’rejustsotinythatIhavetoleandowntodance.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yes, of course that’s it. Oh, but wait, could it possibly have

anythingtodowiththefifthofscotchyou’veconsumed.”

Ijerkedmyheadback.“Itcouldn’tpossiblybethatmuch.”ThenIbegantomentally

tallybeforeIchuckled.“Okay,it’sclose.”Igrinneddownather,feelingallwarmand
mushy.“GoodthingIcanholdmyliquor,huh?”

“Right.” Grace nodded. “Only somehow I suspect I’m going to be the one holding

yourhairbacklater.”Shesighedheavily.

“Idon’thavelong…”Ithoughtforamomentandlaughedloudly.“YouthinkI’llbe

puking later.” I shook my head. “Nah. I never do that. I’ve never been hung over.” I
wasreadytolayoutallmybestattributeswhensheinterrupted.

“Yes,buthaveyoueverhadthismuchtodrink?”Sheeyedmecuriously.
MybrowfurrowedasIconsideredherquestion.“Iwenttocollege.Iwasalegacyin

thefamilyfraternity.Imusthave.”

“Somehow,Ican’tpictureanyofthat.”SherestedherheadagainstmychestandI

held her a little closer. After a few seconds of silence passed between us, I heard her
murmur, “Why do we fight so? Why can’t we get along?” Then she buried her face
moredeeplyintomyjacket.“Whycan’tyoujustloveme,dammit?”

IhadthefeelingIwasn’tsupposedtohaveheardanyofthat.Still,herwordsmade

methink.“Idon’tbelieveinlove,”Iadmitted.“I’veneverseenit.HowcouldIhopeto
experienceit?Oh,butbelieveme,you’retheclosestI’vecome.”Ilaidmychinonthe
topofherheadandinhaleddeeply.

The music ended and I glanced down at the woman in my arms, hoping I could

convince her to endure another dance with me. I wanted her close and she wasn’t
givingmemanyopportunities.BeforeIcouldask,theDJmadeanannouncement.“All
thesingleladies,gatheraround.Timeforthebridetothrowthebouquet.”

GracetuggedmyhandasIstoodfrozeninplace,staringlonginglyather.“Comeon.

Off the floor, lover boy.” When I didn’t move, she began pulling me. “Seriously, you
maybesingle,butyou’renolady.”

WomenofallageswerevyingforpositionaroundBrooke.Iwantednopartofthis

ritualsoIallowedGracetomoveme.“Hey,shouldn’tyoubeoverthere?”Ipointedto
thethrongofdesperatewomen.

“Yeah…no. I don’t see me married. I’m too committed to Camp Hope. What man

could ever compete with that?” She held her hands out as she shrugged and the
bouquetsailedoutofnowhere,bouncedoffmychest,andlandedinheropenpalms.
“Well,fuck.”Sheclosedhereyesamomentandblewoutabreathbeforesheturned
herattentiontoBrooke,whowasdoingherbesttolookinnocent.

“I think she did that on purpose.” I nodded with a grim look on my face. “Good

news.You’renext.Isn’tthatwhatitmeans?”Imeantitasajoke,butforsomereason,
the thought of Grace being with another man about knocked the wind out of me. “I
needair,”Igasped.

“Okay.Patio.Let’sgo.”Sheshovedmeinthebackasshedirectedmeoutthedoor

withonehand,thebouquetclaspedintheother.

“You’resosweet,”ImurmuredasIinhaleddeeply.Iturnedtoherandsmiled.“It’s

soniceofyoutocomeouthereandbewithmewhenyoucouldbeinthere.”

Gracestaredintothereceptionhallfromthebackpatio.“Oh,Iwantnopartofthat.

They’llbethrowingthegartersoon.”Sheshivered.

MyhandsfistedatmysidesasIrealizedwhatthismeant.“Sosomeguyisgoingto

catchthegarterandthenslideitontoyourthigh.”I’dhavetostandthereandwatchall

thewhileplottingthepoorguy’sdemise,especiallyifheslidtoofartowardthejuncture
ofherthighs.IclosedmyeyesasIrememberedwhattheexperiencehadbeenlikefor
metheothernight.

Hershoulderssagged.“Yup.”
Ipushedupmysleeves.“Thehellheis.”ThenIstormedtowardsthedoor,flungit

open, and stomped inside, determined. I glanced about, trying to get the lay of the
room.Iwasreadytoshovethroughalltheseassholestogetthegarter.Ontheedgeof
thedancefloor,Ifeltatugonmyarm.IlookedbehindmetofindGracestandingthere
panting.

“Youdorealizeifyoucatchit,thiswillonlystrengthenMissMilly’sbeliefweshould

marry.Thenthewholeislandwillbetalking.”Herhandswereclaspedinfrontofher
while she pleaded her case. “You don’t want to marry me, Blake. You don’t want to
marryanyone.”Sheshrugged.

“It’s just a silly superstition. It’s not like it’s a binding contract.” I watched as my

brother reached under Brooke’s gown and started to lazily pull the garter down her
thigh. All the while they gazed at each other with such love, such passion, my heart
begantothumperratically.Conflictingthoughtsracedthroughmymind.Whycouldn’t
Ihavethat?Oh,butwhywouldIwantto?

Awaiterbegantopassbywithatrayofchampagneflutes.Apparently,itwasnearly

timetotoast.Inonefluidmotion,Igrabbedonewithoutjostlingtherestoftheglasses,
andbroughtittomylipswhereIstartedtogulpdownthebubblyliquidwhileGrace
madeaface.“Iwouldn’tmix,ifIwereyou.Comeon.Allfratboysknowthis.”

“Garter.”IpointedtowardwhereBretthadbeenmomentsbefore.Onlynowhehad

disappeared.MaybeI’dmissedthetoss.Iscannedthefloor.Therehestoodinthefar
corner,garterstretchedbackontwofingersashepreparedtoslingshotitintotheair.
WhileBrookehadsoughtoutGraceforthebouquet,mybrotherhadobviouslyselected
anothertarget.Ifollowedhislineofsight.Trent.FuckingTrent.Nodamnwaywashe
getting his hands anywhere near Grace. Suddenly, it was as if the rest of the room
meltedaway,orIwaswearingblinders.IhonedinonthemanIloathedforreasonsI
couldn’tsharewithanyone.IyankedmyjacketoffandpassedittoGrace.“Holdthis.”
Before she had a chance to respond, I’d rushed across the room. As the lacy elastic
fabricaboveoutstretchedhands,Iplowedthroughthethrongofmen.Afterall,I’dalso
beenareceiverforallofmyhighschoolandcollegecareers.Myhandshotoutanda
secondlater,myfingerswrappedaroundtheobjectIsought.Igrinnedandstartedto
liftmytrophy,butTrenthadcaughtholdofpartofittoo.

“Letgo,”Igruntedasmysmilefaded.
“Youfirst,”hespat,hiseyesflashing.
Withouthesitation,Iyankedhardinanefforttoremoveitfromhisgrasp.Whenhe

refusedtobudge,Ielbowedhiminthegutandweweresoonscrappingonthefloor.
Trent may have been temporarily surprised and slightly winded, but he recovered
quicklyandfollowedthroughwithasuckerpunchthatconnectedwithmycheekbone.

“You went for the face, asshole?” I hissed and rolled him onto his back where I

showed him my ground and pound. After a few hits, he’d released the garter, more
interestedincatchingthebloodgushingfromhisnose.

Standing,Iturnedandheldupmytrophy.“Look!”IgrinnedatGrace,evenasmy

cheekburnedandswelled.“Igotit.”

Her hands covered her mouth in a look of sheer horror. She turned away and I

realizedshewascheckingoutthenewlyweds’reaction.Ididthesame.Brooke’seyes
andmouthwerewidewithshock.Mybrother,however,wasfuming,hisfaceredwith
rage.“Go!”Heroaredashepointedtowardthedoor.

MyheadhungasIstartedtomakemywayoutofthereceptionhall.Icouldn’tmeet

anyone’s face on my way out of the room. After all, I’d acted completely out of
character,andwhileI’dliketopretenditwasallalcoholinduced,thetruthwasGrace
had a lot to do with it too. Obviously, I needed to stay far away from her or she’d
completely ruin me. I’d taken no more than half a dozen steps when a delicate hand
slid into mine. I paused only to discover Grace had laced our fingers. It felt natural,
nice,untilInotedthedisappointmentonherface…andsomethingelse.

“Why?”Herbrownsknittogether.
“Confused?”IstuffedthegarterinmypocketsoIcouldcuphercheek.“Metoo.”
Herfacefell.Finally,shethrewhershouldersbackandstuckoutherchin.“Let’sgo.

You’reinnoconditiontodrive.”

Istudiedhereyes,feelinghelpless,lost.“Butthewedding.”
Graceinhaleddeeply.“Ithinkwe’vedoneenoughdamageforoneday,don’tyou?”
AfterInodded,westrodecalmlyoutoftheroomandstraighttothevalet.

“

W

4

hat do you want to do?” I watched her for a reaction while we waited on the

valet.Hecouldn’treturnsoonenough.Ikeptglancingbehindusnervously.Forsome
reason, I imagined the residents of Harper’s Island gathering their pitch forks and
lightingtorchestochaseafterus.Forgetthatmostofthemhadneverworkedadayin
theirlives,havingbeenbornintomoney.Thepointhere:Iwassomekindofbeast.I
eyed Grace. She was certainly my beauty. How had I ever managed to gain her
attention?Howcouldsomeonelikemeeverhopetokeepit?Hell,nomatterwhatIdid,
Isomehowmanagedtofoulitallup.

Graceshookherhead.“Nothing.Ithinkweneedtogetyouhome.”
Igrinned.“Ah,comingbacktomyplace.AndIthoughtIwasgoingtohavetobeall

slick.Yousurpriseme,Princess.”

Shegrimaced.“IneversaidIwascomingup.”
“So, you don’t want to see the family estate?” I tugged at my chin. “Oh, you may

alreadyhaveseenitwithyourmother.”

“Youreallywanttogobackthere?”Gracegavemetheside-eye.
“Ah.” I considered her implication. “I see where you’re going with this. Good

thinking.Let’sgobacktothecitythen.”

Hercarcametoahaltbesidethecurbwherewestood.Iopenedthepassengerside

doorandsteppedasideforhertotakeaseat.Sheshookherheadatmeandlaughed.
“What?”

“Howdrunkareyou?”Sheheldthedoorandpushedmetowardtheinterior.“You

ride,Idrive.”Iopenedmymouth,butshesilencedme.“YouhadmoredrinksthanI
cancountononehand.”IstartedtomentallytallyinthehopesIcouldargue,butshe
didn’tevengivemeachance.“Plus,it’smyvehicle.”

Ithrewmyhandsupintheair.“Fine.”Ilookedoverhershoulderfrommyposition

intheseatandsawTrentwalkingtowardus.“Getin.”Igrittedout.

