“Why don’t you leave Tyler here?” Without hesitation, Willa stood up. “I can look after Tyler for you.”
The words came out before she’d fully thought them through, but she didn’t regret them. There was something about Rad Dillinger that had struck her from their first meeting. It was a sense of quiet strength mixed with vulnerability that reminded her of her own struggles as a single parent. She recognized the look of someone trying to hold everything together while the world fell apart around them.
“I can’t ask that of you,” Rad said, but his eyes were saying something entirely different. She could see the relief, mixed with desperation, as he tried to be polite while his heart broke with worry for his father.
“You’re not asking,” Willa said firmly. “I’m offering. Tyler’s practically part of the family already, with how much time he spends with Andy. It would be no trouble at all.”
“I can fly you there in my plane,” Ace offered, standing up beside her. “It’s faster than driving, and I was planning to head down to Miami today anyway for supplies.”
Rad looked stunned by the immediate outpouring of support. “I can’t impose like this.”
“Hey, this isn’t New York,” Ace said with a gentle smile. “Community takes care of community. No questions asked.”
Willa could see Rad struggling with his pride, wanting to accept help but not knowing how to ask for it. She recognized that battle, too. The fierce independence that came from being the only one responsible for everything, the difficulty of trusting others with the things that mattered most.
“Rad,” Willa said quietly, “I know what it’s like to face a crisis alone. I’ve been there. Please let us help.”
Something in her voice must have gotten through to him because his shoulders sagged with relief. “Tyler,” Rad called to his son, then walked over to where the boys were still discussing their volleyball tournament plans.
Willa, Margo, and Ace watched as Rad knelt beside Tyler’s chair, speaking in low tones they couldn’t hear, but Tyler’s face went pale with worry. The teenager’s head turned toward Willa, and she gave him the warmest, most encouraging smile she could manage, the same one she’d used countless times with her own children when life threw them unexpected curve balls.
Tyler nodded slowly, and Willa could see him trying to be brave for his father’s sake. It broke her heart and made her proud at the same time. That young man who was learning too early that life could change in an instant, but who was handling it with grace and maturity.
They walked back toward the booth together, Tyler staying close to his father’s side.
“Thanks,” Rad said, his voice thick with emotion. “Tyler would like to stay here with you, if that’s really okay.”
“Of course it is,” Willa said, reaching out to squeeze Tyler’s shoulder. “We’ll take good care of him.”
“And I can get you to Miami in about an hour,” Ace added.
“Thanks, I can get a flight back to the nearest airport and…” Rad started.
“I have a supply run to make anyway,” Ace said, glancing at Willa with a meaningful look. “I usually stay at Willa’s mother’s house when I’m in Miami, so I can wait for you there, or come back here and fetch you when you’re ready.”
Willa felt her heart skip again. She’d forgotten that Ace often stayed at her mother’s house during his trips to Miami. June had always been fond of him, treating him like a son, and her guest room was more comfortable than most hotels.
“Thank you,” Rad said, genuine gratitude shining in his eyes. “Both of you. I don’t know how to repay this kindness.”
“You don’t need to repay anything,” Willa said. “Just focus on your father. Everything else will work itself out.”
“I should go talk to Chief Morrison,” Rad said, “let him know I’ll be away for a few days.”
“I’ll take Tyler to the lighthouse to pack some clothes,” Willa offered. “Then we’ll head to my house so he can get settled.”
As Rad headed toward the door, Tyler turned to Willa, his eyes far older than his fourteen years. “Is he going to be okay? My grandfather, I mean?” Tyler’s voice was hoarse.
“I’m sure he will be,” Willa said. “We just have to keep hope and good thoughts in our hearts for him. And I know your dad will do everything he can to help him. And in the meantime, you’ll be safe with us. I promise.”
Tyler nodded, and Willa could see him fighting back tears. “I’ve never been away from my dad before. Not since we moved here.”
“That’s scary,” Willa acknowledged. “But you know what? Andy’s been asking if you could have a sleepover. This just gives us a good excuse to make it happen.”
A small smile tugged at the corner of Tyler’s mouth. “Thank you, Willa.”
“Come on,” Willa called her kids. She paid her bill. “Thanks, Margo, I’ll check in later.”
“I’ll get all the details of the ceremony when I’m back,” Ace told Willa. “Would you call your mom for me and tell her I’ll be there a day earlier?”
