THEHARPER’SISLANDDUET

ZANEMORROW

THEBESTMAN,BOOKONE

TheBestMan

Harper’sIsland:BookOne

ZaneMorrow

1stEdition

Allrightsreserved.NopartofthisbookmaybeusedorreproducedinanymannerwhatsoeverincludingInternetusage,withoutwritten

permissionoftheauthor.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsaretheproductsoftheauthor'simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Any

resemblancetoactualevents,locations,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

CoverbyMarisaShorofCoverMe,Darling

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“

on’tforgettocalltheprinter.CheckondeliveryoftheT-shirts.”Istareatmyassistant,Mandy.We
onlyhaveamonthbeforeourcampersarriveforthesummeratCampHope,whichmakesthisthe

worsttimetobegoneforaweek.Mandyismorethancapableofmanagingtheoperationinmyabsence,
butIliketobehandson.ThoughItrusther,I’mnotthrilledtobetakingoffrightnow.

“Grace,Igotthis.Goenjoyyourvacation.”Sherollshereyes.
“Vacation?Morelikehellonearth.Maidofhonorduties.”IsighwhileMandylaughsatme.Thefact

she finds this humorous does not help me. Mandy is aware that my life here conflicts with my life on
Harper’sIsland.IgrewupontheIslandthankstomystepfather,butIwasn’tmeanttobeatrophywife.
Eventhoughweweren’twealthylikemostoftheislandinhabitants,ourfamilywaswellrespected.

CampHopehasalwaysbeenmorethanajobforme.Mymothersentmeasachildafterfindingout

aboutthecampfrommystepfather’soldschoolfriend.BenMorgancreatedthecampforchildrenwho
had lost a parent due to war. The place was meant to be a solace, somewhere kids like me could feel
normalwhileweworkedthroughourgrief.BenbecamemymentorovertheyearsasIwentfromcamper
tocounselor.OnceIhadmydegreeinhand,hehiredmetotakeovertheday-to-dayoperationsofCamp
Hope.Whenhediedlastyearofasuddenheartattack,Iwasdevastated.

“Go,woman.”Mandypushesmetowardthedoor.
“Fine!Sheesh.”IlaughasIexitthebuilding.“I’llcometalktoyouoncemorebeforeIleave.”ThenI

walkacrossthedirtandpinestrawpathfromtheofficetomycabin.Ientermyhumbleabode,whichI’m
happytocallhome,andbeginquestioninghowIendeduphere.Mylifehasn’tbeenterriblychallenging,
butithasn’tbeenexactlyeasy,either.WhenIwasfiveyearsold,myfatherwaskilledinaskirmishfought
in Somalia while stationed overseas. Two years later, my mom married Doctor Lincoln Hightower. We
wentfromtypicalmiddle-classfamilytolivingintheworldofthefilthyrichovernight.Lifewasgood,
andbecauseIwasyoung,Iadaptedwell.Mystepfather’spositionasgeneralpractitionertothewealthy
ensuredacomfortablelifestylewhilewemingledwithbillionaires.

At the age of ten, I attended Camp Hope for the first time. There, I finally found friends who

understood what it was like to have lost parents in war; to truly understand they sacrificed their lives
whileprotectingourfreedomsandsavingothers.Ispentthenextsixyearsasacamper.ThetwoyearsI
was too old to be a camper, but not old enough to be a counselor were awful. I remember begging my
motherandLincolntotakemeupthereduringthesummersoIcouldgotohelpwiththeyearlyproduction
thecampersputon.

IfinishpackingupthelastfewitemsIneededfortheweek.Icarrymyluggageouttomycarandtoss

itinthetrunkbeforewanderingbackovertotheofficetosaygoodbyetoMandy.

“Grace,thiscamewhileyouwerepacking.”Shehandsmeasealedenvelope.

Thereturnaddressshowsit’sfromMorganEnterprises.Istepintomyofficeandsitdownatmydesk

asItearopentheenvelope.Iscanthebriefletter,andmyheartsinksintomychest.Iplaceitallbackin
theenvelope.

“I’llseeyouinaweek.Callmeifyouneedme.”IpasteasmileonmyfaceasItellMandygoodbye.

I’mnotabouttorevealthecontentsoftheletterandcauseherworry,butit’sallI’mgoingtothinkabout
asImakethedrivetoHarper’sIsland.ObviouslywhileIwasthere,IwasgoingtobelookingforoneMr.
BlakeMorgantoo.

I’donlydealtwithBlakeacoupleoftimessincehetookoverhisfather’sbusiness,buthewasn’tmy

favorite person. He had no idea who I really was, and the few times we’d interacted, he essentially
ignored me each time. In our social circle, he was notorious for his playboy ways and because of his
stature,themediaconstantlyspeculatedabouthislovelife.Hewastheguythemomsalwayschasedfor
their daughters, or maybe they searched for some extra marital fun. In the past, I never really cared
enough.Thisweek,IwouldbeborderlineobsessedwithBlakeMorgan.

MyhandsshakeasIgripthesteeringwheel.I’mfightingbackhotangrytears.BenMorganwouldbe

heart sick if he knew what his son was up to right now. Who did he think he was, announcing he’d be
closingthecampafterthissummerseason?Hehadnocluewhathewasdoing.Toomanykidsandtheir
familiesneededthiscampforsupportduringthegrievingperiod.

Iwasgoingtocomeupwithaplanifitkilledme.BytheendoftheweekI’dcomeupwithascheme

tosaveCampHopeandchangeBlakeMorgan’smind.Ihadnoideawhatthisbrilliantmasterplanwas
yet,butitwasgoingtohavetobegood.Iprobablyshould’vespokentoMandybeforeIleftthecamp,but
Ididn’tknowwhattosayatthetime.Ipressthebuttononmyearpiece.“CallMandy.”

It's not long before the phone is ringing and Mandy picks up on the other end. I don’t even take the

timetogreetherproperly.Instead,Iblurtout,“Ineedyourhelp.”

Mandyissoonfilledinwiththecontentsoftheletter.“Wow.”She’ssilentamoment,thensheasks,

“Isn’tBlakethebestmanatthewedding.”

“Sadly,yes.”Isigh,nowdreadingtheweddingevenmore.
“Doesn’tthismeanyou’llbepairedwithhimallweekend?”Shesoundsalmostgiddy.
“Yes,Mandy,”Igrumble.
Sheclapsherhandstogether.“Ithinkyoushouldseducehim.”
Ichuckle.“I’mnotsurethatwouldwork.Theguybarelyacknowledgesme.”
Shehuffs.“DoyouwanttosaveCampHopeornot?”
Myshouldersslump.Shehasapoint.“Fine.ResearchBlakeMorgan.Weneedtofigureoutwhathe

likes.IfI’mdoingthis,Ineedanin.”

“Gotit,boss.”ShegigglesandIcanhearthekeysonthelaptopclickingalready.
Theideaofsittingonthephonewhilesheresearchesmakesmeuncomfortable,soIendourcall.Even

thoughwedon’thaveasolutionyet,afterspeakingwithMandy,Ifeelbetteraboutthesituation.Wecan
worktogetheraswealwaysdoandfindawaytosavethecamp,whichmeanssomuchtous.

he ferry pulls up to Harper’s Island. I stand on deck watching as the shoreline gets closer. It’s like

entering a parallel universe when on the Island. This is where the people with serious money have
summerhomesandvacation,alongwithafewwholivehereyear-round.I’vegrownuponthisIsland.My
stepfather’spractice was here.Of course, welived in a smallcottage compared tosome of the homes.
Withonlysixbedrooms,itwasconsideredsmallbyHarperIslandstandards.

Theheightofsummerseasonwasjustbeginning.I’dbestayingwithmymomandLincolnthisweek,

which would be a nice change, since we didn’t usually see each other during the summer at all. Camp
Hope kept me away and parties kept mom at the cottage. The rest of the bridal party was staying at
Brooke’sparent'ssummerplace,sincetheyweren’tfromhere.

The shoreline is beautiful with its white sandy beaches and environmentally designed docks and

buildingsonthewater.TheminuteIseethegorgeousstonewallaroundthedockingareaIgetexcited,the
sameasIalwaysdidasalittlegirl.Seeingitsignalsmyarrival.SoonIdrivemylittleSUVofftheferry
anddownmainstreet.Thequaintoldvillage,withitscobblestonepathsandstonebuildings,housessome
ofthebestclothingdesignersaswellasotheritemstheseriouslywealthylovetowastemoneyon.My
favoriteisthelittlebookstoreonthecornerofMainStreetandLighthouseLane.It’squaintwithitsbasic
coffeebarandoverstuffedfurnituredispersedthroughout.Ialmostwanttostoptherefirst,butI’msuremy
motherwouldhaveafitifshefoundoutIdidn’trushstraighttothecottage.

AsIpassit,Ivowtovisittheplaceonceortwicethisweek.Ispentmanyasummercurledupona

couch with my summer reading over the years. I make a left onto Dunes Drive and begin taking in the
familiarsitesofthebeachfrontMcMansions.I’mstruckbytheamountofmoneyspentonthesesummer
homes, which were only used a few months each year and muse what it must be like to afford this
lifestyle.Thisisahugecontrastcomparedtothebulkofmycamperswhosefamiliesliveinapartments
thesizeofabathroominoneofthesemansions.SinceI’veseenbothsidesoflife,Iworkhardtoliveon
mysalary.Ifmypaycheckdoesn’tcoverit,Idon'tbuyiteventhoughmymomandLincolnstillputmoney
intoanaccountformeeverymonth.Ihaven’ttoucheditsincecollege.

Instead,thismoneyhasturnedintoatidylittlesavings.TheydepositagrandamonthandIdon’ttouch

it, so it adds up. Maybe one day I’ll figure out what to do with it. Though the account makes me
uncomfortable, I’ve quit trying to talk Lincoln out of it. He says I’m his only child and he’s allowed to
spoilmeuntilImarry,andthenhe’llletmyhusbandtakeover.Thepoormaniscompletelyoutoftouch.
He’sagreatman,andIlovehimdearly,buthe’sonlyunderstandsthelifeoftheelite,sincehisfatherwas
alsoaphysicianonHarper’sIsland.Thisisafamilytradition.Iworrywhatwillhappenwhenheretires
somedaywithnoonetotakeoverthepractice.

MoneyissoonforgottenasI’mremindedofCampHopeclosing.Ijustdon’tunderstandwhatBlake

wasthinking.Iwonderiftheboardmembersknewhehaddonethisyet.I’mguessingprobablynot.Brett
cametothecampmorewithhisfatherthanBlakeeverdid.Irememberallthegirlsgatheringtogiggleand
stare at the handsome Morgan boys. I admit they are pretty men to look at even today. If Brett were in
charge of the camp, I’d probably have an easier time saving it. Instead, it’s Blake I have to deal and,
obviously,he’llbeatoughersale.

“Grace.”Mymomtapsonthedriver’swindow.
Ijump. I’ve beensitting in thedriveway, staring off intothe distance forseveral minutes. Slowly, I

shutmycaroffandgraduallyopenthedoor.

“Sorry,Iwaslostinthought.”AsIstepoutofthevehicleandfaceher,mymother’sarmswrapmein

agentlehugandthesmellofjasminesurroundsme.

“Inoticed.Iseverythingokay?”There’snomistakingtheconcerninhervoiceorthewayherbrows

nearlymeetinthecenterofherforehead.

“Notreally.”Isigh.“IreceivedsomebadnewsrightbeforeIdroveouthere.”Imovetothetrunkand

pullmyluggageout,settingitonthegroundasFrank,thebutler,comesrushingfromaroundthesideofthe
house.

“Myapologies,”hegushesashepicksupmybaggage.“Ididn’thearyoupullin.”
“Frank, relax! You know neither of us cares.” My mom chides him. Frank is always so prim and

proper.Despiteourabilitytofitinwiththeupperclass,mymomandInevertreatedanyofthestaffas
lessthanextendedfamily.“Takeyourtime.”Thensheturnsbacktome.“Tellmewhat’sbotheringyou.”

“BlakeMorganisclosingCampHope!”Iblurtoutastearsstingmyeyes,acombinationofsorrow

andfury.

“He’s what?” My mom takes a step back, clearly shocked. She taps her forefinger to her lips. “I

wonderifhismotherisawareofthis?Perplexingindeed.”

Hismom.Suddenly,IbegintoformulateanideaofhowtohandleBlakethisweek.I’mdeterminedto

change his mind no matter what it takes. With a nod, I relay the events. “He sent a letter.” I threw my
handsupintheair.“Iwasshocked.I’veonlyscannedthecoverpage,butthatwasenough.I’mnotsure
whattherestofthelittlebookletsays.”Iadmittomymother.“IguessIneedtoreadthroughit.”Igrabthe
dreadedenvelopeoffthepassengerseat,andclutchittomychest.

AsMomandIwalkintothehousetogether,sheturnstofaceme.“Wouldyouliketogotoyourroom?

Youmustbewornout.Me,I’llbesittingoutonthebackpatio.”Shelaysherhandonthehandletothe
Frenchdoorsandstaresatmeseriously.

“Nope.I’llgladlyjoinyouonthepatio.Icoulduseadrink.”IwrapmyarmsaroundmybodyasI

walkthroughthedoorsheopensforus.

Westepdownintothescreenedinporchwhichleadstothepatioandpoolarea.Icanseemymomhas

beenworkingasthereispaperstrewnalloverthetable.

“I was planning one of my benefit dinners for Camp Hope, of all things.” My mom frowns as she

looks at me sadly. “I wish I had something more comforting to say to you, but I’m simply shocked by
Blake’sdecision.”Sheshakesherheadandleansonthetablewhileshestaresatthepadfilledwithher
notes.“I’msuretheboarddidn’tvoteonthis,orLincolnwould’vementionedittome.”

“Iknow,mom.”Ilayahandonhershoulder.“Trustme.I’vethoughtaboutthisfromallanglesonmy

drivehere.”IstepbackandyankoutoneofthewickerchairstuckedunderthetablesoIcanplopdownin
it.“It’sinsanewhatBlake’sdoing.Ican’timaginewhathe’sthinking.”

WhileIspeak,mymothermovestothewheeledcartholdingapitcherofredliquidandpoursmea

large glass. “Here you are, dear.” My mom hands me a mixed drink of some kind. Apparently, she had
prepared ahead for my visit. Of course, there was no planning for my mood. What should’ve been a
celebrationofmyhomecominghasbecomesomethingmuchdarker.Shetakesherseatandmovessome
papersoutoftheway.“Well,let’sgiveBlakeachancetodefendhisactionsbeforewecrucifyhim.”

IpullthestackofpapersoutoftheenvelopeI’vebeenholding.Settingthembeforeme,Ipickupthe

cover letter and silently read it once more, hoping I missed something the first time. As I absorb the
words,itfeelsliketheairisbeingsuckedoutofme.

“Duetotheprofitsandlosses,emphasisonthelosses,IwillbeclosingCampHopeattheendof

thesummersessions.”

Those words shatter me. How can something which means so much to me be gone without even a

discussion?Irefusetorolloverandgiveupwithoutafight.

Withaflickofmywrist,IpassthecoverlettertomymotherandthenIscanthecontentsofthepacket.

Soon I realize it’s nothing but facts and figures showing Morgan Enterprises basically pays for the
completeoperationofthecamp.Therearenotenoughpayingcamperstomakeitaprofitableventure.The
bulkofthecampersarethereongrantsandscholarshipsprovidedbythecompany.Theratbastard!How
canhenotseeCampHopeisaboutsomuchmorethanthebottomline?Asthedirectorofthecamp,I’m
already familiar with the numbers. After all, I study them almost daily myself. A big part of my job is
tryingtostayonbudget.Therearenofrivolouspurchases.NotonlywouldIhavetheboardtoanswerto,
butalsomymotherwhoischairmanofthenon-profitfoundationwhichhelpssupportCampHope.She
holdsdinners,soiréesandcountlessotherfundraisersthroughouttheyeartomakemoneyforCampHope.

MybloodbeginsboilingagainasIthinkaboutthis.Ifocusmyattentiononthenextdocumentwhich

outlines the severance packages for Mandy and me. My eyes narrow. For some reason, this asshole
thoughtofferingusalargepayoutwouldhaveusleavingquietly.Hehasclearlyunderestimatedme.

“

race!”Brookerushespasthermaidtogreetme.“I’msohappytoseeyou.”Immediately,wewrap
our arms around each other in a tight hug and give the obligatory air kisses in greeting while we

giggle.We’dstartedmimickingthekisseswe’dseentheadultsgivewhenwewerelittle,andhavealways
continuedthetradition.“I’vemissedyou,”Itellmyfriendsincerely.

BrookeandIhavebeenfriendssinceImovedtotheislandaftermymotherandLincolnmarried.She

was the first person to approach the new girl in third grade. We’ve been practically inseparable ever
since. Shoot, we even attended the same college, shared a dorm room, and eventually joined the same
sorority. There was little we hadn’t done together over the years. Acting as her maid of honor was a
naturaltransition.

“Howareyou,Grace?”Smiling,Brookestepsbacktolookmeover.“Howarethingsgearingupfor

campthissummer?”

Myownsmilefades.“Funnyyoushouldmentioncamp.”Ishakemyheadwarilythenglancearound.

“Is your future brother- in-law here yet?” I half expect him to pop out at any moment. After the letter,
nothingwouldsurpriseme.

“Um, no. He arrives tonight in time for dinner.” She looks at me carefully. No doubt she’s trying to

figureoutwhatI’dwantwithBlake.

“Ican’twait.”Irollmyeyesandwalkpasther.Withouthimaround,I’mdeterminedtosalvagethe

day.“Arewehangingoutpoolsidetoday?”

“Of course.” She leads the way out back. When we reach the patio, Brooke faces me, her brows

furrowed.“Iseverythingokay?”

I blow out a breath. Apparently if I want to get past this we need to discuss it. “Great,” I reply

sarcastically.“Ifyouconsidergettingnoticethecampclosesafterthissummer.”

“What?”Brooke’seyeswiden.“Hashelosthismind?”
“Itseemshehas.”IsighasIsetupaloungechairtolayouton.“Hesaysit’sallaboutthebottomline.

CampHopeisn’tprofitableforMorganEnterprisesandherefusestokeepsinkingmoneyintoit.”

“Oh,my.”Herhandtwiststhestrandofpearlsshe’swearing.“Thisisn’tgoodatall.”
“Noshit,”Ireply.
“Grace.”Shegiggles.

ey,I’mnotMissSocietylikeyou.Idon’thavesomeimpossibleimagetomaintain.”Iteasemydear
friend. I know she travels a different path than I do, and I have no issue with her choices, but it’s

funnyhowhardshetriestobeprimandproper.SomehowsheforgetsI’veseenherbothdrunkandather

worst.

“Seriously,Idon’tunderstandwhyhe’dclosethecamp.”Brookeplayswithherpearlsoncemore.
“Ihavenoidea.Itwashisfather’sbaby.”Ishakemyheadangrily.“You’dthinkhe’dwanttopreserve

his father’s legacy. I do. His father was a great man.” I cross my arms over my chest. “For that reason
alone,I’mgoingtogivehimhell.”

“Iwouldn’texpectanythingelse.”Shegivesmeaknowinggrin.“IalmostfeelsorryforBlake.”
“He’sabastard.Don’tfeelsorryforhim.”Iscowlather.“Feelsorryforthekidswhowon’thave

CampHopeintheirlivesifhehashisway.”

“Oh,I’mthinkingofthekids.”Shegiggles“Ofcourse,I’malsopicturingthestiffanduptightBlake

Morganbeingrippedanewonebyyou.”Shenearlydoublesoverwithlaughter.

“Right.SowhatcanyoutellmeaboutBlake?”Isitupandturntolookatherseriously.“Ineeddirtto

useagainsthimthisweek.Iplantochangehismind.”

“Grace,doyouplantochangehismindorblackmailhim?”HerhandmovestoherthroatandIcan

see the worry in her face. “Try to keep in mind, this is my groom’s brother. Please don’t ruin the
wedding.”

Ihuff.“Don’tworry.Ipromiseyou’llhaveaperfectwedding,butIalsopromisetosavethecamp.”I

shrug.“ThisiswhyI’llbeworkingontakingdowntheratbastardtoo.I’magirl.Icantotallymulti-task.”

Shefrownsandstaresatthecementpatioforamoment.Finally,Brooke’seyesmeetmine.“Isuppose

you’dliketocometodinnertonight?”

“Nah,tomorrowwillbesoonenoughformyliking.”Igrin.Thenathoughtoccurstome.“Wait.Heis

goingtobetheretomorrow,right?”IstareatherasIwaitforherresponse.

“Yes,Blakewillbeatthebrunch.”Shegrins,probablyatherreprieve.
“Perfect.”Inodhappily.
“Youmeantit,right?Aboutnotruiningthewedding?”Hereyesdroopwithworry.
“Ofcourse.Theweddingissafe.”Iholdupmypinky,justlikewedidwhenwewerekids.
She hooks hers through mine. “In that case, Brett and I can relax and enjoy the show at brunch

tomorrow.”Shewinksatme.“Thismightactuallybefun.”

“IhopeBrettdoesn’ttrytodefendhisasshatofabrother.”Ieyeherlookingforanyinsight.
“Oh,Idoubthewillbesupportiveofclosingthecamp.ChancesarehehasnoideawhatBlakehas

done.”Sheleansbackonherloungerandcloseshereyesforamoment.

Satisfied,theconversationhasended,IleanbackinmineandsmiletomyselfasIbegindaydreaming

abouthowI’mgoingtotakeoutBlakeMorgan.Figuratively,ofcourse.Orangeisn’tmycolor.“Sotherest
ofthegirlswillarrivetonightandinthemorning.AmIcorrect?”

“Uhhuh.NoteveryonehastheluxuryofahouseonHarper’sIslandlikewedo.”Sittingupabruptly,

Brookepracticallytwitchesinexcitement.“So,aboutthewedding.Iknowhoweasilyyoudistract.We’re
undersomeserioustimeconstraints.Doyouneedtheschedule?”

“Not necessary. I already programmed everything into my cell phone.” I open my calendar app and

holditupforherapproval.

“Yay!”Sheclapsherhandstogether.“Bestmaidofhonorever!”
“Well,Iwasn’tgoingtoberesponsibleforusmissingsomethingorbeinglate.I’mtakingthismaidof

honorgigseriously.”Ishowhermygameface,whichearnsmeagiggle.“NotonlydoIwantyoutohave
theperfectwedding,butIneedtogetcomfortableinthisrole.Youknow,alwaysthebridesmaid,never
thebride.”Iwink,butI’mmorethanalittleserious.

“Hey.”Brookelaysahandonmyarmtocomfortme.“Don’tworry.You’llfindsomeonewhenyou

leastexpectit.That’showitwasforme.”Sheshrugs.

“Really?WillI?”Ihopemygrinhidesmysorrow.“Let’sfaceit.Myjobdoesn’texactlyaffordmethe

opportunitytominglewitheligiblebachelors.”Ilaugh,butitsoundsholloweventomyears.“Thisismy

thirdweddingthisyear.”Isigh.“MychanceoffindingMr.Rightisprettymuchoutofthequestionthrough
work, but especially on Harper’s Island.” I shudder as I consider the kind of guys who mixed in our
circles.“I’llbehappytofindaMr.RightNow.”Iwagglemyeyebrowsplayfully.“Inthemeantime,I’ll
focus on changing Blake’s mind so we can enjoy the rest of wedding week.” No matter how relaxed I
triedtoseem,onethoughtisintheforefrontofmymind:Ican’tloseCampHope.

Aroundoneintheafternoon,Brooke’smaidbringsuslunchtotheumbrellacoveredtable.Weeata

GreekChickensaladanddrinkgobletsofsweettea,thenenjoyfruitfordessert.Afterall,webothhave
gownstofitin.It’sadelightfulmeal.Weenjoyourtimetogethersomuch;Istayandhangoutwithher
untilBrettarrives.

“Ladies.”HegreetsuswhilegivingBrookealingeringkissonthelipsthatmakesmesmileformy

friend.“Imissedyou,darling.”

Okay,thesetwomightmakemethrowup.Theyweregenuinelymyrelationshipgoal.Ilookawayand

pretendtobeintenselyinterestedinsomethingonthehorizon.

Brett’s phone chimes and breaks up their PDAs. He glances at it and makes an announcement. “My

brotherwillbeherewithinthehour.”

“That’smycuetoleave,”Isaysmilingwhilegatheringmystuffup.
“AmImissingsomething?”Brettquestions.Heglancesbackandforthbetweenus.
“Oh,youhavenoidea.”Brookerollshereyes.“I’llfillyouinlater.”
Imovetooffergoodbyehugstoeachofthem.“Don’tworry.”IgrinatBrooke.“IpromiseI’llbeat

theJasperInnforbrunchinthemorning.AndI’llbehave.”IraisetwofingersinmockGirlScoutpromise.
ThenIhurryhome,eagertotalktomymotheraboutCampHope.I’mpositivetogetherwecancomeup
withaplantowinoverBlakeatbrunchtomorrow.

“Mom!”IcalloutasIenterthecottage.
“She’sonthebackpatio.”Frankpopsoutfromaroundthecornerofthekitchenentry.
“Thanks,Frank.”IsmileasIrushtothepatiodoors,whichopentotheback.ThenIflingthedoors

wideopen.“Mom,Ineedyourhelp.”

Mymotherpastesasmileonherfaceandgivesmeapointedlook.“Grace,I’msohappyyou’rehere.

Wehaveaguest.”Shegesturestothewomansharingthetablewithher.Forthefirsttime,Inoticewe’re
notalone.“Icalledinbackup.Youremembermyclosepersonalfriend,ShelbyMorgan,ofcourse.”

“Ms. Morgan, it’s a pleasure.” I greet her with a smile, but my eyes nervously dart back and forth

betweenthem.

“Dear, please call me Shelby. I have a feeling we’ll be great friends by the end of this week.” She

winkedatme.

I watch as they share conspiratorial glances. “So.” I blow out a breath as I pull out a chair and sit

down.“What’sgoingon?Igetthefeelingyoutwoareuptosomething.”

“Well, I called my dear friend after reading through this packet of nonsense.” Mom tosses the

envelopeonthetable.“Shelbyhasalsoreadthiswasteofperfectlygoodtrees.”

Shelby leans back and crosses her legs. “Yes, and my son won’t be closing Camp Hope...no matter

whathethinks.”Sheraisesherbrow.

“Umokay…”IwanttobelievetheyhavesomeAceuptheirsleeve.IwanttoexhalebecauseI’ve

essentiallybeenholdingmybreatheversinceIreadthelettermyself.

“What’syourplan?”Shelby’sbrowarchesasshewaitsformyresponse.
“Well, that’s why I was looking for mom.” I sigh and slouch in my chair. “We have the brunch

tomorrow. I figured I’d talk to him then. I’d have the crowd on my side so he won’t make a scene.” I
shrug.“NowIjustneedtofigureoutwhattosay.”

“Oh,that’sperfect.”Momnodsinagreement.
“Let’sgetbusy.”Shelbyleansagainstthetable.

Over the next few hours we plot and plan my discussion with Blake. By the time we finish, I’m no

morecomfortableorconfidentthanIwasbefore.Isitinmyseat,wringingmyhands,wishingtheamber
coloredliquidinmyglasswasliquorinsteadofsweettea.

Finally,Shelbysmiles.“Relax,Grace!Yourmaintalkingpointsareflawless.Thekeyhereistosell

Blakeontheideaandmakehimthinkit’shis.”Sheslowlystandsandwalksovertome.“Mysonisabit
morestubbornthanhisfather,buthetakesafterhimallthesame.Thismeans...hecanbereasonedwith.
He’sagoodman.”

heJasperInnhasbeenamainstayonHarper’sIslandforagoodnumberofyears.Iremembermymom

goingtosomeladies’luncheonheldattheInnatleastonceaweek.Eleganceseepsfromeverybrickin
thebuilding.Steppinginsideislikewalkingontoamovieset.Becauseofthis,Ialwayshatedtheplace
whenIwasyounger.Theglasseverywherescaredme.Asanadult,I’monlyslightlymorecomfortable.

“CanIhelpyou?”Ayoungmanstaresdownatmefromthepodium.
I’d grown accustomed to the attitude of Harper’s Island, even from the help. “I’m here for the

Morgan/Montgomerybrunch.”

Hesniffsbeforemurmuring,“Followme.”
Whenheturnshisbacktome,Irollmyeyes.Asweapproachthetable,IseebothMorganbrothers

sittingatthetablewithBrooke.Everyoneissmilingandtalkingexcitedly.

“Grace!” Brooke stands to hug me as do both Morgan brothers, who had clearly been raised to

practicethefinerpointsofchivalry.“Finally,thefuncanreallybegin.”

“Hush,Brooke.”IhissasItakemyseat.Blakeimmediatelytakesholdofthechairandholdsitfor

me.“Thankyou.”

“Imustadmit,Ms.Simmons,Iwasrathersurprisedtohearyouwerethemaidofhonor.”Blakegreets

meformally.

“Oh,whyisthat?”MybrowfurrowsasIawaithisexplanation.
“Truthfully,Ihadnoideawetraveledthesamesocialcircle.”Hestaresatmeevenly.
“Blake.”Brett’seyeswideninsurprise.
Decidingtoshakeoffhisintentionaljab,Ilaugh.“It’sfine.”Iwaveahandintheair.“Iadmit,I’ve

had few encounters with your brother through the years. No wonder he has no idea to whom I’m
connected.”

