I try not to focus on that because how can I be furious with a silly grin on my face?
And I want to stay mad. That’s what my head thinks is a good idea. A great idea. Because—why? What is Spencer trying to prove?
But then my heart gets in the way because of that one line. “I’m here for you.”
What does that evenmean? He’s had his whole life— my whole life—and now, when I’m looking at moving on, away from thoughts of him, he’s here.
I know what it means. I’ve had men declare their feelings for me. I’ve had proposals of marriage, offers to buy me anything from jewelry to small islands. I’ve had offers to buyme.
But Spencer Laz, whom I have known my entire life, showing up to join the cast of men vying for my heart? I never saw that coming.
That doesn’t mean I never secretly hoped for a grand gesture from him. I just didn’t think it would be this. Now.
I thought I had accepted that he had found love with Abigail, that she was his future, which left me adrift to find my own.
Did I think—deep down with the things I never speak about, like thoughts of me somehow becoming queen of Laandia—Spencer and I would end up together?
Yes. Yes, I really did think that.
And then I didn’t.
And now I don’t know what to think.
It’s a quick drive back to the house with my thoughts racing.
I tumble out of the car when we arrive, jumping out before it even comes to a complete stop. Camille and Odin are waiting for me in the kitchen, along with Bo.
Bo is here, along with Hettie and Tema. For a moment, I’m even more confused until I realize he flew Spencer to the island.
Tema is the only one who reacts, throwing her arms around my waist to give me a tight hug. I haven’t known her long, but we were quick to bond, being Swifties and fans of LEGO flowers sets. I make a point of sending her something in the mail every fewweeks and she responds with texts of her pictures and what books she’s reading from Bo’s phone.
I breathe into her little girl smell—sunscreen, strawberry shampoo and Jolly Rancher gummies—and take a moment.
No one says a word until Hettie pulls Tema away from me and leads her from the room.
“Spencer showed up,” I say unnecessarily when they disappear.
“I flew him over,” Bo tells me.
“Why?”
“Why did I bring him?” Bo asks.
“Why is he here?” It comes out as a bit of a screech, like one of the seabirds from my visit to the bird sanctuary and both Bo and Odin grimace.
Camille pulls out the chair beside her. “What did he say?” she asks as casually as if we’re discussing the weather.
I shake my head. “I can’t sit. I need to move. Possibly hit something.” I stalk across the room. Sitting quietly has never been a thing for me, especially not when I’m upset. Or confused. “I didn’t talk to him. Much.”
“I thought that was the whole point,” Odin demands.
“Well, it was a bit of a shock to see him there, and you know, I’ve got stuff to do,” I tell him sarcastically. “I have a cocktail party to host, and I really need to stop smelling like whale.”
“Did you see whales?” Tema calls. She’s still in the doorway with an embarrassed Hettie.
This is going to be awkward because Abigail is Hettie’s best friend. I haven’t warmed up to Bo’s wife like I should because of that.
“I did,” I tell Tema. “You can come help me get dressed, just give me a minute to figure out my life.”
