“I got one!” I said, beginning to reel it in.
The old man cheered me on as I pulled a huge salmon out of the water. He grabbed his net and whistled low.
“She’s a beauty,” he said. “Want to stay for a late dinner?”
It was almost midnight. He seemed lonely, and I actually enjoyed his company, but I had to go.
“I would, but I’m flying out. I should actually head to the airport.”
The man nodded, and I got up.
“What is your name?” I asked.
“Pete.”
“I’m Jack. It was nice to meet you.”
“You too, Jack.” He gave me a knowing smile.
I waved to him and then began to walk away, my mind spinning with some of the things he’d said.
“Jack!” he called out.
I turned.
“Next time, stay for two more songs.” He winked in the low moonlight, and I genuinely laughed.
“Yes, sir.” I wouldn’t be caught dead in a church again. That was scary. But I humored him.
Taking in a deep breath of fresh night air, I was conflicted. I loved and hated this place.
After opening my phone, I shot a text to Chloe.
Jack: There is an old man named Pete who lives at the Willow Harbor docks. He’s homeless. Can you send a real estate agent out here tomorrow to go house shopping with him? Buy him whatever he wants. Maybe a lake house. He likes to fish. No budget. Set up a monthly account for his necessities and utilities too please.
Chloe: You got it. How did it go with Hannah?
Jack: Don’t ask.
I shut my phone and then beelined for the airport.
Goodbye, Willow Harbor. Goodbye, Hannah.
Chapter Thirty-One
HANNAH
Last night, Jack had run off, out of town, and I wanted to make sure he was okay. I went to the Butterfly Inn this morning before work, where I knew he stayed, and they said he’d left. The problem was that he still had my number blocked. But not my work one.
The restaurant was open, so I stepped inside even though it was my day off and slipped back into my office. Once I was inside, I shut the door and dialed his cell phone. Nervousness ran through me as I waited for two rings, then three.
Pick up. Pick up.
Fourth ring and then it went to voicemail, so I left a message.
“Jack, it’s Hannah. I just…wanted to make sure you were okay. Umm, call me back, okay?” I hung up, feeling stupid about the message, and then dialed Chloe, his assistant. I was feeling pretty desperate to make sure Jack was okay and to tell him how I felt.
“This is Chloe,” she answered on the first ring as relief rushed through me.