“Yes,itseemsIhaveunderestimatedyou.”Heeyesmethoughtfully.
“Whyareyoulookingatmethatway?”Iquestionhim.
Blake leans forward as he prepares to speak. “Well, my mother kept questioning me about you last

night,wantingtoknowhowIenjoyedworkingwithyouonCampHope.”

“Ohwell,isthatall?”Idismisshim.
“It’sraresomeonegetsanadvantageonme.”Hetugshischinthoughtfully.
Ifrown.“HowdoIhaveanadvantageoveryou,Mr.Morgan?”
“Please.CallmeBlake,MissSimmons.”Heleansonthearmofhischair.
Ipushbackastrandofhair.“Please,callmeGrace.Afterall,we’llbefastfriendsbytheendofthis

week.”

“Ilookforwardtoit.”Hisboredtonesuggestsotherwise.“Especiallysinceyou’vealreadygoneto

mymother.”Hisdisdainisevident.

“Ididnosuchthing.”Ihuff.
“Oh then, my young Grace, why was my mother questioning me about Camp Hope this morning at

breakfast?”Hisbrowsraise.

Ifighttohidethelaughbubblingupinmythroat.He’spoutinglikeaspoiledchildwhoisn’tgetting

hisway.“Well,it’snosecretourmothersarefriendsandonseveralcommitteestogether.WhenIreturned
frommyafternoonwithBrookeyesterday,theywerehavingdrinksonourpatio.”

“Howconvenient.”Hismoodfurthersours.
“Thisisexciting.”Brookeannouncesloudlywhileshewatchesuslikeatennismatch.Brettreaches

out,grabsherhandandliftsittohislips.

“Why did our parents have to wait so long to have you?” Blake shakes his head. “It leaves me

toleratingthecompanyofyoungbimbos.”

“Bimbo?” Heat rises in my cheeks. My body begins to tingle with the barely tempered anger

simmering.

Brooke gasps and covers her mouth with her hand. Then she looks to her future husband, probably

hopinghe’llintervene.

Brettshiftsinhisseatandglaresathisbrother.“Blake,apologize.First,nooneisfartherfrombimbo

statusthanGrace.”Helooksatmesadly.“Second,ifyou’resomature,startactinglikeit.”

“Areyouserious?”Blakescowlsatme.“You’residingwithher?Thelittletartconspiredwithour

mother.”

“NowI’matart?”Inarrowmyeyesathim.
“Apologize.” Brett leans toward his brother, a note of warning in his voice. “You’re wrong about

Grace.”

“Ohreally?Areyousureaboutthat?WhyelsewouldMomsuddenlystartgoingonandonaboutthat

stupidcamp?”Blakecrosseshisarmsoverhischestconfidently.

“Stupidcamp?”Igaspandtossmynapkinonthetablereadytoleave.“I’llhaveyouknowthatstupid

camphelpsfivehundredormorekidseachsummer.”

“Frankly,Idon’tcareaboutthekids.”Heshrugs.“I’mabusinessman.Forme,it’sallaboutthebottom

line.”

Ishakemyheadindisappointment.“Yourdadlovedthatcamp.Itwashisbaby.”
“Don’tIknowit.Myfatherspentmoretimewiththosekidsthanhedidhisown.”Blaketakesadrink

ofhismimosa.“Thatdoesn’tmakethemanasaint.”

I’m speechless. It’s like he doesn’t know his father at all. Ben Morgan loved his children and was

alwaysdisappointedinBlake’slackofinterestinCampHope.“Ihavenowords…youareperhapsthe
mostinfuriatingbastardIhaveeverencountered.”

Aloudgaspfromanearbytablehasmeturninginthatdirection.“Sorry,Ms.Dean.Iapologizeformy

unladylikespeech,butthismanisn’tworthyofalady.”Istandupwhiletryingtocontrolmyfury.

“Don’tworry,Grace.Blakehasthiseffectonalotofwomen.”Ms.Deansmiles.“Dotellyourmother

‘hello’forme.”

“Iwill.”Feelingsomewhatbetter,Inodandturnmyattentiontothebride-to-be.“Brooke,Iloveyou,

butIpromisednottoruinthewedding.Ineedsomeair.IfIstayheremuchlonger,I’mafraidthepromise
willbebroken.”

AsImovepastthetableMs.Deanshareswiththreeotherladies,Ioverhearoneofthemask,“Isthat

Dr.Hightower’sdaughter?”Foramoment,Ifreeze,thinkingI’vebroughtshameonmyfamily.

“Itis,”Ms.Deanmurmurswhileavoidingmyeyes.
“SeemstherearesomesparksbetweenherandyoungBlake.Shouldmakeforanexcitingweek.”The

womansnickers.Therestofthetablelaughs.

Shaking my head, I walk toward the back patio while thinking hell would freeze over before I let

Blakenearmeromantically.I’mstillstrugglingtoprocesswhathesaidabouthisfather.Itdoesn’tmesh
withanyversionofhisdadIknew.It’stimetoregroup.Yesterday,Ithoughtremindinghimofhisfather’s
devotiontothecampmightsoftenhisstanceonclosingit.Instead,I’mbeginningtothinkthecampclosure
ismorepersonalthanheletson.

Onceoutside,Istridedownthepathtothegarden.Naturehasalwayshadasoothingeffectonme.I

takeafewdeepbreathstryingtoregroup.Glancingatmycalendarapp,IrealizeIhavetogobackinside
and do my wedding duty. Brooke would never forgive me if I was late. I take a few laps around the
fountain before I walk back inside and join everyone at the table. They tension seems to have lessened
and I hope my presence doesn’t create more. Brett and Blake stand up as I take my seat. “Again, I’m
sorry.”Ibegintosaymore,butBrookeinterrupts.

“Noneedtoapologize.Youweresimplydefendingyourself.”Shegrins.“Blakeisn’tusedtoanyone

standinguptohim.Heneedsthatonceinawhile.”

BlakeshootsheralookandstartstoopenhismouthwhenIseeBrookeshift.Hewincesandgrabsat

hisshin.“Yes.Ido.”Thenhenarrowshiseyesathisfuturesister-in-law,whoeyeshiminnocently.

uringtherestofbrunch,IignoreBlakeasmuchaspossible.Infact,Isaynothingtohimatallunless

hespeakstomedirectly.Mymindisracing.Ihavenoideawhattodo.Myoriginalplanwasblownin
seconds. There was no way he was saving the camp in memory of a father he seems to hold a lot of
resentmenttowards.

“Grace…”Brett’svoicebringsmebacktothepresent.“Howmanycampersaretherethisyear?”
“We’vemaxedoutagain.Afullcampoffivehundredkids!”Isaywithagenuinesmile.Talkingabout

thecampandthekidsmakesmehappy.

“That’sfantastic.”Henods.
“It is. I hate turning anyone away, so the wait list is almost never used.” I shrug and can feel my

cheekscoloringasIimagineBlakesilentlyjudgingme.

“Soundslikethecampneedstobeexpandedorasecondcampneedstobecreatedinanotherarea.”

Brettstaresatmeacrossthetablewhilehetakesanotherbiteofhisomelet.

Inresponse,IgiveBrettasharplook.He’sobviouslyuptosomething.IchanceaglanceatBlake,and

heeyeshisbrothercoolly.

“Thecampisclosing.”Hehuffs.
“SuchaScrooge!”Brettseemstoenjoygivinghisbrotherahardtime.
BrookeandIwatchthebrothers,withnoattempttohideouramusement.I’mnotevensurehowlong

wewatchedthebanterbeforeapresencesilencesourtable.

“Ijustwantedtowishthehappycoupleblessingsthisweekastheypreparefortheirwedding.”Ms.

Deanstandsoverus.“AndMissSimmons,Iwouldlovetohaveyouoversometimethisweek.Perhaps
tomorrowforlunch.Wouldyoubefree?”

Without hesitation, I open my calendar. Somehow, Brooke has failed to schedule anything around

lunchtimetomorrow.Therewouldbenoavoidingthis.“Ummyes,ofcourse,Ms.Deanwhattimewould
youlikemethere?”

“Noonsharp.”Shetapsherlittlecaneonthefloor.“Don’tbelate.”
“Yes,ma’am.”Shehastheabilitytomakemefeellikeachildagain.Ifoldmyhandsdemurelyinmy

lap.

Whenshewalksaway,Brookeleanstowardmeandmurmurs,“Oh,you’reintrouble.Waituntilyour

mom finds out you’ve been summoned by the Queen of Harper’s Island.” Her eyes sparkle with
enjoyment.

“Pfft. That old woman doesn't scare me…much.” I laugh. “Actually, we sat together at a private

fundraisingluncheonafewyearsago.Ireallylikeher.”

“Youwould.Thatoldbatiscrazy.”Blakeglowersatme.

“Really?I’llbesuretotellheryousaidsotomorrow.”Igivehimasaucygrin.
“Thehellyouwill,girl!Thatwouldbebusinesssuicide.”Thehorrifiedlookonhisfaceisenoughto

makemehappy.

“NowIcan’twaitforlunch.”IbeamatBrooke.
“Youaresobad.”AndyetIcatchalookofadmirationonherface.
“ApparentlyeveryoneisafraidofMildredDean.“IsaysmartlyasmyeyeslockonBlake.“Eventhe

greatBlakeMorgan.”

“TheonlypersonIfearismymotherandshe’dprobablykillmeifIoffendedtheQueen.”Hebows

hisheadindeference.

Ienjoythebanterbetweenus,actinglikeaceasefireaswebondovertheQueenofHarper’sIsland.

ThisisthewomaneverypersonontheIslandsucksupto.Shesetseverytrendandfadamongthewealthy.

“Well,IthinkMs.Deanhasspunk.”Icrossmyarmsovermychest.
“Spunk?”Blakecringes.“Shelordsovereveryone.”
“Don’tbesomean.”Iglareathim.
“Don’tbesuchachild.”Herollshiseyes.
“Whydoyoukeepreferringtousaschildren?”Iaskhimcuriously.
“You’reyoungerthanmebywhat--tenyears,correct?”
“Idon’tknow.Howoldareyou?”Isigh.
Hesetshisforkdownontheedgeofhisplate.“I’mthirty-four.”
“Okay. I’m twenty-four. I have a bachelor’s degree in counseling and I’m working on a master’s in

socialwork.Thisismorethanacamp.It’smycareer.”Ican’tseemtohidethehurtinmyvoice.

“Sofindanewcamp.”Heshrugs.
“Seriously? This is your solution?” I wad up my linen napkin and toss it on the table with great

fanfare. “You are closing a legacy over some misplaced anger. Maybe I should use my counseling
backgroundonyou.”Mybrowraisesinchallenge.

Hisfacecloudswithanger.“MissSimmons,IthinkyoumightwanttorememberI’myourboss.”
“Blake.”Brettinterrupts.
“Stayoutofthis,brother.”Hestaresatmeseriously.“Makenomistakeaboutit,Iwillfireyouifyou

talktomethatwayagain.”

I stand, causing the chair to scrape the floor loudly, and a few nearby patrons stare at us. “Blake

Morgan,bossornot,youcankissmyass!I’mnotafraidofyou.”Ichuckleandleancloser.“Ofcourse,if
youfireme,bepreparedtodealwithyourmotherbecauseminewillcertainlyletherknowwhatyou’ve
done.”Igathermypursefromthebackofmychair.“Brooke,I’llcallyoulater,butImustexcusemyself.”

NootherwordsarespokenasImakemyexit.I’mfuming.AsIstrideoutofthediningroommoments

later,Ihearsomeonecallingmyname.

“MissSimmons?”
Ilookaroundandseeaveryhandsomemaninasuitmovingtowardsme.I’destimatehimtobeinhis

mid-thirties.Helooksvaguelyfamiliartome,butIcan’tplacehim.“Yes?”Ianswerhesitantly.

“CouldIhaveamomentofyourtime?Perhapsaglassofwineinthegarden.”Hegesturestowardthe

doorstothepatio.

“What'sthisabout?”Ieyehimwarily.
“Excuseme,Iapologize.MynameisTrentSmith.”Hestudiesmeforareaction.
Instantly,I’mabletoplacehisname.“You’retheyoungmanBenusedtotalkabout.”
Helaughsandsmiles.“Iusedtobe,butI’mthirty-fiveyearsoldnow.”
Igiggle.“Yes,Iguessyou'renolongeraboy.”
“Shallwe?”Again,hegesturestowardtheFrenchdoorsonthebackofthebuilding.
Inod.“Ofcourse.”

Aswewalktowardthemtogether,Ican'thelpbutgiveaCheshirecatgrinasmyeyesmeetBrooke’s

andshesmileswidely.ThenIseeBlake’sfrownandfurrowedbrow.Hisreactionmademesogiddy,I
almostwanttokissTrent.

“Come, they’ll bring us some wine in the garden.” His hand lands on the small of my back as he

directsmethroughthedoors.“Ican’thelpbutnoticeyourbossdoesn’tlookthrilledtoseeme.”

“He’snotahugefanofme,either,atthemoment.”Ilaughquietly.
“Well,I’llclearupwhyI’mhereandthendealwithBlake,”hemurmursinmyear.
Ifindmyselfquitecuriousabouttheanimositybetweenthem.Hopefully,I’llunderstandsoon.
Wefindabenchunderashadetreeandtakeaseat.IgiveTrentasmile.Tomeetsomeonewhoonce

meanttheworldtoBenMorganfeelsalmostsurreal.

Leaningforward,Trent’selbowsrestonhisthighsashepreparestospeak.“I’veheardBlakewants

tocloseCampHope.”

MyheadtiltstothesideandIfindmyselfchoosingmynextwordscarefully.“Fromwhom?”
“Ihavesources,Grace.”Hesitsupsuddenlyandfixeshisgazeonme.
Ihidemyuneasewithalaugh.“I’msureyoudo.So,whataboutit?”
“Iwanttopurchasetheplace,butIknowhe’llneverselltome.”Herunsahandunderhischin.“I’m

afraidBlakeandIdidn’tgetalongasboys.Benmeantwellwhenhekeptpairingustogether,hopingwe’d
befastfriends,buthehadnocluehowcruellyBlaketreatedmeallthosesummersago.”Hestaresoffinto
thedistanceandfrowns.

Ishiftuncomfortably.“Well,IplantotalkhimoutofsellingthecampifIcan.Iwon’trolloverandlet

himtossBen’sdreamaway.Luckily,Shelbyisonmyside.”

“Iwishyouluck.Nowifyoucouldentertainmyproposalforamoment.”Hegrins.“I’dliketodonate

onemilliondollarstotheCampHopeCharity.ItwillreducetheexpensetoMorganEnterprises.Weall
knowthiscampisn’taboutmakingmoney.”

Blowingoutabreath,Inod.Thisisalotofmoney,enoughforBlaketoreconsiderifit’sreallyabout

thefinancialloss.“Trent,Ilikethewayyouthink.Wouldyouliketocomebymycottagefordinnerwith
myselfandmymothertonight?She’sactingchairoftheCampHopeFoundationandreallytheoneyou’d
needtospeaktoaboutthedonation.”

“That’sperfect.WhattimeshouldIcomeby?”Heclapshishandstogether.
I give Trent the address and wish him goodbye until this evening. Then I hurry home to prepare my

motherforthisturnofevents.

nhourbeforedinneristobeserved,I’msittingwithmymotherintheparlor.Ithasbeenanenjoyable

afternoon.ThepossibilityofsavingCampHopeimprovedmymoodgreatly,andafterspeakingwithTrent
tonight,I’llbeabletopresentadetailedproposalatthenextboardmeeting.

“MissGrace?”Frankpopsintotheroom.“Mr.BlakeMorganisheretoseeyou.”
Immediately,mymoodsours.“Whatthehelldoeshewantnow?”Iscowl.
“Grace!”Mymotherfrownsatme.
“Mother,Ihatetheman.Ifyou’dheardthewayhespoketomeatlunch,youwouldn’tbedefending

him.”Isighheavily.“SendhiminFrank.”

Frankdisappearsbrieflyandthenreturnswithmynemesis.
“Forgivetheintrusion,butIneedtospeakwithyou.”Hiswordsaredirectedatmeandseemsincere,

butmydoubtsaren’tunfoundedgivenourrecenthistory.

“Whatdoyouneed,Blake?”Idecidetocuttothechase,sincewehavecompanycoming.
“Iowe you anapology. This afternoonI was rude anddisrespectful.” He crosseshis arms over his

chestashewaitsformyresponse.

“Why this sudden change?” My brow furrows and then a thought occurs to me. “Does this have

anythingtodowithTrent?”

“No.”Hisfacescrewsupatmentionofthename.“IwasdulychastisedbyMotheraftermybrother

filledherinonbrunch.”

“So,thisapologyisbecauseyourmomscoldedyou?”Hisearsturnpinkandheavoidsmeetingmy

eyes.“Seriously?Blake,takeyourcoercedapologyandshoveitwherethesundoesn'tshine.”

Gigglesescapemymother,whohasbeenwatchingourconversation.“Careful,Grace.”Thensheturns

herattentiontoBlake.“Mr.Morgan,youseemtobediggingyourselfabiggerholewithmydaughter.”

“Yes,ma’am.Soitseems.”Hesighsandrubsthebackofhisneckwhilemymotherscrutinizeshim.I

almostfeelsorryforhim.I’vebeeninthesameuncomfortablepositiononmorethanoneoccasion.

“Why do you two insist on butting heads when you should be working together?” She glances back

andforthbetweenus.

“I’mnotworkingwithhim.He’stryingtodestroytheplaceIlove.”Myeyesnarrow.
He stuffs his hands in his pockets and glares at me. “Yes, well, we might get along better if you

weren’tsodeterminedtosaveaplaceIhate.”

Myeyessuddenlywideninsurprise.HowcouldanyonehateCampHope?BeforeIcouldaddressthe

unspokenquestion,FrankenteredtheroomwithTrentintow.

“What’shedoinghere?”Blaketurnstome.
“Iinvitedhimfordinner.”Ishrug.“Likeme,TrentlovesCampHope.”Fromthecornerofmyeye,

Trent’schestpuffsoutslightly.“Noteveryoneisheartlesslikeyou,Blake.”Ican’tresistthelittledig.

“Well,IguessIshouldgo.”Hesighssadly.
“Nonsense,Blake.Stayandeat.There’salwaysplenty.”MothersmileswarmlyandIrecognizeher

effortstodiffusethetensions.“Frank,canyoumakesureanotherplaceissetatthetableplease?”Then
shestandsanddisappearsfromtheroomtotendtothedetailsofthemealleavingthethreeofusalonein
anuncomfortablesilence.

Still, I start giggling as soon as Blake’s shoulders sag and he realizes he’s stuck eating dinner with

Trenttonight.Thisshouldbeentertaining,andI’mgoingtomakethemostofit.

“You’resuchachild.”Hescowlsatme.
“Says the man who’s pouting!” I snicker. Then I smile at our newest guest. “Good evening Trent. I

trustyouhadnotroublefindingus?”

“No,theGPSgavemenoproblems.”Hegrins.“Iwasthinkingonthewayoverhere.Itoccurstome,

IbelieveIonceservedonsomeboardwithyourstepfather.”

“Oh,Ihopehereturnsintimeforyoutoseehimthen.”Iclaspmyhandsinfrontofmychest.“He’s

wonderful.Ilovehim.”Igushsincerely.

Blake looks slightly uncomfortable, and my background in psychology has me picking apart his

behaviors.Ofcourse,I’dneedmorebeforeIcouldaccuratelyassesswhatwasgoingonwithhim.Iwatch
asTrent’sattentionnowturnstothemanhe’dclaimedhadbeencrueltohim.

“Blake,ithasbeenalongtime.”Trentoffershishand.Blakelooksatitbrieflybeforetakingitina

veryfirmhandshake.

“Yes,itseemstheyearshavebeengoodtoyou.”HestaresatTrentblandly.
“They have. I took everything your father taught me and turned it into a multi-billion-dollar

corporation.”Heshrugs,butcan’thideasmugsmile.

“I’maware.”Blakeisspeakingalmostmonotone.
“That’s fantastic. I took everything Ben taught me and use it to run Camp Hope.” I glance at Blake,

who’s giving me the evil eye. Instead of being put off by his reaction, I’m actually bolstered. Then my
motherappears.

“Dinnerisready,”sheannouncesbeforesheturnstoleadtheway.
“Come along gentlemen.” I stand and the men do the same. Trent steps up beside me and offers his

arm.Igrinandloopminethroughhis.Together,weenterthediningroomwithBlakewalkingbehindus
dejectedly.

“Everyone please take your seats.” My mother leaves the seat at the head of the table open for my

stepfather.Instead,shetakesherusualseattohisrightandseatsmeinmyseatacrossfromher.ThenI
realize,forsomereason,shehasTrentseatedtoherrightandBlaketomyleft.

Everthegentleman,Blakehelpsmewithmychair.Igiveheradirtylookashedrapesmylinennapkin

acrossmylap.ShebetternotbeplottingwhatIthinkshe’splotting.Therewillbenomatchmaking.Blake
and I can’t get along for more than a few minutes at a time. Marriage between us would be a dreadful
idea.

“Mrs.Hightower,mycomplimentstothechef.”Trentnodsatmymother.
“Iagree.Themealwasexcellent.”Blakeplaceshisnapkinbesidehisplate.
Ieyebothmenquietly.Iamstudyingthem.Ican’thelpmyself.It’swhoIam.
“Shallweadjourntotheparlor?”Mymothermovestostand.“Wecanhavedrinksanddessertthere.”
Oh,goody.Thetorturecontinues. There’s rustling as all of us push our chairs back and stand. My

motherlatchesanarmthroughTrent’sandtheywanderofftowardtheparlor.IshakemyheadasIwatch
herstarttalkinghisearoffabouttheCampHopeFoundationandthecomingfundraisers.

“Shallwe?”Blakeoffersmehisarm.Ihesitateamomentbeforelinkingarmswithhim.Heplaceshis

handonmine.“Doyouthinkit’spossibleforustobeciviltherestofthenight?”

“I’m not sure.” I tilt my head as I stare up at him. A smile plays on my lips. “I rather enjoy getting

underyourskin.”

“Lovely.”Herollshiseyesatme,butthereisaslighttwitchlettingmeknowheisamusedbymeat

themoment.

“Listen, just because we ate a meal together without drawing blood, it doesn’t mean anything has

changed.I’mstillnotgoingtoletyouclosedownCampHopewithoutafight.”Isetmychindefiantly.

“I expected as much.” He sighs. “I’m actually looking forward to the fight.” He seems a bit

embarrassedsayingthis.

“Issomethingwrong?”Ifrown.
“Notexactly.Ithasbeenalongtimesinceanyonehasgonetoe-to-toewithmeinbusiness.”Hebites

hischeek.“I’mnotsurewhyithadtobeyou,though.”

“Ishouldprobablytakeoffenseatthat,butIdon’tfeellikeit.”Ishrug.“Enjoyyourmoment.”Ilaugh

asweenterthroughtheparlor.HeleadsmetothechairIhadoccupiedearlierandholdsmyhandasIsit.

“CanIbringyouadrink,mylady?”Blakebowsandwinksplayfully.
“Ashotoftequila.”Hiseyesgrowlarge.Ilaugh.“Relax,Dad!I’mjustjoking.”Irollmyeyes.“ButI

reallywilltakesomeofwhateverismixedinthatpitcher.”Iwavemyhandinthedirectionofthebar.

My mom stares at me from her spot on the couch. When I finally meet her gaze, she gives me a

knowinggrin.Irollmyeyesandmakeaface.Sheshakesherheadatme,whichcausesTrenttoturnmy
direction.I’mhopinghedidn’tcatchme.

“Hereyougo.”Blakehandsmeatumbler.
“Thankyou.”IsmileandtakeahealthysipofwhatturnsouttobeaHurricane.
Hesitsinanearbychairandtakesadrinkfromhisownglass.“Nice.”Henods.
Foldingherhandsinherlap,mymotherclearsherthroatandgarner’severyone’sattention.“So,let’s

getdowntobusiness.Grace,justrememberthisismybusiness,notyours.”

“Yes,Mom.Iknowwhorunsthecharitablefoundation.”Isigh.
Trentreachesintohisjacketpocket.“Sincewe’retalkingaboutthefoundation,I’dliketodonateone

milliondollars.”Hepassesmymotheracheck.

Foramoment,shestaresatit.“Thisisincrediblygenerous,Trent.”
“Well,Iwanttogivebackandpayitforwardallatthesametime.”HelooksatBlakepointedly.“Ben

Morganwasagreatman.ThisisthewayIplantohonorhim.”

A knot forms in my throat at Trent’s words. It’s amazing this man hasn’t forgotten where he started

eventhoughheverywellcouldhave.IpeekatBlake.He’sstudyingTrentcarefully.

“Ithinkthat’sagreatthingyou’redoing.”
“What?”IblurtasIwhiparound,soIcompletelyfaceBlake.
“Itis.”Heshrugs.
“ThenwhythehellareyouclosingCampHope?”MybrowfurrowsandIfeellikeI’mabouttojump

outofmyskin.

“Idon’thaveanydesiretopissawaymoneyonabunchofkidswhomeannothingtome.”Heshrugs.
Mymouthdropsopen.HowisthismanbeforemethesonofBenMorgan?

wodayspassandIdon’tencounterTrentagain.Blakeisadifferentstory.I’veseenhimmorethanI

wanttorightnow.Sometimesit’sfungivinghimahardtimebutothertimesIfightthesuddenurgetokill.
Brooke,thethreeotherbridesmaidsandIareatsomeluncheonwiththewomeninthegroom’sfamily.I’m
notevensurewhatthepointofthisoneis.

“Justkeepsmiling.”Brookewhispersinmyear.
“Iam.I’msmilingsohardmyfacehurts.”ThenIcringeasMs.Deanapproachesus.
Brooke eyes me funny before her mouth forms a perfect ‘O.’ “Did you forget to tell me something

aboutyourlunchwiththequeen?”

“I’mprettysureIforgottotellyoueverythingaboutmylunch.Andforgoodreason.”Isighandlook

away.

“Andthatreasonwouldbe?”Brookesitsontheedgeofherseat,herhandgrippingthetableclothas

shewaitsformetorevealall.

I lick my lips. “Miss Milly has decided there should be a merger of the Hightower and Morgan

families.”IwatchasBrookeslamsbackintoherseatasshestrugglestodigestmywords.

Shepursesherlipsandblowsoutabreath.“AreyousayingshewantsyoutomarryBlake?”Hereyes

widen.

“Ohyes.”Inodfeverishly.“Andattheriskofsoundinglikeaninfomercial...butwait!There’smore!”
Brookegrins.“Soinformme,already.I’mnotknownformypatience.”Sheglancesatherglass.“For

example,whyismyglasshalfemptyandwhereisourmaincourse.I’vebeendonewiththissaladforat
leastthreeminutes.”Shesighsandthenlaughs.

I roll my eyes. “Yes. So anyway, and I’m glad you’re sitting.” I lean in conspiratorially. “I’m

supposed to be the next queen.” To my satisfaction, she looks appropriately shocked. I shrug as I lean
back.“That’severything.”

“Wow.Idon’tevenknowwhattosay.”Brookestudiesme.“Don’ttakethiswrong,Grace.YouknowI

loveyou,butyou’renotexactlyqueenmaterial.”ShebiteshercheekandIcantellshefearsshehashurt
myfeelings.

Instead,Ilaugh.“Iknow,right?That’swhatItoldher.”Ishakemyhead.“I’mjustasimplegirl,living

in a rich world, who prefers to stay in a cabin in the woods.” I take a sip of my sweet tea. “Hell, I’m
practicallyHenryDavidThoreau.”

Brookenodsasshetriestoflagdownaserver.“Agreed.AslongasThoreaulivedwithfivehundred

kids.”

“Notallatonce.”Ilaugh.“So,apparently,mygroominghasbegun.”
“There’sgrooming?”Brookegiggles.

“Yes.Andyouknowme.I’llprobablyrequirelotsofgrooming.Thisisn’tme.”Iblowatthewispsof

hairflutteringinmyface.

“Then…whydoit?”Herfacehadturnedserious.
Iswallowhard.“Ms.MillysaysifIdothis,Icansavethecamp.Noonewoulddarecloseitonme

andeveryonewilltripoverthemselvestosupportitfinancially.”Inodsadly.“ThethingsIdoforthese
kids.”

Foramoment,we’requiet,thenBrookelaysherhandonmine.“Youcansaveit,butwillyoustillbe

abletorunit?”Shelooksatmesadly.

Mystomachsinks.I’dneverstoppedtoconsiderthis.WhatifIsavedthecampandIcouldn’tevenbe

aroundtodowhatIenjoyedmost:helpthekids?

“Ah,there’smyPrincess.”Ms.Deaninterruptsmythoughts.
“Ms.Dean.”Mysmilefadesasshefrownsatme.“Imean...Ms.Milly.”WeexchangeairkissesandI

soonrealizetheroomhasgonesilentaseveryonestares.

“Remember,you’remysuccessor,”Ms.Millywarns.“Besuretoactthepart.Don’tslouch,dear.”
Isitupstraighterandsmiledemurely.“Yes,Ms.Milly.”
“Muchbetter.”Shenodsherapproval.“Alwayslovelytoseeyou,Brooke.”Ms.Millyoffersherhand

andBrooketakesitbriefly.Thenthequeenwandersbacktoherseat.

