Kirk glanced at him, then said simply, “She’s my mate.”
Spencer’s expression shifted, understanding settling in. “No wonder you look different,” he said. “Because you are.”
Kirk let out a slow breath. He couldn’t deny it. Something in him had shifted into place.
“She makes me feel…” He searched for the word, then gave up on anything smaller than the truth. “Complete.”
Leo grinned. “Well, that’s three down, three to go. There’s hope for the rest of us yet. Even Elliot, if he ever comes home.”
“I hope so,” Kirk said. “With all my heart.”
Above them, the stars burned sharp and clear. Kirk stood beneath them and felt the truth settle deep inside him.
He was different now.
And he never wanted to go back.
Chapter Thirteen – Isla
“Do we have to go to a restaurant?” Percy asked for the third time. “I want to go exploring. And paddle in the stream like you promised.”
Isla sighed, smoothing down her blouse as she checked her reflection in the cabin’s small bathroom mirror. “Yes, we do. Remember? I told you this trip isn’t just a vacation. I have work to do, too.”
“But we had more fun cooking with Kirk,” Percy insisted, flopping dramatically onto the sofa. “Can’t we just go back there instead? The stream is on the way.”
The mention of Kirk’s name sent a small flutter through her. The memory of his lips against hers in the moonlight had replayed all morning, making it nearly impossible to focus on the day ahead.
“Not today,” she said, working to keep her voice even. “I’ve made a reservation at The Pinecone. It’s supposed to be the second-best restaurant in town after the Thornberg Restaurant. After that, maybe we can find a stream to paddle in.”
“All right.” Percy groaned, but dutifully slid off the sofa and put on his shoes. “Restaurant first. Stream second.”
Twenty minutes later, they pulled into a parking space on Bear Creek’s main street. The Pinecone occupied a handsome stone building with large windows and a rustic wooden sign. Isla took a steadying breath as she helped Percy out of the car and onto the sidewalk. This was familiar territory. This was what she did: assess restaurants with clear-eyed precision and deliver verdicts that could help or hurt an establishment.
“Remember,” she told Percy as they approached the entrance, “this is work for Mom. Best behavior, okay?”
“I know,” Percy sighed. “No talking too loud or playing with my food.”
“Then we’ll go do something fun.” Isla frowned as they stepped inside. This used to be fun. Now it felt like the opposite. Still, plenty of people did jobs they didn’t love to pay the bills.
The hostess seated them at a corner table with a view of the dining room. Isla immediately noted the thoughtful spacing between tables, the quality of the linen napkins, and the understated elegance of the place settings. All details that would feature in her review.
“Hello there!” Their server appeared, a young woman with a bright, friendly smile. “I’m Emma. Welcome to The Pinecone!” She bent slightly to address Percy directly. “And who might you be, young man?”
“I’m Percy,” he replied, suddenly shy. “I have a dinosaur.” He pulled Spike from his pocket, displaying the orange-spiked plastic figure.
“Well, that’s quite a fearsome friend you’ve got,” Emma said seriously. “Should I bring an extra plate for him?”
Percy giggled, shaking his head. “He doesn’t eat people food. Just leaves and stuff.”
“Very wise of him,” Emma nodded, then turned to Isla. “Can I start you with something to drink?”
“Water for both of us, please,” Isla replied, already scanning the menu with a professional eye. “And I’d like to try your chef’s tasting menu.”
“Excellent choice,” Emma said. “And for the young gentleman?”
“Can I have chicken fingers?” Percy asked hopefully.
Isla hesitated. She usually encouraged Percy to try more sophisticated options when they dined out, but she nodded. “That’s fine.”“Maybe with some chili dip?” Percy asked hopefully. “Not too spicy.”