Shepeeked,realizedwewereabouttobesetuponbymymortalenemy,andrushed

toward her door. Hopping in the vehicle she tossed her bouquet in the backseat and
settled in behind the steering wheel. Grace even managed to get her seatbelt latched
beforethetappingonmywindowbegan.Sheignoredhimasecond,onehandonthe
gearshift,herfootonthebrakepedal.Icouldfeelherconflict.Finally,shesighedand
her hand found the electric window button. “Sorry,” she muttered as she pasted a

T

serenelookonherface.TheshelookedpastmetoTrent,whowasalreadyleaningin
thewindow.“Yes?”Graceblinkedafewtimeswhileshewaitedforhisresponse.

“Leaving so soon?” He smiled at her, but I ignored his face and studied his body

language.Hisknuckleswerewhiteastheygrippedthedoorframe.

I relaxed into the seat. Trent was pissed. Ever so casually, I wrapped my hand

aroundhersonthegearshifterandgrinnedathim.“We’regoingbacktomyplace.”

Forasplitsecondhisfaçadefaltered.“I’llseeyouwhenyougetdonedroppinghim

off.”

Slowly,Iraisedherhandandbroughtittomylipswithouttakingmyeyesfromher

face.ThenIplantedakissinthecenterofherpalmandwatchedwithsatisfactionas
herbreathingquickenedandshebitherlowerlip.“Whatever.Iplantotakemytime.”
My lids fluttered shut as I focused my affections on her wrist. I could feel her pulse
racing and soon she gasped. While she was distracted, I reached over with my free
handandpushedthebuttontoraisethewindow.

Immediately, Trent drew back and yanked his hands off the frame. Though the

closedwindownowmuffledthissound,IswearIheardhimgrowl.Iopenedmyeyes
andsmiledatGrace.“Drive,Princess,”IwhisperedasIgaveherhandonefinalsqueeze
beforelayingitbackontheshifter.Tomysurprise,withoutsayingaword,shedidasI
suggested.

hedrivetothecitytookoveranhour,includingtheferryride.Idozedduringmost

ofit.Atfirst,Gracewasnervousandmorethanalittleuptight.Thenasherconfidence
grewandhernervessettled,onceshewascertainIwaspassedout,shebegantosing
alongwiththeradioandsomethinghappenedinsideme.Idon’tknowhowtodescribe
it. All I know is one minute, I was simply feeling possessive, the next minute I was
feelingwarmandfuzzy.Imagesbegantoplayoutinsidemymind,Icouldabsolutely
imaginealifewithher.

Grace reached out and pet my hair. It took everything in me to not move, to not

leanintohertouch.Hervoice,asshesangalongwiththeradio,startedsoftlyandthen
when she knew the words, she belted out the tune. I could see it, me coming home
fromtheofficetofindherrockingourbaby.She’dbedownthehallinthenurseryand
I’d enter the penthouse to hear her voice on the monitor. Oh, and we’d have one of
thosevideoones,soI’dsoonseeher.Theideaofitmademyheartswell.We’dgiveour
childrenthekindoflifeIneverhad.I’dbemadly,deeply,hopelesslyinlovewithmy
wife.Mychildrenwouldneverneedanannywhiletheirmothervolunteeredtohelp
everycauseandeveryone,butthem.We’dtuckthemintogether,readingthemstories.
Our place would be filled with joy and love, the perfect environment for children to
flourish.ThiswouldbeacompleteoppositefromthemuseumIgrewupin,withthe
coldstoneandmarblefinishes,whereweweren’tallowedtotouchanythingandour
parents barely touched each other. Was it any wonder I was so standoffish, so
detached?WasthereanydoubtwhyIwantednothingtodowithmarriage?

Sherousedmewithagentlesqueezeofmyhand.“Blake,I’mnotsurewhereyou

live.”ThenwhenIdidn’tmove,shestartedmumblingunderherbreath.“Whydidn’tI
askhimbeforehefellasleep?”Shesighedheavily.“Nowwe’llbelostinthecity.”

Stretchingslightly,Imovedmystiffnecktoglanceather.“Relax,mysweet.We’ll

be at my place in less than thirty minutes.” I sat up straighter in the seat and helped
directhertherestoftheway.

Finally,wepulledintotheparkinggarage.Idirectedhertomyassignedspot.She

hesitatedbeforepullinginandIstruggledtomaintainmycool.“Ican’tcomein.”Grace
shookherhead.

“Oh, you’d rather rush back to the Island? You wanted to answer questions from

yourmotherandstepfatherallnight?”Iwatchedhershoulderssagsome.“Oh,maybe
youwantedtoseethosedisapprovingstares?Thosearemyfavorite.”

“It won’t be like that,” she objected. “I’m sure they have forgotten all about the

garterbeltscufflealready.”Gracepeekedatmeandofferedalopsidedgrin.

“Of course, I’m sure there are far more interesting things to discuss…like how we

left together, how the Princess is behaving badly, or maybe about the company she’s
keeping.”Ituggedatmychin.I’dbeenaroundlongenoughtoknowhowthisworked.
“Those old bitties will be talking about us for weeks. It’s not like they have anything
elsetotaketheirmindsofftheirotherwiseemptyexistences.”Iwatchedherheaddrop
ontoherchest.

“I could spend the night at the camp. After all, I’ll be going back there for the

summer after the board meeting Monday morning anyway.” She brightened some,
thinkingshe’dfoundasolution.

I nodded. “It’s not a bad idea, Grace.” She turned to look at me wide-eyed. “Still, I

wouldratheryouwaituntildaylighttodrivethosedarkcountryroadsthough.Please.
For your safety.” I shrugged. “Just come in. I’ll feed you. I’ll give you a change of
clothes.Andtomorrow,we’llgobacktotheislandwhileeveryoneisinchurch.Youcan
dropmeattheclubtogetmycarandthenyou’llberidofme.”

“I’ll still have to see you on Monday.” Grace leaned back in her seat and stared at

me.Iwonderedwhatshewasthinking.WassheasupsetasIwasthatI’drunoutof
excusestospendtimewithher?

Idecidedtotestheralittle.“Yes,butwordwillprobablybeoutthatyou’reableto

dateanyoneyouplease.Imean,afterthewedding,nowaywouldMissMillywantus
tiedtogether.”Itriedtosmile,butthistime,evenasthealcoholwaswearingoffand
thefeelingwasreturningtomyface,IknewI’dfailedmiserably.

“Right.”HernostrilsflaredandIswearhereyesgrewshiny.“Soyou’llbefree.”
Iswallowedhard.“WhatmakesyouthinkIwanttobefreeofyou?”
Shelookedawayandstaredoutthewindow.Apparently,sheneededamomentto

collectherself.Whenshefacedmeagainhermoodhadchangedentirely.Graceglared
at me. “Well, I think the other night proved you don’t want to be tied to me. You
offered to treat me like a damn whore, so you sure as hell don’t respect me.” She
huffed.“SowhythefuckwouldIwanttobetiedtoyou?”Shecrossedherarmsover
herchest.

“Comeon.Admitit.I’vegrownonyou,Princess.”Mysmilewasgenuine.ThisGrace

wastheoneIloved…er,theoneIknewhowtohandle.

“Likeafungus.”Sheleanedovertheconsole.“Luckily,there’sacure.”
“Oh? And how do you propose to forget me? I’m pretty memorable you know.” I

reachedoutandwoundmyfingerinaloosewispofhairnearherface.

Shelaughed.“AsummeratCampHopewillfixeverything.BytheendofAugust,I’ll

besaying,‘Blakewho?’Andyou’llsimplybesomeguyIspentadrunkennightwith.”

“You’d stay with me sober, Grace. Don’t lie.” I grew serious. The idea of being so

easilyforgottenwoundedmypride.Thememoryofheralreadyhauntedmewhenever
wewereapart.

“Well,Iguesswe’llneverknow,willwe?Onaccountofyou’realwaysdrunk!”She

growledassheunhookedherseatbelt.“Let’sgetthisoverwith.”

Ifollowedherleadandsteppedoutofthevehicle.“That’snottheattitudeI’dhoped

for when you finally spent the night at my place. Where’s the excitement and
enthusiasm?”

“Where’s the guy worthy of my interest and attention?” Her brow shot up in

challenge.

Ipointedtomychest.“Righthere,Princess.MissMillywasrighttolinkus.Noone

elsewillchallengeyoulikethis.”

“Please.”Shestompedtowardtheelevatorthenpausedandwhirledaround,asmirk

onherface.“IbetTrentwouldchallengeme.”

I could barely speak. Luckily the elevator doors opened and a couple exited. “Get

in,”Igrumbled.

“Youdon’tthinkhewould?Ibethecouldbealotoffun.Ibethemightevenbethe

marryingkind.”Herlipspursedassheeyedme.

Igrabbedherbicep.“Elevator,”IgrittedoutasItuggedherinsidewithme.Oncethe

doors shut, I released her arm and stuffed my hands in my pocket. Standing there, I
staredatourreflectionsintheshinymetaldoorwhileflexingmyfingersandstruggling
tocontrolmyemotions.She’dfoundmyAchillesheelandwasusingitagainstme.This
suckedballs.

“I’msorry,”Gracewhispered.
Irefusedtolookather.Instead,Inoddedtersely.Icouldn’tevenspeakyet.
Herheadhung.“Idon’tknowwhyIdidthatanymorethanIknowwhyyouhave

suchaproblemwithTrent.”Shebitherquiveringlowerlip.“SometimesIthinkIjust
liketogetareactionbecausethen,atleast,Iknowyoucare.”

The elevator opened on my floor and we stepped out, only feet from entering my

penthouse.Ipulledoutmykey,unlockedthedoor,andpusheditopenforhertoenter.
Whenshedidn’tmove,Igesturedforhertogoinside.

Gracestoppedlessthanfivefeetinsidemysanctum.“Saysomething,please.”Her

voicewashoarse.

I shut the door and strode past her, through the living area, into my bedroom. I

listenedforthesoundofherfootstepsbehindme,buttherewerenone.So,Ifocusedon
pickingoutat-shirtandgymshortsforhertowear.WhenIleftmyroomandsought
herout,sheseemedtohavedisappeared,untilIlookeddown.Gracewassittingonthe
floorwithherbackagainstthewall,herfaceburiedinherhands.AsIneared,Irealized
shewascrying.Withoutthinking,Iscoopedherupinmyarmsandcarriedhertothe
couchwhereIsathard.Icradledheragainstmychest.“Don’tcry,mysweet.”Iburied
myfaceinherhair.IswearIcouldactuallyfeelherpainanditwaswreckingme.

“Weshouldstayawayfromeachother.”Shespokeinbetweensniffles.
“Funny, I was thinking the exact opposite.” I drew her even closer to my chest. I

couldn’tgethernearenoughformyliking.

Grace pulled back and stared at me aghast. “How can you think that? All we do is

hurteachother.”

Shakingmyhead,Igrinned.“That’snotallwedo.AsIrecall,wemakeeachother

feelprettygoodtoo.Wemakeeachotherhappy.”

“When?”ShestudiedmyfaceandIknewshewantedtometoconvinceher.
Pulling her close, I pressed my lips to her temple. “Sweet Grace,” I murmured.

“Growingpains.That’swhatthisis.Giveitachance.”Iclosedmyeyes.HowquicklyI’d
gonefromwantinganouttowantingmore.Whatwasitaboutthiswoman?Maybein
time,I’dfigureitout.“Nowdrythosetears.Getchanged.Wouldyoulikeahottea?”