“Weneedtotalk.”Brookespeaksfrombehindclenchedteeth.
Beforewecandiscussanything,mymomjoinsusatthetable.“Iwasjustinformedinfrontofacircle

ofwomenthatIwasthemotherofthenextQueenofHarper’sIsland.”

Diggingdeep,IsomehowmanagetoremainerectwhenallIwanttodoissinkinmyseat.“Surprise,”

Imumble.

“Whendidallthishappenandwhywouldn’tyoutellme?”Mymotherisbothexcitedanddistraught

bythisnews.Icantell.I’veknownhermywholelife.

“It’snobigdeal.”Ishrug.
“Please. Queen of the Island is huge. Don’t downplay this.” Mom frowns at me. “What aren’t you

tellingme?”

Brookesmirks.“Askherwhoshe’ssupposedtomarry.Goon.”Thenshecovershermouthtohideher

laughter.

“Whohassheselectedforyou?”Mymother’seyesnarrowasshewaitsformyresponse.
Brookebeginstogiggle.“I’llgiveyouahint.”Sheleansinandwhispers,“We’regoingtobesisters-

in-law.”

“Hush!”IglareatBrooke.ThenIturnmyattentiontomymother.“Don’tworry.IalreadytoldherI

wasn’tmarryingBlake.”

Mymomsmilesandshakesherheadatme.“Honey,youknowhowitisontheIsland.I’mhonoredit’s

mydaughter,butIwishI’dhavehearditfromyou.Oh,andLincolnwillbebesidehimself.”

Somehow,Ifinallyprocessedwhatwashappening.“Oh,my,she’stellingtheladies,whichmeansthe

wholeislandwillknowinamatterofhours.”Iglancearoundtheroominapanic.“Everyoneisgoingto
know.IsshetellingthemsheexpectsmetomarryBlake?OMG,pleasesaysheisn't.”

“Honey.” My mother lays a hand on my shoulder then moves it to rub my back soothingly. “Calm

down.You’regettingallupsetovernothing.”

Idon’twantBlaketothinkthiswasmyscheme.Yes,IwanttosaveCampHope,butI’mnotwillingto

marryhimforit.IhavetofindhimandtellhimIwasblindsidedbyMs.Milly.Ihadnoideashe’dspread
herplan.Healreadythoughtshewascrazy.He’llunderstand.Ihavetomakehimunderstand.Numbly,I
standandstumbletowardthefrontdoor.

“Grace,whereareyougoing?”Mymothercallsafterme.“Wehaven’tfinishedlunchyet.”
“IneedtofindBlake,”Imumble.

Shesighs.“Wait.Let’sdolunchandthenyoucangofindloverboy.”
Brookegigglesatmymom’swords.Iturnandgiveheranevilglance.Shetriestostoplaughingby

coveringhermouth,butitdoesn’twork.

“Can’tstay.”Ishrug.“Sorry.”Thenwithoutlookingback,Istrideoutofthecountryclub.Icouldn’t

formulateacompletesentence.Howcouldmymotherexpectmetoeatatatimelikethis?

knowthemenhavealuncheonoftheirowndowntheroad,soItakeoffonthecobblestonepathinthe

directionofthePub.Idon’tcarewhoisaround,Ineedhimtoknow.

StumblingthroughthefrontdoorofthePub,Istoptocollectmyselfinsidetheentryway.Attheclub,

alleyeshadbeenonme.Here,itisnodifferent.Theroomisfilledwithwealthymenofallages.Iscan
thecrowdandfinallyfindBlakestandingnexttohisbrother.Ibeginmakingmywaythroughthecrowd,
elbowingmywaypastguyswhowouldn’tstopstaringatme.

MarchinguptoBlake,Istop,alittlewinded,ashelooksatme,perplexed.BrettsmilesatmeandItry

tosmileback,butitfalters,asI’mdistractedbywhatIneedtosay.

“WhenyouhearwhatMs.Deanhasdone,pleaseknowIdidn’tagreewithit.Shedecidedit,andI

toldherno, butjustnow attheluncheon, shetold everyone.” I babble. Brett is thoroughly enjoying my
discomfort. His grin is ear-to-ear. Blake looks at me like I’m crazy, but once again his lips twitch in
amusement.

“Whatexactlyhasthecrazyoldbatdonenow?”Hecrosseshisarmsoverhischestandlooksmildly

amused.

A man whispers in Brett’s ear. As he listens, he claps a hand over his mouth and shakes his head

beforespeaking.“ItseemsMs.Deanhasnamedhersuccessor.”

“AndIshouldcareaboutthiswhy?”Blakelooksbored.
At the moment, I’m staring at the floor, willing it to open up and swallow me. Unfortunately, it

doesn’t.Shoot,Idon’tthinkasingleboardsomuchascreakedtheentiretimeIwalkedacrossthelength
oftheroom.

“Well, because we’re now in the presence of royalty.” He grins. “It seems Miss Simmons is the

PrincessofHarper’sIsland.”

Icanfeelmyfacegrowinghotter.Ipressahandtomycheek.Yes.I’mofficiallyonfire.
Blakerollshiseyes.“Bullyforher.”Hebeginstoturnhisattentiontothegentlemanstandingbeside

him,butBretttapshimontheshoulder.“What?”Hesoundscompletelyexasperated.

Withoutdrawinganyattentiontomyself,Ibegintoslowlybackaway.Instantly,Blakenotices,reaches

out,andgrabsmywrist.Hisbrowsraiseamoment.

“Oh, that’s not all. It seems the queen has also decreed who Grace will marry.” Brett chuckles,

enjoyingthebuildingsuspense.

IturnbacktoBlake.Hestraightensashereadsthehorroronmyface.Hiseyesnarrowandhefrowns

atme.

“Please,tellmeshedidn’t.”Hestaresatme,butIcan’tmeethisquestioninggaze.
“Blake Morgan will be the consort.” Then he laughs, clearly enjoying Blake’s discomfort. In an

instant,IrealizethebastardhasmoreenemiesthanIexpected.

“This isn’t funny,” I tell my childhood friend. Then I quickly glance at Blake, who has yet to say

anything.Thisisbad.Ireallydon’tknowhimwellenoughtoanticipatewhathe’sreallythinking.Mybest
guesswouldhavehimsuspectingI’dhadsomethingtodowiththiscrazyplan.

“Isthiswhathadyouflusteredwhenyoucamein?”Hetugsathischinashestudiesme.
Inodmyhead,butIsaynothing.I’matalossforwordsrightnow.WherewouldIevenbegin?
“Well, I guess The Princess and I should have a chat, since I want no part of this foolishness.” He

frownsdownatme.

“We don’t have to do what she says. We can just say no. I mean...it’s the twenty-first century.

And...and...”I’mflusteredanditshowsinmydisjointedspeech.

“Oh, we won’t be doing what she says. Mark my words.” He takes me by the elbow and begins to

pushthroughthethrongofbodieswatchingus.Thenherushesmeoutthefrontentrance.

We burst through the doors into the sunshine where the afternoon southern humidity slaps me in the

face.Istarttodiginmyheels,thinkingweweregoingtotalkhere,buthecontinuestodragmeacrossthe
parkinglot.Soon,Irecognizehisintendeddestinationisthenearbypier.

As soon as we reach the water’s edge, he releases my wrist and turns to face me. “What exactly

happenedatthislunchyesterday?”

“Wait.Howdidyouknowaboutthelunch?”Ifrown.“Areyoukeepingtabsonme?”
“No.I’mwatchingoutforyou.Obviously,youneedit.Nowstopevadingthequestion.”Hescowls.

“Tellmeeverything.”

“Letmebeginbysaying,I’mconfidentweunderestimatedthatwoman.”I'mbeingabitoverdramatic,

butIcan’thelpit.“She’snotbatshitcrazy,asyou’dliketobelieve.No,she’sashrewdandcalculating
she-devil.”Itakeadeepbreathbeforecontinuing.“SheannouncedIwastobecomethePrincesseffective
immediately,andthatyouwouldbemyconsort.Oh,andyes,sheusedthatword.Consort.”Itakeanother
breathashewatchesme,unblinking.“ThenItoldherIhadnodesiretogetmarriedrightnow or to be
marriedtoyouever.”Icrossmyarmsovermychestandstartpacingbackandforth.

Hislipsaretwitchinglikehecan’tdecidewhetherornottosmile.“Soletmegetthisstraight.Ms.

Deanhasdecidedyou’retheheirtoherkingdomandI’mtobeyourPrinceCharming.Areweallcaught
upnow?”

“Likethere’sanythingcharmingaboutyou,”Imutter.
“Whatwasthat?”Hiseyessparkleashestaresdownatme.
“Nothing.Yes.We’reallcaughtup.”Istoppacinglongenoughtoscowlathim.
“Good.”Hepurseshislips.
“Ireallydon’twanttomarryyou,youknow.”Mychinjutsoutangrily.
“Thenhowdidthishappen?”Blakethrowshishandsupintheair.“Clearly,thisisallyourfault.”
Igrowlinfrustration.“Actually,it’syours.”
“How’sthatagain?”Hisbrowsraise.“I’mdyingtoknowhowyouplantopinthisonme.”
“Obviously,sheusedmyweaknessagainstme.”Isigh.
Hegrins.“I’myourweakness?”
“Fuckno,asshole.”Irollmyeyes.“Thecamp.CampHope.Theoneyouwanttoclose.”Ijabhimin

the shoulder. “If you hadn’t wanted to close the place, I wouldn’t have been primed and ready to play
Let’s Make a Deal with the devil.” I turn on him. “See? All. Your. Fault.” I poke him in the chest to
punctuateeachword.

“Sothisisallmyfault?”Hislipsaretwitchingagain,butevenmorehiseyestwinklewithamusement,

whichonlyfurtherirritatesme.

Icantellhe’steasingme.“Ifailtoseethehumorinthis.”
“That’s too bad because at the moment, I find this to be hilarious.” Blake even manages a laugh or

two.

“Well, I’m glad you find this amusing, chuckles, because if we’re not careful we’ll end up married

and I’ll be running the island.” I huff. “So, do something useful for a change. You’re the shrewd
businessman.Fuckingformulateaplanalready.”

“DoesMs.Deanknowyouswearlikeasailor?”Heoffersmeahalfsmile.
“Actually,Ilearneditfromabusdriver.”Ishrug.“Nowwhat?”
“NowwegiveMrs.Deanwhatshewants.”Blakenods.
“Lookwho’sbatshitcrazynow.”Iclosemyeyesandrubmytemples.
“Listen,there’smoretoconsiderthanyourpreciouscamp.”Hereachesoutandlayshishandsonmy

shoulders.“IhavetoconsiderMorganEnterprisestoo.Ms.Deancandamagethebusiness.Let’saccept
shehasmadeanofferwecan’trefuse.”

“Whatwasthatvoice?WasthatyourMarlonBrandovoice?”Itiltmyhead.
“Yes.Didyoulikeit?Isoundjustlikehim,right?”Hegrinsproudly.
“No.”Ishakemyhead.“Notevenalittle.”
Hisshoulderssinkslightly.“Whatdoyoumean?I’madeadringer.”
“Stick to business. Acting...not your forte.” I blow out a breath. “So how do you plan to get out of

this?”

“We’ll start dating this week. Things will progress for a while and then I can cheat on you or

something,andbedeemedunworthyofthequeen’sconsort.”Heleansbackagainsttherailingconfidently.

“Andwon’tthiscauseproblemsforMorganEnterprises,smartypants?”Ifrown.
Blaketugsathischin.“Huh.So,whatdoesthatleave?”
“Howdoyoufeelaboutfallweddings?”Ishrug.

ith no solution in sight, we decide to play along with Ms. Milly and hope for the best. Thus, we

beginourlittlecharadeimmediately.Wemeanderbacktothepubfromthepierholdinghands.Iexpectto
leavehimthere,butinstead,BlakewalksmetohisBMWRoadsterconvertible.

“Hop in, Princess.” He opens the door for me and I hesitate for the briefest of seconds before

climbingin.

Istareathimasheclimbsinbehindthesteeringwheel.“Nowwhat?”MyheartracesandIhopeit’s

outoffearbecauseifBlakeismakingmyheartpoundlikethis,I’mscrewed.

“Now,Idriveyoubacktotheclub.That’swhereyouleftyourvehicle,right?”Hegentlybrushesa

fewstrayhairsawayfrommyface.

Mystomachflutters.Fuckityfuckfuckfuck.Slowly,Ilickmylipsbeforeanswering,aploytogive

mesecondtocalmdown.“Yes,”Imurmur.

“Okay.Thenlet’sgo.”Blakegrinsandforamoment,Igetasensehecouldactuallybequitecharming

whenhewantedtobe.

Iclickmyseatbeltsecondsbeforeweraceoutoftheparkinglot.Withbrowsarched,Iglanceathim

andshakemyhead.

“What?”Hetriestoactinnocent,butIseethroughhim.
“Youknowwhat.”Isigh.“Easy,killer.I’mtooyoungandprettytodie.”
Blakepeeksatme.“Pretty?”
I sink slightly in my seat. Obviously, I’m not his type. Naturally, he wouldn’t find me attractive. I

respondwithashrugandavertmyeyes.

“Grace.”WhenIrefusetolookhisway,hereachesoverandtugsmyhairtogetmyattention.
“Hm?”Istareathimwideeyed.
Heshakeshishead.“Makenomistakeaboutit.You...arebeautiful,GraceSimmons.”ThenBlakeruns

hishandovermyheaduntilheholdsthebackofmyneckandrubsacircleovermyvertebraewithhis
thumb.

Foramoment,Iforgetwe’repretending.Forasplitsecond,Iletmyselfsuccumbtothefeelings.At

leastthreeyearshavepassedsinceI’vehadaboyfriend.OvertwoyearshavepassedsinceI’vehadsex.
Mybodycraveshisattention.I’mdoomed.

We pull up in front of the club. A group of ladies from the luncheon is gathered under the portico

waitingforthevalettoappearwiththeirvehicles.Assoonastheyseeus,jawsdropandheadsturn.Ican
feeltheheatinmyface.

“Holdittogether,Princess,”Blakemurmursasheleansoverandplantsagentlekissonmytemple.
Inhalingdeeply,InodeversoslightlyasIstarttoreachformydoor.Hishandshootsoutandstops

me.Iglanceathimquestioningly.

“I’m not sure what kind of heathen you’re accustomed to dating, but I’ll be opening all your doors.

JustoneofthemanyservicesIprovideasyourconsort.”Hewinksatmeandbringsasmiletomylips.

“My,haven’tyoutransitionedsmoothlyintoyournewrole.”Ishakemyheadinwonder.
“SweetGrace,”hemurmursashegrazesmyknuckleswithhislips.“Youdon’tgetityet,doyou?”

BlakecaressesmyhandandIalmostcan’tthink.

Ishakemyheadtoclearmythoughts.“Whatdon’tIget?”Ifrownandhopehecanmakesenseofthis

forme.

“Every bit of this life is about surviving behind a facade. I’m a savvy businessman. I’ve been the

consummatebachelor.Beforethat,Iwasthebillionaireplayboy.”Heshrugs.“NowIplayatconsort.No
bigdeal.”

Iblowoutabreath.Maybethisismyproblem.MaybeIneverfeltlikeItrulyfitinonHarper’sIsland

becauseIdidn’tpretendtobesomethingIwasn’t.“So,howdoIgettoknowtherealyou?”

BlakethrowshisheadbackandlaughslikeI’mhilarious.ItiltmyheadasIawaithisresponse.He

shakeshisheadandstaresatmeseriously.“Goodluck,Grace.Idon’tevenknowme.”

My mouth gapes open slightly as I consider what he said. For the first time in my life, I’m sad for

BlakeMorgan,eldestsonofthelategreatBenMorgan,andactingCEOofMorganEnterprises.Hislife
isn’tsowonderfulafterall.

WhileI’vebeenthinking,Blakewalkedaroundthecartomysideandslowlyopensmydoor.Thenhe

holdsoutahandandItakeitwhileItrulyconsiderhowitfeelswhenourskintouches.Ibitemylipto
hideagrin.AfterIstepout,Igivehimatenderkissonthelips.“I’llseeyoutonight.”

“Absolutely,Princess.I’llpickyouupatsix.”ThenhesmilesasIpassmytickettothevalet.Then,

whenhe’sconfidentI’mtakencareof,hehopsinhiscaranddrivesaway.

Atsixsharp,Blakearrivesatthecottageaspromisedtopickmeupandbringmebacktotheclub.A

dinnerfortheimmediatefamiliesofthebrideandgroom,alongwithagoodbitoftheweddingpartyhad
beenscheduled.Withthetensionsbetweenus,theconversationwasabitawkwardatfirst.Weweren’t
actinglikeacouple,butevenplayingnicefeltweirdnow.

AnhourintothedinnerIwhisper,“Ican’tstandthisfakeniceshit.CanIjustbenormalwithyouand

thenyoucantelleveryoneyoulikemyspunk?”

Blakesnickers,butnodshishead.“Sosticktothetruth.Goodplan.I‘dlovenothingmore,beautiful.”

Heliftsmyhandtohislipsandgrazesmyknuckleswithhislipsandsendshiversdownmyspine.

Theeffectiscompletelyunsettling.“Don’tdothat.I’mnotoneofyourcheapdates.”Iglareathim.
Hechucklesinresponse.“YouthinkI’ddothatwithoneofmycheapdates?”Blakethrowshishead

back,thenheleansinandmurmursinmyear.“Foracheapdate,wedon’tevenleavemypenthouse.”

“You’reawful.”Picturinghimwithotherwomensuddenlymakesmeseethe.BeforeIcancallhimout

onhisdistastefulbehavior,Shelbycallsmyname.

“Grace?”
Icanfeelhereyesonme.Mycheeksflush.“Yes,Ma’am?”
“Ihearyou’vehadanexcitingcoupleofdays.”Shesmilesgenuinelyatme.
Under her gaze, I shift uncomfortably. “You could say that.” I glance towards Blake to watch his

reaction. He wears a smug look. “Naturally, I told her I couldn’t possibly accept the title, or a consort
rightnow.”Ireachformywineandtookafortifyingswig.

Shelbyblinksatmethenfrowns.“Whyevernot,dear?”
“Well,I’mtoobusytryingtosaveCampHope,forstarters,butmostlybecauseIcan’tthinkofasingle

manI’dwanttospendtherestofmylifewith.”ThistimeItaketwobigswallows.I’djustliedtoBlake’s
mother.Inourtimeapart,I’dlaidonmybedandpicturedwhatlifewithhimwouldbelike.Itdidn’tmake
mepuke.

Smirking,Shelbymurmurs,“Yeswell,I’msuretherightmancouldsweepyouoffyourfeet.”
Clearly,sheseesrightthroughme.I’mgraspingnow.Ineedtosaysomething,anythingtothrowthem

off.“Imean,IcouldprobablysoftenmystanceforsomeonelikeTrentwhocaresaboutCampHopeas
muchasIdo.Hesupportsmyneedtosaveit.”IavertmygazebecauseIknowI’llcrumbleifIlookinto
Blake’seyes.

In an instant, his warm breath is tickling my ear. “We both know he’d never hold your interest for

long.”

“Areyoujealous?”Iaskwithmockinnocence.
He growls at me. I giggle. I almost forget for a moment this is a show designed to make Ms. Milly

thinkI’monboardwithsnaggingthemosteligiblebacheloronHarper’sIsland.

The waiter comes by with coffee for after our meal. I decline. There’s no reason for me to get any

morejitterythanIalreadyam.

Seizinganopportunity,hesmiles.“Whydon’tyoutakeawalkwithme?”Blakeasksashelayshis

handonthesmallofmyback.

“Sure. It will give me a chance to tell you more about the new program at Camp Hope.” I’m

determinedtogetbackontrack.Focus,Grace.Savethecamp.Istandandgivehimasaucygrin.Aswe
leave, I see Shelby laughing at us. When I glance back, I wish I hadn’t. His mother is staring at us
shrewdly.NowIfeelguiltyaboutwhatwe’redoing.Thenshesmiles.Notatme.Justinourdirection,and
Ifaceforwardquickly.ThoughI’mnotsurewhatshewasthinking,somethingtellsmeIwouldn’tlikeit
much.

“Areyoualright,Grace?”Blakeasksmesincerely.
“Yea.”Isighandrunahanddownmydress.“IthinkImaybeinovermyhead.”
“Howso?”Blaketugsathischinwhilestaringdownatme.
“Irealizeyouweren’tactuallypayingattentionwhileIwasgrowingup,butIwasneverlikeBrooke

ortheothergirls.”Ishrug,notsurehowtotrulyexplainwhatImeaninawayhe’llunderstand.

Hestopsandcrosseshisarmsoverhischest.“I’mlistening.”
“Lifewasdifferentforme.Ihadafatherkilledinthewar.Mymothermarriedintowealth,andIwas

alongfortheride.Ihadallthesameprivileges,butIneversharedtheirinterests.”Catchingmybreath,I
continue. “I didn’t care about my coming out or making the perfect match when I was older. I certainly
didn’tcarewhowasqueenbeeorworryaboutmakinganimpression.”Slowly,Iturnandleanoverthe
railofthelittlebridgewe’restandingon.Aduckpondisbeneathus,andthemoonlightshinesacrossit,
causingtheripplestotakeonasilversheen.“See,IspenteverymomentIcouldatCampHope.Theplace
helped me, healed me more than you can ever understand.” I shake my head to ward off the sadness.
“Whiletheywereshopping,gettingtheirnailsdoneandlookingthroughfashionmagazines,IwasatCamp
Hope where I fit in and I could give back.” I gaze at him with sadly. “I’m not equipped to take on the
Queen,oryou...forthatmatter.”Ifindmyselfavoidinghisgazeoncemore.

Blake leans casually on an elbow, his arm touching mine. I can feel his heat spreading through me.

Though I want to welcome the closeness, I fear it more than I care to admit. He’s staring at me, but I
refusetolook.Finally,heblowsoutabreathandspeaks.“IknowI’vegivenyouahardtime,butIcan
actually see why Miss Milly chose you to be queen. You’re just what the Island needs...someone who
thinksoutsidethebox.”

“Gee,thanks.”Idon’tbothertryingtohidethesarcasm.I’mnotsurewhatIexpectedforareaction,

butthiswasn’tit.

Dissatisfied,hecontinued.“It'sacomplimentreally.Wemaynotalwaysgetalong,butIadmiremany

ofthequalitiesyoupossess.Only,Idon’thaveanydesiretobetiedtoyoufortherestofmylife.”Blake
playswithmyhair,runninghishandsovermycurlytresses.

“Well,it’sagoodthingwearen’tmarryingthen,isn’tit?”Inoteinabitofahuff.Idon’tknowwhy

I’mupsetrightnow.Iguessbecausethisweekhasturnedmylifeupsidedown.

“Don’tpout,Princess.”Hishandisundermychintiltingmyfacetolookupathim.Iblinkafewtimes

asheholdsmygaze.Ishiftfromonefoottoanother.“You’rebeautifulandfulloffire,andifIhadany
desiretoevermarry,youmightbesomeoneI’dconsider.You’dmakeawell-matchedpartner.”

“That’salovelybackhandedcompliment.”Irollmyeyesandpulloutofhisgrasp.
Hegrinsatme.“I’mfullofthem.”Hislaughterfollows,andmyheartskipsabeatatthesound.
That’s not a good reaction. I’m not supposed to be attracted to this bastard. “Oh, you’re full of

somethingallright,andnotcompliments.”Mybrowraisesinchallenge.Thetensioncracklesbetweenus.
Ormaybeit’sjustme.Still,hiseyeskeeplookingatmylips.Icanalmostfeelhimmeasuringthedistance
betweenus.Partofmewantstorun,theotherpartismesmerizedbythewayhistonguedartedouttowet
his lower lip. Why is that sexy? Then his eyes go to my breasts. “Maybe…” I start. I glance over my
shoulder,lookingforanexcusetobolt.

“Shhh.”Hisarmsnakesoutandsecuresmywaist.Somuchforrunning.Myeyeswidenashishead

leansin.Abreathawayfromconnecting,hemurmurs,“Justonce.Itwon’thurt.Promise.”Hislipsmeet
mine,andtherestoftheworldmeltsaway.There’snomoredinnerparty,nomorehoveringmothers,no
moreMissMillylurking.Foronce,it’sjustBlakeandme.

Soonhistongueprobestheseamofmylips.Theypartquicklyforhim.Secondslater,ourtonguesare

dancingtogetherinsomeseductivewaltz.Somewhereinthebackofmymind,Ikeepthinkingthisisabad
idea,butitdoesn’tstopme.Ikisshimbecausethereisatinypartofmethatwantstoknow,ifonlyfor
once,whatitfeelsliketohaveamanwantme.Unfortunately,Ididn’tcountontheconnectionI’dfeelor
the passion fast developing between us. I figured it would be boring or lack any spark, but instead I’m
awareofeverybitofmybody’sbetrayal.

“Wow.”Igaspaswefinallypullapart.Myhandshootsuptotouchmylips.Thereshouldbeflames.

HowelsecouldIexplainalltheheat?

“Fire and ice, that’s what we're like.” Blake studies me, his brows knit in confusion. It’s as if he’s

strugglingtomakesenseofthisasmuchasIam.

Thekisswasn’tsupposedtofeelgood,butinfact,itwasliketastingheaven.Iwasgoingtohaveto

behave the rest of the week. A few more of those kisses and my resolve would disappear, my plan to
convincehimtosaveCampHopewouldsuddenlytakeabackseattoneedanddesire.

hiswholeweddingthinghastakenovernow.IhavenotimetoworryaboutConsorts,queensorsaving

thecamp.Tonightwe’rehostingthebachelorandbacheloretteparties.Wedecidedtoholdittwonights
beforetheweddingsotheweddingpartywouldn’tbehungoveronthebigday.

BlakehadarrangedfortheguystomeetatThePub.IhadbookedusaprivateroomattheJasperInn

tobeginournight.Thiswouldbeanelegantaffair,forawhileatleast.

BrookeandIplottedtogetherabitinadvance,soIknewshe’dbeokaywithwhateverIcameupwith,

despitethefactitwouldshockthehelloutofeveryoneelsetonight.

I’mleaningintomytrunkwhenabodymovesupbehindme,causingmetojump.WhenIwhiparound,

IdiscoverBlakegrinningatme.“What?”Isnap,mynervesfrazzled.

“CanIhelpyou,Princess?”HeholdsouthishandstocarrywhateverIneed.
Iexhaleandsmile.He’swearingapairofblackdresspantsandawhitedressshirtwiththesleeves

rolled up, exposing some serious muscle tone. His tie is a beautiful hunter green. I close my eyes and
chastisemyselffordroolingoverthisman.

“Please.” I motion toward some boxes in my trunk. “All of this has to be taken into the Inn. The

decoratoriswaiting.”

Immediately, he begins to stack boxes in the trunk, then loads his arms. “Put that last one on top,”

Blakeinstructs.Thismanconstantlymanagestosurpriseme.Ihatethathe’sgrowingonme.

AfterImanagetoplantthelastboxontopasherequested,Igesture.“Followme,slaveboy.”
“YourealizeIcan’tseeyou,right?”Hechuckles.
“Justfollowthesoundofmyvoice.”Igiggle.
“I’dratherfollowtheswayofyourhips,”Blakemurmurs.
IpretendIdidn’thearhim,butmyheartispounding.WeentertheInnwherethemanagerhurriesfrom

behind the reception desk to greet me. “Miss Simmons. A pleasure always.” Judging from the way he
gushedoverme,themanhadheardI’dbeennamedasMissMilly’ssuccessor.“CanIgetabellboyto
helpyou?”

Istiffenbeforeresponding.“No,thankyou.Ithinkwehaveitundercontrol.”IdismissthemanasI

guideBlaketotheMagnoliaBallroom.

“You’reuncomfortablewiththewholePrincessthing,aren’tyou?”Hisvoicesoundsslightlystrained

ashestrugglesbehindme.

“Yes. I’m not from an old family. I’m not a blood relative to anyone important. Hell, other than my

mother,Idon’tevenhaveanyfamilyontheIsland.Sowhyme?”Ithrowmyhandsupindismay.

Blakechuckles.“We’vediscussedthis.You’rejustwhatHarper’sIslandneeds.”
Withasigh,Ishakemyhead.“No,I’mwhatCampHopeneeds.”Istopinmytracks.“Thecampcould

useabenefactorlikeyou,too.”

Hepeeksaroundtheboxeswearingafrown.“Iwaswaitingforthat.Youshouldknow,mystanceon

thecamphasn’tchanged.”

Ishrug.“Okay.”Iblowoutabreath.“Luckily,thecamphasTrent.”ThenIspinonmyheelsandstride

toward the room. A low growl sounds behind me and I know I’ve hit a nerve. “Well, it doesn’t matter
whetherornotIfitin.There’snowayIcanfulfillallthedutiesofPrincessifI’mrunningCampHope.”

“Yes,wellifitclosesyou’dhaveplentyoftime.”Hesnickers.
“Seriously?You’rethemostcold-heartedmanIevermet.”Iglareathimintently.Hejustlaughs.Fora

moment,Iwouldlovenothingmorethantokickhimintheshinwithmyverypointyheels.

“Darling,mypassionburnsonlyforonething.”Hesmilesashewhispersinmyear.“Money.”
“Ugh!”Istompawayinfrustration,buthefollowsbehindme.“Don’tyouhaveyourownpartytotake

careof?”Iaskunsurewhyhe’sstillherebuggingme.

