Finding out about Meridian felt like his worst fears had been confirmed. That hewasultimately responsible for their deaths.
But Isabel made him consider a different way of seeing things. It didn’t take away the pain of losing his daughter- and son-in-law, but it made it more bearable.
“Thank you,” he said. “For listening. For being here.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Isabel replied. She dropped her head to his shoulder and took a deep breath. “If I haven’t already told you a hundred times, I’ll tell you again. It’s good to have you back in Sapphire Bay.”
Frank kissed the top of her head. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
As they sat together, Frank felt something shift inside him—not healing, exactly, but perhaps the beginning of it. Knowing what had happened to Sarah and Tony would always be painful, but maybe it would get better over time.
CHAPTER 44
Six weeks later.
Isabel smiledas Frank flipped burgers on the grill. The sizzle mingled with her friends’ laughter and conversation as they all enjoyed a late lunch in her backyard.
It had been six weeks since Frank had learned the painful truth about Sarah and Tony’s deaths. While the knowledge still shadowed his eyes, each day seemed to get a little easier.
Isabel smiled when she saw Tommy showing Lynda the splatters of pale blue paint on his old T-shirt. What had started as a simple painting project in her living room had evolved into an impromptu barbecue when they’d finished the final wall.
“You’ve got a smudge right here,” Kathleen said, reaching over to dab at Isabel’s cheek with a napkin. “Although it makes you look like an artist.”
Isabel laughed, accepting the glass of lemonade Kathleen had brought with her. “I’m surprised we escaped with only a few splatters of paint on our clothes. Tommy was a little enthusiastic with the roller.”
They both looked over at Tommy. He was now sitting cross-legged on the grass, explaining something with animated gestures to William.
William had stopped by to check her security system and had stayed for lunch. Beside them, Marcus and his girlfriend Elaine were setting up a badminton net, their laughter carrying across the yard as they playfully disagreed about the proper height.
“They seem perfect for each other,” Isabel said, watching as Elaine playfully swatted Marcus with a badminton racket. “And Tommy adores them both.”
Kathleen nodded. “I know someone else Tommy adores. You’ve made a big difference in his life.”
“He’s easy to love,” Isabel told her friend. “And so is his grandpa.” She smiled as Frank glanced over at her. It was a silent exchange that meant the world to her. No matter where they were, Frank’s steady gaze and gentle smile told her he was making sure she was okay.
Over the last few weeks, they’d fallen into an enjoyable routine of shared dinners, weekend outings, and quiet evenings on each of their verandas. Isabel treasured the slow, steady building of what was happening between them.
Lynda joined them with a plate piled high with salad. “Hey, you two. I just had another look at the sunroom. It looks amazing.”
Kathleen ate a cherry tomato off the side of Lynda’s plate. “It was a disaster zone before we painted it. But Isabel saw something special beneath the moldy drywall and chipped window frames.”
“We all saw something special,” Isabel said. “If it weren’t for Lynda reminding me to call the realtor, someone else would have bought the house.” She watched as Tommy abandoned William to race across the yard toward the side gate. Matt, atall, sandy-haired man in his late sixties, had arrived. He was carrying a covered dish.
“Matt’s here!” Tommy announced to the gathering, bouncing excitedly beside the newcomer. “And he brought his famous mac and cheese!”
“Sorry I’m late,” Matt called, smiling apologetically. “Emergency at the shelter—a pregnant cat decided today was the day.”
“Are the kittens okay?” Lynda asked.
“Six healthy babies,” Matt confirmed, making his way across the lawn. “Mother’s doing fine, too.” He handed the dish to Isabel with a warm smile. “Thanks for the invitation. I brought the dish you all seemed to enjoy at the shelter fundraiser.”
“It’s wonderful to have you here,” Isabel said, accepting the casserole. “And just in time—I think Frank’s about ready with the burgers.”
Marcus jogged up from the yard, wiping sweat from his brow. “The badminton net is officially set up,” he announced. “Though I had to promise Tommy he could be on my team for the first match.” He turned to Matt with an extended hand. “Marcus Wright. I’m an old friend of Frank’s from Seattle.”
“Matt Reynolds,” Matt replied, shaking his hand. “Local vet and animal shelter volunteer.”
“Hi, Matt,” Elaine said, joining them with a friendly smile. “Lynda told me about your work with the wildlife rehabilitation program. It sounds fascinating.”
