Another pause.
“Thank you for saving my life.”
For a moment, there is nothing but silence.
Then Finn answers.
“There’s no need to thank me, mate,” he says quietly. “Just take care of her. That’s enough for me.”
It feels like half of Depoe Bay has walked through the front door today.
Nathan came earlier with his wife, whom I was finally able to meet in person. Not long after they left, George arrived with Cassie and Rafi, and before long, the entire Depoe Bay fire station seemed to follow behind them. The living room filled with voices and laughter, relief spilling through the room after a day when everyone thought they might lose someone they care about.
Aiden now has the company of his uncle, Max, and Finn, who has stuck around all day helping wherever he can.
April and I are stretched out on the floor of my living room with our backs resting against the couch while Neptune lies sprawled between us. Ever since Nathan brought him and Skye over earlier, he hasn’t left my side for more than a few seconds, soaking up every bit of affection we give him as if he somehow understands that something terrible almost happened.
“So what now?” April asks, gently squeezing one of Neptune’s paws while he lazily kicks his leg against her hand.
“Now?” I say with a small shrug. “Back to everyday life.”
“Right,” she says, bursting into laughter.
“What?” I ask, laughing too, because honestly, who am I even trying to convince?
April shakes her head, still smiling.
“I guess there’s a conversation to be had,” I admit after a moment, staring up at the ceiling. “But I don’t want to rush that.”
“You are well past conversations,” she answers immediately.
I turn my head toward her.
“He’s a good man,” she continues, her voice softer now. “And that good man is completely head over heels for you.”
Neptune shifts between us and gently rests his head against my leg, content to stay close.
“You know what he told us yesterday when Max and I went to see him?” she asks.
“No,” I answer, curiosity tugging at me.
April watches me for a moment before responding.
“He said verbatim the only reason I was able to survive was because I needed to see her again.”
My eyes fill with tears almost instantly.
The feeling inside my chest is so strong and so familiar that I don’t even know how to begin explaining it.
April reaches over and squeezes my hand.
“Do you remember what you told me yesterday before he was found?” she asks gently. “When we spoke on the phone?”
I shake my head.
That entire afternoon feels like a blur now. So many things happened, so many emotions came crashing through me all at once, that I can barely separate one moment from the next.
“You told me you didn’t want to lose another person you love,” she says, a knowing smile settling across her face.