“Yes, about that.” Blake tugs at his chin. “What do you think about the two parties hanging out for

aboutanhourtonight?”

Ieyehimsuspiciously.“Sure.Whatdidyouhaveinmind?”
Thewayheshifts,IcantellBlakealreadyhasaplan.“IthoughtwecouldallmeetatBarney's.”
Myjawdrops.Barney’sisahangoutgearedmoretowardmyagegroupthanhis.Afterstudyinghis

face,Irealizehe’sdeadserious.“Wow,youreallydocareaboutsomeoneotherthanyourself.”

“What’sthatmean,yourhighness?”Hecrosseshisarmsoverherchest.
Iholdmyhandsup.“Barney’s.It’sobviousanattemptatmakingyourbrotherhappy.”
“Naturally. Why wouldn’t I want my little brother happy? Despite popular belief, I love him.” He

rollshiseyes.

Inodandstudyhimfurther.Reluctantly,Iacquiesce.“Whattimeshouldwemeetthere?”
“Doesteno’clockworkforyou?”Blakerubshispalmstogetherwhilehewatchesme.
Imentallyrunthroughouritinerary.“Yes,itshouldworkfine.”Iblowoutabreath.“Oh,andthanks

forhelpingmebringoursuppliesinside.Ireallyappreciateit.”

Withaslightnod,Blaketurnsandwalksoff.WhileIprepareforthebignight,Itryhardnottothink

abouthimanymorethanIhaveto.

Eventually,thepartystarts,opentoanyonewhowantedtoattend.ThisisthepartIdreadmost.There

isnoescapingit.MissMillystoodnearmefornearlyanhour.Becauseofit,BrookeandIweregiventhe
royaltreatment,whichwasincrediblydisconcerting.

“I’m really starting to hate this,” I mutter later when we’re upstairs in the suite I rented us for the

night.

“Which part? Being the Princess, being ordered to marry Blake, or the fact you’re starting to like

him?”Brookesmirks,remindingmesheknowsmealltoowell.

“All of it!” I sigh as I plop down in a chair. “I just want to go back to my cabin in the woods,” I

whine.Brookelaughsatme.

“YoucandowhateveryouwantassoonasI’mmarried.”ShewearsaCheshirecatsmile.
Wechangeintodifferentoutfitsforthesecondhalfofthenight.Earlierinthenight,wehadtokeep

appearanceswiththeoldercrowd.Fortheafterparty,Brookewearsablacktankwith‘Bride’acrossthe
front,andwhitebootieshortsbarelycoveredbyablackandredtutu.Iboughtherthistackyveilwitha
devil horn headband, covered in condoms to wear. My outfit is similar, except my tank has ‘maid of
honor’onthefrontandtherestofthegirlswear‘bridesmaid’tanks.Eachofushadblackbootyshortsand
blacktutus.AsIslipontheblackbootsIboughttowearfortheevening,Iadmiremyselfinthefull-length
mirror.Tonight,Ilookkindofhot.MaybeI’llgetluckyforachange.

ThenIseeBrookeandgasp.“Girl,youaresmoking.Brett’seyesaregoingtopopoutofhisheadat

Barney’s.”

Brookegiggles.“I’msoexcitedandnervous.Ican’tbelieveI’mfinallymarryinghimafterallthese

years.”

“Ihadnoclueyouwerecrushingonhim.”Ishakemyhead.“Apparently,youcankeepsecrets.”
Sherollshereyesatme.IgrabthekeycardandtuckitintothebraI’mwearing.“Let’sgo.Thegirls

arewaitinginthehallforus.”

Assoonaswestepintothehallthesquealingbegins.It’salmostreminiscentofthosepartiesbackin

college.Oursororitylovedagoodcostumeparty.

“Let’sgetthiseventstarted!”Imoveusalltowardtheelevator.Whenthedoorsopenandwewalk

throughthelobby,alleyesareonus.Theplacehasgonestrangelyquiet,exceptforthesoundofourheels
tappingonthefloor.Ismileaswestridethroughthelobbyintothedarkness.Tonightpromisestobeepic.

nce inside Barney’s, we easily locate the guys. Brett immediately moves to claim his future bride.

“Holyhell,woman.”Hepullsherintohisarmsforadeep,lingeringkiss.

“Yuck,”Ineedadrink,IteaseasIcrosstheroomandstridetowardthebar.SoonBlakejoinsme.
“Hello,Princess.Yousuredoknowhowtofightconvention.”Heholdstwoshotglassesandpasses

meone.“Foryou,”hemurmurswithoutevenbotheringtohidetheheatinhiseyes.

“Youseemtolikeit.”Mybrowraisesinchallenge.Tonight,Ifeelconfidentandpowerful,whichis

farmoreintoxicatingthananyliquorthebarcarries.

“MaybeIfinditamusing.”Heoffersalopsidedgrin.“Let’stoast.”
“Andwhatshallwedrinkto?”Ileancasuallyonthebar.
Inthedarkandnoise,Blakeleansclosertospeakintomyear.Hisbreathywordscausetinglesinside

me.“Howaboutmakingmemories?”

Ilaugh.“Withyou?”ThenIshakemyhead.“Betterwedrinktothehappycouple.”
“Tous,then.”Hesmirksandclinksmyglassbeforegulpingdownhisshot.
“We’renotacouple.AndI’lldrinktothat.”Ithrowbacktheamberliquid.Ithitsthebackofmythroat

andwarmsmeallthewaydowntomyemptystomach,whereitlandslikeabrick.“Damn.”

“Iknow.Damn,you’reharsh.WhatwouldMissMillysay?”Hewinksatme.
ItiltmyheadandtapmylipsafewtimeswhileIponderanappropriatelysarcasticresponse.“She’d

thinkIwasplayinghardtoget.”HechuckledandImethisgaze.“Oh,butI’mnotplaying.I’mimpossible
toget,especiallybyyou.”

AtfirstIthinkhe’sabouttoleaninandwhispersomethinginmyear.Instead,heleanspastmeand

pushesourglassestowardthewaitingbartender.“Twomore.”Blakeholdsuphisfingers.Myeyebrow
archesdangerouslyandhissmilewidens.“Knockitoff,Princess,orI’llmakethemdoubles,”hethreatens
while wearing a smoldering look. The shots are poured and he passes me one. “Drink, then tell me all
abouthowIdon’thaveachancewithyou.”Blakenodsandtogetherweslambackanotherdrink.

Myeyescloseinvoluntarily.“Whatisthis?”
“Tuaca.”Asmileplaysonhislips.“Vanillaandhintsofcitrus.Nice,right?”
Ishakemyhead.“It’sapussydrink.It’sturningmystomach.”Ipursemylips.“Ofcourse,there’sa

chanceit’sthecompanyandnotthealcohol.”Iblinkathimmeaningfully.

“Ireallydolikeyourspunk.”Hisarmsnakesaroundmywaistandhepullsmeupagainsthisbody.

Blakestaresintomyeyesforamomentasifsearchingforsomething.I’mnotsureifhefoundwhathewas
lookingfor,butsoonhislipsareonmyneckandhe’sbreathingonmythroat.

Somewhereinthemiddleofallthat,myhandsomehowfindsitswaytothebackofhisheadandIlean

backtosoakitallin.Damn,ithasbeenalongtime.Toolong,ifI’msuddenlysusceptibletohisweakass

charms.“Well,Idon’tlikeyouatall,”Igrumbleifonlytoremindmyself.

“I can tell,” Blake mumbles against my skin. “I bet if my hand found its way between your legs I’d

find…”

“ThatIhaveanamazingrighthook.”Ipushhimbackandscowl.
Hefrowns.“JustwhenIthoughtweweregettingsomewhere,comingtoanunderstanding,even.”
Ijabhiminthechest.“Understandthis.I’mhereforthewedding.I’mtoleratingyouforMissMilly

andCampHope.”

I watch as the smile on Blake’s face falters. There’s a myriad of emotions crossing his face. One

finallysettles.It’sthoughtful,asifhejustdiscoveredsomethingnew.

“What?”Iglareathim.Forsomereason,hedoesn’tseemtobetakingmeseriouslyenough.
“Iwantyou.”Hespeakssimplyandstaresatmeevenly.Hiseyesdrinkmein,startingwithmyface

andgraduallymovinglower.

“Excuseme?Eyesareuphere,asshole.”Isighinfrustration.“WhatmakesyouthinkI’dwantanything

todowithyou,evenifitwasjustonenightofanimalisticpassion?”Istudyhimandgrowl.“Fuckit.I
doubtyouhaveanightofpassioninyou.”Iturnandstarttostumbleaway.Theshotsdefinitelyhitme.
Guesstheyweren’tsoweakafterall.

Blakegrabsmyshoulderandspinsmebackaround.WhenIfacehim,hishandsgrabmyupperarms

andheeffectivelykeepsmefromhittingthefloor.“Youheardme.Iwantyouinmybedtonight.”

“Well,that’sromantic.”Ismirk.“Ibetyousaythattoallthegirls.”Iofferanexaggeratedwink.
Heshakeshishead.“Romancehasnothingtodowithit.We’retwoconsentingadultsgivingintoa

mutualattraction.”

“Wait.What?”Icanbarelywrapmymindaroundhiswords.“WhatmakesyouthinkI’mattractedto

you?”

“Grace,we’vebeenflirtingfordays.”Hisfacedarkensandhisgriptightens.“Youdon’tthinkIhave

anypassioninme.I’mreadytoproveyouwrong.Soveryverywrong.”

IbitemylowerlipasIstudyhiseyeswhichspeakofbothdesireanddetermination.“I’llthinkabout

it.”Iattempttoshrugnoncommittally,buthisholdpreventsit.

Finally, Blake releases me and takes a step back. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out something

hardandflat,wrappedinpaper,andplacesitinmypalm.Thenhewrapsmyfingersaroundit,andbrings
myfisttohislipsforakiss.“Thisisforyou,Grace.Myspareroomkey.Takeit.”Heholdsmyhandin
bothofhiswhilestaringintomyeyes.Imayhavetorethinkmystanceonhisabilitytostirpassionwithin
mebecauserightnow,myladybitsareonfireandIdon’tbelieveforoneminute,it’sallalcoholrelated.I
swallowhard.“Afterthepartyisover,cometomyroom.Letmeshowyou.”

Ipullmyhandbackslowlytostudywhathehasplacedthere.Iseehisroomnumberiswrittenonthe

envelope.Tohideagrin,Ibitemycheek.JustasIsuspected.Thisisasplannedandcalculatedasany
othermoveBlakeMorganmakes.Isighandshakemyhead.“Waytobespontaneous,Blake.You’reoffto
a great start.” Still, we lock eyes as I tuck it into my bra. I watch as he licks his lips. Then, I strut off
withoutabackwardglance.

Two hours later, I lead the bachelorette party as we drunkenly return to the Jasper Inn. After some

struggle,ImanagetogetBrookeupstairsandintoourroom.Sheimmediatelyclaimsthebathroomtoget
readyforbed.Onceshewandersbackintotheroom,sheflopsdownonthebedandstaresatme.“So,are
yougoingtogodothenastywithBlake?”Shegivesmetheside-eye.“IwouldifIwasinyourposition.”

“Oh?Andwhatpositionisthat,Brooke?”Inarrowmyeyesather,daringhertorespond.
“Thatpositionwouldbe...fartoolongwithoutsomedick.”Herchinjutsoutforasecondbeforeshe

burstsoutlaughingandrollsontoherback.

I splutter for a moment, unable to find the words to express my shock. Unfortunately, she’s right.

“Seriously,it’sadamnshame,especiallysincethereseemstobesomanyassholesaround.”

Brookesnorts.“So,you’llbeleavingmetojoinhim,right?”
“Idoubtit.Comeon,thisisourlastchancetohangouttogether.Soonyou’llbehappilymarriedand

oursleepoverswillbe...justover.”Igigglebeforegrowingseriousagain.“MeetingBlakewouldjustbe
wrong.”Istrollovertomysuitcaseandstartriflingthroughthecontentsabsently.

“Please,Isawhimgiveyouthekey.”Herbrowarchesinchallenge.
“So?”Iavertmyeyes.
Shechuckles.“So,youtookit.”
“Ididn’twanttoberude,”Ilie.Inhonesty,thecardhasbeenburningaholeinmyskineversinceI

stuck it in my bra. As casually as possible, I grab my toiletry bag and wander into the bathroom. Once
inside, I study my reflection in the mirror. My makeup has all but melted off my face. Grabbing a
washclothfromthetowelbar,Iturnonthewaterandgentlywashitoff.ThenIblotmyskindryandapply
my moisturizer. If I decide to visit Blake’s room, I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. Then I
brushmyteethwhileIplayoverinmymindthevariousoutcomesofusingthekey.

BythetimeIexitthebathroom,I’vemadeupmymind.“I’mjustgoingtotalktohim.”Ishrugtoshow

it’snobigdeal,whichwould’vebeenalotmoreconvincingifIwasn’tshakingslightly.

“Talk?Isthatwhatyoukidsarecallingitnow?”Brookesnickers.
I inhale deeply, hoping to collect myself. “No, seriously, he has been drinking. Maybe he’ll listen

aboutthecamp.”

“We’veallbeendrinking.”Brookerollshereyes.
Igrabthekeytoourroomandstickitontheothersideofmybra.ThenIreachinandgrabBlake’s

keyfromwhereItuckeditbesidemyheart.AsIholdit,Ifindmyselfturningitoveragainandagain.My
decisionhasbeenmade.Iwanttosleepwithhimintheworstway.Myheartrootsmeonwhilemyhead
holdsmeback.ThiswilleitherbethebestorworstdecisionI’veevermade.“Yeah.So,I’llbeback.”

“Iwon’twaitup,”Brookemumbleswhilefacedownonthebed.
AsIpullthedoorshutbehindme,Ican’thelpbutnotethefinalityoftheclickofthekeep.

anderingdownthehall,IsoonfindmyselfinfrontofBlake’shotelroom.Ieyethecardinmyhand,

butdecidetoknockanyway.

Heopensthedoor,hisbrowraised.“Igaveyouthekey,soyouwouldn’thavetoknock.”
“Icould’ve,butwe’renotthereyet.”Irollmyeyes.
Aftersmirking,hemotionsformetoentertheroom.“Please,byallmeans,comein.Nowthatyou’ve

alerted the whole floor to your presence, I feel rather foolish in my feeble efforts to protect your
reputation.”Blakeslowlyshutthedoorbehindmeandleanedagainstitcasually.

I look around and realize his suite is like the one Brooke and I are sharing. My brow furrows.

“Where’sBrett?”

Withagrin,heemergesfromthebathroom.“I’mhere,andI’mleaving.”
“Youdon’thaveto.”Ishrug.BrettandBlakeexchangealook.“Oh,soI’mherebecauseyouwanted

tospendthenightwithyourfuturewife.Gotit.”Isighanddisappointmentwashesoverme.

“Justgivemethekeytoyourroom,woman.”Brettlaughs.“We’regonnaswitchplacesfortonight.”
“Fanfreakingtastic,”Igrumble.
Brett snatches the key from my hand as soon as I peel it out of my bra. He leans down, gives me a

peckonthecheek,andhurriesoutthedoor.Foraminute,BlakeandIstandthereeyeingeachotheracross
theroom.Finally,hebreaksthesilence.“CanIgetyouadrink?”

Isigh.We’vebeendrinkingforhours.ThelastthingIneedisanotherdrink.Itiltmyhead.Actually,

thelastthingIneedistobehere.Iclosemyeyesandinhaledeeply.BrettandBrookeneedalonetime.
I’lltakeonefortheteam.

“Hey,Princess?Didyouhearme?”Blaketakesastepclosertome.
Myeyesflyopenandfixonhim.“Areyoualwaysthisimpatient?I’mtryingtodecidehowhungover

I want to be and how big a mistake I want to make, but I’m here, so it’s already too late for me,” I
grumble.

Hislipstwitch.“Isthatayes?”
“Sure,makemeyetanothermotherfuckingdrink.”Icrossmyarmsovermychestandscowl.
“Doyoukissyourmotherwiththatmouth?”Hemakesafeebleattemptatteasingmewhilehepopsa

bottleofbubblythatwassittingonthesidetable.

Irollmyeyes.“Ihaven’tkissedmymotherinyears.Oh,butIkissedyouearlieranditseemedperfect

forthat.”Isnicker.

Withagrin,Blakewandersovertomewithtwoflutesinhand.“Foryou,Grace.”Hepassesmethe

drinkandI’mtakenaback.Hehardlyeverusesmyname.

AsIwrapmyhandsaroundthestem,Istareupintohiseyes.“Whatarewedrinkingtonow?”

“Howabout...tothemostbeautifulgirlintheroom?”Blakeclinkshisglassagainstmineandprepares

todrinkwhenIinterrupt.

“I’m the only girl in the room unless you have someone hidden somewhere.” I pretend to glance

around.

“Notjustthisroom,Grace,everyroom.Everyroomyouenter,youstealthespotlight.”Hemust’ve

caughtmyfrownbecauseheliftsmychinandforcesmetomeethisgaze.“Imeanit.Iwastoosoberto
tellyoubefore.IknowwhyMissMillychoseyou.”Hisfingerstracemyjawlineandsooncurlaroundthe
back of my neck. “You have a presence. There’s something about you that elevates you to a whole
different level. No one can compete with you.” Blake leans in to kiss me, but I’m stunned by his
proclamation.

“Inevertried.Idon’tevenlikethespotlight.”Itrytotwistoutofhisgrasp,buthetightensitinstead.

“Idon’twanttobethePrincess.Idon’twanttorunHarper’sIsland.IwanttosaveCampHope.”

Hepurseshislips.“AndyourpreciousTrenthasdonethis,right?”
Ishrug.“Forayear.Iwanttosaveitforever.”
“Onenight.”Hesighs.“Can’twejusttablethisconversationforonenight?”Hesetshisfluteonthe

nightstand.

My chin juts out. “And then what? Say I agree to let it go for tonight. Say I don’t mention it again

until…”

“Afterthewedding,”Blakesuggests.“Notaword.Notawhimper.Noteventhe‘ca’soundcancome

out of your mouth.” His frown softens. “Do this for me, for us, and I promise we’ll have a serious
conversation on Monday. Hell, we could even have it on Sunday, if that makes you happy.” He rakes a
handthroughhishairthencollapsesonthebed.

Istaredownathim,andconsiderhiswords.“So...wetableit?”HenodsandIdecidetotesthim.“So

ca--”

Hisfacedarkens.“Noteventhe‘ca’sound,Grace.”Histoneisstern.
Foramoment,Idanceoutofreachfeelingwildlyempoweredbyhiswords.“Let’ssaywetableit.

Thenwhateverdowehavetotalkabout?”Ipursemylipsplayfully.

AsBlakeleansforward,hiseyessparklewithexcitement.“Bed.WetalkbedandeverythingIwantto

dotoyouinit.”

Frozen, I study him a second too long before reacting. I realize my mistake immediately. His arms

werelongerthanIanticipated.Blakegraspsmywrist,yanksmetowardhim,andknocksmecompletely
offbalance.Soon,I’mstumblingandhe’scatchingme.Ibitemylowerlipnervously.

Hehonesinonitandoffersawolfishgrin.“RelaxIwon’tbiteyou…unlessyouwantmeto.”
“I’mnotscared.”YetmybodybetraysmeandIcanfeelI’mtremblingslightly.
“Yousure?”Blakelowershisheadandburiesitinmythroat.
Insteadoftensing,Irelaxintohisattentions.“Yea.”Mywordsmeltintoamoan.
He draws me closer. My heart rate increases. Already, I can feel my panties getting damp and he

hasn’teventouchedmeinanyofmynaughtyspots.Howisthatevenpossible?

“Princess.”Blakewhispersagainstmyskin,ticklingmeandcausingtinglestotraveldownmyspine.
“Hm?”
Then he pulls my face towards his. Finally, our lips collide and I know. My eyes shoot open and I

swallowhard.I’minhugetrouble.NoguyhasevermademefeellikethisbeforeandIdon’tthinkit’sa
goodthing.Ipridemyselfonmyrestraint,mycontrol.Yetwithhim,itdisappears.Mostly,Idon’tcare,
whichabsolutelyterrifiesme.Thenweleanintoeachotherandagainlipsmeldandtonguesprobe.My
pussyiscompletelydrenched.Hishandrunsdownmyside,myskimpytanknothidingmuch.Hell,hecan
probably feel my goosebumps through the flimsy fabric. Maybe not though, since his hand continues
movingtowardmybreast.Atlast,hecupsitinhishand,massaginggently,elicitinganewmoanfromme.

As we break apart, I sit back on the bed and stare at him. He stands, and without a word, begins

undressingme.“Hey!”Thisismylast-ditchefforttocreatesomedistance,tosavemyself.

“Yes,Princess.”AneyebrowshootsupasBlakecradlesmycalfandbeginskissinghiswayupmy

leg.

“Wait.”Thistimemywordislittlemorethanawhimperandheignoresmealtogether.Itrytotugout

ofhisgraspandI’mrewardedwithasigh.

“Somethingtroublingyou?”Hiseyesnarrow.
“There were supposed to be words. You were going to tell me…” My mind is cloudy and I can’t

concentrate.

Blakenods.“Iknow.”Hisvoiceturnsseductive.“Youwantsomepillowtalk.”
I open my mouth, but I can’t find the words. See, I want to object. I want to reject his attentions.

Unfortunately,mybodyrefusestofallinlinewithmyhead.Idon’tevenwanttoconsiderwheremyheart
standsonthematter.ThisguyisachallengeandjustlikeithasbeenawhilesinceI’vebeenwithaman,
I’vebeenfartoolongwithoutachallengetoo.

“You’resomuchmorethanIexpected.”Hereachesouttobrushmycheekwiththebackofhishand.

“You’renothinglikeanyoneI’veeverknown.IfeellikeIcouldspendforevertryingtogettoknowyou.”

“You’rewrong,”Iwhisper.“I’mnothinglikethat.I’msimple.I’mboring.I’m…”
“Deflectingandtryingtodistractmefrommyintentions.”Blakechuckles.“Itwon’twork.”
“Itwon’t?”Iswallowhard.
“I’dneverforcemyselfonyou,Gracie.”Heavertedhiseyes,positionedhimselfbetweenmylegsand

staredatthejunctureofmythighs.“Thetruthis,I’mcertainyouwantthistoo.”

“Ido?”Ibarelychokeoutthewords.
He nods. “Oh yes. You do.” As if to prove a point, his hands run down my inner thighs, under my

panties,andthenonefingerslidesbetweenmylabiaandgentlyslipsinsideme.Mybackarchesandmy
headfallsbackontothebed.“AmIwrong?”

“Nope.”Ilookawayandrefusetomeethisgaze.
I’magoner.I’mdonefor.Blakehelpsmeundressandremoveshisclothingtoo.Itrynottostare,but

themanishidingaseriouslyfitbodyunderthoseboringsuits.Withoutthinking,myfingersscrapeuphis
washboardabs.Whenheshivers,Idrawbackandbitemylip.

“Youcantouchme,sweetPrincess.Tonight,I’lldenyyounothing.”Heleansdownandpresseshis

nakedtorsoagainstmine.

Mybrowsraiseandpartofmewantstopresshim,butwe’dagreednocamptalk.Ican’teventhink

abouttheplaceatthemoment.No,I’mfaraway.I’mnolongerincontrol.Blakeis,andforthefirsttime,
I’mnotworried.

I watch as he rips open a condom and rolls it on with surprising deftness. He crawls into bed and

kissesthesideofmyneck.Thenhepositionshimselftoenterme.“There’llbemoreforeplaynexttime.
Thistime...Icanbarelyholdbackasitis.I’llmakeitupto...nexttime.”Withonethrustheentersme,
fillingme,makingmeforgeteverythingI’msupposedtoremember.

AllIcanthinkaboutisnexttime.

henIwakeupthenextmorningI’machinginalltherightplaces.Ididn’tdreamit.IfIneededfurther

proof,IonlyneededtolooktomyrightbecauseI’mcurledupnexttoBlake.Hisarmwrapsaroundmy
waistandholdsmeclosetohim.There’ssomethingremarkablyintimateabouthistouch.Somuchforthis
beingabouttwoconsentingadults.

Apparently,herealizesI’mawakebecausehe’ssoonwhisperinginmyear.“Morning,beautiful.”
ImumbleandmoaninresponsesinceIdon’twanttotalkyet.

“There’ssomethingIwanttodiscuss.”Blakereleasesmeandrollsoutofbed.He’sstillnakedand

I’m transfixed by his morning wood. When I glance at his face, I discover he’s grinning. “I’m going to
orderroomservice.Gogetdressed.”

IblinkafewtimesasItrytoprocesshiswords.Whatthehellisheupto?Ifindmyclothingwherehe

tosseditlastnight.OnceIdress,IshuffleouttothelivingroomwhereIfindBlakestaringoutthewindow
intothemorningsky.

“Coffeewillbehereshortly.”Heturnsandsettleshimselfonthecouch.
“Awesome.” I massage my temples. Drinking as much as I did last night was a terrible idea. Blake

answersaknockatthedoor,andauniformedwaiterrollsinacartloadedwithcoffeeandcovereddishes
ofsomekind.Ismellbacon,andcan’thelpbutsmile,despitetheearlymorning.

Blake pours me a cup of coffee, and we enjoy it in silence. Then he begins uncovering dishes to

revealanassortmentofbreakfastfood.“Imadesuretherewasalittleofeverything.Idon’tknowwhat
youlikeyet.”

His wording strikes me. It implies a continuation of whatever is between us. My heart pounds as I

imagine more nights like last night. “Thanks, that’s really nice.” I speak awkwardly, like we’re on our
firstdateinsteadofourfirstmorningafter.I’mgrosslyoutofpracticeandcanbarelyhandlebeinginhis
presence.WhydidIstay?Whydidn’tIreturntomyroom?Oh,yeah.Bretthasmykey.Ofcourse,Idoubt
anyonehasmybed,whichisoflittleconsolation,sincetheyprobablyarestillgoingatitlikerabbits.

“Haveyouhadenoughcaffeinetodiscussaproposition?”Blakeeyesmeseriously.
Isinkdowninthenearestchair.“Umsure,Iguess.”OnlyI’mnotsureatall.Myheartissuddenlyin

mythroatandmypalmsaresosweaty,Ihavetosetmymugdownonthecoffeetablebecauseit’sslipping
inmyfingers.

“IknowTrentboughtCampHopeayear.”Hebeginsspeakingcarefully,hispacesoslowIwantto

snapmyfingersathimandurgehimon,butinsteadIwaitpatiently,curledupinthechair.“Therewon’t
beasecondyear.”

“Youcan’tknowthis.”Iinterruptandthelookonhisfacesilencesme.
“I can know this.” He nods solemnly. “I’m not sure what you’re feeling is truly devotion. I rather

believeit’sfear.”Blakeleansforwardonthecouchandrubshispalmstogetherasheplanswhattosay.
Finally,hiseyesmeetmineandIbegintotremble.“Youdon’thavetobeafraidofwhatwillbecomeof
you,Grace.I’lltakecareofyou.”

Mybrowfurrows.“Idon’tunderstand.”Mymindracesatthepossibilities.
“MissMillywantstoseeusmarried.ShewantsyouinstalledasthePrincess,thefuturequeen.”He

studiesmewhileinhalingdeeply.

“What do you mean? We’ll get married?” I lay a hand on my heart. I never wanted it, but after the

passionbetweenuslastnight,I’mnotasopposedtotheideaasIhadbeenpreviously.

“Well, no. Not exactly.” Blake stares at the carpet a moment. It takes everything in me to not shout.

Patiencehasneverbeenoneofmyvirtues.Atlastheliftshiscoffeefromtheendtableandtakesasip.
“For all practical purposes, yes. I’ll buy you a place, near me. We’ll go out publicly. And privately, it
willbemuchlikelastnight.”Hegrins,convincedhehaswonmeoverwithhispracticalproposal.

I sit in stunned silence. Instead of marrying me or even dating me, he plans to set me up to be his

mistress.NeverinmylifehaveIbeensohurt,sodisappointed,soutterlyinsultedandhumiliated.“Soyou
wantmetomovetoaplacenearyouonceCampHopecloses?”

“Yes.”Henodsenthusiastically,confidenthehaspresentedmewiththedealofalifetime.
Mybloodboils,butmorethanthat,tearsstingmyeyes.Istandandstormtowardsthedoor.Forasplit

second, I stop a few feet from him. I open my mouth to speak, but I’m too afraid of what I’ll say, too
scaredI’llcryinfrontofhimandmyhumiliationwillbecomplete.

“Grace?Saysomething.”Hestandsandstartstoclosethedistancebetweenus.

Layingmyforeheadagainstthedoor,IblinkbacktearsbeforeIturnandconfronthim.Ilickmylips

andfacehim.“Yousureyouwantmetosaysomething?”

Heholdshishandsouttome,butsoontheydroptohissides,fallinglikehisface.“Please.”
“Fine.I’llsaysomething.”Iblowoutabreath.“Fuckyou,BlakeMorgan.”Iwatchwhatwasleftof

thehopefullookinhiseyescrumble.“That’sright.Fuck.You.I’mnotsomecommonwhore.”Ishakemy
head. “Thank you for reminding me why I despise you.” My eyes narrow. “Most of all, thank you for
strengtheningmyresolvetosavethecamp.”Mynostrilsflareandmyvoicelowers.“Nowyoucantake
yourofferandshoveitstraightupyourass.Gotit?”

