She looked away, closed her eyes, and exhaled slow—like maybe that would dull the ache she already felt creeping in. Because in just a few days, she’d be back in Duluth.
Back to normal.
Back to before Jaxon.
Sara saw it. The flicker of pain in her sister’s face. She reached over without a word and took Claire’s hand.
“I know it feels like there’s no way to win here,” she said gently. “But instead of worrying about what’s coming… how about you just live in this moment?”
Claire leaned her head on Sara’s shoulder, letting her sister’s words settle.
Because she was right.
But knowing didn’t make it easier. Loving someone you couldn’t keep never did.
And the more she fell, the harder it would be to walk away.
Before she could answer, Jaxon’s voice rang out across the yard. “Steaks are ready!”
The girls stood and headed toward the outdoor table, laughter spilling into the breeze as plates clattered and drinks were passed around.
Claire sat beside Jaxon, who didn’t seem to care that their morning had been hijacked by unexpected guests. He just smiled, passed her a plate, and clinked his beer against hers like nothing had been lost.
In that moment, Claire made a decision.
She couldn’t stop time.
But she could feel it.
Every second of it.
And while she still had the island—and Jaxon—she was going to live like she meant it.
23
Retail Therapy
Afterlunch,thegirlshelped Jaxon clean up, their teasing far from over. Dishes clinked, silverware clattered, and glances were exchanged like secret jokes passed across the counter.
“We’re heading to Wilmington to shop,” Macie said, already halfway out the door. “Retail therapy waits for no one.”
Claire leaned against the counter. “Y’all go ahead. I think I’ll stay.”
All three girls turned in unison.
“Oh, come on,” Sara groaned. “Jaxon, how about you come with us? Since your girlfriend’s abandoning us.”
Jaxon raised a brow. “As much fun as walking around for hours and being your unpaid bag boy sounds,” he said with a grin, “I think I’ll pass.”
He glanced at Claire. “You sure you don’t want to go? I’ve got a few errands to run anyway.”
She hesitated, then sighed. “Fine. I’ll go.”
She crossed the kitchen and kissed him—a soft, lazy goodbye.
The second their lips touched, Sara piped up. “I’m next!”
Jaxon pulled back, shaking his head with a laugh. “Absolutely not.”
