“I really need to get back to work.” She turned away from him but paused when Felicity walked out onto the porch.
“Gran, are those the other vases you wanted to use?”
“Yes, I found them in the storage shed.”
Felicity looked at him, then Darlene. “I can take those in for you, Gran, if you two need to talk.”
“No, I’m good. Mark was just telling me that he’ll be leaving soon. Going back home.”
“Oh.” Felicity glanced at him again. “We’ll be sorry to see you go.”
“I’m sorry to leave. I’ve really enjoyed my time on the island.” He tried to slip on a convincing smile. “Well, I should go in and get back to work.” He quickly retreated inside, trying to convince himself he was just going back to work. Not running away.
Chapter22
Felicity crossed the porch and draped her arm around her grandmother. “Are you okay?”
Darlene slipped on a smile and nodded, but she could tell Felicity wasn’t convinced. “I’m fine, sweetheart. We knew he was leaving eventually.”
“I know… but it seems so final. So definite now. And before you two…”
“It just is what it is.” She shrugged.
“You could ask him to stay.”
She shook her head. “No, he has to do what he needs to do. And he needs to do this. Maybe it will help him move on with his life.”
They both turned at the sound of someone approaching up the walkway. Darlene frowned, trying to focus her vision. Because it couldn’t be…
She froze as he walked up the sidewalk, the late afternoon sun catching the streaks of gray in his hair. But he looked the same—just as handsome as the day he’d walked out on her. Her heart stuttered, and she gripped the porch railing.
“Gran?” Felicity’s voice seemed far away. “Who is that?”
She couldn’t find her voice. The years melted away in an instant. The same confident stride, the same strong jawline, the same blue eyes that had once promised her the world. Only the silver at his temples and the lines around his eyes marked the passage of time.
“It’s Dean,” she finally managed the words.
Felicity’s grip tightened on her shoulder. “What? But you said he’s never come back?—”
“I know what I said.” She straightened her spine, drawing on every ounce of strength she possessed. The young, heartbroken girl she’d been was long gone, replaced by a woman who’d built her own life, raised her son alone, and created a successful business.
Dean stopped at the bottom of the porch steps, his hands shoved in his pockets—the same nervous gesture she remembered from their youth. His gaze moved between her and Felicity, lingering on their similar features.
“Hello, Darlene.” His voice was deeper, raspier than she remembered. “It’s been a long time.”
She felt Felicity’s protective presence beside her as she lifted her chin. “Yes. Yes, it has.”
Her fingers curled around the porch railing as she studied the man who’d left her pregnant and alone all those years ago. Dean’s scrutiny made her skin prickle, especially the way his gaze kept darting between her and Felicity, no doubt noting their shared features.
She resisted the urge to smooth her hair or adjust her blouse. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered. Instead, she drew herself up, channeling the strength that had carried her through raising her son on her own.
“What are you doing here, Dean?” The words came out steadier than she felt.
His eyes settled on Felicity again. “Is this?—”
“This is my granddaughter.” Her tone held a hint of pride, mixed with warning. “Felicity.”
Dean’s expression softened. “My granddaughter?”