Blakewon’tlookatme.Instead,hetakesastepbackandsinksontothecouchbehindhim.Iturnand

fling the door open, strut through it, and stomp down the hall to my room. I don’t care that they’re
probablysleeping.I’mnotconcernedwiththeirhappinessorcomfortatthemoment.Ineedtogetoutof
here,gohome,lickmywounds,andtrytofigureouthowIcanfacehimtomorrowatthewedding.

AssoonasI’minfrontofmyroom,Ipoundonthedoor.Brettopensit,andIbrushpasthim,rushing

tomybag.Withoutsayingaword,Ibeginthrowingallmystuffinside.

“Iseverythingokay,Grace?”Brettaskscautiously.
“Yourbrotherisacompletedouchebag.”ThetearsI’dtriedsovaliantlytohidearenowrollingdown

mycheeks.

Helooksstricken.I’mnotacrier.“Whatdidhedo?”
“Askhim.Idon’twanttotalkaboutit.”Ishakemyheadandattempttodrymycheeks.Iglancearound

the room and realize, once I hear water running in the bathroom, my best friend must be in the shower.
“TellBrookeI’llseeherattherehearsaltonight.”

Brett reaches out to stop me, but I hold up my hands and blow past him again. The elevator was

alreadyonourfloor,soImanagetomakeaquickexitfromthefloorandafastescapethroughthelobbyto
theparkinglot.ForthefirsttimesinceI’velivedonHarper’sIsland,Idon’tcareaboutmyattire.Forthe
firsttimesinceI’vebeennamedPrincess,Iignoreconvention.TheonlythingIcareaboutisgettingasfar
away from Blake as I can. If I didn’t have the wedding rehearsal later and the wedding tomorrow, I’d
leavetheIsland.

y the time I had to report for the rehearsal, I was numb. I’d made sure to hire a driver because I

neededafewdrinksbeforeIcouldbearoundBlakeagain.Takingafewsteadyingbreaths,Iwalkedinto
thechurch.Practicallytheentireweddingpartyhadarrived.Bythis,Imeaneveryonebutthebestmanhad
arrived.

“Theresheis.”Brookeexhaled.“Wecanbeginnow.”
“Without…”IgesturedtotheemptyspacebesideBrett.
“Oh,business.He’llbeheretomorrow.”Brookeshrugged.
A reprieve. My shoulders sagged and for the first time since I’d dressed for the evening, I could

breatheandenjoymybestfriend’slastnightasasinglelady.Theministerwasconfidentinourabilities
to walk at the appropriate pace. Having been a bridesmaid on more than one occasion, I had my part
down.

Finally, we were released to enjoy the rehearsal dinner and drinks. Maybe I’d just stay pleasantly

buzzeduntilafterthewedding.Istaredoutthewindowofthetowncar.

“Whatareyouthinking?”Brookereachedoverandjabbedmeinthethigh.
Ishookmyhead.“Nothing,”Ilied.
“Something happened. You ready to talk yet?” I took too long to respond, so she poked me again.

“Comeon,Grace.Icandothisallnight.”

“Hepropositionedme.”Ipeekedatherfaceandsawherfrown.
Sheshookherhead.“Ikindathoughtyoutwoslepttogether.”
“Oh,wedid.Andthenhetriedtosetmeupashismistress.”Ishruggedlikeitwasnobigdeal.
“Grace…”Shehissedmyname.
“Right? It’s a damn shame because I was just starting to tolerate the guy.” I blew out a breath and

avoidedmeetingherstare.

Reachingover,shegrabbedmyhand,thenleanedoveranddroppedherheadontomyshoulder.“You

slepttogether,Grace.Iknowyou.Itmeanssomething.”

Isniffle.“Butnottohim.So...that.”
“He’sanasshole.Hedoesn’tdeserveyou.”Brookemurmurswordsofcomfortandtheysortofwork.
Igrabformyglassofchampagne.“Thisisyournight.Andtomorrowisyourday.We’lldealwithmy

bullshitlater.Okay?”

Brooke purses her lips and I can tell she’s considering it. “Okay, but we’re not dropping this. You

matter.Yourfeelingsmatter.”

InodinagreementasIdowntherestofmyglass.

henextmorning,I roll outof bed witha headache. Soon enoughwe’d be gettingready in the bridal

suiteattheinnwhiledowningmimosas.Thiscouldn’thappenfastenoughformyliking.So,Ishowered
andgathermydress,shoes,makeup,andpursebeforerushingtomycar.

Onmydriveovertotheinn,I’dworkedonmygameface.There’snowayI’mgoingtoletBlakesee

hehurtme.I’mgoingtobethebestdamnmaidofhonorever.

“Howareyou?”BrookeasksasIenterthesuite.
“Whoa.Notasgoodasyou.Youlookamazing.”Ipasteagrinonmyface.
Sheeyesmecuriously,thennods.“Okay.Somyday.Notyourturn.Gotit.Well,inthatcase,hurryup

andgetdressed.It’syourturnforhairandmakeup.”

The morning passed in a blur. The next thing I know, we’re walking down the aisle and I’m doing

everything in my power to ignore his existence. We don’t make eye contact on my way to the altar. We
don’t exchange looks while the happy couple exchanged rings. We barely touch as we stroll down the
aislebehindthenewlyweds.Inthereceivingline,Imanagetostickanotherbridesmaidbetweenus.When
weloadintothelimofortheridetothereception,IsitontheothersideofBrooke,happilysquishedinto
acorner.

Infact,Iperformlikeapro.He’sclearlydisturbedbecausehepullsmeintoanalcoveatthereception

sitewhilewe’rewaitingtobeintroduced.“Thisisforyou,”hemurmursashestuffsanenvelopeintomy
hand.Igripitforamoment,weighingitinmypalm.

“IsweartoGod,ifIopenthisanddiscovermoney,you’llbeholdingafilettoyoureye.”Mychinjuts

outasIglareathim.

Blake chuckles. “It’s not cash. It’s not a check. It’s a deed.” He sighs heavily. “I treated you badly,

Grace.Iknowit.”

“Soyouthinkbuyingmeaplacewillhelpsmooththingsoverbetweenus.”Icanbarelyhidemyfury.
Withashakeofhishead,Blakebeginstoexplain.“It’snotlikethat,Princess.Thecamp.CampHope.

It’syours.”

I’mtryingtoprocesswhathesaidwhentheDJcallsoutournames.Iopenmymouth,buthefrowns.
“Iguesswe’llhavetofinishthislater.”Heholdsouthisarm.“Comeon.”
WewalkintothereceptionandBlakehelpsmetakemyplacetotheleftofthebrideattheheadtable.

TherearespoonstappingonglassesandsoonBrettandBrookearekissing.Foramoment,whenIglance
inBlake’sdirection,IthinkIseeregretinhiseyesandmaybeabitoflonging.Iunderstand.Ifeelittoo.

Tearsburnmyeyes,butmorethanthat,Iwanttostudythedeed.Ineedtoknowwhatitsays.Ihaveto

seeit,toknowit’sreal.“Willyouexcuseme?”IwhisperinBrooke’sear.

She nods, but looks confused as I pick up the envelope and exit the ballroom, waltzing through the

patiodoorsouttothegarden.IfindalowwallandsitonitasIpeelbacktheflap.

“Whatchahavethere?”Shelbyasksasshecomesandsitsbesideme.
“Oh.I’mnotsureyet.”IbitmylipasIpullthethickfoldedpapersout.IreadquicklywhileShelby

peersovermyshoulder.

“Isthatadeed?”Shenearlyshrieks.
Ijumpandlayahandagainstmychest.“Lookslikeit.Here.Youtellme.”IknowShelbywon’tsteer

mewrong.Sheandherhusbandhavealongloveaffairwiththecamp.

At first she frowns, then she scowls and the anger on her face is more evident with each flit of her

eyesacrossthepage.“SoitappearsmysonwouldliketogiveyouCampHope.”Shelbygripsthepapers
tightlyandherhandfallstoherlap.

Myeyesarewide,acombinationofhopeandfear.“Yes.That’swhathesaid.”Ibitemycheek.
“Well,sadly,hecan’t.”Sheshakesherhead.
“Oh really.” Blake saunters over. “I’m the acting CEO. Who says I can’t do with our assets what I

want?”

Shelbysighsangrily.“Me.Themajoritystockholder,headoftheboard,theonewhotrulyownsthis

company.Nextquestion.”

He splutters for a minute. “I’d think you’d be pleased, Mother. After all, by giving it to Grace, I’m

savingthecamp.”Hecrosseshisarmsoverhischest.

Shelby stands and moves to stand before her son. “Yes, but no matter how pleased I might be, you

can’tgiveawaysomethingyoudon’town,Blake.”Sheshakesherheadbeforesheturnstome.“I’msorry,
Grace.Iknowthisisdisappointing.”

“Youdon’tknowthehalfofit,”Imutter.
“True,butIwill.”Shecrossesherarmsoverherchestamomentandglancesbackandforthbetween

us.“I’llseeyoubothintheofficeonMonday.”

“Both?”Ifrown.
“Yes.We’llhaveanemergencyboardmeeting.Shouldn’tbetoohardtoorganize.”Shestaresintothe

ballroomandlaughs.“Youknow,sincetheentireboardisalreadyhereforthewedding.”

“Oh.”Iblowoutabreath.
“SeeyouonMonday.Nineinthemorning.Don’tbelate.”Shelbylaysahandonmyshoulder.“Don’t

worry, Grace. We’ll figure this out.” She winks at me then glides across the stone patio and enters the
buildingoncemore.

“Thisisafinemess.”Iscowl.
Blakesitsbesideme.WhenIdon’tstiffenormoveaway,hethrowsanarmaroundmyshoulder,leans

inandkissesmytemple.Iwanttomeltintoit,butIrememberhowbadlyhehurtmejustthedaybefore.
“Youheardmymother.We’llworkitout.”Hepullsbackandsmiles.“Shelovesyou,Grace.I’mtheone
whoshouldbeworried.”

THEPRINCESS,BOOKTWO

ThePrincess

Harper’sIslandDuet,BookTwo

ZaneMorrow

1stEdition

Allrightsreserved.NopartofthisbookmaybeusedorreproducedinanymannerwhatsoeverincludingInternetusage,withoutwritten

permissionoftheauthor.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentsaretheproductsoftheauthor'simaginationorareusedfictitiously.Any

resemblancetoactualevents,locations,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

CoverbyMarisaShorofCoverMe,Darling

Formattingby:LoveKissedBooks

CreatedwithVellum

houghItriedtoengageGraceinconversation,sheexcusedherselfandrushedinside.LaterIcaughther

talkingwithBrooke.Icouldactuallyfeeltheturmoilwithinher.Beingclosehadmystomachrolling.Or
maybethechurningcamefromthealcohol.I’ddefinitelyingestedaninordinateamountoflate.Whatelse
couldIpossiblydotosurvivethisantiquatedritualmybrotherhadinsisteduponexperiencing?Ofcourse,
therewasthepossibilitytheweddingwasallhisnewwife’sfault.Inarrowedmyeyesandstudiedher
while tugging at my chin. Yes, she seemed not only the marrying type, but the big church wedding huge
receptiontypeaswell.Whatofherbestfriendthough?WasGracedeterminedtomarry?Wasthiswhyshe
wassoputoffbymypracticalsuggestionwemaintainourrelationshipposthasteoncethecampclosed
notonlyforthesummer,butforgood.

Thistime,butterflies.TheideaofnomoreCampHopemademenearlygiddy.Toobadthesourceof

myjoybroughthersomuchgrief.Therewasapossibilityifwetalked,shemightunderstandmyproblems
with the place. Naturally, the prospect of getting all in touch with my feelings around the woman who
intriguedmesouredmymood.

Turningonmyheels,Istalkedoutoftheroomandreturnedtothegardens.Thefreshairmightgiveme

a fresh perspective. The quiet and alone time would definitely soothe my nerves. When I reached the
bridgeoverthekoipondandleanedontherailing,avoicebrokethesilence.

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

moodfromthetone.

Slowly,Ishiftedandglancedhisway.“Whatofit?”Ilacedmyfingersandstaredatthewater,willing

thefluidmotionsofthefishtocalmme.

Trentmovedcloser,steppingupontothearchedbridgeandstoppinglessthanafootfromme.“The

movesurprisedmeIguess.”Hechuckledandshookhishead.“We’restillcompeting,Isee.”

Mybrowsarched.“Doyou?BecauseIdon’t.”Isetmyjawandstraightenedsometogriptherailing.

MyknucklesturnedwhiteasIstruggledtohidemyirritation.

Hegesturedtomyhands.“Oh,Ithinkyoudo.Lookatyou.Thepissedofflittleboyhasgrownintoan

angryman.”Trent’seyesflashedwhilehesmirkedatme.“NowonderBenspentsomuchtimewithme.”
Heleanedcloserandsneered.“Nowonderhespentsolittletimewithyou.”

Mychesttightened.Suddenly,Ifeltlikemylungsrefusedtofillwithair.Therewasmorethanalittle

truthtohiswords.Theproblem,however,camefromthefacts.Didheknow?Didhesuspect?Ilooked
away and refused to meet his eyes. There was a distinct possibility if I looked at him, I’d be sorely
temptedtobreakhisnose.Asmymindracedtofindasolution,awayoutofthissituationwhilesaving
face,anothervoicebrokethetensionintheair.

“Well,Ineverexpectedtofindyoutwotogether.”

Iwhippedaround,gratefultohearGrace’svoice.Shestoodonthecobbledpathafewfeetfromus.

Foramoment,Iwilledhertolookatme.IfIcouldsimplystareintohereyes,acalmwouldwashover
me. I knew it intrinsically. After all, the other night, she had been Xanax in human form. I couldn’t
rememberthelasttimeIfeltsorelaxedandateaseinmyownskin.

“Sogoodtoseeyou,Grace,”Trentmurmuredasheleanedinandplantedakissonhercheek.
My blood boiled and my hands fisted at my sides. The man knew what he was doing. Years of

practicehadtaughthimhowtogetundermyskin.Thecalculatingboyhadgrownintoamanipulativeman.
Iclosedmyeyesandblewoutabreath.Amomentlater,ahandwrappedaroundthebackofmyneckand
myeyesflewopentofindhernearlypressedagainstme.Istartedtospeak,butthegrimlookonherface
hadmyjawsnappingshut.

“BlakeandIhavesomeimportantmatterstodiscuss,Trent.Itwasnicerunningintoyou,butifyou

could excuse us…” Her voice trailed off as she dismissed him without so much as a glance in his
direction.

Using my peripheral vision, I could see Trent stiffen. “Of course.” He bowed slightly and backed

away,butIcouldfeelhimseethinginanger.

Wedidn’tevenacknowledgehim.Instead,myeyeswerefixedonher.“Grace.”Iwhisperedhername.

Ididn’ttrustmyvoicetonotcrackifIspokeanylouder.Inmynewestactofbravery,myhandsfoundher
tiny waist. I swear my fingers could nearly circle her. “Damn, you’re petite.” My fingers dug into her
morethanIintendedandIsawherwince.“Sorry.”Icouldfeelmyearsturnpink.

Herheadtiltedasshestudiedme.“What’sgoingonwithyou?Areyouokay?”Gracedrewherhand

awayfrommyneckandnowlaidthebackofitonmyforeheadbeforeshebrushedagainstmycheek.

Again,Ifoundmylidsloweringtosavorhertouch.Thiswoman.WhatwasIgoingtodo?Ineededto

findawaytowinher,tohelpheragreetobewithme.Grabbingherhand,Idraggedittomymouthwhere
Igrazedherknucklesandpressedthemagainstmylips.“Whatbringsyououthere,Princess?”

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

“Youbastard,”shegrumbled.“IalmostforgotIwasmadatyou.”

MybrowfurrowedandIfeignedinnocence.“You’remadatme?Howcouldyoueverbeangrywith

me?” I playfully flashed a smile. I’d been told it not only transformed my face, but had melted some
pantiesatimeortwo.ForGrace,Ihopedtohearovariesexploding.God,Iwantedher.

“I’mfurious.”Shepursedherlipsandnarrowedhereyes.
Ishrugged.“Sorry.Ijustdon’tseeit.Isthatyourangryface?”Inmychest,Icouldfeelmyheartbegin

tobeaterratically.

“Youcan’ttell?”Herbrowshotup.
Frowning,Ileanedin,handspoisedinchesfromherface.“MayI?”
Shesteppedback.“Mayyouwhat?”
“Just let me…” I reached out and started to play at molding her face. “There hold it like that.” I

pushedherbrowslower.“Nowlipslikethis.”Imodeledwithmyownwhiletryingtoforceherstopurse.
SheheldtheposewhileIsteppedbacktostudymymasterpiece.“Yes!Nowthat’samuchbetterfurious
face.”Igrinnedasasmilespread.“Stillfurious?”

“Terribly.”Gracesighedandwalkedintomyarms.
Themomentshelaidherheadagainstmychest,Icouldfeelthetensionmeltaway.“Neverleaveangry

again,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. Grace didn’t

disappoint.

Herfingershotoutandshepokedmeinthesternum.“Nexttimeyougiveagirlsomeproperty,make

sureyouownitfirst.”

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

Shesureknewhowtotakealotoutofaguyinandoutofbed.

“Good.”Shecrossedherarmsoverherchest.“SowhatdoyouthinkisgoingtohappenonMonday?”

GraceglancedupatmeandIcouldreadtheconcerninhereyes.MaybewehadmoreincommonthanI
thought.MaybeshehidherfearbehindamaskofangerlikeIdid.

MybrowsknitasIstruggledtofindananswertoherquestion.Thosepleadingeyeshadboredstraight

throughmysoul.Still,Icouldn’tbringmyselftolietoher.Itwasn’tmyway.Iknewtoowellthedamage
theycausedandIrefusedtoeverharmanyoneIcaredaboutinsuchashallowmanner.Igesturedtoward
thebenchontheothersideofthebridge.“Caretositforamomentwhilewetalk?”

Crossingherarmsoverherchest,sheglaredatme.“We’renottalking.Ijustaskedyouaquestion.”
“Right.” I chuckled. “And if I answer and you have a new question…at some point this is going to

passthroughthatgrayareastraightintoaconcreteacceptance.Admitit.Thisisaconversation.”Isighed.
“Come.Sitwithme,Grace.”Iofferedalopsidedsmile.Manywomenhadfoundthisboyishlookrather
disarming.Ihopedtheoneinfrontofmewouldfeelthesame.

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

I walked over and collapsed onto the bench leaving her plenty of room. “Look, you don’t even need to
touchme.”Imeasuredwithmyhands.“Look.Thismuchroom.”Iheldthemup,theywereagoodthree
feetapart.“AndIknowfromexperience,youonlytakeupthismuchroom.”Imeasuredmypelvis,this
time palms up, half cupped, much like they were the other night when I held her ass as she rode me.
Apparently,sheknewwhatIwasrecalling.Hercheeksturnedaflamingredasshefumed.

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

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 taught the only

certaintiesinlifeweredeathandtaxes.”Ishrugged.“Andyetyouseemconvincedwe’llnevermakelove
again.”

“Make love?” She practically spat the words. “Is that what you’re calling it?” This time she didn’t

simplyrollhereyes.No,Graceinoneofhermoredramaticmovessomehowmanagedtorollherentire
head.Shewaslikesomedamnbobbleheaddoll.

“That’s not a good look for you,” I warned. “And what would you prefer I call it?” I frowned, but

insidemyheartfrozeinfear.

“Callitwasitwas.Iwasjustanotherfucktoyou.”Gracestaredatme.Iswearshewantedareaction,

buttheshockhadleftmewithoutwords.BeforeIcouldrecover,Inoticedthetearsinhereyes.

“Oh, Princess.” I hoped my pet name would appropriately soothe her. Instead, she stiffened more,

sniffledquicklyandbolteddownthepath.Sheseemedtobeblindedbytears,stumblingsome.Icouldn’t
leave her to her own devices, especially not when she’d proven herself to be so vulnerable. Case in
point,Trentappearedandshenotonlyranintohim,butsomehowmanagedtowindupinhisarms.

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

here,thanks.”Ireachedforher,butthatratbastardturnedherawayfromme.

“DidBlakesaysomethingtoupsetyou?Youcantellme,”hecooed.
Inthatinstant,ittookeverythinginmetonotslammyfistintohismouth.Isteppedcloser.“I’vegot

her,”Igrittedout.MynostrilswereflaringandTrentrespondedwithasmirk.

“IthinkweshouldletGracedecide.”Hetuckedhisfingerunderherchinandforcedhertolookat

him.Thenwhenhehadherattention,hereachedintohispocketandpulledoutahandkerchief.“Drythose
tears,love.Whatevertheproblem,I’msurewecansolveit.”

“I’msureyoucan’t.”Iscowledathim.
“Thecamp.”Shemanagedinbetweensniffles.
“Did Blake say something about the camp?” He frowned down at her intentionally ignoring me and

tryingtomakemeouttobethebadguy.

Graceshookherhead.“I’mjustfeelingemotionalaboutthecamp.”Shedabbedathereyesandmet

mystare.Imarveledather.Thoughshe’dbeenpresentedwiththeperfectopportunitytothrowmeunder
thebus,makemeouttobethevillain,shehadn’t.

Myheartswelledthenfilledwithfear.IfIwasn’tcareful,I’dfallforthewoman.Istoodthererubbing

mytemples.Ineededmorealcoholtodealwiththis,ormaybesomeibuprofen.Attheratethingswere
going,I’dbeonbloodpressuremedswithinaweek.

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

smileddownather,butIswearsheshudderedinresponse.

Hopeflaredinsideme.MaybeGracewasn’tsotakenwithhimafterall.

“

ome inside,” Brooke urged. She grabbed Grace’s wrist with one hand then caught mine with the
other.“It’snearlytimefordinner.You’veallbutmissedtheappetizers.”

“I’m not hungry,” Grace murmured. She laid a hand on her stomach and I swear I heard it growl

despiteherobjections.

Withasigh,Ipulledawayfrommynewsister-in-lawandscoopedGraceupinmyarms.“Let’sgo,

Princess.Wecan’thaveyoupassingoutandruiningtheweddingnow,canwe?”Iwinkedatherandwas
pleasedtoseehersoftensome.

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

onmyshoulderandnuzzledintomyneck.

IswallowedhardandwishedweweresomewhereprivatebecauseI’dgiveanythingtogetunderthis

gown.Iswearsheknewittoo.Beforelong,shewasteasingmyearwithhertongueandIwasshakingasI
triedtocontrolmynaturalurges.“You’reacold,cruelwoman,”Igrumbledundermybreath.Inresponse,
Iwasrewardedwithasnicker.Thelittlevixenknewpreciselywhatshewasdoing.“I’llrememberthis.
Turnaboutisfairplay…”

She paused for a moment. “I have no idea what that means.” Grace shrugged and resumed her sexy

ministrationsonmylobe.

“You’ll see. I don’t know how. I don’t know when, but I assure you, I’ll get you for this.” I could

barelyspeak.Mybreathcameinpants.Shiversrandownmyspineandallthebloodinmeranstraightto
mygroin.Myonlyhopetonotutterlyhumiliatemyselfinaminutewastoletmymindwander.Only,the
onethoughtIfocusedonwaswhetherornottherehadeverbeenanotherwomanwho’delicitedsucha
reaction from me. There had to be. No way was I peaking with Grace. I started mumbling names as I
compared.“Taylor.Emme.Shayne.”

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

toyou.”

“Behave,youtwo,”Brookewarned.“We’reatthesteps.Anyoneglancingoutsidecanseeus.Ifthe

doorsareopenoranyoneisaround,therumorswillfly.”Shegaveusanexaggeratedwink.

“Whatwasthat?”Ifrowned,feelingutterlyconfused.
Grace giggled then wriggled out of my arms until I gently set her on the cobblestone path. “Brooke

wants us married. Everyone should be as happy as she and your brother are. Right?” She sighed at her
friend.

“Listen,fortwopeoplewhohateeachother,yousuredon’tactlikeit.”Brookeliftedthefrontofher

gownandpreparedtomountthefirststep.“Help,”shehissedathermaidofhonor.

“Yougotit.”Gracegatheredupthebackofthegownanddutifullyfollowedherfriendupthestairs.

Istoodthereadmiringtheswayofherhipsasshemovedwhenahandlandedonmyshoulder.Istared

at it disdainfully. Sure enough, it belonged to Trent. In business, we’re trained that he who speaks first
loses,soIsimplypastedaserenelookonmyfacewhileIwaited.Theassholedidn’tdisappoint.

“Don’tgettooattached,”hesneered.“Gracewillbemine.”
“Willshenow?’IcrossedmyarmsovermychestandsuckedonmycheeksasIrolledmyeyes.
“Absolutely.”Heremovedhishandfrommyshoulderandstuffeditinhispocketwhileherockedon

hisfeet.Trentseemedsoself-assured.LittledidheknowI’dalreadyspentthenightwithGrace.

ThenIfrowned.Clearly,however,Ihadn’tsealedthedeal,sotospeak.Thelittleprincesswasangry

with me, for reasons I couldn’t quite wrap my mind around. I tugged at my chin. “Just what makes you
thinkso?”

He chuckled. “I’m generous. We both love Camp Hope. It’s a solid foundation for a relationship.”

Trenthadbeentickingreasonsoffonhisfingers.

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

andstartedtoturnandmountthesteps.

Hesplutteredaminute.“Whatmakesyouthinkshe’dchooseyou?”
Ipausedonthefirstriser,collectedmyemotions,andlazilymovedtorespond.IshruggedasIlooked

himintheeyes.“WhatmakesyouthinkIwanther?”Iwatchedhisreaction.Thelightwentoutinhiseyes.
Hisshoulderssagged.JustasIsuspected,hewasonlyinterestedinGracebecauseofme.Myheartached
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
couldseehimsecond-guessingeverything.Heglancedaboutnervouslyasweathadbrokenoutacrosshis
brow.

“Youdon’twanther?”Helickedhislipsandsquintedatme.
This was my chance to save her. One lie could take her off the board. “Of course not.” I shook my

headvehemently.“WhywouldIwantsomeonelikeher?”

Thefrownonhisfacemorphed.Hischeeksturnedpinkandheseemedpositivelydelighted.Ifroze.A

chill ran down my spine as I swiveled and moved to make my way into the club. As I glanced up, I
realizedGracestoodtwostepsaboveme.Atthesightofher,mytensionmeltedaway.Iwantednothing
moretopickherupinmyarmsandrunawaywithher,butinsteadofreceivingmeawithaplayfulsmile
orevenawittyremark,hercheekswerepinkandhernostrilswereflaring.“Princess?”Mybrowarched.
Ihopedteasingherwouldlightenthemood.Inherhands,sheheldtwoflutesofchampagne.Istartedto
reachforone,butshedrewback.

“Ibroughtthistoyou.Openbar.”SheblinkedbacktearsandItiltedmyheadinconfusion.“Thought

youmightbethirsty.Heat,”shemumbled.

“Areyouokay?”MybrowfurrowedasIheldoutmyopenarms.
Graceshookherheadandtookastepback.“Don’t.”SheblewoutabreathandIwatchedherheel

catchonthehemofhergown.

“Careful.”Icaughtherelbowandtriedtohelpherfindherfooting.
Sheshookherheadandyankedoutofmygrasp.Somehowshemanagedtostumbleupthenextfew

stepstothelanding.“Don’ttouchme,”shehissed.

“Grace,letmehelpyou?”Trentglidedupthestairstowardher.
Iwatchedasshelookedbackandforthbetweenus.Atthemoment,itseemedshedidn’ttrusteitherof

us. She shook her head and bolted in the opposite direction. When Grace had disappeared inside the
building,Trentlaughed.“What?”Iscowled.

Heshookhisheadandgrinned.“Ihopeyoumeantitwhenyousaidyoudidn’twanther?”
Istiffened.“Oh,andwhyisthat?”Itriedtopasteaboredlookonmyface.
“Becausesheheardeveryword.Andnowshehatesyou.”ThenTrentpositivelydanceduptherestof

the steps and entered the building behind the one woman who’d ever been able to get under my skin,
whileIwasleftalongfeelinglikeI’dbeenpunchedinthegut.

Historicallyspeaking,thiswasaboutright.Foramoment,Istoodfrozen,staringdownatmyshoes

whileIcontemplatedmynextmove.IwantedtogorescueGrace.IfIcouldsimplyexplainthingsweren’t
asshe’dheard.Only…fornow,theyhadtobe.Throughtheyears,I’ddiscoveredhowpoisonousTrent
couldbe,thedamagehecoulddo,thehavochecouldwreak.IrefusedtoputGraceinharm’sway.

Instead,Iwalkeditoff.Iwanderedthroughthegardensatabriskpace.Itfeltmorelikedoinglapsin

atuxanddressshoes.Mysocksweresoaked,blisterswereforming,theheathaddriedmymouthtothe
extent I couldn’t have spoken had my life depended on it. Still, by the time I made my way to join the
reception,Ifeltnobetter.

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

right.

“Dependsonwhoyouask,”hegrumbled.Brettseemedintentoncuttinghisprimerib,butfinally,he

gaveup,sethissilverwaredownontherimofhisplateandglaredatme.“It’smyweddingday.”

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

there.”

