“Of course. And it’s understandable.” I put Chloe in her car seat. “The Whitmans are a lot to take in. Loud. Opinionated. But they’re also…” I pause. “They’re the most loving people you’ll ever meet.”
She nods slowly, eyes glassy, still stunned. “I want my mom and Aunt Ginny to meet them.” She looks up at me, almost shy. “And you.”
My mouth actually drops open. “I get to meet your mom and aunt now?”
She bites her lip, looking guilty, and squeezes my hand. “I’m sorry. I’ve gone about this all wrong, haven’t I? I’m sorry I’ve made it so difficult.”
“Hey,” I say, the word soft and immediate. “Your dad made it difficult. And you were right to be worried about him…if he makes good on any of his threats.”
I say it like it’s fine—even though it’s not—but she sees right through me.
“Maybe he won’t,” I add.
Her eyes are fearful. “I never thought he’d threaten your safety. Ever. Manipulation, yes. Try to ruin your reputation?” Her face crumbles. “Why would I ever trust him, just knowing those things?”
It hits me again just how long she’s been living under the shadow of this man. How normal walking on eggshells has become for her.
“I just want you to be careful,” she whispers. “I want you taking all the precautions. I want you to pay attention at all times. I know it might sound dramatic, but?—”
“It doesn’t,” I say immediately.
Because I was on that boat with him.
She draws in another shaky breath. “The security team at Windhaven that your dad was talking about…are they good?”
“I believe so. But I don’t love that your dad got on the excursion list under a false identity. He would’ve had to show his fishing license to reserve a spot, which means he has a fake ID. Dad and I talked about that before I left. He’s going to talk to them and show them pictures of your dad, so they can be on the lookout for him. He thought he already had, but your dad backed off of the threats with Windhaven once he knew the town was in support of the resort.”
She nods. “I don’t think he’ll hurt you physically, but…I’m…I don’t know. You should call Rudy right away. Make sure he knows everything.”
“Okay. You’re right.” I squeeze her thigh and then turn up the heat. “My family already loves you,” I say quietly. “It didn’t take long.”
She blinks, and a tear rolls down her cheek. “I already love them too.”
“We’re going to be okay,” I tell her. “Don’t worry. He’s not going to control our lives.”
She nods, but she doesn’t believe me. She looks vulnerable in a way that makes something fierce ignite in my chest.
“I want to show you everything,” I tell her as we pull out of the lodge driveway. Her hand is warm on my thigh, and Chloe’s babbling to her unicorn in the back seat. “Now that we’re out in the open…” I grin over at Dahlia. “Welcome to Windy Harbor.”
She laughs, bright and breathless. “Finally.”
“Where do you want to go first?” I ask.
We’ll pack up the Airbnb later. Luckily for us, a cabin is open this week, since it’s been booked pretty much nonstop since it was finished.
“Cox Trading Post,” Dahlia says. “Then The Kitty-Corner Cafe. And you pick where after that.”
I tap the steering wheel twice. “Okay. You’re on.”
When we walk into Cox Trading Post, Erin’s head snaps up from the counter. Her eyes go comically wide.
“Oh my God.” She points at Dahlia, then at me, then at Chloe. “I have gotten nonstop texts since you guys left the house. The fam is NOT pleased with me.”
I bump her hip with mine. “Nah. Once they see your face, all will be forgiven.”
She snorts. “I know. But my guilty conscience will have me bringing apology gifts for the rest of my life.”
“That’s fair,” I say, and she laughs. “If that’s true, I’ll reimburse…since it’s our fault you kept your mouth shut.”