Herheadtilted.“You’remakingmetea?”
“Of course. It’s water and a tea bag, not rocket science.” I shrugged. Her reaction

hadthetipsofmyearsturningpink.

“Okay.”Shesmiledshyly,slippedoffmylapontothefloor,andgrabbedtheclothes

I’dgathered.“I’llberightback.”Thenshedisappearedintomybedroom.

Iheavedasighofrelief.Finally,somethingwasgoingright.Slowly,Ipriedmyself

offthecouchandwanderedintothekitchen.Iopenedthecabinetdoorandpulledout
my favorite mug for Grace. After filling it with water, I stuck it in the microwave for
twominutes,thenIleanedagainstthecounterandtriednottothinkaboutthewoman
changing her clothes in my room when I wanted to be the one to undress her while
plantingkissesovereverysquareinchofherskin.

Mythoughtswereinterruptedbymyphone.Forsomereason,Iansweredwithout

even glancing at the screen. Fine. Grace was the reason, my distraction. Now, I was
abouttolearnalesson.

“I’mactuallysurprisedyoupickedup,”mymothergrowled.
Iblewoutabreath.“Mother.”
“Sowhatdoyouhavetosayforyourself?”Shesatsilentforhalfasecond.“Well?”
ThemicrowavebeepedandIturnedtopullthemugoutanddropateabaginitto

steep.“Whatwouldyoulikemetosay,mother?”Myannoyancewasobvious.Shewas
interruptingmynight.

“Well,howaboutyoustartwithanapology?Ofcourse,youshouldbespeakingto

Brett,sinceyouruinedhiswedding.”Shesighedangrily.

“Ithinkthatmightbeabitofanexaggeration,don’tyou?Didtheweddingactually

endbecauseofme?OrisitmorelikelyIsimplygaveallthelittlepeoplesomethingto
talkabout?”MybedroomdooropenedandGraceemergedlookingpositivelyadorable
inmyclothes.AllIwantedtodowastakethemoffher.

Mymothergasped.“HowcouldIraiseachildwithsolittlecompassion?Howcould

youcaresolittleaboutyourbrotherandhishappiness?”Icouldhearhershoetapping
angrilyonthefloor.

‘Here,’ImouthedasIpassedthemugtoGrace.
Shesmiledweaklyandnodded.Thenshesigneda‘thankyou’bringingherhandto

herlips.

Ipassedherthesugardishandaspoonfromthedrawer.‘Mom,’Imouthed.
Again, she nodded her understanding. I watched her pour ridiculous amounts of

sugar into the mug. With each spoonful, my brows arched. I could tell she was

strugglingtoholdbackagiggle.Itmademyheartlightdespitethepressuresfromthe
otherendofthephone.

“Areyouevenlisteningtome?”Mymothershrieked.
“Ofcourse,”Irespondedsmoothly.
“Then answer. Give me something. Show me you care about someone other than

yourself.”ShehiccuppedandIimaginedthisastheprecursorfortears.

I rolled my eyes. Grace waved as she took the mug and disappeared into my

bedroomagain.“IcareaboutGrace,”Iadmittedquietly.

“Howcanyouevensaythisafteryouhumiliatedherinfrontoftheentireisland?

Hermothermustbeheartbroken,afterthewayyoubehaved.”Shesniffled.“IbetMiss
MillyisregrettingthatsheeversuggestedyouandGracemightmakeagreatmatch.”

“I doubt it,” I grumbled. All I wanted was to get off the phone and go spend time

withthebeautifulwomanwaitingformeinmybedroom.

“Wasthatyourplan?”Ohcrap.Motherwasangryagain.“DidyouwantMissMillyto

changehermind?Areyoureallythatdevious,thatdeceitful?”

“Ofcoursenot,Mother.I’dneverhurtGrace.”Imeantit.Imeanteveryword.
“Yousaythisevenasyoutrytoclosedownthecamp,thefirstloveofherlife.”She

sighed.“Sometimesyoudisgustme.Toomuchofyourfatherinyou.”

Istiffened.Iwasnothinglikemyfather,butIknewbetterthantoargue.Thiswasa

timewhenI’dsimplyhavetoridethewaveandhangonfordearlife.

“BeattheofficeMondaymorning,9am.Noexcuses.Thingsarechanging,son.I’m

gonna rock your miserable little world.” She practically spit the last words. Then
withoutsayingsomuchas‘goodbye,’sheendedthecall.

Isetmyphoneonthecounterandsteppedawayfromitasifitmightexplode.Fora

minute, I looked at it warily while I tried to calm down. She had a terrible way of
gettingundermyskin,ofmakingmefeelbadlyaboutmylifeandchoices.Ifsheonly
knewhowmanychoicesImade,whichweredictatedbymyneedtoprotecther.She
hadnoideathesacrificesI’dmadeforhersanity,herpeaceofmind,mostlyinaneffort
nottorockher…miserablebigworld.Foramoment,Iclosedmyeyesandtriedtoshut
outthefear.ThenIstraightened.Thistimewasdifferent.Iwasn’talone.Icouldwalk
intomyroomandfindthereliefIneeded.Gracewouldmakeitallbetter.WhenIwas
withher,Iforgotallthebadstuff.

Smiling, I wandered into my bedroom. As I entered the room, I found the mug,

emptyonthenightstand.Gracewascurleduponthecovers,soundasleep.WhileIwas
mildlydisappointed,Ireallywasn’t.Tonight,I’dbecontenttosimplyholdherclose,my
human teddy bear. So, I stripped down to my boxer briefs, slipped under the covers
and pulled Grace under them too. She curled up against me as if it were the most
naturalactintheworld.“Careful,Princess,”Iwhispered.“I’mafraidofgettingusedto
this.Whenyou’regone,myworldwillseemsoempty.I’mgoingtomissyouinways
youcan’tevenimagine.”

W

G

5

hen I woke long before sunrise, my bed was empty. Thinking Grace had gone to

thebathroom,Ilistenedforthesoundofrunningwater,buttherewasnone.Myheart
startedracing.Irecognizedthefearbehindmyreaction.Thethoughtoflosingherhad
me panting and bolting from the bed. I skidded and stumbled toward the bathroom
doorfirst,buttheroomwasdarkandempty.ThenIrushedforthemainlivingarea,
hopingtofindhersittingonthecouchsippingatea.Gracewasn’tthereeither.

MyphonelayonthecounterwhereIleftit,buteventhatwasofnohelp.Ididn’t

have her number. Surprisingly enough, we hadn’t really reached that place in our
relationship. I swallowed hard. Only because we weren’t really in a relationship. Our
time together had mostly been the result of geography, responsibility to friends or
family, and sheer coincidence. Not once had we intentionally dated or even
intentionally planned to see one another. I sighed and collapsed on a bar stool at the
endoftheislandwhilehopelesslyholdingthephoneinmyhand.

Threesighsandasolidminuteofgrumblinglater,myphonebeganvibratinginmy

hand.Shocked,Istaredatitandoncemyeyesfocused,IrealizedIhadbeenincluded
in a group text to…pretty much all the big families on Harper’s Island. My face
scrunchedupasItriedtoprocessit.

roup:MissMillyisinthehospital.ShefellleavingtheMorganweddingandbrokeher

hip.

Asecondtextappearedwithhospitalinformation.Ihadalreadyhoppedoffthestool

andrushedintothebedroomtogetready.IfMissMillywasintrouble,asheirtothe
throne, surely Grace was nearby. I could plead my case to both of them in one fell
swoop.

Withouthesitation,Irushedintothecloset,selectedmyclothes,foundthegarterin

mytuxedopants,thenmovedontothebathroomformyshower.Somethingaboutthe
steamclearedmyhead,andIquicklyrealizedIhadnovehicle.OnceI’dhoppedoutof
theshower,dressed,andstuffedthegarterinmypocket,Icalledforacar.Mydriver
wasn’t thrilled to hear from me at 7am on a Sunday, but once he realized it was an
emergencyandhe’dbedoneassoonashedroppedmeatmyvehicle,wehadcometo
anagreement.TheheftybonusIpromiseddidn’thurteither.

Halfanhourlater,IexitedthebuildingandclimbedintothewaitingTownCar.The

drive was quiet, which was perfect since I was feeling introspective and struggling to
prepare my defense. No way was I going to let Miss Milly dictate the end of my
potentialrelationshipbeforeithadbegun.Anhourlater,wearrivedatthecountryclub
andIgavemydriveraheftyenvelopeofcashbeforestridingtomyvehicle.

Thenitwasontothehospital.IscannedthevisitorparkinggarageforGrace’scar,

but didn’t see it anywhere. I considered she might have ridden with her family, so I
rushedintothehospitalwithouthesitation.Thetextmessagehadcontainedtheroom
number, so I didn’t need to stop at information, but instead walked directly to the
elevator. I’d had hours by now to prepare for the conversation with the Queen of
Harper’sIsland,butstillfeltutterlyunprepared.

When I rapped lightly on the door and pushed it to enter, I discovered Miss Milly

wasaloneintheroom.OneeyelidroseasIclosedthedistanceuntilIstoodbesidethe
bed.

“Blake.” She spoke evenly and seemed remarkably serene for someone who had

brokenabone.

“MissMilly.”Ileaneddownandplantedtheobligatorykissonhercheek.“Howare

you?”

At this both eyes opened and fixed on me. “I think the better question would be,

how are you?” Her lips pursed a moment as she waited for my reaction. Though I
hadn’t spoken my shoulders sank involuntarily. “Ah, adequately contrite, I see.” She
nodded.

“Ihavenoideawhatcameoverme,”Igushedhonestly.“Youmustbelievethisis

completelyuncharacteristic.”Iopenedmymouthtosaymore,butsheinterrupted.

“YoungBlake.”MissMillygrinnedatme.“DoyouthinkIhaven’twatchedyougrow

up?DoyouthinkIdon’tknowyou?”Shechuckledandshookherheadslightly.“My
dearboy,doyouthinkIdon’tknowwhat’schanged?”

Myheadhung.“Idrankentirelytoomuch,”Iadmitted.
“That’snotit.”ShenarrowedhereyesandIswearshelookedintomysoul.
My frustration and shame grew. It was a dangerous combination. Historically

speaking, it had a tendency to make me volatile. As much as I wanted to hold it
together,Ihadlongagonearedmybreakingpoint.“Well,ifyou’resosmart,thenwhy
don’tyouenlightenme?Whatthehelliswrongwithme?”Irealizedtheerrorofmy
ways immediately and my jaw snapped shut. Glancing to my left, I saw a chair and
collapsed into it. Then I leaned forward and rubbed my hands over my face. “I’m
sorry,”Imuttered,afraidtofaceher.

“You’reforgiven.It’smyfaultreally.”MissMillyshookherhead.“Iknewyouand

Grace would make an interesting match. I failed to anticipate the fireworks which
mightfollow,however.”Sheshrugged.“Sowhatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”

“Whatdoyoumean?Wait.Youdon’twantmetostayawayfromGrace?”Myeyes

widenedandmyheartrateescalatedashopefilledme.

“Please.Youtwoareperfectforeachother…aslongasneitheroneofyouruinsit.”