“Stop.Juststop.”Herolledhiseyes.“Idon’tknowwhathappenedtoyou,tous.”Brettshiftedinhis

chairandinchedclosertome,whileIshrankinmine.

Iknew.Thecampchangedeverything.Idrapedthenapkinacrossmylap.“Theprimeribseemstobe

cookedtoperfection.”

“Tryingtodeflect?Really?”Herubbedhisforehead.
“Seemstoworkforpoliticians.”Iofferedasmilethatdidn’treachmyeyes.
“Just…leaveGracealone.Inthispastweek,you’vehurtherenoughforalifetime.So…stayaway.”

Brettseemedsatisfiedwithhisedict.

Picking up my fork and knife I began to saw through the meat on my plate. “I could do that, dear

brother,butIwouldn’twanttodisappointMissMilly.”Ieyedhimpointedly.“Wewouldn’twanttodo
anything to jeopardize Grace’s ability to save the camp now, would we?” I watched as he struggled to
processmywords.

“Ifyouhurther…”Hisvoicetrailedoff.Brettwasthekingofemptythreats.Hehadnothingtohold

overme.Iwasolder,stronger,tougher,andheadofthecompany.

“You’ll what? Seriously. What exactly will you do?” I stabbed a piece of the beef with my fork,

dippeditinhorseradishsauceandstuffeditinmymouth.ThenIchewedlazilywhileIwaited.

Brettshookhishead.“Idon’tknow,Blake.ButIswearifyouruinmywedding,we’rethrough.”
Irolledmyeyes.“Herewegoagainwiththeidlethreats.”
“No,Imeanitthistime.YouhurtGrace,ithurtsallofus.We’refriends.You…you’rejustanasshole.

How’dyouevengetthiscold?”

Amemoryflashedandthepainofithadmelookingaway.Ishivered,buttriedtoplayitoffasashrug.

“Don’tknow.JustluckyIguess.”

“Right.Likeyouwerebornthisway.”Heeyedmeevenasheleanedaway.“Onlythatcouldn’tbethe

case.Motherislovingandcaring.Fatherwastoo.Oh,butyou…you’recoldasice.”

Itookanotherbiteofmymeal,butIcouldn’ttasteit.Hiswordshadwoundedme.Hisdistrusthurt.

WatchingTrentafewtablesawaytryingtocatchGrace’sattentionmademychestache.Wewerehours
fromcakeandmytoast.Wouldthisnightneverend?

n hour later and I’d downed roughly three rocks glasses of scotch. The great thing about scotch is

whenyou’reinaterribleplace,itgoeswitheverything.Forexample,therewasnoclashwithmybaked
potato,myasparagus,ortherestofmyprimerib.I’dhadmyfirstscotchinlieuofthesaladcourseI’d
missedandthebreadIcouldn’tbringmyselftoeat.NowthemusichadbegunandtheDJwascallingthe
weddingpartyoutontothefloortostarttheparty.Someparty.

Gracestoodofftothesideofthedancefloor.Shestaredatmeamomentandeveninmyseriously

buzzedstate,Icouldreadthereluctanceinherface.Iswallowedtherestofmyfourthglassandsecond
double.Inolongerfeltitburningonthewaydown,althoughIdidnotehowhardithitmystomach.Still,
thatlittlebitofliquidcouragehelped.

Wipingmymouthwiththebackofmyhand,IstrodeovertoherasecondafterTrentreachedherside.

“Stepoff,”Igrowledwithoutevenlookingathim.Graceheldmyattention,asmuchasIcouldfocus.

“Excuseme?”Therewasanoteofsurpriseinhisvoice.
Iwhirledaroundandstumbledslightly,butIsoonfoundmyfootingandconfrontedhim,sincethiswas

obviouslywhathewanted.“WasItoopoliteforyou?Hmmm?”Ileaneddownslightlysowewerenose-
to-nose,sinceIwasagoodthreeinchestaller.

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

drink?”

“Aboutenoughtospeakmymind.”Inarrowedmyeyesonhim.“WanttoknowwhatI’mthinking?”
“Notespecially.”HeshruggedandworeasmuglookIwantedtopunchoffhisface.
Apparently,I’mameandrunk,orTrentbringsouttheworstinmebecauseI’veneverhitamaninrage

my whole life. Now, in self-defense was a different story. Father insisted we train in martial arts to
protectourselves.Beingwealthymadeustargets,heclaimed.Trustme,hewouldknow.“Well,I’mgonna
tell you anyway.” I licked my lips. “Fuck off.” His eyes widened. “That’s right. Fuck. Off. Trent.” I
gesturedtowardthedoor.“You’renotinthewedding,soIdon’tknowwhyyou’retryingtohedgeinon
thisdance.Hell,Idon’tevenknowwhyyouwereinvited.”

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

andletmedancewithmybestgirl.”IsmiledatGrace.Ithinkitwasasmile.Myfacewasbeginningto
feelnumbandmymindgrewfoggyasthealcoholI’dconsumedatsucharapidpacefinallycaughtupto
me.

“Bestgirl?”Gracecrossedherarmsoverherchestandstaredatmewithpeakedbrows.“NowI’m

yourbestgirl.Anhouragoyouwantednothingtodowithme.Sohowdoesthatworkexactly?”

“Simple.”IwobbledsomeonmyfeetasIheldoutahandtothehauntinglybeautifulwomanbefore

me.“I’mthebestman,soyou’rethebestgirl.”Ichuckledatmycleverness.Gracedidn’t.

“Right.Pass.”Shelookedaway.
Shemightnotwantanythingtodowithmeatthemoment,butatleastshedidn’twantanythingtodo

with Trent either. This was of some comfort to me. “Come on, Gracie,” I whispered in her ear. “Don’t
ruinthewedding.Dancewithme.”

“Oh, so now if I refuse to let you drunkenly paw me on the dance floor in front of all of Harper’s

Island,I’mruiningthewedding?”Sheglaredatme,whichonlymademewanttokisshermore.Ireally
didlikeherallfeisty.

“Yes?” I tilted my head and she huffed in response. “I mean, no.” I shook my head and held onto a

nearbychairsoIdidn’tlosemytenuousbalance.Gravitywasnolongermyfriend.“Don’tmakemebeg,
Princess.”Iburiedmyfaceinherneckandplantedafewlingeringkissesinatrailuptoherear.ThenI
begantonibbleonherlobeasshe’ddonewithmineoutsideearlier.

Gracewhimpered.“Pleasedon’tdothishere.”Shegentlypushedmebackwithapalmtomychest.
Iperkedup.Thereseemedtobeadistinction.Shedidn’ttellmenottodoit.Shesimplydidn’twant

metodoithere.“Wheredoyouwanttogo?”Istraightenedandglancedabout.“Upstairs?Ibetwecould
get a room upstairs.” Suddenly nothing else mattered, nothing but the possibility of being with Grace
again.I’dforgottenimmediatelyaboutallmydutiesasbestman.Icouldcarelessforaboutthetoast,the
cake, and especially catching the garter. Everything was all about her, being with her, having another
chancewithher,holdinghernear.Ineededitmorethanair,oralcohol,ormoney.“Let’sgo.”Ishiveredin
excitement.

AfteraglanceatBrookeandBrett,shefrowned.“Iguessyou’reright.Weshoulddance.”
“Yes,”Iagreedlazily.
Gracetookmyhandanddraggedmeoutontothefloorandpositionedusinabackcornerinbetween

the speaker and the newlyweds. She wrapped her arms around my neck and we began to sway to the
music.I’magreatdancer,normally.Yearsoflessons,followedbycountlesssocialoccasionstoputthem
into practice and I was a younger, wealthier version of Fred Astaire. Tonight, Grace grunted under the
weightofme.

“Can’tyoustandatall?”Shesighed.
“Ofcourse.”IgruntedasIstruggledtorightmyself.I’dgrowntiredandlazy.“You’rejustsotinythat

Ihavetoleandowntodance.”

Sherolledhereyes.“Yes,ofcoursethat’sit.Oh,butwait,coulditpossiblyhaveanythingtodowith

thefifthofscotchyou’veconsumed.”

I jerked my head back. “It couldn’t possibly be that much.” Then I began to mentally tally before I

chuckled.“Okay,it’sclose.”Igrinneddownather,feelingallwarmandmushy.“GoodthingIcanhold
myliquor,huh?”

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

later.”Shesighedheavily.

“I don’t have long…” I thought for a moment and laughed loudly. “You think I’ll be puking later.” I

shook my head. “Nah. I never do that. I’ve never been hung over.” I was ready to lay out all my best
attributeswhensheinterrupted.

“Yes,buthaveyoueverhadthismuchtodrink?”Sheeyedmecuriously.
My brow furrowed as I considered her question. “I went to college. I was a legacy in the family

fraternity.Imusthave.”

“Somehow, I can’t picture any of that.” She rested her head against my chest and I held her a little

closer.Afterafewsecondsofsilencepassedbetweenus,Iheardhermurmur,“Whydowefightso?Why
can’twegetalong?”Thensheburiedherfacemoredeeplyintomyjacket.“Whycan’tyoujustloveme,
dammit?”

IhadthefeelingIwasn’tsupposedtohaveheardanyofthat.Still,herwordsmademethink.“Idon’t

believeinlove,”Iadmitted.“I’veneverseenit.HowcouldIhopetoexperienceit?Oh,butbelieveme,
you’retheclosestI’vecome.”Ilaidmychinonthetopofherheadandinhaleddeeply.

ThemusicendedandIglanceddownatthewomaninmyarms,hopingIcouldconvincehertoendure

anotherdancewithme.Iwantedhercloseandshewasn’tgivingmemanyopportunities.BeforeIcould
ask,theDJmadeanannouncement.“Allthesingleladies,gatheraround.Timeforthebridetothrowthe
bouquet.”

Grace tugged my hand as I stood frozen in place, staring longingly at her. “Come on. Off the floor,

loverboy.”WhenIdidn’tmove,shebeganpullingme.“Seriously,youmaybesingle,butyou’renolady.”

WomenofallageswerevyingforpositionaroundBrooke.IwantednopartofthisritualsoIallowed

Gracetomoveme.“Hey,shouldn’tyoubeoverthere?”Ipointedtothethrongofdesperatewomen.

“Yeah…no.Idon’tseememarried.I’mtoocommittedtoCampHope.Whatmancouldevercompete

withthat?”Sheheldherhandsoutassheshruggedandthebouquetsailedoutofnowhere,bouncedoffmy
chest,andlandedinheropenpalms.“Well,fuck.”Sheclosedhereyesamomentandblewoutabreath
beforesheturnedherattentiontoBrooke,whowasdoingherbesttolookinnocent.

“Ithinkshedidthatonpurpose.”Inoddedwithagrimlookonmyface.“Goodnews.You’renext.

Isn’tthatwhatitmeans?”Imeantitasajoke,butforsomereason,thethoughtofGracebeingwithanother
manaboutknockedthewindoutofme.“Ineedair,”Igasped.

“Okay.Patio.Let’sgo.”Sheshovedmeinthebackasshedirectedmeoutthedoorwithonehand,the

bouquetclaspedintheother.

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

comeouthereandbewithmewhenyoucouldbeinthere.”

Grace stared into the reception hall from the back patio. “Oh, I want no part of that. They’ll be

throwingthegartersoon.”Sheshivered.

MyhandsfistedatmysidesasIrealizedwhatthismeant.“Sosomeguyisgoingtocatchthegarter

andthenslideitontoyourthigh.”I’dhavetostandthereandwatchallthewhileplottingthepoorguy’s
demise,especiallyifheslidtoofartowardthejunctureofherthighs.IclosedmyeyesasIremembered
whattheexperiencehadbeenlikeformetheothernight.

Hershoulderssagged.“Yup.”
Ipushedupmysleeves.“Thehellheis.”ThenIstormedtowardsthedoor,flungitopen,andstomped

inside, determined. I glanced about, trying to get the lay of the room. I was ready to shove through all
theseassholestogetthegarter.Ontheedgeofthedancefloor,Ifeltatugonmyarm.Ilookedbehindme
tofindGracestandingtherepanting.

“Youdorealizeifyoucatchit,thiswillonlystrengthenMissMilly’sbeliefweshouldmarry.Thenthe

wholeislandwillbetalking.”Herhandswereclaspedinfrontofherwhileshepleadedhercase.“You
don’twanttomarryme,Blake.Youdon’twanttomarryanyone.”Sheshrugged.

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

underBrooke’sgownandstartedtolazilypullthegarterdownherthigh.Allthewhiletheygazedateach
otherwithsuchlove,suchpassion,myheartbegantothumperratically.Conflictingthoughtsracedthrough
mymind.Whycouldn’tIhavethat?Oh,butwhywouldIwantto?

Awaiterbegantopassbywithatrayofchampagneflutes.Apparently,itwasnearlytimetotoast.In

onefluidmotion,Igrabbedonewithoutjostlingtherestoftheglasses,andbroughtittomylipswhereI
startedtogulpdownthebubblyliquidwhileGracemadeaface.“Iwouldn’tmix,ifIwereyou.Comeon.
Allfratboysknowthis.”

“Garter.” I pointed toward where Brett had been moments before. Only now he had disappeared.

MaybeI’dmissedthetoss.Iscannedthefloor.Therehestoodinthefarcorner,garterstretchedbackon
twofingersashepreparedtoslingshotitintotheair.WhileBrookehadsoughtoutGraceforthebouquet,

my brother had obviously selected another target. I followed his line of sight. Trent. Fucking Trent. No
damn way was he getting his hands anywhere near Grace. Suddenly, it was as if the rest of the room
meltedaway,orIwaswearingblinders.IhonedinonthemanIloathedforreasonsIcouldn’tsharewith
anyone.IyankedmyjacketoffandpassedittoGrace.“Holdthis.”Beforeshehadachancetorespond,
I’d rushed across the room. As the lacy elastic fabric above outstretched hands, I plowed through the
throngofmen.Afterall,I’dalsobeenareceiverforallofmyhighschoolandcollegecareers.Myhand
shotoutandasecondlater,myfingerswrappedaroundtheobjectIsought.Igrinnedandstartedtoliftmy
trophy,butTrenthadcaughtholdofpartofittoo.

“Letgo,”Igruntedasmysmilefaded.
“Youfirst,”hespat,hiseyesflashing.
Withouthesitation,Iyankedhardinanefforttoremoveitfromhisgrasp.Whenherefusedtobudge,I

elbowed him in the gut and we were soon scrapping on the floor. Trent may have been temporarily
surprised and slightly winded, but he recovered quickly and followed through with a sucker punch that
connectedwithmycheekbone.

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

groundandpound.Afterafewhits,he’dreleasedthegarter,moreinterestedincatchingthebloodgushing
fromhisnose.

Standing,Iturnedandheldupmytrophy.“Look!”IgrinnedatGrace,evenasmycheekburnedand

swelled.“Igotit.”

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

checkingoutthenewlyweds’reaction.Ididthesame.Brooke’seyesandmouthwerewidewithshock.
Mybrother,however,wasfuming,hisfaceredwithrage.“Go!”Heroaredashepointedtowardthedoor.

MyheadhungasIstartedtomakemywayoutofthereceptionhall.Icouldn’tmeetanyone’sfaceon

mywayoutoftheroom.Afterall,I’dactedcompletelyoutofcharacter,andwhileI’dliketopretendit
wasallalcoholinduced,thetruthwasGracehadalottodowithittoo.Obviously,Ineededtostayfar
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, until I
notedthedisappointmentonherface…andsomethingelse.

“Why?”Herbrownsknittogether.
“Confused?”IstuffedthegarterinmypocketsoIcouldcuphercheek.“Metoo.”
Her face fell. Finally, she threw her shoulders back and stuck out her chin. “Let’s go. You’re in no

conditiontodrive.”

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

“

hatdoyouwanttodo?”Iwatchedherforareactionwhilewewaitedonthevalet.Hecouldn’t
returnsoonenough.Ikeptglancingbehindusnervously.Forsomereason,Iimaginedtheresidents

of Harper’s Island gathering their pitch forks and lighting torches to chase after us. Forget that most of
themhadneverworkedadayintheirlives,havingbeenbornintomoney.Thepointhere:Iwassomekind
ofbeast.IeyedGrace.Shewascertainlymybeauty.HowhadIevermanagedtogainherattention?How
couldsomeonelikemeeverhopetokeepit?Hell,nomatterwhatIdid,Isomehowmanagedtofoulitall
up.

Graceshookherhead.“Nothing.Ithinkweneedtogetyouhome.”
I grinned. “Ah, coming back to my place. And I thought I was going to have to be all slick. You

surpriseme,Princess.”

Shegrimaced.“IneversaidIwascomingup.”
“So,youdon’twanttoseethefamilyestate?”Ituggedatmychin.“Oh,youmayalreadyhaveseenit

withyourmother.”

“Youreallywanttogobackthere?”Gracegavemetheside-eye.
“Ah.”Iconsideredherimplication.“Iseewhereyou’regoingwiththis.Goodthinking.Let’sgoback

tothecitythen.”

Hercarcametoahaltbesidethecurbwherewestood.Iopenedthepassengersidedoorandstepped

asideforhertotakeaseat.Sheshookherheadatmeandlaughed.“What?”

“How drunk are you?” She held the door and pushed me toward the interior. “You ride, I drive.” I

openedmymouth,butshesilencedme.“YouhadmoredrinksthanIcancountononehand.”Istartedto
mentallytallyinthehopesIcouldargue,butshedidn’tevengivemeachance.“Plus,it’smyvehicle.”

Ithrewmyhandsupintheair.“Fine.”Ilookedoverhershoulderfrommypositionintheseatand

sawTrentwalkingtowardus.“Getin.”Igrittedout.

Shepeeked,realizedwewereabouttobesetuponbymymortalenemy,andrushedtowardherdoor.

Hopping in the vehicle she tossed her bouquet in the backseat and settled in behind the steering wheel.
Graceevenmanagedtogetherseatbeltlatchedbeforethetappingonmywindowbegan.Sheignoredhim
a second, one hand on the gear shift, her foot on the brake pedal. I could feel her conflict. Finally, she
sighedandherhandfoundtheelectricwindowbutton.“Sorry,”shemutteredasshepastedaserenelook
on her face. The she looked past me to Trent, who was already leaning in the window. “Yes?” Grace
blinkedafewtimeswhileshewaitedforhisresponse.

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

knuckleswerewhiteastheygrippedthedoorframe.

Irelaxedintotheseat.Trentwaspissed.Eversocasually,Iwrappedmyhandaroundhersonthegear

shifterandgrinnedathim.“We’regoingbacktomyplace.”

Forasplitsecondhisfaçadefaltered.“I’llseeyouwhenyougetdonedroppinghimoff.”
Slowly, I raised her hand and brought it to my lips without taking my eyes from her face. Then I

plantedakissinthecenterofherpalmandwatchedwithsatisfactionasherbreathingquickenedandshe
bitherlowerlip.“Whatever.Iplantotakemytime.”MylidsflutteredshutasIfocusedmyaffectionson
her wrist. I could feel her pulse racing and soon she gasped. While she was distracted, I reached over
withmyfreehandandpushedthebuttontoraisethewindow.

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

muffledthissound,IswearIheardhimgrowl.IopenedmyeyesandsmiledatGrace.“Drive,Princess,”I
whispered as I gave her hand one final squeeze before laying it back on the shifter. To my surprise,
withoutsayingaword,shedidasIsuggested.

hedrivetothecitytookoveranhour,includingtheferryride.Idozedduringmostofit.Atfirst,Grace

wasnervousandmorethanalittleuptight.Thenasherconfidencegrewandhernervessettled,onceshe
wascertainIwaspassedout,shebegantosingalongwiththeradioandsomethinghappenedinsideme.I
don’tknowhowtodescribeit.AllIknowisoneminute,Iwassimplyfeelingpossessive,thenextminute
Iwasfeelingwarmandfuzzy.Imagesbegantoplayoutinsidemymind,Icouldabsolutelyimaginealife
withher.

Gracereachedoutandpetmyhair.Ittookeverythinginmetonotmove,tonotleanintohertouch.Her

voice,asshesangalongwiththeradio,startedsoftlyandthenwhensheknewthewords,shebeltedout
thetune.Icouldseeit,mecominghomefromtheofficetofindherrockingourbaby.She’dbedownthe
hallinthenurseryandI’denterthepenthousetohearhervoiceonthemonitor.Oh,andwe’dhaveoneof
thosevideoones,soI’dsoonseeher.Theideaofitmademyheartswell.We’dgiveourchildrenthekind
oflifeIneverhad.I’dbemadly,deeply,hopelesslyinlovewithmywife.Mychildrenwouldneverneed
a nanny while their mother volunteered to help every cause and everyone, but them. We’d tuck them in
together,readingthemstories.Ourplacewouldbefilledwithjoyandlove,theperfectenvironmentfor
childrentoflourish.ThiswouldbeacompleteoppositefromthemuseumIgrewupin,withthecoldstone
and marble finishes, where we weren’t allowed to touch anything and our parents barely touched each
other.WasitanywonderIwassostandoffish,sodetached?WasthereanydoubtwhyIwantednothingto
dowithmarriage?

Sherousedmewithagentlesqueezeofmyhand.“Blake,I’mnotsurewhereyoulive.”ThenwhenI

didn’tmove,shestartedmumblingunderherbreath.“Whydidn’tIaskhimbeforehefellasleep?”She
sighedheavily.“Nowwe’llbelostinthecity.”

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

lessthanthirtyminutes.”Isatupstraighterintheseatandhelpeddirecthertherestoftheway.

Finally, we pulled into the parking garage. I directed her to my assigned spot. She hesitated before

pullinginandIstruggledtomaintainmycool.“Ican’tcomein.”Graceshookherhead.

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

stepfather all night?” I watched her shoulders sag some. “Oh, maybe you wanted to see those
disapprovingstares?Thosearemyfavorite.”

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

already.”Gracepeekedatmeandofferedalopsidedgrin.

“Ofcourse,I’msuretherearefarmoreinterestingthingstodiscuss…likehowwelefttogether,how

thePrincessisbehavingbadly,ormaybeaboutthecompanyshe’skeeping.”Ituggedatmychin.I’dbeen
aroundlongenoughtoknowhowthisworked.“Thoseoldbittieswillbetalkingaboutusforweeks.It’s
notliketheyhaveanythingelsetotaketheirmindsofftheirotherwiseemptyexistences.”Iwatchedher

headdropontoherchest.

“Icouldspendthenightatthecamp.Afterall,I’llbegoingbackthereforthesummeraftertheboard

meetingMondaymorninganyway.”Shebrightenedsome,thinkingshe’dfoundasolution.

Inodded.“It’snotabadidea,Grace.”Sheturnedtolookatmewide-eyed.“Still,Iwouldratheryou

wait until daylight to drive those dark country roads though. Please. For your safety.” I shrugged. “Just
comein.I’llfeedyou.I’llgiveyouachangeofclothes.Andtomorrow,we’llgobacktotheislandwhile
everyoneisinchurch.Youcandropmeattheclubtogetmycarandthenyou’llberidofme.”

“I’llstillhavetoseeyouonMonday.”Graceleanedbackinherseatandstaredatme.Iwondered

whatshewasthinking.WassheasupsetasIwasthatI’drunoutofexcusestospendtimewithher?

Idecidedtotestheralittle.“Yes,butwordwillprobablybeoutthatyou’reabletodateanyoneyou

please.Imean,afterthewedding,nowaywouldMissMillywantustiedtogether.”Itriedtosmile,but
thistime,evenasthealcoholwaswearingoffandthefeelingwasreturningtomyface,IknewI’dfailed
miserably.

“Right.”HernostrilsflaredandIswearhereyesgrewshiny.“Soyou’llbefree.”
Iswallowedhard.“WhatmakesyouthinkIwanttobefreeofyou?”
She looked away and stared out the window. Apparently, she needed a moment to collect herself.

Whenshefacedmeagainhermoodhadchangedentirely.Graceglaredatme.“Well,Ithinktheothernight
provedyoudon’twanttobetiedtome.Youofferedtotreatmelikeadamnwhore,soyousureashell
don’trespectme.”Shehuffed.“SowhythefuckwouldIwanttobetiedtoyou?”Shecrossedherarms
overherchest.

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

loved…er,theoneIknewhowtohandle.

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

woundmyfingerinaloosewispofhairnearherface.

She laughed. “A summer at Camp Hope will fix everything. By the end of August, I’ll be saying,

‘Blakewho?’Andyou’llsimplybesomeguyIspentadrunkennightwith.”

“You’dstaywithmesober,Grace.Don’tlie.”Igrewserious.Theideaofbeingsoeasilyforgotten

woundedmypride.Thememoryofheralreadyhauntedmewheneverwewereapart.

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

unhookedherseatbelt.“Let’sgetthisoverwith.”

I followed her lead and stepped out of the vehicle. “That’s not the attitude I’d hoped for when you

finallyspentthenightatmyplace.Where’stheexcitementandenthusiasm?”

“Where’stheguyworthyofmyinterestandattention?”Herbrowshotupinchallenge.
I pointed to my chest. “Right here, Princess. Miss Milly was right to link us. No one else will

challengeyoulikethis.”

“Please.”Shestompedtowardtheelevatorthenpausedandwhirledaround,asmirkonherface.“I

betTrentwouldchallengeme.”

Icouldbarelyspeak.Luckilytheelevatordoorsopenedandacoupleexited.“Getin,”Igrumbled.
“Youdon’tthinkhewould?Ibethecouldbealotoffun.Ibethemightevenbethemarryingkind.”

Herlipspursedassheeyedme.

I grabbed her bicep. “Elevator,” I gritted out as I tugged her inside with me. Once the doors shut, I

releasedherarmandstuffedmyhandsinmypocket.Standingthere,Istaredatourreflectionsintheshiny
metaldoorwhileflexingmyfingersandstrugglingtocontrolmyemotions.She’dfoundmyAchillesheel
andwasusingitagainstme.Thissuckedballs.

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

Herheadhung.“Idon’tknowwhyIdidthatanymorethanIknowwhyyouhavesuchaproblemwith

Trent.”Shebitherquiveringlowerlip.“SometimesIthinkIjustliketogetareactionbecausethen,at
least,Iknowyoucare.”

Theelevatoropenedonmyfloorandwesteppedout,onlyfeetfromenteringmypenthouse.Ipulled

outmykey,unlockedthedoor,andpusheditopenforhertoenter.Whenshedidn’tmove,Igesturedfor
hertogoinside.

Gracestoppedlessthanfivefeetinsidemysanctum.“Saysomething,please.”Hervoicewashoarse.
Ishutthedoorandstrodepasther,throughthelivingarea,intomybedroom.Ilistenedforthesoundof

herfootstepsbehindme,buttherewerenone.So,Ifocusedonpickingoutat-shirtandgymshortsforher
towear.WhenIleftmyroomandsoughtherout,sheseemedtohavedisappeared,untilIlookeddown.
Gracewassittingonthefloorwithherbackagainstthewall,herfaceburiedinherhands.AsIneared,I
realizedshewascrying.Withoutthinking,Iscoopedherupinmyarmsandcarriedhertothecouchwhere
Isathard.Icradledheragainstmychest.“Don’tcry,mysweet.”Iburiedmyfaceinherhair.IswearI
couldactuallyfeelherpainanditwaswreckingme.

“Weshouldstayawayfromeachother.”Shespokeinbetweensniffles.
“Funny,Iwasthinkingtheexactopposite.”Idrewherevenclosertomychest.Icouldn’tgethernear

enoughformyliking.

Gracepulledbackandstaredatmeaghast.“Howcanyouthinkthat?Allwedoishurteachother.”
Shakingmyhead,Igrinned.“That’snotallwedo.AsIrecall,wemakeeachotherfeelprettygood

too.Wemakeeachotherhappy.”

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

That’s what this is. Give it a chance.” I closed my eyes. How quickly I’d gone from wanting an out to
wantingmore.Whatwasitaboutthiswoman?Maybeintime,I’dfigureitout.“Nowdrythosetears.Get
changed.Wouldyoulikeahottea?”

Herheadtilted.“You’remakingmetea?”
“Ofcourse.It’swaterandateabag,notrocketscience.”Ishrugged.Herreactionhadthetipsofmy

earsturningpink.

“Okay.”Shesmiledshyly,slippedoffmylapontothefloor,andgrabbedtheclothesI’dgathered.“I’ll

berightback.”Thenshedisappearedintomybedroom.

Iheavedasighofrelief.Finally,somethingwasgoingright.Slowly,Ipriedmyselfoffthecouchand

wandered into the kitchen. I opened the cabinet door and pulled out my favorite mug for Grace. After
fillingitwithwater,Istuckitinthemicrowavefortwominutes,thenIleanedagainstthecounterandtried
nottothinkaboutthewomanchangingherclothesinmyroomwhenIwantedtobetheonetoundressher
whileplantingkissesovereverysquareinchofherskin.

Mythoughtswereinterruptedbymyphone.Forsomereason,Iansweredwithoutevenglancingatthe

screen.Fine.Gracewasthereason,mydistraction.Now,Iwasabouttolearnalesson.

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

youlikemetosay,mother?”Myannoyancewasobvious.Shewasinterruptingmynight.

“Well, how about you start with an apology? Of course, you should be speaking to Brett, since you

ruinedhiswedding.”Shesighedangrily.

“I think that might be a bit of an exaggeration, don’t you? Did the wedding actually end because of

me?OrisitmorelikelyIsimplygaveallthelittlepeoplesomethingtotalkabout?”Mybedroomdoor
openedandGraceemergedlookingpositivelyadorableinmyclothes.AllIwantedtodowastakethem

offher.

