I glance back, surprised by the question. “Yes. Very much.”
He gives a brief nod, his gaze lingering just a second longer than necessary before he lifts a hand in a small wave and gestures for Sam to follow him.
“Mommy, there’s a man outside asking for you,” Alicia says as she wanders into the living room. “He says he’s your friend. He didn’t want to come in because of his dog.”
I set aside the small-town romance I’ve been curled up with—one of my favorite authors, the kind whose stories feel like a warm blanket—and look up at her from the couch.
Alexander?
“Thanks, honey. I’ll go see.” I say, already getting to my feet.
Alicia immediately hooks her arm through mine, insisting on coming along, and together we head for the door. When we step outside, Ethan is already there, deep in conversation with Alexander.
“Do you always catch fish that big?” Ethan asks, genuine curiosity brightening his voice.
“It depends,” Alexander replies easily, smiling. “But this area’s usually good for fishing. If we run into each other here again, and your mom says it’s okay, you can come with me sometime. The boat I use is very safe.”
Alicia squeezes my arm, eyes lighting up as she looks at me. “Do you think I could go too?”
I can’t help smiling at her enthusiasm, it was inevitable she’d ask. I give her a vague answer, already assuming Alexander is simply being polite with Ethan. Chances are, our paths won’t cross again.
I glance at him, catching the bare hint of amusement on his face as Alicia launches into rapid negotiation. The moment she notices Sam sniffing around the planters near the entrance, the boat is instantly forgotten.
“Can I pet him?” she asks, her voice suddenly more cautious.
“You can,” Alexander says. “He loves it, and he won’t hurt you.”
He barely finishes before Alicia is beside Sam, scratching behind his ears. The dog accepts the attention as if it’s his due.
Alexander catches me watching and adds, “You don’t have to worry about your plants. He’s curious, like all dogs, but he’s trained not to cause trouble.”
I nod, then notice the fish in his hand.
“I brought this for you,” he explains, following my gaze. “You said you liked fish. It’s bluefish—already cleaned. I took care of it before I came over. You just need to prepare it however you like.”
“Thank you. You really didn’t have to,” I say, smiling as I reach for it. Ethan steps in before I can, eager to carry it to the kitchen himself. I watch him walk off, holding it carefully by the hook threaded through its mouth.
“He seems like a good boy,” Alexander says quietly. “So does your girl.”
We both look toward the lawn, where Alicia throws a stick with all her might and Sam immediately races after it, her laughter and his barking filling the air as he runs.
“I was blessed with a wonderful family,” I say softly, smiling before turning back to him. “Though now I feel a little awkward accepting your fish without inviting you to stay and share it with us.”
He runs a hand along his jaw. “I actually need to head back to the city, work’s calling. Maybe another time?”
“Of course. Thank you again. That was very kind of you.”
I take his outstretched hand, a shiver passing through me at the contact. Before I can stop myself, the question slips out.
“I’m sorry, but since yesterday, I can’t shake the feeling that I know you from somewhere. Were we ever introduced? At an event, maybe?”
“No,” he says gently. “We haven’t met before. Not in this lifetime, at least.”
“In this lifetime?” I echo, caught off guard.
He chuckles, low and warm. “My sister’s always talking about past lives, destiny, karma… things like that. Don’t mind me.” His fingers tighten almost imperceptibly around mine, and only then do I realize I haven’t let go. His gaze holds mine. “But if I had ever been introduced to you before, Cecily… I would never have forgotten.”
He releases my hand at last and whistles for Sam. “Until next time.”