She studied my face. “You won’t ruin it, will you? I’m trusting you, Blake Morgan.
Graceisspecial.”

Ireachedouttoholdherhandbetweenbothofmine.“Don’tIknowit.”Iblewouta

breath.“Sowhatdoyousuggest?”

Herheadtilted.“Forone,easeuponthealcohol.”
“Done.”Inoddedeagerly.
“Two…andthisoneisimperative.Areyouready?”MissMillyfrownedandIknew

thisnextbitofadvicewasgoingtobehuge.

“I’mready.”Isqueezedherhands.“Tellme.Anything.”Imeantit.Ireallydid.
“Good.Thenmarryher.”Sheclosedhereyesandleanedbackintothepillows.
“Just how strong are those pain meds? Did the drugs get to you? You can’t be

serious.”Ispluttered,evenasIwonderedwhyIwastrulyobjecting.

“Deadserious.”Shedidn’tevenglancemydirection.“I’mdying,Blake.”
“MissMilly.”Isighedpatiently.“Youbrokeahip.Sure,ifyouwereahorse,you’d

havebeenputdown,butyou’renot.You’llrecoverandterrorizemanygenerationsto
comeoutonthegolfcourse.”IchuckledasIimaginedherdrivingaroundonherfancy
golfcart.

This time she turned her head and sighed while her sad eyes tore into my heart.

“Theyfoundcancer.”

“What?”Mybrowsfurrowed.
“WhenIfell.MyhipbrokebecausemybonewasweakenedfromacancerIdidn’t

knowIhad.Nowmydaysarenumbered.Doubledigits,Blake.That’sthetimeIhave
left.”SheblewoutabreathandIwatchedasingleteartricklefromoneeye.

“You’reserious.”Myheadfeltreadytoexplode.“So…”
“IneedtoknowGraceistakencareof.Ineedtoknowtheislandissecure.”Shetook

abreathandthistimeIwastheonetointerrupt.

“Secure. You make it sound like a battleground, a military installation. It’s the

playgroundforthewealthy,”Igrumbled.

“Yes. And they battle constantly. It takes a firm hand and a strong person to lead

them, keep them in line, make sure they don’t succumb to petty bickering and idle
pursuits.”MissMillysqueezedmyhand.“TheyneedGrace.Theyneedyou.Together,
youcankeeptheislandstrong.”Shelaughed.“WhoamIkidding?Together,youcan
makeitbetterinawayInevercould.”Sheeyedmeseriously.“Together.Youmustbe
together.”

Herideawasmorethanalittletempting.Itwouldbesoeasytogivein,butIneeded

toprotectGracefromme.“Idon’tknow,MissMilly.IthinkGracecandobetter.”Her
responsesurprisedme.

“She probably could, but I don’t want that for her.” My face had fallen and she

noticed. “Blake, you know yours won’t be a peaceful union. You know you two will
bicker and banter. These challenges are when she truly shines.” Miss Milly grinned.
“Withyou,she’llglow.”

Iconsideredherwords.“Sadly,itdoesn’tmatterwhatyouwantorevenwhatIhope

for.Grace…well,shedrovemehomethismorningandleftwithoutsomuchasaword.
Shedoesn’twantme.”

“Blamethatonme.”Shesighed.“Isummonedher.Sheworriedoveryou,worried

aboutleavingyouthewayshedid,butIgavehernochoice.”Thistime,sheyawned.

“Isawthat.”Ireleasedherhand,stoodandleanedoverheronthebed.“I’llseewhat

Icando.”Iwaspoisedtokissherforeheadwhenshespoke.

“Don’t see. Make it happen. I expect to attend one last Morgan wedding before I

pass.”Shesettledintoherpillows.

“Doubledigits,yousaid.So,that’swhat?Ninety-ninedays,giveortake?”Mybrows

roseandchewedonmycheek.

“The doctors gave me a month.” She closed her eyes, probably refusing to meet

mine.

“I’lldomybest.”Myshouldersdroopedundertheweightofherrequest.
“No,you’llmakeithappen.”MissMillycrossedherarmsoverherchest.
In my throat, I growled. “Rest. I’ll come see you soon.” Then I finally pressed my

lipstoherwrinkledforeheadbeforeexitingtheroom.

Thirty days. In that short period of time we’d have to date, get engaged, and even

marry. Nothing to it. As I trudged out to the vehicle, I swear I could feel a migraine
comingon.

W

6

hile I didn’t have a minute to lose, I also didn’t have a plan to put into action.

Sundayendedupbeingadayofrest,adayofrecovery,adayofcarefulconsideration.
Afterall,Mondaypromisedtobesuperpainful.Mymother’sloomingthreattorockmy
world.Oh,makethatmymiserablelittleworld.Thentherewasthepressureoftrying
to figure out how to fix things with Grace. How the hell was I going to further our
relationship?MaybehavingMissMillyonmysidewouldhelp.

Followingarestlessday,Icalleditanearlynightandturnedinbynine.Naturally,I

slept poorly, woke well before my alarm, and decided to work out. It was my feeble
attempttosweatoutthebad,andgetmyheadright.Mymothercouldbescary.

Finally,I’dkilledenoughtimetodrivetotheofficeandarriveatanacceptablehour,

the sweet spot between ridiculously early and dangerously close to angering the
dragon. For the first hour, I managed to find enough work to stay busy in my office.
Thenmymotherarrivedanditwastimetofacetheboardandthemusic.Icalmlytook
myseatattheheadofthetablewithmymothertomyright.Apparently,allthistime
shehadallowedmetobelieveIwasinchargegivenmypositionwithinthecompany.
FollowingourdiscussionattheweddingInowrealizedIdidn'tholdthepowerIonce
believedIdid.GracesatattheoppositeendofthetableclosertoTrent.Atfirst,Ihoped
tocatchherattention,butsheseemeddeterminedtoignoreme.Theheadoftheboard
calledthemeetingtoorderandgavemymotherthefloor.Immediately,shestoodand
spoke while pacing around. “As many of you know, the question of the day centers
aroundthefutureofCampHope.Littlemorethanaweekago,myson,Blake,planned
tocloseCampHopeattheendofthesummer.Thankstoagenerousdonationfromone
ofourownmembers,forthefirsttimeinseveralyearsthecampwon'tberunningon
anausteritybudget.Let'sgiveTrentaroundofapplause.”

Everyone around the table began clapping politely. Soon my mother continued.

Thistimeshestoodbehindmewithherhandsonmyshoulders.Ihaveneverfeltmore
uncomfortableinmylife.Alleyeswereonme.Icouldfeelthejudgement,thetension
intheroomastheywaitedformymothertohavehersay.WhileIcouldn’tcareless
whatothersthought,worryinghowGracesawmewaseatingmeupinside.Morethan
anything,Ilongedforachancetoexplaineverything,evenifitmeantrevealingsecrets
I’dvowedtokeepalifetimeago.

“It is my contention that Camp Hope is about far more than turning a profit. This

camphadbeenmyhusband'sdreamhiswayofgivingback.TheverylastthingIwant
toseeishislegacydestroyed.Mybeliefisthatwecanworktogethertofindawayto
fund this non-profit without devouring company resources.” Her nails bit into my
clavicles.Icouldactuallyfeelherthinly-veiledrage.

“And just how do you propose to do this, Mother?” I turned around in my seat to

face her. Finally, she released her hold on me and clasped her hands in front of her
chest.“IthinkwehaveeffectivelyproventhroughthechartsandgraphsIsenttoevery
memberofthisboard,thecampisadrainandwehavenowherenearenoughfunding
tomakerunningitlongtermfeasible.”

Soon,shesettledbackintoherseat,crossedherlegselegantly,andsmiledatme.I'm

sure others at the table thought it was a loving gesture, but I knew better. This was
wheremotherwaspreparedtoproveherpoint.Herplansforrockingmyworldwere
about to be revealed. “Well, Blake. Since you asked, I thought we might begin by
staffingthecampwithmorevolunteersandfewerpaidemployees.”

IwatchedasGraceshifteduncomfortablyinherseat.I'veknownherlongenough

bynowtorealizesheprobablyimaginedhertimeatthecampwascomingtoanend.
Asmuchastheplacemeanttoher,I'mcertainshefearedtheworst.EventhoughI'd
been the one to suggest closing the place and destroying the one thing she was most
passionate about, now I had to find a way to ensure she wouldn't be hurt. “I'm not
convinced that's the best idea, Mother. See, running the place truly requires
experiencedstaff,educatedindividualstrainedanddevotedtohelpingthesekids.This
is one area we should never consider cutting corners. Quite frankly, I'm surprised
you'devensuggestsuchathing.”

My mother cackled. And now everyone looked more than a little uncomfortable.

“Oh, hear me out first. This is your father's legacy and Grace’s livelihood. While we
needtokeeptrainedcounselorsonstaff,thereareplentyofpositionsthatcanbefilled
byvolunteers.Forexample,you'dmakeafinejanitor.”Herbrowshotupinchallenge.

IpursedmylipsamomentasIcarefullyconsideredmynextwords.“Yes,I’vebeen

onclean-upforyears.”Isighedandlookeddownatmyhands,nowfoldedonthetable.
I was dangerously close to revealing all. My mother had been pushing my buttons
sincethemeetingstarted.Itookadeepbreathandpeekedtowardtheendofthetable
where Grace sat. Why was she so far away? I needed her soothing touch. For a
moment,IrecognizedthepainedlookonherfaceandIhopedshewassympathizing
with me at least a little. Still, regardless of what her expression meant, it merely
strengthened my resolve. “While I’d love to help, I’m a little busy these days, you
know,runningthecompany.”

“Yes,andastheactingCEO,it’syourjobtoactasanexample,justasyourfatherdid

forallthoseyears.”Mymotherleanedinandglaredatme.“Youcouldlearnalotfrom
him.Hewasashiningexampleofeverythingyoushouldbe,butaren’t.”Sheshookher
headindisappointment.

Outofthecornerofmyeye,IcouldseeTrentsmirkingashesatbesideGrace.Itook

some comfort in her reaction, which suggested she not only hurt for me, but was
disgustedbymymother.Slowly,Ilickedmylips.“Ofcourse.Icouldtrythat.”

“Youwilltrythat.You’regoingtobethenextgenerationofshiningexamples.”She

leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms over her chest resolutely as if it had

alreadybeendecided.

The thought of returning to the camp froze the blood in my veins. “I’m a shining

CEO.LetBrettvolunteer.Hehasnorealjob.”

“Brett’s on his honeymoon right now. You should know this. You were at the

wedding.”Hereyesnarrowedonme.“Oh,that’sright.Youleftearly.”

I rubbed my face with my hands. This couldn’t get much more painful. I tried to

figuredoutasuitableobjectiontoherdecision.Onlymotherwasn’tdoneyet.

“Grace,dear?”Motherwaitedforhertorespond.
“Yes,MissShelby?”Shefrowned,obviouslynervouswiththenewattentionshehad

received.

“Do you have internet at the camp?” My mother leaned on the table and smiled

sweetlyatGrace.

“Yes, ma’am.” As she responded, her eyes darted back and forth between me and

mymother.

