“Drove up today. Claims he wants to make us a cash offer.”
“Must be some boat.”
“Eighty-four feet. Bought at police auction after it was severely damaged and sunk. Putting it back together has been keeping us busy.”
“Did you agree to the sale?”
When she looked up, Noah met Jenna’s gaze. “No, Lorna. We’re not.”
Another silence. Then, “I really can’t help you, Noah. Sorry.”
The rocker creaked as he leaned forward. Opened his mouth. Searched for what to say. Tried to remember when Lorna had responded to a request of his with flat denial. Came up blank.
Lorna went on. “It’s best if you do not contact ourlaw officesagain.Especiallyregarding the sale of a boat.Anyboat.”
“I don’t . . .”
“My firmis unable to represent you in any such matters. Goodbye.”
When the call ended, Jenna asked, “What just happened?”
Noah leaned back. Rocked.
“Noah?”
He reached out. “Can I borrow your phone?”
* * *
But as he started to dial Lorna’s private number on Jenna’s phone, Noah was struck by a realization. Straight to the heart, hard as an iron fist.
He had recognized it from the beginning, of course, how different she was from everything that had come before. Jenna’s unique nature had always been there.
But for the first time Noah accepted the very real challenge, precisely what it meant, tolet the past go.
For this to work, for them to have any hope of a future together, he had to stop viewing this amazing woman through the lens of yesterday.
All the fears and pains and bad moves caused by other people. They had nothing to do with Jenna.
And his misplaced perspective had almost cost him everything.
At least, everything that mattered.
He asked Jenna, “Is it too late?”
She watched him. Gaze unblinking, steady.
“I mean, for us.”
“I know what you mean.” She studied him. “I hope not.”
Noah huffed a hard breath. Could not think of any adequate response. His hand shook slightly as he coded in the number.
* * *
Lorna’s phone rang once, then, “Noah?”
“Yes.”