My mother gasped. “How could I raise a child with so little compassion? How could you care so

littleaboutyourbrotherandhishappiness?”Icouldhearhershoetappingangrilyonthefloor.

‘Here,’ImouthedasIpassedthemugtoGrace.
Shesmiledweaklyandnodded.Thenshesigneda‘thankyou’bringingherhandtoherlips.
Ipassedherthesugardishandaspoonfromthedrawer.‘Mom,’Imouthed.
Again, she nodded her understanding. I watched her pour ridiculous amounts of sugar into the mug.

Witheachspoonful,mybrowsarched.Icouldtellshewasstrugglingtoholdbackagiggle.Itmademy
heartlightdespitethepressuresfromtheotherendofthephone.

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

hiccuppedandIimaginedthisastheprecursorfortears.

Irolledmyeyes.Gracewavedasshetookthemuganddisappearedintomybedroomagain.“Icare

aboutGrace,”Iadmittedquietly.

“Howcanyouevensaythisafteryouhumiliatedherinfrontoftheentireisland?Hermothermustbe

heartbroken, after the way you behaved.” She sniffled. “I bet Miss Milly is regretting that she ever
suggestedyouandGracemightmakeagreatmatch.”

“Idoubtit,”Igrumbled.AllIwantedwastogetoffthephoneandgospendtimewiththebeautiful

womanwaitingformeinmybedroom.

“Was that your plan?” Oh crap. Mother was angry again. “Did you want Miss Milly to change her

mind?Areyoureallythatdevious,thatdeceitful?”

“Ofcoursenot,Mother.I’dneverhurtGrace.”Imeantit.Imeanteveryword.
“You say this even as you try to close down the camp, the first love of her life.” She sighed.

“Sometimesyoudisgustme.Toomuchofyourfatherinyou.”

I stiffened. I was nothing like my father, but I knew better than to argue. This was a time when I’d

simplyhavetoridethewaveandhangonfordearlife.

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

miserablelittleworld.”Shepracticallyspitthelastwords.Thenwithoutsayingsomuchas‘goodbye,’
sheendedthecall.

Isetmyphoneonthecounterandsteppedawayfromitasifitmightexplode.Foraminute,Ilookedat

itwarilywhileItriedtocalmdown.Shehadaterriblewayofgettingundermyskin,ofmakingmefeel
badlyaboutmylifeandchoices.IfsheonlyknewhowmanychoicesImade,whichweredictatedbymy
needtoprotecther.ShehadnoideathesacrificesI’dmadeforhersanity,herpeaceofmind,mostlyinan
effortnottorockher…miserablebigworld.Foramoment,Iclosedmyeyesandtriedtoshutoutthefear.
ThenIstraightened.Thistimewasdifferent.Iwasn’talone.Icouldwalkintomyroomandfindtherelief
Ineeded.Gracewouldmakeitallbetter.WhenIwaswithher,Iforgotallthebadstuff.

Smiling,Iwanderedintomybedroom.AsIenteredtheroom,Ifoundthemug,emptyonthenightstand.

Grace was curled up on the covers, sound asleep. While I was mildly disappointed, I really wasn’t.
Tonight,I’dbecontenttosimplyholdherclose,myhumanteddybear.So,Istrippeddowntomyboxer
briefs,slippedunderthecoversandpulledGraceunderthemtoo.Shecurledupagainstmeasifitwere
the most natural act in the world. “Careful, Princess,” I whispered. “I’m afraid of getting used to this.
Whenyou’regone,myworldwillseemsoempty.I’mgoingtomissyouinwaysyoucan’tevenimagine.”

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

listenedforthesoundofrunningwater,buttherewasnone.Myheartstartedracing.Irecognizedthefear
behind my reaction. The thought of losing her had me panting and bolting from the bed. I skidded and
stumbled toward the bathroom door first, but the room was dark and empty. Then I rushed for the main
livingarea,hopingtofindhersittingonthecouchsippingatea.Gracewasn’tthereeither.

MyphonelayonthecounterwhereIleftit,buteventhatwasofnohelp.Ididn’thavehernumber.

Surprisingly enough, we hadn’t really reached that place in our relationship. I swallowed hard. Only
becauseweweren’treallyinarelationship.Ourtimetogetherhadmostlybeentheresultofgeography,
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 end of the island
whilehopelesslyholdingthephoneinmyhand.

Threesighsandasolidminuteofgrumblinglater,myphonebeganvibratinginmyhand.Shocked,I

staredatitandoncemyeyesfocused,IrealizedIhadbeenincludedinagrouptextto…prettymuchall
thebigfamiliesonHarper’sIsland.MyfacescrunchedupasItriedtoprocessit.

roup:MissMillyisinthehospital.ShefellleavingtheMorganweddingandbrokeherhip.
Asecondtextappearedwithhospitalinformation.Ihadalreadyhoppedoffthestoolandrushedinto

thebedroomtogetready.IfMissMillywasintrouble,asheirtothethrone,surelyGracewasnearby.I
couldpleadmycasetobothoftheminonefellswoop.

Withouthesitation,Irushedintothecloset,selectedmyclothes,foundthegarterinmytuxedopants,

thenmovedontothebathroomformyshower.Somethingaboutthesteamclearedmyhead,andIquickly
realizedIhadnovehicle.OnceI’dhoppedoutoftheshower,dressed,andstuffedthegarterinmypocket,
Icalledforacar.Mydriverwasn’tthrilledtohearfrommeat7amonaSunday,butonceherealizedit
was an emergency and he’d be done as soon as he dropped me at my vehicle, we had come to an
agreement.TheheftybonusIpromiseddidn’thurteither.

Halfanhourlater,IexitedthebuildingandclimbedintothewaitingTownCar.Thedrivewasquiet,

whichwasperfectsinceIwasfeelingintrospectiveandstrugglingtopreparemydefense.NowaywasI
goingtoletMissMillydictatetheendofmypotentialrelationshipbeforeithadbegun.Anhourlater,we
arrivedatthecountryclubandIgavemydriveraheftyenvelopeofcashbeforestridingtomyvehicle.

Thenitwasontothehospital.IscannedthevisitorparkinggarageforGrace’scar,butdidn’tseeit

anywhere. I considered she might have ridden with her family, so I rushed into the hospital without
hesitation.Thetextmessagehadcontainedtheroomnumber,soIdidn’tneedtostopatinformation,but

instead walked directly to the elevator. I’d had hours by now to prepare for the conversation with the
QueenofHarper’sIsland,butstillfeltutterlyunprepared.

WhenIrappedlightlyonthedoorandpushedittoenter,IdiscoveredMissMillywasaloneinthe

room.OneeyelidroseasIclosedthedistanceuntilIstoodbesidethebed.

“Blake.”Shespokeevenlyandseemedremarkablysereneforsomeonewhohadbrokenabone.
“MissMilly.”Ileaneddownandplantedtheobligatorykissonhercheek.“Howareyou?”
Atthisbotheyesopenedandfixedonme.“Ithinkthebetterquestionwouldbe,howareyou?”Her

lips pursed a moment as she waited for my reaction. Though I hadn’t spoken my shoulders sank
involuntarily.“Ah,adequatelycontrite,Isee.”Shenodded.

“I have no idea what came over me,” I gushed honestly. “You must believe this is completely

uncharacteristic.”Iopenedmymouthtosaymore,butsheinterrupted.

“Young Blake.” Miss Milly grinned at me. “Do you think I haven’t watched you grow up? Do you

thinkIdon’tknowyou?”Shechuckledandshookherheadslightly.“Mydearboy,doyouthinkIdon’t
knowwhat’schanged?”

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

tendencytomakemevolatile.AsmuchasIwantedtoholdittogether,Ihadlongagonearedmybreaking
point. “Well, if you’re so smart, then why don’t you enlighten me? What the hell is wrong with me?” I
realizedtheerrorofmywaysimmediatelyandmyjawsnappedshut.Glancingtomyleft,Isawachair
andcollapsedintoit.ThenIleanedforwardandrubbedmyhandsovermyface.“I’msorry,”Imuttered,
afraidtofaceher.

“You’re forgiven. It’s my fault really.” Miss Milly shook her head. “I knew you and Grace would

make an interesting match. I failed to anticipate the fireworks which might follow, however.” She
shrugged.“Sowhatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”

“Whatdoyoumean?Wait.Youdon’twantmetostayawayfromGrace?”Myeyeswidenedandmy

heartrateescalatedashopefilledme.

“Please.Youtwoareperfectforeachother…aslongasneitheroneofyouruinsit.”Shestudiedmy

face.“Youwon’truinit,willyou?I’mtrustingyou,BlakeMorgan.Graceisspecial.”

Ireachedouttoholdherhandbetweenbothofmine.“Don’tIknowit.”Iblewoutabreath.“Sowhat

doyousuggest?”

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

advicewasgoingtobehuge.

“I’mready.”Isqueezedherhands.“Tellme.Anything.”Imeantit.Ireallydid.
“Good.Thenmarryher.”Sheclosedhereyesandleanedbackintothepillows.
“Justhowstrongarethosepainmeds?Didthedrugsgettoyou?Youcan’tbeserious.”Ispluttered,

evenasIwonderedwhyIwastrulyobjecting.

“Deadserious.”Shedidn’tevenglancemydirection.“I’mdying,Blake.”
“Miss Milly.” I sighed patiently. “You broke a hip. Sure, if you were a horse, you’d have been put

down, but you’re not. You’ll recover and terrorize many generations to come out on the golf course.” I
chuckledasIimaginedherdrivingaroundonherfancygolfcart.

Thistimesheturnedherheadandsighedwhilehersadeyestoreintomyheart.“Theyfoundcancer.”
“What?”Mybrowsfurrowed.
“WhenIfell.MyhipbrokebecausemybonewasweakenedfromacancerIdidn’tknowIhad.Now

my days are numbered. Double digits, Blake. That’s the time I have left.” She blew out a breath and I

watchedasingleteartricklefromoneeye.

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

timeIwastheonetointerrupt.

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

wealthy,”Igrumbled.

“Yes.Andtheybattleconstantly.Ittakesafirmhandandastrongpersontoleadthem,keepthemin

line,makesuretheydon’tsuccumbtopettybickeringandidlepursuits.”MissMillysqueezedmyhand.
“They need Grace. They need you. Together, you can keep the island strong.” She laughed. “Who am I
kidding?Together,youcanmakeitbetterinawayInevercould.”Sheeyedmeseriously.“Together.You
mustbetogether.”

Herideawasmorethanalittletempting.Itwouldbesoeasytogivein,butIneededtoprotectGrace

fromme.“Idon’tknow,MissMilly.IthinkGracecandobetter.”Herresponsesurprisedme.

“Sheprobablycould,butIdon’twantthatforher.”Myfacehadfallenandshenoticed.“Blake,you

knowyourswon’tbeapeacefulunion.Youknowyoutwowillbickerandbanter.Thesechallengesare
whenshetrulyshines.”MissMillygrinned.“Withyou,she’llglow.”

I considered her words. “Sadly, it doesn’t matter what you want or even what I hope for. Grace…

well,shedrovemehomethismorningandleftwithoutsomuchasaword.Shedoesn’twantme.”

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

thewayshedid,butIgavehernochoice.”Thistime,sheyawned.

“Isawthat.”Ireleasedherhand,stoodandleanedoverheronthebed.“I’llseewhatIcando.”Iwas

poisedtokissherforeheadwhenshespoke.

“Don’tsee.Makeithappen.IexpecttoattendonelastMorganweddingbeforeIpass.”Shesettled

intoherpillows.

“Double digits, you said. So, that’s what? Ninety-nine days, give or take?” My brows rose and

chewedonmycheek.

“Thedoctorsgavemeamonth.”Sheclosedhereyes,probablyrefusingtomeetmine.
“I’lldomybest.”Myshouldersdroopedundertheweightofherrequest.
“No,you’llmakeithappen.”MissMillycrossedherarmsoverherchest.
Inmythroat,Igrowled.“Rest.I’llcomeseeyousoon.”ThenIfinallypressedmylipstoherwrinkled

foreheadbeforeexitingtheroom.

Thirtydays.Inthatshortperiodoftimewe’dhavetodate,getengaged,andevenmarry.Nothingtoit.

AsItrudgedouttothevehicle,IswearIcouldfeelamigrainecomingon.

hileIdidn’thaveaminutetolose,Ialsodidn’thaveaplantoputintoaction.Sundayendedupbeing

adayofrest,adayofrecovery,adayofcarefulconsideration.Afterall,Mondaypromisedtobesuper
painful. My mother’s looming threat to rock my world. Oh, make that my miserable little world. Then
therewasthepressureoftryingtofigureouthowtofixthingswithGrace.HowthehellwasIgoingto
furtherourrelationship?MaybehavingMissMillyonmysidewouldhelp.

Following a restless day, I called it an early night and turned in by nine. Naturally, I slept poorly,

wokewellbeforemyalarm,anddecidedtoworkout.Itwasmyfeebleattempttosweatoutthebad,and
getmyheadright.Mymothercouldbescary.

Finally,I’dkilledenoughtimetodrivetotheofficeandarriveatanacceptablehour,thesweetspot

betweenridiculouslyearlyanddangerouslyclosetoangeringthedragon.Forthefirsthour,Imanagedto
findenoughworktostaybusyinmyoffice.Thenmymotherarrivedanditwastimetofacetheboardand
themusic.Icalmlytookmyseatattheheadofthetablewithmymothertomyright.Apparently,allthis
timeshehadallowedmetobelieveIwasinchargegivenmypositionwithinthecompany.Followingour
discussionattheweddingInowrealizedIdidn'tholdthepowerIoncebelievedIdid.Gracesatatthe
opposite end of the table closer to Trent. At first, I hoped to catch her attention, but she seemed
determinedtoignoreme.Theheadoftheboardcalledthemeetingtoorderandgavemymotherthefloor.
Immediately, she stood and spoke while pacing around. “As many of you know, the question of the day
centers around the future of Camp Hope. Little more than a week ago, my son, Blake, planned to close
CampHopeattheendofthesummer.Thankstoagenerousdonationfromoneofourownmembers,for
thefirsttimeinseveralyearsthecampwon'tberunningonanausteritybudget.Let'sgiveTrentaroundof
applause.”

Everyone around the table began clapping politely. Soon my mother continued. This time she stood

behindmewithherhandsonmyshoulders.Ihaveneverfeltmoreuncomfortableinmylife.Alleyeswere
onme.Icouldfeelthejudgement,thetensionintheroomastheywaitedformymothertohavehersay.
While I couldn’t care less what others thought, worrying how Grace saw me was eating me up inside.
More than anything, I longed for a chance to explain everything, even if it meant revealing secrets I’d
vowedtokeepalifetimeago.

“ItismycontentionthatCampHopeisaboutfarmorethanturningaprofit.Thiscamphadbeenmy

husband's dream his way of giving back. The very last thing I want to see is his legacy destroyed. My
belief is that we can work together to find a way to fund this non-profit without devouring company
resources.”Hernailsbitintomyclavicles.Icouldactuallyfeelherthinly-veiledrage.

“Andjusthowdoyouproposetodothis,Mother?”Iturnedaroundinmyseattofaceher.Finally,she

releasedherholdonmeandclaspedherhandsinfrontofherchest.“Ithinkwehaveeffectivelyproven

through the charts and graphs I sent to every member of this board, the camp is a drain and we have
nowherenearenoughfundingtomakerunningitlongtermfeasible.”

Soon,shesettledbackintoherseat,crossedherlegselegantly,andsmiledatme.I'msureothersatthe

tablethoughtitwasalovinggesture,butIknewbetter.Thiswaswheremotherwaspreparedtoproveher
point. Her plans for rocking my world were about to be revealed. “Well, Blake. Since you asked, I
thoughtwemightbeginbystaffingthecampwithmorevolunteersandfewerpaidemployees.”

IwatchedasGraceshifteduncomfortablyinherseat.I'veknownherlongenoughbynowtorealize

sheprobablyimaginedhertimeatthecampwascomingtoanend.Asmuchastheplacemeanttoher,I'm
certainshefearedtheworst.EventhoughI'dbeentheonetosuggestclosingtheplaceanddestroyingthe
onethingshewasmostpassionateabout,nowIhadtofindawaytoensureshewouldn'tbehurt.“I'mnot
convinced that's the best idea, Mother. See, running the place truly requires experienced staff, educated
individualstrainedanddevotedtohelpingthesekids.Thisisoneareaweshouldneverconsidercutting
corners.Quitefrankly,I'msurprisedyou'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 need to keep trained counselors on
staff, there are plenty of positions that can be filled by volunteers. For example, you'd make a fine
janitor.”Herbrowshotupinchallenge.

IpursedmylipsamomentasIcarefullyconsideredmynextwords.“Yes,I’vebeenonclean-upfor

years.” I sighed and looked down at my hands, now folded on the table. I was dangerously close to
revealingall.Mymotherhadbeenpushingmybuttonssincethemeetingstarted.Itookadeepbreathand
peeked toward the end of the table where Grace sat. Why was she so far away? I needed her soothing
touch.Foramoment,IrecognizedthepainedlookonherfaceandIhopedshewassympathizingwithme
atleastalittle.Still,regardlessofwhatherexpressionmeant,itmerelystrengthenedmyresolve.“While
I’dlovetohelp,I’malittlebusythesedays,youknow,runningthecompany.”

“Yes,andastheactingCEO,it’syourjobtoactasanexample,justasyourfatherdidforallthose

years.”Mymotherleanedinandglaredatme.“Youcouldlearnalotfromhim.Hewasashiningexample
ofeverythingyoushouldbe,butaren’t.”Sheshookherheadindisappointment.

Outofthecornerofmyeye,IcouldseeTrentsmirkingashesatbesideGrace.Itooksomecomfortin

herreaction,whichsuggestedshenotonlyhurtforme,butwasdisgustedbymymother.Slowly,Ilicked
mylips.“Ofcourse.Icouldtrythat.”

“Youwilltrythat.You’regoingtobethenextgenerationofshiningexamples.”Sheleanedbackinher

seatandcrossedherarmsoverherchestresolutelyasifithadalreadybeendecided.

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

volunteer.Hehasnorealjob.”

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

narrowedonme.“Oh,that’sright.Youleftearly.”

Irubbedmyfacewithmyhands.Thiscouldn’tgetmuchmorepainful.Itriedtofiguredoutasuitable

objectiontoherdecision.Onlymotherwasn’tdoneyet.

“Grace,dear?”Motherwaitedforhertorespond.
“Yes,MissShelby?”Shefrowned,obviouslynervouswiththenewattentionshehadreceived.
“Doyouhaveinternetatthecamp?”MymotherleanedonthetableandsmiledsweetlyatGrace.
“Yes,ma’am.”Assheresponded,hereyesdartedbackandforthbetweenmeandmymother.
Iclosedmyeyesandtouchedmypocket.Forsomereason,thegarterhadbecomeatouchstoneforme,

soothinginitsownspecialway.Mymotherknewdamnwellwhatthecampdidanddidn’thave.We’d
discussedwaystocuttheoverheadonmorethanoneoccasion.Myfirstsuggestionhadbeentogetridof
someofthesecomforts,sinceitwasacampandnottheFourSeasons.

“Aretherephonesatcamp?”MymothereyedmewhileshewaitedforananswerfromGrace.

“Ofcourse.Thekidsturnintheircellsuponarrival.So,weallowthemtimeeachweektocallhome

onthecamplines.”Shesatupstraighterandfoldedherhandsinherlap.

I studied her as she spoke. If I didn’t know better, I’d say she was feeling guilty, as if she were

betrayingme.

“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 reasons why you

should,startingwiththemostimportant,whichboilsdownto…Isaidso.”

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

mewithnow?Whatcouldyoupossiblytakeawaytoswayme?”Isighed.“Somehowithasescapedyour
noticehowmuchtimeandattentionmypositionrequires.”Iclosedthefolderinfrontofme,hopingI’d
mademypoint.

“SomehowithasescapedyournoticethattheonlyreasonyouhavethispositionisbecauseIgaveitto

you.”Herbrowroseinchallenge.

Iswallowedhard.Whiletherewassometruthtoherstatement,itwasequallytruethatI’dearnedit,I

deservedit,andIwasdamngoodatit.Surelythishadtoholdsomeweightinherdecisionmaking.

“YouwillspendopeningweekatCampHope,”sheordered.“YouwilldowhateverGracerequires

ofyou,andyou’lldoitwithoutevenahintofobjection.DoImakemyselfclear?”

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

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

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

rubbedmychestasifitcouldsoothemyachingheart.Fromtheotherendofthetable,IcouldfeelGrace
staringatme.Iknewshewantedtomakemefeelbetter,butnothingwouldrightnow.

Finally confident she’d had a breakthrough with me, my mother continued to address the rest of the

board.“I’dloveitifyou’dallconsiderdonatingsometimetoCampHope.Theplacemeansalottome.”
Thensheflashedasmile,thefirstgenuineoneofthemeeting.

I rubbed my hands together while I thought. This couldn’t be happening. I’d rather have my kidney

stoleninacockroachinfestedhotelroomandhavethesurgeryperformedwitharustyspoonthangoto
CampHope.I’dratherspendanightinapitfilledwithfireantsthanspendanhouratCampHope.Hell,
I’d rather donate all of my trust fund and ninety-nine percent of my future earnings to the camp than an
hourofmytime.Wasthereanywaythiscouldgetworse?

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

time,hedidn’tseemsmugorscared.Instead,heseemedtense,nervous.Icouldpracticallyseetheveinin
hisforeheadpoppingout.

“Thankyou,Trent,”mymothercooed.“I’llputyoudownforadayortwo.”
“No.”Heshookhisheademphatically.“I’llgoforthefirsttwoweeks.”
Mymotherlaughedandlookedatme.“Ofcourse.I’msureGracewillbehappytohaveyou.”
Thereitwas:thenailinmycoffin.ThelastthingIneededwastospendonemoresecondofmylife

withTrentatCampHope.

heroomclearedprettyquicklyafterTrentvolunteered.Thereweremanywhomutteredthey’dhaveto

check their schedules. Most couldn’t even make eye contact with me. Luckily, none of them were from
Harper’sIsland,evenandespeciallyTrent.Ascowlhadtakenupresidenceonmyface.Thoughonlymy
motherremained,IlingeredasIconsideredmyoptions.SomehowIhadtokeepmymotherhappyorlose
my position. I needed to date Grace and the camp wouldn’t exactly be conducive to this. Most of all, I
neededtofigureouthowtohandleTrent.Clearly,henowhadhisheart…makethathisstone-coldheart…
setonthewomanIwasfallingforandexpectedtomarrybynonelessthantheQueenofHarper’sIsland.
Allthiswhilecopingwithaloomingdeadlinethatmightaswellbeatickingtimebomb,sincethiswas
whathaddevolvedinto.

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

myseat.

Herbrowarched.“Youheardme.Gohomeandpack.Youhaveabitofadriveifyouwanttomakeit

toCampHopetonightbeforethecampers.”

Ilaughedandshrugged.“Idon’t,really.”
Mother licked her lips and spoke carefully. “Well, maybe you at least want to make it there before

Trent,hm?”

Myeyesnarrowed.“Thatwascold.Evenforyou.”Istoodandgrabbedthefilefromthetablebefore

brisklywalkingtowardthedoor.

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

I’vebeentryingtotakecareofeverythingsinceyourfatherdied.”Iheardhersinkintoherchair.“Itake
somesmallcomfortinknowingheatleastdiedatthecamp,doingwhatheloved.”

Irubbedmyeyes.Shedidn’tknowthehalfofit.Thetruthwasfatherhaddiedatthecampandhehad

died doing what he loved. Unfortunately, what she didn’t understand was there was so much more to it
thanthat,somuchshecouldneverknow.Thesecretwasmeanttodiewithme,whichshouldn’ttakelong
nowsinceitwasabsolutelyeatingmeupfromtheinsideout.

Sadly,Inoddedinresponseandexitedtheconferenceroom.Backinmyoffice,Ipackedmybriefcase

asquicklyandefficientlyasIcould.WhetherIlikeditornot,motherhadmadeavalidpoint.Theway
Trentflewoutoftheoffice,Ihadnodoubthe’drushedbacktogatherwhatheneededandhe’dspeedto
CampHope.Theplacewashissecondhome,justasithadbeenmineduringthesummers.Itwasn’tabad
place,atfirst,butonceitwasruinedforme,itwasruinedforever.

Iexitedmyofficeandleftinstructionswithmyassistant.ThenImademywaydowntheelevatortothe

parkinggarage.ThiswasoneofthefewtimesIwishedI’dtakenmother’sadviceandhiredabutler.He
could’vehadmepackedupalready.ThenI’dmerelyhavetochangeandgrabmybag.Instead,myneed
forindependence,thedesiretoproveIwasself-reliantwouldhavemescramblingforagoodhour.

This is why I didn’t arrive at the camp until nearly lunch time. I parked in the staff lot and walked

overthewoodenbridgetothemainbuilding.AsIenteredtheoffice,Ifoundayoungwomanseatedatthe
frontdesk.HereyesbuggedoutasIheldoutahandtogreether.“HI,I’mBlake.”

“Iknowwhoyouare,Mr.Morgan.”Shenodded.“I’mMandy,Grace’sassistant.”
Itiltedmyheadtotheside.Sheprobablyknewmeasthebastardwhowantedtoclosethecamp.I

sighed.“Nicetomeetyou.IsGracearound?”

Mandy bit her lower lip a split second then spoke. “She’s preparing your accommodations. It’s not

what you’re used to and you’re going to have to share your cabin and and…” Before my eyes, the girl
brokedownandburstintotears.

“It’sokay.Iwenttocollege.Ihadaroommate.I’llbefine.”Ireachedoverandgrabbedatissuefrom

the box on the counter and then passed it to her. “Wipe. Blow. Something.” All this emotion made me
incrediblyuncomfortable.Rage,Iknewhowtohandle.TherewasalotofangeraroundthehousewhenI
wasgrowingup.Sadness,however,wastheequivalentofyankingtherugoutfromunderme.“Wanttotell
mewhat’swrong?”

“You’regoingtohatetheplace.Andthenyou’rereallygonnacloseusdownandwhatwillhappento

allthekids?”Shewailedandblewhernose.

I glanced about for support, but I truly seemed to be the only other body around the camp at the

moment.“Hush.Ialreadyhatedtheplace.Certainly,thiswon’tmakemehateitmore!”Ichuckled,hoping
she’dseethehumor,butinsteadmyremarkwasmetwithanewonslaughtoftears.Iblewoutabreath.
“Okay.Canyoupointmeinthedirectionofmycabin?”

“Takealeft.Fourthonedown.”Thenshepracticallyshooedmeoutoftheofficewithherwave.
Followingherinstructions,IturnedleftasIsteppedofftheporch.ThenIwalkeddownthewornpath

andcountedthecabins.Likemostcamps,thisonewasonalake.Thecounselorshadthecabinsclosestto
thelake,thecampershadtheonesfartherawayforpracticalreasons.Whoknows?Imightactuallyenjoy
beingonthewaterandenjoyingtheview.Harper’sIslandwasontheocean,anythingbutrustic,andan
entirelydifferentexperience.

WhenIreachedtheporchforthefourthcabin,Ifoundthedoorwideopenandheardrustlingaround

inside. I thought this might mean I was meeting my roommate. Instead, I discovered Grace inside,
strugglingtomovethemattressesintoplace.Idroppedmydufflebagonthefloor.“Here,letmehelpyou
withthis.”Withoutwaitingforherresponse,Igrabbedoneendasshemovedtotheotherandwehefted
thebulkymaterialontothebottombunk.

“Thankyou,”shemurmured.ShestaredatmeamomentandIcouldreadthepaininhereyes.“I’m

sorryyouhavetobehere.Iknowyouhatetheplace.IwishIunderstoodwhy.”Sheshruggedandbither
cheek.“IwishyoucouldseetheplacethewayIseeit.Thisplacesavedme.”

Ishookmyhead.“Idoubtthatverymuch.Ibetyousavedyourselfandsimplyhappenedtobehere

while you found your purpose.” I moved closer to her and lifted her chin with my finger. “You’re an
amazingwoman,Grace.”

Shelookedaway.“Youdon’tevenknowme.”
“Ido.Iknowalotaboutyou.IpaidalotmoreattentionthanIadmitted.”Ishrugged.ThenIbrushed

mylipsagainsthers.“Let’smakethemostofthistimetogether.”Iwrappedherinmyarmsandhuggedher
tomychest.ThisclosenessbetweenusfeltnaturalandIrelishedeverymomentofit.

“Yes.I’mlookingforwardtospendingmoretimewithyou.”Gracesighedhappilyagainstmychest.
“Idon’tsupposethismeansyou’remyroommate?”Ichuckled.Iheardafewheavystepsbehindme.

Thenalaugh.IturnedtoseeTrentstandingbehindme.“Youcanleavenow.”Idismissedhimandturned
away.

“Sure.I’llgoexploringassoonasIsetdownmystuff.”Hepassedmeandthrewhisbagonthetop

bunk then looked at me innocently. “Oh, sorry. Did you want top?” Trent laughed at his cleverness and
then murmured, “Hello, Grace. We’ll catch up later. I’m going to explore before the campers arrive.”
Thenhedisappearedthroughthedoor.