Iclosedmyeyesandtouchedmypocket.Forsomereason,thegarterhadbecomea

touchstoneforme,soothinginitsownspecialway.Mymotherknewdamnwellwhat
thecampdidanddidn’thave.We’ddiscussedwaystocuttheoverheadonmorethan
oneoccasion.Myfirstsuggestionhadbeentogetridofsomeofthesecomforts,sinceit
wasacampandnottheFourSeasons.

“Aretherephonesatcamp?”Mymothereyedmewhileshewaitedforananswer

fromGrace.

“Of course. The kids turn in their cells upon arrival. So, we allow them time each

weektocallhomeonthecamplines.”Shesatupstraighterandfoldedherhandsinher
lap.

Istudiedherasshespoke.IfIdidn’tknowbetter,I’dsayshewasfeelingguilty,asif

shewerebetrayingme.

“Whataboutprintersandafaxmachine?”Mothergrabbedasipofherwater.
Gracenodded.“Both.Yes,wehaveboth.”
“Cellservice?”
Anothernod.“We’refullyequipped.”
Mother turned to me. “There’s no reason why you can’t go. There’s about twenty

reasonswhyyoushould,startingwiththemostimportant,whichboilsdownto…Isaid
so.”

“Mother,thatkindoftalkworkedwhenIwasakid.Now,I’manadult.Whatareyou

going to threaten me with now? What could you possibly take away to sway me?” I
sighed. “Somehow it has escaped your notice how much time and attention my
positionrequires.”Iclosedthefolderinfrontofme,hopingI’dmademypoint.

“Somehowithasescapedyournoticethattheonlyreasonyouhavethispositionis

becauseIgaveittoyou.”Herbrowroseinchallenge.

Iswallowedhard.Whiletherewassometruthtoherstatement,itwasequallytrue

thatI’dearnedit,Ideservedit,andIwasdamngoodatit.Surelythishadtoholdsome
weightinherdecisionmaking.

“YouwillspendopeningweekatCampHope,”sheordered.“Youwilldowhatever

Grace requires of you, and you’ll do it without even a hint of objection. Do I make
myselfclear?”

“It’simpossible.”Ishookmyhead.“Ihavemeetings…plural…allthatweek.”
“Makeittwoweeks.”Sheshrugged.Ihadbarelyopenedmymouthwhenshelifted

afingertosilenceme.“Sayonemoreword.Goahead.I’llmakeitthreeweeks.”

Silently, I stared at the floor and sulked. Scenes from summers past played out in

mymindandIrubbedmychestasifitcouldsoothemyachingheart.Fromtheother
endofthetable,IcouldfeelGracestaringatme.Iknewshewantedtomakemefeel
better,butnothingwouldrightnow.

Finally confident she’d had a breakthrough with me, my mother continued to

address the rest of the board. “I’d love it if you’d all consider donating some time to
CampHope.Theplacemeansalottome.”Thensheflashedasmile,thefirstgenuine
oneofthemeeting.

IrubbedmyhandstogetherwhileIthought.Thiscouldn’tbehappening.I’drather

have my kidney stolen in a cockroach infested hotel room and have the surgery
performedwitharustyspoonthangotoCampHope.I’dratherspendanightinapit
filledwithfireantsthanspendanhouratCampHope.Hell,I’dratherdonateallofmy
trustfundandninety-ninepercentofmyfutureearningstothecampthananhourof
mytime.Wasthereanywaythiscouldgetworse?

“I’llvolunteer!”
Islowlyraisedmyeyesoffthefloortoseewho’dspoken.ItwasTrent.Forthefirst

timeinalongtime,hedidn’tseemsmugorscared.Instead,heseemedtense,nervous.
Icouldpracticallyseetheveininhisforeheadpoppingout.

“Thankyou,Trent,”mymothercooed.“I’llputyoudownforadayortwo.”
“No.”Heshookhisheademphatically.“I’llgoforthefirsttwoweeks.”
Mymotherlaughedandlookedatme.“Ofcourse.I’msureGracewillbehappyto

haveyou.”

Thereitwas:thenailinmycoffin.ThelastthingIneededwastospendonemore

secondofmylifewithTrentatCampHope.

T

7

he room cleared pretty quickly after Trent volunteered. There were many who

muttered they’d have to check their schedules. Most couldn’t even make eye contact
withme.Luckily,noneofthemwerefromHarper’sIsland,evenandespeciallyTrent.A
scowl had taken up residence on my face. Though only my mother remained, I
lingeredasIconsideredmyoptions.SomehowIhadtokeepmymotherhappyorlose
my position. I needed to date Grace and the camp wouldn’t exactly be conducive to
this. Most of all, I needed to figure out how to handle Trent. Clearly, he now had his
heart…makethathisstone-coldheart…setonthewomanIwasfallingforandexpected
tomarrybynonelessthantheQueenofHarper’sIsland.Allthiswhilecopingwitha
looming deadline that might as well be a ticking time bomb, since this was what had
devolvedinto.

“Packup.”MotherstoodovermewearingaCheshirecatgrin.
“Whatwasthat?”Ipretendedtolookbored,asifIhadn’theardher.ThenIcasually

leanedbackinmyseat.

Her brow arched. “You heard me. Go home and pack. You have a bit of a drive if

youwanttomakeittoCampHopetonightbeforethecampers.”

Ilaughedandshrugged.“Idon’t,really.”
Motherlickedherlipsandspokecarefully.“Well,maybeyouatleastwanttomake

ittherebeforeTrent,hm?”

Myeyesnarrowed.“Thatwascold.Evenforyou.”Istoodandgrabbedthefilefrom

thetablebeforebrisklywalkingtowardthedoor.

“Blake?”Iheardmymotherhuff.
Ipausedinthedoorway,butdidn’tturntofaceher.“Whatisit,mother?”
“Blake,Iloveyou.Thisisforyourowngood.”Sheswallowedhard.“I’mtryingtodo

my best here. I’ve been trying to take care of everything since your father died.” I
heardhersinkintoherchair.“Itakesomesmallcomfortinknowingheatleastdiedat
thecamp,doingwhatheloved.”

Irubbedmyeyes.Shedidn’tknowthehalfofit.Thetruthwasfatherhaddiedatthe

campandhehaddieddoingwhatheloved.Unfortunately,whatshedidn’tunderstand
wastherewassomuchmoretoitthanthat,somuchshecouldneverknow.Thesecret
wasmeanttodiewithme,whichshouldn’ttakelongnowsinceitwasabsolutelyeating
meupfromtheinsideout.

Sadly, I nodded in response and exited the conference room. Back in my office, I

packed my briefcase as quickly and efficiently as I could. Whether I liked it or not,
mother had made a valid point. The way Trent flew out of the office, I had no doubt
he’d rushed back to gather what he needed and he’d speed to Camp Hope. The place
was his second home, just as it had been mine during the summers. It wasn’t a bad
place,atfirst,butonceitwasruinedforme,itwasruinedforever.

I exited my office and left instructions with my assistant. Then I made my way

down the elevator to the parking garage. This was one of the few times I wished I’d
takenmother’sadviceandhiredabutler.Hecould’vehadmepackedupalready.Then
I’d merely have to change and grab my bag. Instead, my need for independence, the
desiretoproveIwasself-reliantwouldhavemescramblingforagoodhour.

ThisiswhyIdidn’tarriveatthecampuntilnearlylunchtime.Iparkedinthestaff

lotandwalkedoverthewoodenbridgetothemainbuilding.AsIenteredtheoffice,I
found a young woman seated at the front desk. Her eyes bugged out as I held out a
handtogreether.“HI,I’mBlake.”

“Iknowwhoyouare,Mr.Morgan.”Shenodded.“I’mMandy,Grace’sassistant.”
I tilted my head to the side. She probably knew me as the bastard who wanted to

closethecamp.Isighed.“Nicetomeetyou.IsGracearound?”

Mandy bit her lower lip a split second then spoke. “She’s preparing your

accommodations.It’snotwhatyou’reusedtoandyou’regoingtohavetoshareyour
cabinandand…”Beforemyeyes,thegirlbrokedownandburstintotears.

“It’s okay. I went to college. I had a roommate. I’ll be fine.” I reached over and

grabbedatissuefromtheboxonthecounterandthenpassedittoher.“Wipe.Blow.
Something.”Allthisemotionmademeincrediblyuncomfortable.Rage,Iknewhowto
handle. There was a lot of anger around the house when I was growing up. Sadness,
however,wastheequivalentofyankingtherugoutfromunderme.“Wanttotellme
what’swrong?”

“You’re going to hate the place. And then you’re really gonna close us down and

whatwillhappentoallthekids?”Shewailedandblewhernose.

Iglancedaboutforsupport,butItrulyseemedtobetheonlyotherbodyaroundthe

campatthemoment.“Hush.Ialreadyhatedtheplace.Certainly,thiswon’tmakeme
hateitmore!”Ichuckled,hopingshe’dseethehumor,butinsteadmyremarkwasmet
with a new onslaught of tears. I blew out a breath. “Okay. Can you point me in the
directionofmycabin?”

“Take a left. Fourth one down.” Then she practically shooed me out of the office

withherwave.

Following her instructions, I turned left as I stepped off the porch. Then I walked

downthewornpathandcountedthecabins.Likemostcamps,thisonewasonalake.
The counselors had the cabins closest to the lake, the campers had the ones farther
awayforpracticalreasons.Whoknows?Imightactuallyenjoybeingonthewaterand
enjoying the view. Harper’s Island was on the ocean, anything but rustic, and an
entirelydifferentexperience.

When I reached the porch for the fourth cabin, I found the door wide open and

heardrustlingaroundinside.IthoughtthismightmeanIwasmeetingmyroommate.
Instead, I discovered Grace inside, struggling to move the mattresses into place. I

droppedmydufflebagonthefloor.“Here,letmehelpyouwiththis.”Withoutwaiting
forherresponse,Igrabbedoneendasshemovedtotheotherandweheftedthebulky
materialontothebottombunk.

“Thankyou,”shemurmured.ShestaredatmeamomentandIcouldreadthepain

in her eyes. “I’m sorry you have to be here. I know you hate the place. I wish I
understoodwhy.”Sheshruggedandbithercheek.“Iwishyoucouldseetheplacethe
wayIseeit.Thisplacesavedme.”

I shook my head. “I doubt that very much. I bet you saved yourself and simply

happenedtobeherewhileyoufoundyourpurpose.”Imovedclosertoherandlifted
herchinwithmyfinger.“You’reanamazingwoman,Grace.”

Shelookedaway.“Youdon’tevenknowme.”
“I do. I know a lot about you. I paid a lot more attention than I admitted.” I

shrugged. Then I brushed my lips against hers. “Let’s make the most of this time
together.” I wrapped her in my arms and hugged her to my chest. This closeness
betweenusfeltnaturalandIrelishedeverymomentofit.

“Yes. I’m looking forward to spending more time with you.” Grace sighed happily

againstmychest.

“Idon’tsupposethismeansyou’remyroommate?”Ichuckled.Iheardafewheavy

steps behind me. Then a laugh. I turned to see Trent standing behind me. “You can
leavenow.”Idismissedhimandturnedaway.

