She shook her head, managing a small smile in return. “Not at all.”
They sat without speaking for a moment, the only sound the gentle creak of the glider and the distant cry of seagulls. She could feel Mark’s gaze on her, could sense his concern.
“Is everything all right?” he asked finally, his voice laced with worry. “You seem… troubled.”
She sighed and stared down into her glass. She wasn’t sure how to put her feelings into words, how to explain the turmoil that had taken root in her mind.
“I’m just… processing a lot right now,” she said quietly. “Felicity told me that she’s leaving. Going to California with Brent for a while.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” He reached out to lay a hand on her arm. “I know how much she means to you, how much you’ve enjoyed having her here.”
She nodded. “I’m happy for her, truly. But I’d begun to think she would make Magnolia Key her home now. It’s hard to imagine the B&B without her. And with everything else going on…”
She trailed off, unsure how to broach the subject of their almost-kiss, the feelings that had been growing between them.
Mark was quiet for a moment, mindlessly rubbing his thumb back and forth on her arm. “Darlene,” he said softly, “about last night…”
She looked up at him, her heart fluttering. “Mark, I…”
“I understand if you think we’re moving too quickly.” His eyes searched hers. “If you’re not ready for whatever this is between us. I don’t want to pressure you or make you uncomfortable.”
She shook her head, reaching out to cover his hand with her own. “It’s not that. It’s just… I’m surprised. Surprised by whatever it is. But I’m also scared.”
“Scared of what?” he asked gently.
“Of getting hurt again. Of losing someone else I care about. I’ve been alone for so long, and the thought of opening my heart again… It’s terrifying.”
His expression softened, and he shifted closer to her on the glider. “I care about you too. More than I ever expected to. It caught me by surprise. And I know we both have our fears, our wounds from the past. But I’ve also learned that life is short. Too short to let fear hold us back.”
She gazed into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there, the gentle warmth that had drawn her in over these past weeks. His words echoed Felicity’s advice from the night before. The same message—don’t let fear stand in the way of happiness.
Her breath caught as he lifted his hand and brushed his fingers over her cheek with such tenderness it made her heart ache. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her, despite the afternoon heat.
“Can’t we at least try to see where this is leading?” he asked softly, his voice filled with a quiet yearning.
Her thoughts bounced around in her mind until they finally settled and she knew what she wanted to say. She opened her mouth to respond, but the sound of footsteps on the sidewalk path drew her attention. A woman was walking toward the porch. She was tall and elegant, strikingly beautiful, her long dark hair perfectly styled despite the humidity.
The change in Mark was immediate and unmistakable. His hand dropped from her face as if burned, and he stiffened beside her. The color drained from his face, guilt written clear as day across his features.
“Savannah,” he said, the single word falling between them like a stone.
Something cold and heavy settled in her stomach as she looked between Mark and the woman on her porch steps. The moment of warmth and possibility that had existed just seconds ago shattered like fine china dropped on an unforgiving tile floor.
Her heart plummeted as she took in the scene before her. The way Mark had reacted, the guilt etched into his expression… it could only mean one thing. This woman, Savannah, was someone from his past. Someone important.
“Savannah, what are you doing here?” He stood and stepped toward the woman.
The woman smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. “I needed to see you,” she said softly. “I heard you were staying here, and I… I needed to talk to you. It’s important.”
Darlene felt like an intruder, witnessing a moment that was clearly private. She stood, her legs shaky beneath her, and managed to find her voice. “I should go inside,” she said quietly, not meeting Mark’s eyes. “You two plainly have some things to discuss.”
She turned to leave, her heart heavy, barely able to breathe, but Mark’s hand shot out, grasping her wrist gently.
“Darlene, wait,” he said.
She shook her head, pulling away from his touch. “It’s okay.” She forced a smile. “I’ll give you two some privacy.”
She turned and walked away. She didn’t look back, didn’t want to see the way Mark looked at Savannah, the bond that clearly existed between them.