Forafewseconds,Ididn’tsayanything.Istuffedmyhandinmyrightpocketandgraspedthegarter.

Holding it helped soothe my nerves. Finally, I spoke. “Tell me you didn’t. Tell me we’re not sharing a
cabin.”ThenImethereyes…herguilt-filledeyes.

“I’moutofcabins.Yourmothersprangthisonmelastminute.Theonlyemptycabinshaveproblems.”

Shefrowned.

“Howbad?”Itiltedmyhead,readytoproblemsolve.“Biggerthantheproblemyou’llhaveifIhave

tosharethesamespacewithTrentforfourteenlongmiserabledays?”

Grace bit her lip while she considered. “A huge limb fell over the winter and went through the

ceiling.”

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

intheair.

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

overmychestasIlistened.

“One more. This one has been condemned until we can replace the subfloor. A kid almost went

throughitlastsummer.”Shesankdownonthebottombunk.“Soyoucanseethere’sonlyonesolution.”

“Imoveinwithyou.Brilliant!”Igrabbedmybagfromthefloorandtuggedonherhand.
Grace laughed and it warmed me. “Actually, no. We’re not married. Bad example. Impressionable

kids.”

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

muchtoyou,callajusticeofthePeace.I’llmarryyou.”

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

fromthebed.

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

differences?”Sheclappedmeontheshoulderthenrushedfromthecabin.

hecampersbeganpouringinlateintheafternoon.“Thesessionsnormallywouldbeginontheprevious

Saturday,butthisyearwechangeditbecauseofthewedding,”Graceexplainedaswecheckedinthrongs
ofkids.

“Makessense.”Inodded,butdidn’tengageinconversation.Therewastoomuchelserequiringmy

attention.WhenI’daskedGraceearlierwhatI’dbedoing,shewasnon-committal.Myguesswouldbe
thewaymymothersprungthisonher,shedidn’thavemuchofanopportunitytodecidehowtousemy
limitedskillset.I’mabusinessman.WhatthehellwouldIdowithabunchofcampers?

Finally, once everyone was checked in, after dinner had been served, following the welcome

ceremonies and just before curfew, Grace pulled me and Trent aside. “Listen, I’ve given this a lot of
thought.Iwasn’texpectinganyotherhelp.Whileit’swelcome,I’veessentiallypassedoutalltheduties.”
Sheblewoutabreath.“Duringtheday,I’llhaveyouguysfloat,fillinasneeded.Whenwedowaterstuff,
Icanusemoreeyesinthewaterandonthedock.Whenwe’replayingsports,Icanuserefs.Thesekids
cheatlikeyoucan’timagineduringsoccerandflagfootball.”Sherolledhereyes.“Andmostimportantly,
I’llneedyoutwoondutyatnight.Thefirsttwohoursaftercurfewarecritical.Thisiswhenmostcampers
trytosneakout,especiallytheteens.”

“Really?BecauseIusedtosneakoutaroundtwointhemorning.Nevergotcaught.”Ismirked.
“Youwanttostayupallnight?”Herbrowsarched.“I’msuretherearethosewhodogetawaywithit,

butIwouldneveraskyoutodoanythingIwouldn’tdo.”Sheshrugged.

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

snickered.

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

uson?”

“Both,please.”Shegrinned.ThenMandycalledtoherfromtheoffice.
“Hey, boss! I neeeeeed you!” She held up a clipboard, which meant nothing to me, but had Grace

racingtowardherassistant.

“Alrighty then.” I clapped my hands together. “So…I’ll see you.” Then I all but ran away. I knew

whereIwasgoing.TherewasaspotIusedtovisitasacamperhere.Sure,Ihadn’tfitthecriteria.Both
myparentswerealive.I’dlostnoone…inthetraditionalsense.Oh,butsincemyfatherspentthebulkof
his summers here ‘volunteering,’ and because my mother needed a break from her stressful life of
fundraisersandgalas,BrettandIspentoursummersheresincethecampopened.

Naturally,goingfromhavingmyownroomtosharingaroomwithasmanyasfourotherboysmade

me claustrophobic and longing for my own space. So I found a place to relax and unwind. I found my

solace, my thinking spot. I paused for a moment, peeking over my shoulder to make sure no one had
followed,especiallyTrent.ThiswasmineandIdidn’tneedtobesurprisedbyhimwhenhewasprobably
theguyIwastryingtoescape.Iblewoutabreath.

Then I dove off the path and trekked through the woods. The hill was a little steeper than I

remembered.Iwounddownit,holdingontotreesforsupport.ThenIfoundit,rightwhereIremembered
it,myrock.Actually,thethingwasmoreofaboulder,butwithaflattop.Withnomoonintheskytohelp
mefindmyway,Ipulledmyphoneoutofmypockettousetheflashlightapp.That’swhenIdiscoveredI
wasn’talone.Curleduponmyboulderwasayoungboy.Ijumpedandnearlydroppedmyphone.“Hey,
whatareyoudoinghere?”Icrouchedlowersohecouldseeme,worriedhemightbescared.Oh,buthe
didn’tseemfrightenedatall.

“Sitting.I’mnothurtinganyone.”Hescowledatmeandturnedbacktostareoutoverthestilllake.
“Okay.Well,mindifIsithere?”Igrinned,ratherenjoyinghisspirit.
Theboyshookhishead.“Gofindyourownrock.Thisone’smine.”
Nowthisspiritedkidwasbeginningtoannoyme.“Youknow,angryisn’tagoodlookforyou.Oh,and

fortherecord,thiswasmyrocklongbeforeyouwereeverborn.SoI’llsithereifIwanttosithere.”
Withoutwaitingforareaction,Iclimbeddownontotherockandstretchedoutmylegs.

“Thiswasyourrockfirst?Idon’tbelieveyou.”Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischestandglaredatme.
“Well, how else would you explain my ability to find it in the dark?” I threw my hands up in

exasperation.

“Youcould’vefounditduringthedayandmadeyourwayhereinthedarkeasilyenough.”Theboy

huffed.

“I give up.” I chuckled. “What’s your name, kid?” He ignored me. “Okay, the way I 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 brow rose as I stared at him. I could feel him
measuringme,tryingtodecideifImeantwhatIsaid.Instead,hewastestingme.“Haveityourway,”I
grumbledasIstoodandreachedforhisbicep.

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

Grace will just scold you a bit.” I reached out and laid a hand on his shoulder. “It’s no big deal. She
scoldsmeallthetime.”Ishrug.

“Ijustcan’tsleep.Ihavetrouble,evenathome.”HeblewoutabreathandIrecognizedhistactic,the

struggletocontrolhisemotions.

“Tellmeyourname.”Thistime,Ifeltmoreincontrol,morecollected.Isatpatientlyandwaited.
“Jack.MyfullnameisJackson,butmymomcallsmeJack.”Hestaredupatmesadly.
Iheldoutahandandweshook.“Nicetomeetyou,Jack.I’mBlake.Whatbringsyououtheretomy

rock?”IchuckledandclappedhimonthebackasIsettledinbesidehimagain.

Hegavemetheside-eyeandlookedawayasheusedhist-shirttodryhiseyes.“Ijustneedaplaceto

sit and think and relax sometimes.” Jack blew out a breath and I could tell he was struggling with his
emotions.

“That’swhyI’mhere.IhavetoshareacabinwiththisguyI’vehatedprobablysinceIwasyourage.

Hey,howoldareyou?”Ileanedbackonmyelbowsandglancedathim.

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

shoulders?”Iwashalfjoking,whichiswhyhisresponsewreckedme.

“Yeah.MydaddiedinAfghanistan.”Iheardhimchokebackasob.“Beforeheleft,hetoldmetotake

careofmymomandlittlebrother.NowhediedandImisshimandIdon’tknowhowtodothiswithout
him.I’mnotreadytobethemanofthehouse.”Jacksniffledloudlyandswipedathiseyes.

“Oh,man.Iunderstandthepressure.Ialsoknowsdads.”Igraspedforsomethinguseful.WhatIknew

ofmyfatherwouldn’texactlyhelphere.“See,theylovetheirfamilies.Theywantthemhappyandsafe.I
betwhenhewantedyoutotakecareofyourmomandbrother,hereallymeanthewantedtoyoutolove
themhard,toholdontoeachother.Youknow?”Icouldseetheflowoftearshadslowedsincehewasn’t
swipingathiseyeswiththesamefrequencyasbefore.“You’reonlytwelve,man.Hedidn’texpectyouto
quitschool,getajob,andsupportthemfinancially.”

Thistime,Jacksatupandturnedtowardsme.“Youthinkso?BecauseIspendalotoftimeworrying

about money and mom. She cries all the time at night when she thinks we’re asleep. I hear her on the
phone trying to figure out how to pay bills. What if we lose the house? What if something happens to
mom?”

Ifearedhewasabouttostartsobbing.Thiswasentirelytoomuchforonekidtohandle.“Listen,you

letyourmotherhandlethemoneystuff.Youjustbesuretogiveherlotsofhugs.Tellheryouloveher.”

“I’mnottobigforthat?”Hescruncheduphisface.
“You’re never too big to let those you love know you care. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.” I

noddedseriously.“Besides,thisweekisyourbigchancetobeakidandhavefun,tomakenewfriends,
experiencenewthings.Youcan’tdothattiredandsad.”Ithrewanarmaroundhisshoulder.“Youknow
it’spastcurfew.”

“Yeah.Shouldn’tyoubeinbed?”Hesmirkedatme.
Ilaughed.“Iwish.Instead,I’monduty.Gottaroundupthestragglers,evenmyfriends.”
Jackstaredoutoverthewateramoment.“SoIneedtogotobed?Isthatwhatyou’resaying?”
“Youshouldtry,butI’dloveitifyouhadachancetomeetGracefirst.Sherunsthecampandshe’sthe

mostwonderful,lovingwomanIknow.Ibetshe’dknowjusttherightthingstosaytohelpyousleepand
feelbetter.”Igrinned,thinkingofher.

“Youloveher,don’tyou?”Jacklaughed.
“Whywouldyousaythat?”Mybrowfurrowed.DideveryoneknowhowIfeltabouther?Shoot,was

Ithattransparent.

Heshrugged.“Idon’tknow.Iguessbecausewhenyoutalkabouther,yougetthesamegoofylookon

yourfacethatmyfatherusedtogetonhiswhenhewasaroundmymom.”

Imarveledoverhisinsight.“You’resolucky.Youhaveparentsthatloveeachother.”
“Had,”hecorrectedme.
I shook my head. “No. That kind of love never dies, Jack. You hold onto it. Always.” I blew out a

breath.I’djustsurvivedmyfirstencounterwithacamper.“So,wannameetGraceordoyouwantmeto
walkyoubacktoyourcabin?”

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

upandheldoutmyhand.“Comeon.”

Hetookitandtogetherweclimbedupthehillandeventuallyemergedonthewornpath.Iknewwhich

cabinwashers.I’dscopeditoutearlier.Togetherwemadeourwayupthestepsandontotheporch.The
lightswereonandIsawGracestanding,facingme.Slowly,shebackedawayandIrealizedshewasn’t
alone.Trentwasthereandshedidn’tlookhappyaboutit.

ithoutthinking,Iflungopenthecabindoorandentered,draggingJackwithme.Trentjumpedandhad

thesensetolookguilty.Iglaredathimuntilhewitheredandmutteredsomethingabouthavingtogo.“Wait
outside,”Igrittedout.“I’llberightouttospeakwithyou.”

Jackstaredupatmewide-eyed.Ifeltbadlyaboutmyreaction,butmore…IwasworriedaboutGrace.

Sheseemedshaken.“Areyouokay?”Icrossedthewoodenfloortostandinfrontofher.Withoutthinking,
Ipulledherintomyarmsforahug.

“Camper,”shegrumbledagainstmychest.
Ilaughed,feelingbetternowthatI’dtouchedher.“Ialmostforgot.Jack,you’llunderstandoneday.”I

winkedatthetween.“SothisisGrace.”

“Whowasthat?”Hejerkedhisthumboverhisshouldertowardthedoor.
“That…istheguyIwastellingyouabout.”Isighed.“Nowfocus.Grace.Remember?”
“Thegirlyoulove?Theoneyousaidwasthebestintheworld?Yeah.Iremember.”Hesmiledshyly.
Graceglancedbackandforthbetweenus,hercheekspink.“Sowhatbringsyouhereaftercurfew?”
Ithrewanarmaroundhershoulder.“ImetJack.He’shavingaroughtimeofitlately,andItoldhim

you’reareallygreatlistener.Youmightknowhowtohelphim.”

“Isthatso?”Shesmiledathim.“Comeon,let’stalkwhileIwalkyoubacktoyourcabin.Ithinkbest

whenI’mmovingaround.Howaboutyou?”

“Ilikewalking.”Thekidnoddedatme.“Areyoucoming,Blake?”
I shook my head. “I’ll give you two time to chat. Don’t worry. You’ll see me plenty while you’re

here.”IlaidahandonhisshoulderandlookedoverhisheadtoGrace.“Talktoyoulater?”

Shenodded.Thenweallexitedhercabin.IcouldseeTrenthadn’tstuckaround.Isupposeitwastoo

muchtohopethathe’dgonebacktoourplacetopackandleaveinordertoescapedealingwithme.Just
tobesafe,Idecidedtocheck.Tomydisgust,Ifoundhimcasuallyloungingonhisbunk.

“Thanksforwaiting.”Iscowled.
Hechuckled.“Well,Ifiguredifwehadsomethingtotalkabout,weshoulddoitinprivate.”
“Didyou?”Igloweredathim.“It’snotgoingtobemuchofadiscussion.Ready?Heregoes.”Iblew

outabreath.“StayawayfromGrace.”Icrossedmyarmsovermychestandtriedtoappearcalm.MostlyI
wantedtopunchhim,butI’dtrythemoresophisticatedapproachfirstbeforegoingapeshitonhim.

“Ithoughtyoudidn’twanther,”hesneered.
Igroaned.“Ofcourse,Iwanther.I’mfallinghardforher.Ijustdidn’twantyoucomplicatingthings.

YoualwayswantwhatIhave,Trent.Always.It’slikeafuckinggametoyou.”Irakedmyhandthroughmy
hair.“Sonowyouknow.Nowyoustayaway.”

Trent sat up and casually dropped down from the bunk. “Is that all?” He shook his head. “In that

case…no.”

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

ofhisshirt,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. Why should I

believethisisacasewherehesuddenlytoldthetruth?”Mycheekswerehotwithrage.“Andyou!Ifyou
wantedtobemybrother,ifyouwantedmylove,whydidyoudonothingbuttriggermyhatredwithyour
actions?Evennow!YouonlywantGracebecauseIloveher.Admitit,”Igrowled.

“Ilovewatchingyousquirm.Iloveupsettingyou.ThisishowIgetyourattention.”Hischinjuttedout

indefiance.“IlearnedlongagoI’dnevergainyourloveortrust.Hurtingyoumakesmefeelbetter.”

Ireleasedhisshirtandwatchedhimslidedownthewallsome.“Whatareyou…five?Growthefuck

up.Beaman.”Ishookmyheadathim.

“Iamaman,”heroared.“Lookatme!Ibuiltasuccessfulcompanyfromnothing.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’d hardly call the education my father paid for ‘nothing.’ Was the inheritance

‘nothing’also?”

“You’remadaboutthemoney,right?”Trentgrinned.“You’remadyouhadtoshare?You’remadhe

lovedmemore?”

“Noneofthatmatters,”Iscoffed.“Helied.Hemademelieforhimtoholdourfamilytogether.He

hurteveryone.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

actedlikeshedidtowardsusbecauseofmyfather?Whatifhisaffairwasn’ttheeffectofherbehavior,
butthecauseofhers?

Icouldn’tbreathe.Mylungsrefusedtofillwithair.Ineededtime,spacetosortthroughthis.Ineeded

tobeabletoreasonthisout,thinkthisthroughbasedoneverythingIknew.Withoutsayinganotherwordto
Trent,Irushedfromthecabin.IbarelynoticedGracestandingthere,butwhenIdid,Idiscoveredshehad
tearsstreamingdownherface.“I…Ican’t.”Iturnedawayfromher,andraceddownthepath.

Though she’d said nothing, I could hear feet behind me. I refused to look. I couldn’t face her. How

muchhadsheheard?Whatwouldshesay?Idoveoffthepath,intothewoodsasI’ddoneearlier.This
time,Iwasracingblindlytowardmyboulder.Allthosesummersincamp,ithadbeenmyrock.Noweven
moresoasIstruggledtofindsomethingsolidtoholdonto.ThenItrippedonsomerootsandlandedon
topofit,catchingmyself,butinjuringmyhandsandknees.

BythetimeGracejoinedme,I’dpluckedmostofthesandoutofmyscrapes.Still,IignoredherasI

triedtocontrolmybreathing.Theindescribableacheinmychesthurtmorethananything.

“Blake,” she whispered as she knelt beside me and ran her fingers through my hair. When I didn’t

respond,shepressedherheadagainstmineandkissedmycheek.“Talktome.”

“Ican’t,”Icroaked.MythroatfeltsoconstrictedIcouldbarelyspeak.
“Try,”shemurmuredagainstmyskin.“Rumorhasit,I’mareallygoodlistener.Maybethebesteven.”
Iknewwhatshewasdoing,tryingtosootheme,teasemewithmywords.Itwasactuallyworking.I

wantedtoholdherorbeheldbyher.Atthemoment,Iwasn’tparticular.“It’sasecret.”Ireachedoutand
wrappedmyarmsaroundher,drawinghercloser,lettinghertouchsootheme.

Inresponse,Gracekissedmytempleandsqueezedmetightly.“Isitasecretoraburden?”Herwords

washedoverme,spreadinglighttothedarkestplacesinmymind.

“It’saburden.”Myeyesstung,butIrefusedtocry.Mendon’tcry.Iblewoutabreath.“Howmuch

didyouhear,Grace?”

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

pushedherback.

Istaredintohereyes.“Idon’twantpity,Grace.”
She frowned. “I didn’t say pity. I said understanding. So much makes sense now.” She bit her lip.

“YourfatherwasreallygoodtomeatatimewhenIneededit,butclearly…hewasterribletoyou.Ican’t
change that, and my apology fixes nothing, but I want you to know I get the issues you have with him.
You’renotwrong.”

Her words fractured something in me. This burden I’ve been carrying around for so many years

suddenlyseemedtodisappear.“Ifoundoutbyaccident.Theveryfirstsummerhere.Iwalkedinonhim
withtheolddirector.Didyouknowher?”

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

camp.Funny.”

“Well,itmakessense.Henameditafterher.”Ishookmyheadandthenhelditinmyhands.
“Oh.”Shesathardonherbottom.“Nowonderyouhatethisplace.”
“Yeah.ThenIspentsummeraftersummerwatchinghimgiveTrentpreferentialtreatment,probablyout

ofguilt.Onlythat’snothowTrentreadit.Inhismind,hewasthefavoredson.”Isighed.“Herubbedmy
faceiniteverytimehehadthechance.UnderstandwhyIloathehimtoo?”

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

you.”

Iliftedherchinandmethergaze.“Terribleasheis,Trentwasrightaboutonething.”Iswallowed

hard.“I’mcoldanddetached.”

Shakingherheadvehemently,Graceblurtedout,“Notwithme.Neverwithme.”
Without thinking, I leaned in and captured her lips, letting the warmth flow through me. I needed to

feelthemagainstmine,Ilongedtoconnectwithsomeone,notjustanyone,butalwaysher.WhenIfinally
pulledback,neitherofusseemedquiteassad.“Neverwithyou.It’strue,butit’sastruggle.Instincthas
mepushingeveryoneaway.Knowwhy?”

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

mother’smemoryofmyfather,everything.”Ifrowned.

“Hediedhere,didn’the?”Shestaredatmesadly.
“Yes, I joke he died doing what he loved. Unfortunately, that was Hope. Apparently, they had been

particularly amorous that night, and his heart gave out.” I wrapped my arms around my body while I
recalledthatterriblenight.“Hopecameandwokeme.Sheneededmetodresshimandmovehimbackto
hiscabinbeforeshecalledthepolice.”

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

whisper.

“Soyeah.Ihateithere.AndI’mnotsofondofTrent.AndIhavenorelationshipwithmymotheror

Brettbecausetheydon’tknowanditwasmyjobtoprotectthem.”Iinhaleddeeply.“Worstofall,Iworry
aboutlosingyou.Idon’tknowhowtobethemanyoudeserve,butdamnifIdon’twanttotry.”Icupped
hercheekwithmyhand.“Please,Grace,letmetry.”

race fell into my arms. “I’d like that so much.” She buried her face in my neck and I relished the

feelingofhershortpuffsofbreathagainstmyskin.

“WhydoIfeellikenothingbadcouldeverhappentomeaslongasIhaveyou?”Ilaidmychinonthe

topofherhead.

“Becausenothingwill.Ipromise.Wecanhandleanythinglifethrowsatus,together.”Shenoddedand

soundedsocertain,Iwantedtobelieveher.

Wesathuddledtogetherinsilenceforafewminutes.Icould’vestayedlikethatallnight,butmybutt

started going numb and I wanted more than anything to make love to her. “So what now?” I hoped my
wordswouldspurhertoaction.

“Nowweproblemsolve.Todothis,weneedyourmotherandBrettonboard.”Shereachedupand

wrapped an arm around the back of my neck. “They need to know you aren’t the cold-hearted bastard
you’veleteveryonebelieveyouare.”

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

hewasalive.Youwanteverythingtostayamess,orareyougoingtoletushandlethistogether?”

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

Admitit,Morgan.”

Irubbedmyforehead.Shemadeavalidpoint.“We’llfaceittogether,Iguess.”
Shegrinned.“Together,Iknow.”
Still,Ihadmoreworrisomethoughtsinmind.“Whatabouttonight,Grace?Whataboutthenexttwo

weeks?”

“Whatdoyoumean?We’rerunningthecamp.We’llfigureoutwhattodowithitaftersummer.”She

shrugged.

“Pleasedon’tmakemeroomwithTrent.”Istaredintohereyesandgavemymostpleadinglook.
“Gah.You’rekillingme.”Sheclosedhereyesandblewoutabreath.“Okay.Tonight,youstaywith

me.Tomorrow…we’llsee.”

“We’llsee?”Istartedticklingher,hopingsomegoodcleantorturewouldchangehermind.
“YouknowI’mnotticklish,right?”Herbrowarched.
“Well,thatdoeschangethings,”Ijoked.
Slowly,westoodandwanderedbackupthehillwhileholdinghands.Aswereachedherporch,our

phones chimed in unison. I looked at her curiously before we each pulled ours out to check the text
message.

Gracereaditfirst.“OhmyGod,MissMillyisn’tdoingwell.Sheneedsme.”Shestartedtoboltout

ofmygraspandrushintohercabin,butIheldherhand.

“Wait.Ihavethesamemessage.”Myshoulderssagged.“Comeon,Princess.Together,remember?”
Gracenodded.“PoorMissMilly.LetmetellMandywhat’sgoingon,thenweneedtohurry.”
“Okay.Grabyourpurse.Ihavemykeysandwallet.”Inudgedhertoactionandsoonenoughwewere

inmycar,drivingasquicklyasIdared,backtoHarper’sIsland.

Somehowwemanagedtocatchthelastferry.Onthisgorgeousstarrynight,weoptedtostandouton

thedeck.IwrappedmyarmsaroundGraceasweleanedagainsttherailingandlookedoutoverthewater.

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

Now,Ifeeldifferently.”

“Whatchanged?”
Iwatchedherbitinghercheek,tryingtoholdbackasmile.“You.Obviously,you.”Ishrugged.“Miss

Millybelievesinyou,Grace.ShethinksyoucanchangeHarper’sIslandforthebetter.Ibelievethistoo.”

“Ineverfitinthere,”sheobjected.
Isqueezedhertightly.“Ithinkthat’sprettymuchthepoint.Fortherecord,Ineverdideither.Maybe

that’sthestruggle.Maybeeveryonefeelsthatway.Maybethat’sthechangeyouneedtomake.”

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

thecamp.I’mjustoneperson.”

“This is true, but by now, I hope you see the support you have. It makes everything possible.” The

hornsoundedandwemadeourwaybacktothevehicle.

Aswesettledintoourseats,shewondered,“BecauseI’mtheprincess?”Thenshesnickeredsome.I

knewshestillstruggledtoacceptthisrole.

Leaningover,Igaveherakiss.“Nope.Becauseyou’regoingtobeaMorgan.”
Shelookedoveratme,hermouthformingaperfect‘O.’Beforeshecouldsayanything,itwasourturn

todrivedowntheramp.AsIheldherhand,Gracestaredoutthewindow,quietandintrospective.

Soonenough,wereachedthehospital.Thoughitwaswellpastvisitinghours,theQueenofHarper’s

Islandfollowedadifferentsetofrules,whichwasmorelikenorulesbutherown.Wewereusheredinto
herprivateroominICU.Thoughshewasnestleddeepinthepillows,MissMilly’seyesflutteredopen
whenwearrived.“Youcame,”shewhispered.“Together.”Shesmiled.

Grace reached her side first and leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek. “What can we do, Miss

Milly?Isthereanythingthatwouldmakeyoumorecomfortable?”Hereyesfilledwithtears.

MissMillyshookherhead.“No.Theydidafullbodyscantoday.That’swhathappenswhenyouget

injuredontheweekend.Thedoctorsdon’torderthebigtestsuntilMonday.”Sherolledhereyes.“Turns
out,thecancerhasspreadandIhavelesstimethanIimagined.”

Isathardinthechairandrubbedmyfacewithmyhands.“I’msosorry.”
“Don’t be. You two make me happy. Seeing this blooming relationship helps more than you know.”

Shesighedhappily,thenturnedherattentiontoGrace.“Mylawyerwillbeintouch,dear.You’remysole
heir.”

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

whisperedinherear,“Timetobestrong,Princess.”

Sheheldthebackofherhandtohermouthandnoddedasshesniffled.“Okay.Whatelse?CanIbring

yousomething?”

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

with flowers, balloons, and more than a few stuffed animals. “There’s only one thing I need and it’s
complicated.”

Graceblinkedbackhertears.“Anything.Tellme.”

MissMillyreachedoutandgrabbedherhand.“Ineedtoknowyou’retakencareof.Ineedtoknow

whenI’mgone,you’llbeloved,supported,andappreciatedfortheamazingwomanyouare.”

“Iabsolutelyhavethiscovered.”Irockedonmyheelsconfidently.
She turned Grace’s hand over and studied her fingers. “How can that be? I don’t see a ring.” Her

browroseinchallenge.

GracesnatchedherhandbackandIshookmyhead.“Listen,MissMilly.Thesethingscan’tberushed.

Iknowyou’dlovetoseeGracehappilymarried.Shewillbe.Ipromise.AndI’llloveandsupporther
too.”

“ThewordofaMorgan.”Sheshookherhead.“Itusedtomeansomething.”
“Withmebehindit,itwillagain.”Icroucheddownbesidethebed.FirstIsmiledatMissMilly,thenI

shiftedtofaceGrace.“Somethingscan’tberushed.”Ilaidahandonherbarethigh.“Ineverexpectedto
marry.Becauseofmyfather,Ineverwantedtomarry.ThenGracecamealong.”Iwatchedhercheeksturn
pink and my heart thumped erratically in my chest. “She has this fiery temper, a rapier wit, and eyes I
couldstareintoforever.So,naturally,Ihadtomessitupagainandagain,butIthinkwe’refinallyonthe
rightpath.”

“Thesamepath,together,”Gracewhispered.
“Yes. Together.” I nodded happily. “I’m not going to rush this. I’m going to take my time and do it

right.I’mgoingtodatethehelloutofyou,Princess.I’llbecometheprinceyoudeserve.Ultimately,we’ll
marry.Wehaveto.”Ishrugged.

“BecauseMissMillywantsusto.”Shesmiled,butitdidn’tfeelrealtome.
I shook my head. “No. We’ll marry, not because of expectation or superstition, but because of the

craziestreasonofall:love.Youmaketheimpossibleseempossible.Iloveyou,Grace.Sayyou’llmarry
mesomeday.”ThenIreachedintomypocketandpulledoutthegarterI’dbeencarryingaroundwithme
ever since the wedding. “I thought it might be early for a ring. How does this work?” Then I slowly
slippeditoverherflip-flop,pastherdelicateankle,uphersupplecalf,andfinallystoppeddangerously
highonhersleekthigh.

Hereyesglistened,buthercheeksburnedwiththeheatbetweenus.“WhatmakesyouthinkI’dwantto

marryyou?”Shebitherlowerlip.

“Because it’s time to put yourself first for a change. It’s time to do something not to please your

family, or care for campers, or meet someone’s expectation. Marry me because this is what you want.”
Withlittleregardforouraudience,Ikissedherthighabovethegarterandthenrosetocaptureherlips.

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

ABOUTZANE

AboutZaneMorrow

Afterwatchingthewayhisgirlfriendmeltedfromreadingromancenovels,Zanedecidedhewantedtobe
theonetoelicitthoseemotions.Inanefforttomakeherfeelallthefeels,hefinallyfoundhisvoiceandan
outletforallthewordshewastooscaredtospeakoutloud.Nowhemakesalivingsharinghisfantasies
withtheworld.

Comeexperiencelovethroughaguy’seyes.

ConnectwithZane…

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Document Outline

The Best Man, Book One
Copyright
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
The Princess, Book Two
Copyright
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
About Zane

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