“Sure.I’llgoexploringassoonasIsetdownmystuff.”Hepassedmeandthrewhis

bag on the top bunk then looked at me innocently. “Oh, sorry. Did you want top?”
Trentlaughedathisclevernessandthenmurmured,“Hello,Grace.We’llcatchuplater.
I’m going to explore before the campers arrive.” Then he disappeared through the
door.

Forafewseconds,Ididn’tsayanything.Istuffedmyhandinmyrightpocketand

graspedthegarter.Holdingithelpedsoothemynerves.Finally,Ispoke.“Tellmeyou
didn’t.Tellmewe’renotsharingacabin.”ThenImethereyes…herguilt-filledeyes.

“I’m out of cabins. Your mother sprang this on me last minute. The only empty

cabinshaveproblems.”Shefrowned.

“How bad?” I tilted my head, ready to problem solve. “Bigger than the problem

you’ll have if I have to share the same space with Trent for fourteen long miserable
days?”

Gracebitherlipwhilesheconsidered.“Ahugelimbfelloverthewinterandwent

throughtheceiling.”

“Askylight.That’sanenhancement,notaproblem.”Ituggedatmychin.
“Ittookouthalfawallandoneofthepiersholdingitontheedgeofthehill.”She

threwherhandupintheair.

“SowehaveTrentstaythere.”Ichuckled.
“Blake…”Therewasanoteofwarninginhervoice.
“Fine.Theotherones?Youusedtheword‘cabins,’asinplural.”Isteppedbackand

crossedmyarmsovermychestasIlistened.

“Onemore.Thisonehasbeencondemneduntilwecanreplacethesubfloor.Akid

almostwentthroughitlastsummer.”Shesankdownonthebottombunk.“Soyoucan
seethere’sonlyonesolution.”

“Imoveinwithyou.Brilliant!”Igrabbedmybagfromthefloorandtuggedonher

hand.

Gracelaughedanditwarmedme.“Actually,no.We’renotmarried.Badexample.

Impressionablekids.”

“No,goodexample.Theyshouldseelovingrelationships.”Inuzzledherneck.“But

ifitmeansthatmuchtoyou,callajusticeofthePeace.I’llmarryyou.”

Shepushedmebackandstaredatmeseriously.“Don’tjokeaboutmarriage.”
“Who’sjoking?I’dmarrytheshitoutofyou.”Ileanedbackinforakiss,butGrace

practicallyleaptfromthebed.

“As usual, I have a better idea. How about you and Trent use this time to work

through your differences?” She clapped me on the shoulder then rushed from the
cabin.

T

8

he campers began pouring in late in the afternoon. “The sessions normally would

beginonthepreviousSaturday,butthisyearwechangeditbecauseofthewedding,”
Graceexplainedaswecheckedinthrongsofkids.

“Makes sense.” I nodded, but didn’t engage in conversation. There was too much

else requiring my attention. When I’d asked Grace earlier what I’d be doing, she was
non-committal.Myguesswouldbethewaymymothersprungthisonher,shedidn’t
have much of an opportunity to decide how to use my limited skill set. I’m a
businessman.WhatthehellwouldIdowithabunchofcampers?

Finally,onceeveryonewascheckedin,afterdinnerhadbeenserved,followingthe

welcomeceremoniesandjustbeforecurfew,GracepulledmeandTrentaside.“Listen,
I’vegiventhisalotofthought.Iwasn’texpectinganyotherhelp.Whileit’swelcome,
I’ve essentially passed out all the duties.” She blew out a breath. “During the day, I’ll
haveyouguysfloat,fillinasneeded.Whenwedowaterstuff,Icanusemoreeyesin
thewaterandonthedock.Whenwe’replayingsports,Icanuserefs.Thesekidscheat
likeyoucan’timagineduringsoccerandflagfootball.”Sherolledhereyes.“Andmost
importantly, I’ll need you two on duty at night. The first two hours after curfew are
critical.Thisiswhenmostcamperstrytosneakout,especiallytheteens.”

“Really?BecauseIusedtosneakoutaroundtwointhemorning.Nevergotcaught.”

Ismirked.

“Youwanttostayupallnight?”Herbrowsarched.“I’msuretherearethosewhodo

get away with it, but I would never ask you to do anything I wouldn’t do.” She
shrugged.

I clasped my hands in front of my chest. “Ask me to spend the night. Ask me to

spendthenight.”Isnickered.

“Behave.”Graceswattedatmeplayfully.
IcouldfeelTrentseething,buthesaidnothing.“Wantmetotakefirstshifttonight

oryouwantbothofuson?”

“Both,please.”Shegrinned.ThenMandycalledtoherfromtheoffice.
“Hey,boss!Ineeeeeedyou!”Sheheldupaclipboard,whichmeantnothingtome,

buthadGraceracingtowardherassistant.

“Alrightythen.”Iclappedmyhandstogether.“So…I’llseeyou.”ThenIallbutran

away. I knew where I was going. There was a spot I used to visit as a camper here.

Sure, I hadn’t fit the criteria. Both my parents were alive. I’d lost no one…in the
traditional sense. Oh, but since my father spent the bulk of his summers here
‘volunteering,’ and because my mother needed a break from her stressful life of
fundraisersandgalas,BrettandIspentoursummersheresincethecampopened.

Naturally,goingfromhavingmyownroomtosharingaroomwithasmanyasfour

otherboysmademeclaustrophobicandlongingformyownspace.SoIfoundaplace
to relax and unwind. I found my solace, my thinking spot. I paused for a moment,
peekingovermyshouldertomakesurenoonehadfollowed,especiallyTrent.Thiswas
mine and I didn’t need to be surprised by him when he was probably the guy I was
tryingtoescape.Iblewoutabreath.

ThenIdoveoffthepathandtrekkedthroughthewoods.Thehillwasalittlesteeper

thanIremembered.Iwounddownit,holdingontotreesforsupport.ThenIfoundit,
rightwhereIrememberedit,myrock.Actually,thethingwasmoreofaboulder,but
withaflattop.Withnomoonintheskytohelpmefindmyway,Ipulledmyphoneout
ofmypockettousetheflashlightapp.That’swhenIdiscoveredIwasn’talone.Curled
up on my boulder was a young boy. I jumped and nearly dropped my phone. “Hey,
whatareyoudoinghere?”Icrouchedlowersohecouldseeme,worriedhemightbe
scared.Oh,buthedidn’tseemfrightenedatall.

“Sitting. I’m not hurting anyone.” He scowled at me and turned back to stare out

overthestilllake.

“Okay.Well,mindifIsithere?”Igrinned,ratherenjoyinghisspirit.
Theboyshookhishead.“Gofindyourownrock.Thisone’smine.”
Now this spirited kid was beginning to annoy me. “You know, angry isn’t a good

lookforyou.Oh,andfortherecord,thiswasmyrocklongbeforeyouwereeverborn.
SoI’llsithereifIwanttosithere.”Withoutwaitingforareaction,Iclimbeddownonto
therockandstretchedoutmylegs.

“Thiswasyourrockfirst?Idon’tbelieveyou.”Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest

andglaredatme.

“Well, how else would you explain my ability to find it in the dark?” I threw my

handsupinexasperation.

“You could’ve found it during the day and made your way here in the dark easily

enough.”Theboyhuffed.

“Igiveup.”Ichuckled.“What’syourname,kid?”Heignoredme.“Okay,thewayI

see it, if I’m hanging out with a friend, just talking, this is one thing. If I’m out here
collecting stray campers, that’s another. So are you a friend, or are you a stray?” My
browroseasIstaredathim.Icouldfeelhimmeasuringme,tryingtodecideifImeant
whatIsaid.Instead,hewastestingme.“Haveityourway,”IgrumbledasIstoodand
reachedforhisbicep.

“Wait,”hehissedashemovedoutofmyreach.“Justgimmeasecond.”
I watched him and realized his eyes had begun to water. “Hey. You won’t be in

trouble.I’msureGracewilljustscoldyouabit.”Ireachedoutandlaidahandonhis
shoulder.“It’snobigdeal.Shescoldsmeallthetime.”Ishrug.

“I just can’t sleep. I have trouble, even at home.” He blew out a breath and I

recognizedhistactic,thestruggletocontrolhisemotions.

“Tellmeyourname.”Thistime,Ifeltmoreincontrol,morecollected.Isatpatiently

andwaited.

“Jack. My full name is Jackson, but my mom calls me Jack.” He stared up at me

sadly.

Iheldoutahandandweshook.“Nicetomeetyou,Jack.I’mBlake.Whatbringsyou

outheretomyrock?”IchuckledandclappedhimonthebackasIsettledinbesidehim
again.

Hegavemetheside-eyeandlookedawayasheusedhist-shirttodryhiseyes.“I

justneedaplacetositandthinkandrelaxsometimes.”JackblewoutabreathandI
couldtellhewasstrugglingwithhisemotions.

“That’swhyI’mhere.IhavetoshareacabinwiththisguyI’vehatedprobablysince

I was your age. Hey, how old are you?” I leaned back on my elbows and glanced at
him.

“I’mtwelve.”Heburiedhisheadintheholeofhisshirt.
“Practically a man.” I nodded. “So what’s keeping you up at night? Weight of the

worldonyourshoulders?”Iwashalfjoking,whichiswhyhisresponsewreckedme.

“Yeah.MydaddiedinAfghanistan.”Iheardhimchokebackasob.“Beforeheleft,

hetoldmetotakecareofmymomandlittlebrother.NowhediedandImisshimandI
don’tknowhowtodothiswithouthim.I’mnotreadytobethemanofthehouse.”Jack
sniffledloudlyandswipedathiseyes.

“Oh, man. I understand the pressure. I also knows dads.” I grasped for something

useful. What I knew of my father wouldn’t exactly help here. “See, they love their
families. They want them happy and safe. I bet when he wanted you to take care of
yourmomandbrother,hereallymeanthewantedtoyoutolovethemhard,tohold
ontoeachother.Youknow?”Icouldseetheflowoftearshadslowedsincehewasn’t
swipingathiseyeswiththesamefrequencyasbefore.“You’reonlytwelve,man.He
didn’texpectyoutoquitschool,getajob,andsupportthemfinancially.”

Thistime,Jacksatupandturnedtowardsme.“Youthinkso?BecauseIspendalot

of time worrying about money and mom. She cries all the time at night when she
thinkswe’reasleep.Ihearheronthephonetryingtofigureouthowtopaybills.What
ifwelosethehouse?Whatifsomethinghappenstomom?”

I feared he was about to start sobbing. This was entirely too much for one kid to

handle.“Listen,youletyourmotherhandlethemoneystuff.Youjustbesuretogive
herlotsofhugs.Tellheryouloveher.”

“I’mnottobigforthat?”Hescruncheduphisface.
“You’renevertoobigtoletthoseyouloveknowyoucare.It’sasignofstrength,not

weakness.”Inoddedseriously.“Besides,thisweekisyourbigchancetobeakidand
havefun,tomakenewfriends,experiencenewthings.Youcan’tdothattiredandsad.”
Ithrewanarmaroundhisshoulder.“Youknowit’spastcurfew.”

“Yeah.Shouldn’tyoubeinbed?”Hesmirkedatme.
I laughed. “I wish. Instead, I’m on duty. Gotta round up the stragglers, even my

friends.”

Jack stared out over the water a moment. “So I need to go to bed? Is that what

you’resaying?”

“Youshouldtry,butI’dloveitifyouhadachancetomeetGracefirst.Sherunsthe

campandshe’sthemostwonderful,lovingwomanIknow.Ibetshe’dknowjustthe

rightthingstosaytohelpyousleepandfeelbetter.”Igrinned,thinkingofher.

“Youloveher,don’tyou?”Jacklaughed.
“Whywouldyousaythat?”Mybrowfurrowed.DideveryoneknowhowIfeltabout

her?Shoot,wasIthattransparent.

Heshrugged.“Idon’tknow.Iguessbecausewhenyoutalkabouther,yougetthe

samegoofylookonyourfacethatmyfatherusedtogetonhiswhenhewasaround
mymom.”

I marveled over his insight. “You’re so lucky. You have parents that love each

other.”

“Had,”hecorrectedme.
Ishookmyhead.“No.Thatkindofloveneverdies,Jack.Youholdontoit.Always.”I

blewoutabreath.I’djustsurvivedmyfirstencounterwithacamper.“So,wannameet
Graceordoyouwantmetowalkyoubacktoyourcabin?”

“She’sreallynice?”Hiswordswerebarelymorethanawhisper.
“Thenicest.”Iclosedmyeyesandpicturedher.“Theprettiest.Thebest.Thevery

verybest.”Istoodupandheldoutmyhand.“Comeon.”

Hetookitandtogetherweclimbedupthehillandeventuallyemergedontheworn

path.Iknewwhichcabinwashers.I’dscopeditoutearlier.Togetherwemadeourway
up the steps and onto the porch. The lights were on and I saw Grace standing, facing
me.Slowly,shebackedawayandIrealizedshewasn’talone.Trentwasthereandshe
didn’tlookhappyaboutit.

W

9

ithoutthinking, I flung open the cabin door and entered, dragging Jack with me.

Trent jumped and had the sense to look guilty. I glared at him until he withered and
mutteredsomethingabouthavingtogo.“Waitoutside,”Igrittedout.“I’llberightout
tospeakwithyou.”

Jack stared up at me wide-eyed. I felt badly about my reaction, but more…I was

worriedaboutGrace.Sheseemedshaken.“Areyouokay?”Icrossedthewoodenfloor
tostandinfrontofher.Withoutthinking,Ipulledherintomyarmsforahug.

“Camper,”shegrumbledagainstmychest.
I laughed, feeling better now that I’d touched her. “I almost forgot. Jack, you’ll

understandoneday.”Iwinkedatthetween.“SothisisGrace.”

“Whowasthat?”Hejerkedhisthumboverhisshouldertowardthedoor.
“That…istheguyIwastellingyouabout.”Isighed.“Nowfocus.Grace.Remember?”
“Thegirlyoulove?Theoneyousaidwasthebestintheworld?Yeah.Iremember.”

Hesmiledshyly.

Graceglancedbackandforthbetweenus,hercheekspink.“Sowhatbringsyouhere

aftercurfew?”

I threw an arm around her shoulder. “I met Jack. He’s having a rough time of it

lately,andItoldhimyou’reareallygreatlistener.Youmightknowhowtohelphim.”

“Isthatso?”Shesmiledathim.“Comeon,let’stalkwhileIwalkyoubacktoyour

cabin.IthinkbestwhenI’mmovingaround.Howaboutyou?”

“Ilikewalking.”Thekidnoddedatme.“Areyoucoming,Blake?”
Ishookmyhead.“I’llgiveyoutwotimetochat.Don’tworry.You’llseemeplenty

while you’re here.” I laid a hand on his shoulder and looked over his head to Grace.
“Talktoyoulater?”

Shenodded.Thenweallexitedhercabin.IcouldseeTrenthadn’tstuckaround.I

supposeitwastoomuchtohopethathe’dgonebacktoourplacetopackandleavein
order to escape dealing with me. Just to be safe, I decided to check. To my disgust, I
foundhimcasuallyloungingonhisbunk.

“Thanksforwaiting.”Iscowled.
Hechuckled.“Well,Ifiguredifwehadsomethingtotalkabout,weshoulddoitin

private.”

“Did you?” I glowered at him. “It’s not going to be much of a discussion. Ready?

Heregoes.”Iblewoutabreath.“StayawayfromGrace.”Icrossedmyarmsovermy
chest and tried to appear calm. Mostly I wanted to punch him, but I’d try the more
sophisticatedapproachfirstbeforegoingapeshitonhim.

“Ithoughtyoudidn’twanther,”hesneered.
I groaned. “Of course, I want her. I’m falling hard for her. I just didn’t want you

complicating things. You always want what I have, Trent. Always. It’s like a fucking
game to you.” I raked my hand through my hair. “So now you know. Now you stay
away.”

Trentsatupandcasuallydroppeddownfromthebunk.“Isthatall?”Heshookhis

head.“Inthatcase…no.”

Mybrowrose.“Whatmakesyouthinkyouhaveachoice?”
“Whatmakesyouthinkyoucantellmewhattodo,brother?”Hesnickered.
Icrossedthedistancebetweenusintwogiantstridesandwatchedhiseyesbulge.

Grabbingthefrontofhisshirt,Iputhimupagainstthewall.“You’renotmybrother.”

Atfirsthespluttered,butquicklyrecovered.“OurfathersaidIam.”
“I don’t care what he said. He’s a selfish bastard. He lied to everyone all the time.

WhyshouldIbelievethisisacasewherehesuddenlytoldthetruth?”Mycheekswere
hotwithrage.“Andyou!Ifyouwantedtobemybrother,ifyouwantedmylove,why
didyoudonothingbuttriggermyhatredwithyouractions?Evennow!Youonlywant
GracebecauseIloveher.Admitit,”Igrowled.

“Ilovewatchingyousquirm.Iloveupsettingyou.ThisishowIgetyourattention.”

His chin jutted out in defiance. “I learned long ago I’d never gain your love or trust.
Hurtingyoumakesmefeelbetter.”

Ireleasedhisshirtandwatchedhimslidedownthewallsome.“Whatareyou…five?

Growthefuckup.Beaman.”Ishookmyheadathim.

“Iamaman,”heroared.“Lookatme!Ibuiltasuccessfulcompanyfromnothing.”
Irolledmyeyes.“I’dhardlycalltheeducationmyfatherpaidfor‘nothing.’Wasthe

inheritance‘nothing’also?”

“You’re mad about the money, right?” Trent grinned. “You’re mad you had to

share?You’remadhelovedmemore?”

“None of that matters,” I scoffed. “He lied. He made me lie for him to hold our

familytogether.Hehurteveryone.Andyou…thewayyouact…you’rejustlikehim.”

Trentlaughedcoldly.“Andyou?You’recold,detached,justlikeyourmother.”
His words struck a chord. I was like my mother. What if all these years she’d

known? What if she acted like she did towards us because of my father? What if his
affairwasn’ttheeffectofherbehavior,butthecauseofhers?

I couldn’t breathe. My lungs refused to fill with air. I needed time, space to sort

through this. I needed to be able to reason this out, think this through based on
everythingIknew.WithoutsayinganotherwordtoTrent,Irushedfromthecabin.I
barely noticed Grace standing there, but when I did, I discovered she had tears
streaming down her face. “I…I can’t.” I turned away from her, and raced down the
path.

Thoughshe’dsaidnothing,Icouldhearfeetbehindme.Irefusedtolook.Icouldn’t

faceher.Howmuchhadsheheard?Whatwouldshesay?Idoveoffthepath,intothe
woodsasI’ddoneearlier.Thistime,Iwasracingblindlytowardmyboulder.Allthose

summers in camp, it had been my rock. Now even more so as I struggled to find
something solid to hold onto. Then I tripped on some roots and landed on top of it,
catchingmyself,butinjuringmyhandsandknees.

BythetimeGracejoinedme,I’dpluckedmostofthesandoutofmyscrapes.Still,I

ignoredherasItriedtocontrolmybreathing.Theindescribableacheinmychesthurt
morethananything.

“Blake,”shewhisperedasshekneltbesidemeandranherfingersthroughmyhair.

WhenIdidn’trespond,shepressedherheadagainstmineandkissedmycheek.“Talk
tome.”

“Ican’t,”Icroaked.MythroatfeltsoconstrictedIcouldbarelyspeak.
“Try,” she murmured against my skin. “Rumor has it, I’m a really good listener.

Maybethebesteven.”

I knew what she was doing, trying to soothe me, tease me with my words. It was

actually working. I wanted to hold her or be held by her. At the moment, I wasn’t
particular.“It’sasecret.”Ireachedoutandwrappedmyarmsaroundher,drawingher
closer,lettinghertouchsootheme.

In response, Grace kissed my temple and squeezed me tightly. “Is it a secret or a

burden?”Herwordswashedoverme,spreadinglighttothedarkestplacesinmymind.

“It’s a burden.” My eyes stung, but I refused to cry. Men don’t cry. I blew out a

breath.“Howmuchdidyouhear,Grace?”

“Let’s just say I think I understand you a little better now.” She hugged me close,

onlythistimeIpushedherback.

Istaredintohereyes.“Idon’twantpity,Grace.”
Shefrowned.“Ididn’tsaypity.Isaidunderstanding.Somuchmakessensenow.”

She bit her lip. “Your father was really good to me at a time when I needed it, but
clearly…hewasterribletoyou.Ican’tchangethat,andmyapologyfixesnothing,butI
wantyoutoknowIgettheissuesyouhavewithhim.You’renotwrong.”

Herwordsfracturedsomethinginme.ThisburdenI’vebeencarryingaroundforso

many years suddenly seemed to disappear. “I found out by accident. The very first
summerhere.Iwalkedinonhimwiththeolddirector.Didyouknowher?”

Grace scrunched up her face. “Hope, right?” Then she giggled. “Oh, she had the

samenameasthecamp.Funny.”

“Well,itmakessense.Henameditafterher.”Ishookmyheadandthenhelditin

myhands.

“Oh.”Shesathardonherbottom.“Nowonderyouhatethisplace.”
“Yeah. Then I spent summer after summer watching him give Trent preferential

treatment,probablyoutofguilt.Onlythat’snothowTrentreadit.Inhismind,hewas
the favored son.” I sighed. “He rubbed my face in it every time he had the chance.
UnderstandwhyIloathehimtoo?”

Shenodded,asadlookonherface.“Iheardhowhespoketoyou.Ihadnoidea.I’m

sorryIdoubtedyou.”

I lifted her chin and met her gaze. “Terrible as he is, Trent was right about one

thing.”Iswallowedhard.“I’mcoldanddetached.”

Shakingherheadvehemently,Graceblurtedout,“Notwithme.Neverwithme.”
Withoutthinking,Ileanedinandcapturedherlips,lettingthewarmthflowthrough

me. I needed to feel them against mine, I longed to connect with someone, not just
anyone,butalwaysher.WhenIfinallypulledback,neitherofusseemedquiteassad.
“Neverwithyou.It’strue,butit’sastruggle.Instincthasmepushingeveryoneaway.
Knowwhy?”

Gracetiltedherhead.“Why?”
“IfI’mclosetopeople,ifwetalkandinteract,Imightblurtoutthesecret.Imight

ruinthefamily,mymother’smemoryofmyfather,everything.”Ifrowned.

“Hediedhere,didn’the?”Shestaredatmesadly.
“Yes,Ijokehedieddoingwhatheloved.Unfortunately,thatwasHope.Apparently,

theyhadbeenparticularlyamorousthatnight,andhisheartgaveout.”Iwrappedmy
armsaroundmybodywhileIrecalledthatterriblenight.“Hopecameandwokeme.
She needed me to dress him and move him back to his cabin before she called the
police.”

Grace covered her mouth with her hand to hide her shock. “I’m so sorry,” she

finallymanagedtowhisper.

“So yeah. I hate it here. And I’m not so fond of Trent. And I have no relationship

withmymotherorBrettbecausetheydon’tknowanditwasmyjobtoprotectthem.”I
inhaleddeeply.“Worstofall,Iworryaboutlosingyou.Idon’tknowhowtobetheman
you deserve, but damn if I don’t want to try.” I cupped her cheek with my hand.
“Please,Grace,letmetry.”

G

10

racefellintomyarms.“I’dlikethatsomuch.”SheburiedherfaceinmyneckandI

relishedthefeelingofhershortpuffsofbreathagainstmyskin.

“WhydoIfeellikenothingbadcouldeverhappentomeaslongasIhaveyou?”I

laidmychinonthetopofherhead.

“Because nothing will. I promise. We can handle anything life throws at us,

together.”Shenoddedandsoundedsocertain,Iwantedtobelieveher.

Wesathuddledtogetherinsilenceforafewminutes.Icould’vestayedlikethatall

night,butmybuttstartedgoingnumbandIwantedmorethananythingtomakelove
toher.“Sowhatnow?”Ihopedmywordswouldspurhertoaction.

“Nowweproblemsolve.Todothis,weneedyourmotherandBrettonboard.”She

reachedupandwrappedanarmaroundthebackofmyneck.“Theyneedtoknowyou
aren’tthecold-heartedbastardyou’veleteveryonebelieveyouare.”

Ishookmyhead.“Ican’t,Grace.”
“Stopprotectingyourfather,”shegrowled.“He’sdead.Andhesuredidmakeamess

ofthingswhilehewasalive.Youwanteverythingtostayamess,orareyougoingtolet
ushandlethistogether?”

Ifroze.“Thesearemyoptions?Idon’twanttodragyouintothis.”
“Toolate.”Sheshrugged.“I’min.I’mallin.Plus,youhadyourwholelifetofixthis.

Youneedme.Admitit,Morgan.”

Irubbedmyforehead.Shemadeavalidpoint.“We’llfaceittogether,Iguess.”
Shegrinned.“Together,Iknow.”
Still, I had more worrisome thoughts in mind. “What about tonight, Grace? What

aboutthenexttwoweeks?”

“What do you mean? We’re running the camp. We’ll figure out what to do with it

aftersummer.”Sheshrugged.

“Pleasedon’tmakemeroomwithTrent.”Istaredintohereyesandgavemymost

pleadinglook.

“Gah.You’rekillingme.”Sheclosedhereyesandblewoutabreath.“Okay.Tonight,

youstaywithme.Tomorrow…we’llsee.”

“We’llsee?”Istartedticklingher,hopingsomegoodcleantorturewouldchangeher

mind.

“YouknowI’mnotticklish,right?”Herbrowarched.

“Well,thatdoeschangethings,”Ijoked.
Slowly,westoodandwanderedbackupthehillwhileholdinghands.Aswereached

her porch, our phones chimed in unison. I looked at her curiously before we each
pulledoursouttocheckthetextmessage.

Grace read it first. “Oh my God, Miss Milly isn’t doing well. She needs me.” She

startedtoboltoutofmygraspandrushintohercabin,butIheldherhand.

“Wait. I have the same message.” My shoulders sagged. “Come on, Princess.

Together,remember?”

Gracenodded.“PoorMissMilly.LetmetellMandywhat’sgoingon,thenweneedto

hurry.”

“Okay. Grab your purse. I have my keys and wallet.” I nudged her to action and

soonenoughwewereinmycar,drivingasquicklyasIdared,backtoHarper’sIsland.

Somehow we managed to catch the last ferry. On this gorgeous starry night, we

optedtostandoutonthedeck.IwrappedmyarmsaroundGraceasweleanedagainst
therailingandlookedoutoverthewater.

“Doyoueverfeellikewe’llneverescapethisplace?”Gracesighed.
I tilted my head as I considered her words. “You know, a week ago, I would’ve

agreedwithyou.Now,Ifeeldifferently.”

“Whatchanged?”
Iwatchedherbitinghercheek,tryingtoholdbackasmile.“You.Obviously,you.”I

shrugged. “Miss Milly believes in you, Grace. She thinks you can change Harper’s
Islandforthebetter.Ibelievethistoo.”

“Ineverfitinthere,”sheobjected.
Isqueezedhertightly.“Ithinkthat’sprettymuchthepoint.Fortherecord,Inever

dideither.Maybethat’sthestruggle.Maybeeveryonefeelsthatway.Maybethat’sthe
changeyouneedtomake.”

Sheleanedbackintome.“We’llsee.Idon’tseehowthisisgoingtowork.Ican’trun

theislandandthecamp.I’mjustoneperson.”

“Thisistrue,butbynow,Ihopeyouseethesupportyouhave.Itmakeseverything

possible.”Thehornsoundedandwemadeourwaybacktothevehicle.

As we settled into our seats, she wondered, “Because I’m the princess?” Then she

snickeredsome.Iknewshestillstruggledtoacceptthisrole.

Leaningover,Igaveherakiss.“Nope.Becauseyou’regoingtobeaMorgan.”
She looked over at me, her mouth forming a perfect ‘O.’ Before she could say

anything,itwasourturntodrivedowntheramp.AsIheldherhand,Gracestaredout
thewindow,quietandintrospective.

Soon enough, we reached the hospital. Though it was well past visiting hours, the

QueenofHarper’sIslandfollowedadifferentsetofrules,whichwasmorelikenorules
butherown.WewereusheredintoherprivateroominICU.Thoughshewasnestled
deepinthepillows,MissMilly’seyesflutteredopenwhenwearrived.“Youcame,”she
whispered.“Together.”Shesmiled.

Gracereachedhersidefirstandleanedintogiveherakissonthecheek.“Whatcan

we do, Miss Milly? Is there anything that would make you more comfortable?” Her
eyesfilledwithtears.

Miss Milly shook her head. “No. They did a full body scan today. That’s what

happens when you get injured on the weekend. The doctors don’t order the big tests
untilMonday.”Sherolledhereyes.“Turnsout,thecancerhasspreadandIhaveless
timethanIimagined.”

Isathardinthechairandrubbedmyfacewithmyhands.“I’msosorry.”
“Don’tbe.Youtwomakemehappy.Seeingthisbloomingrelationshiphelpsmore

than you know.” She sighed happily, then turned her attention to Grace. “My lawyer
willbeintouch,dear.You’remysoleheir.”

In response, Grace hiccupped and I knew she had started to cry. I stood and gave

hermyseat,thenwhisperedinherear,“Timetobestrong,Princess.”

Sheheldthebackofherhandtohermouthandnoddedasshesniffled.“Okay.What

else?CanIbringyousomething?”

“You really shouldn’t bring me anything.” Miss Milly gestured around the room,

whichwasfilledwithflowers,balloons,andmorethanafewstuffedanimals.“There’s
onlyonethingIneedandit’scomplicated.”

Graceblinkedbackhertears.“Anything.Tellme.”
MissMillyreachedoutandgrabbedherhand.“Ineedtoknowyou’retakencareof.

I need to know when I’m gone, you’ll be loved, supported, and appreciated for the
amazingwomanyouare.”

“Iabsolutelyhavethiscovered.”Irockedonmyheelsconfidently.
SheturnedGrace’shandoverandstudiedherfingers.“Howcanthatbe?Idon’tsee

aring.”Herbrowroseinchallenge.

Grace snatched her hand back and I shook my head. “Listen, Miss Milly. These

thingscan’tberushed.Iknowyou’dlovetoseeGracehappilymarried.Shewillbe.I
promise.AndI’llloveandsupporthertoo.”

“ThewordofaMorgan.”Sheshookherhead.“Itusedtomeansomething.”
“Withmebehindit,itwillagain.”Icroucheddownbesidethebed.FirstIsmiledat

MissMilly,thenIshiftedtofaceGrace.“Somethingscan’tberushed.”Ilaidahandon
her bare thigh. “I never expected to marry. Because of my father, I never wanted to
marry. Then Grace came along.” I watched her cheeks turn pink and my heart
thumped erratically in my chest. “She has this fiery temper, a rapier wit, and eyes I
couldstareintoforever.So,naturally,Ihadtomessitupagainandagain,butIthink
we’refinallyontherightpath.”

“Thesamepath,together,”Gracewhispered.
“Yes.Together.”Inoddedhappily.“I’mnotgoingtorushthis.I’mgoingtotakemy

time and do it right. I’m going to date the hell out of you, Princess. I’ll become the
princeyoudeserve.Ultimately,we’llmarry.Wehaveto.”Ishrugged.

“BecauseMissMillywantsusto.”Shesmiled,butitdidn’tfeelrealtome.
Ishookmyhead.“No.We’llmarry,notbecauseofexpectationorsuperstition,but

because of the craziest reason of all: love. You make the impossible seem possible. I
love you, Grace. Say you’ll marry me someday.” Then I reached into my pocket and
pulled out the garter I’d been carrying around with me ever since the wedding. “I
thoughtitmightbeearlyforaring.Howdoesthiswork?”ThenIslowlyslippeditover
herflip-flop,pastherdelicateankle,uphersupplecalf,andfinallystoppeddangerously
highonhersleekthigh.

Hereyesglistened,buthercheeksburnedwiththeheatbetweenus.“Whatmakes

youthinkI’dwanttomarryyou?”Shebitherlowerlip.

“Becauseit’stimetoputyourselffirstforachange.It’stimetodosomethingnotto

please your family, or care for campers, or meet someone’s expectation. Marry me
becausethisiswhatyouwant.”Withlittleregardforouraudience,Ikissedherthigh
abovethegarterandthenrosetocaptureherlips.

“Honey,ifyoudon’twanttomarryhim,Iwill,”MissMillyteased.
“Sorry.Thisone’sallmine,”Gracemurmuredasshepressedherforeheadtomine.
“Thinkhe’lltreatyouright?”MissMillyasked.
“Likeaprincess.She’llalwaysbemyprincess.”Igrinned.

ABOUTZANEMORROW

AboutZaneMorrow

After watching the way his girlfriend melted from reading romance novels, Zane
decidedhewantedtobetheonetoelicitthoseemotions.Inanefforttomakeherfeel
allthefeels,hefinallyfoundhisvoiceandanoutletforallthewordshewastooscared
tospeakoutloud.Nowhemakesalivingsharinghisfantasieswiththeworld.

Comeexperiencelovethroughaguy’seyes.

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