“I do indeed.” Graham’s features sharpened. “The difference being, my father abandoned me without a single thought. He never loved me. Never cared about my happiness, whether I was scared at night, or if I went hungry. Your father, however, loves you so fiercely he would have forfeited his only chance at real love again because of a promise he made to you when you were a child.”
My eyes welled with tears. His words felt like a reprimand, though he’d said nothing harsh or unkind. I let them sink in, tried to reason with the truth clawing free despite the pain. But my feelings were so wounded, hurt from all the gossip that continued to follow me, from my father’s choices, and even from Graham, who’d known so much and said so little. A girl could only bear so much before breaking.
“Anna,” Graham spoke gently, as though he could read the thoughts behind my eyes. “I do not defend his choice to hide this from you. I simply want you to see that everything he has done has been with you in mind.”
I shook my head. “He’s done a wretched job.”
Graham reached out, and this time I let him lightly cradle my arms in his hands. “He has indeed. And I should have told you. As soon as things changed between us, I should have told you straightaway. I’ve hurt you, and I cannot bear it. Please. Forgive me.”
I sniffed and drew up the handkerchief, hiding my wobbling chin. “I am so angry with him.”
“You should be.” He crouched down and retrieved two fist-sized rocks. He handed one to me; the other he kept for himself. “Honestly, I am starting to feel angry myself. He should not have put me in this position at all. It is not myresponsibility to keep his secrets.” He scrunched his face and threw the rock far out into the sea.
We watched it fly to a satisfying plummet.
“No, it is not.” I agreed.
“I won’t,” he said, eyes serious and focused on mine. “I promise, I will never keep a secret from you again, no matter who asks it of me. And I will have some choice words for your father when he returns.”
I nodded once, heart brimming over with Graham’s sincerity.
I believed him.
I believed that he cared for my father and had subsequently, as a friend, kept his secrets. I believed that he’d also not considered how it might affect me should things come out before Papa had a chance to tell me himself. But most of all, I believed him when he said he was sorry, and when he promised to never repeat that same mistake again.
There was no false flattery. No impossible promises. Just care and devoted friendship.
And that made all the difference.
I reared back my arm, rock in hand, and threw. My shoulders fell as it landed halfway to the ripples Graham’s had made.
He stared out to the sea with a hand over his brow and winced. “We shall have to work on your arm, Anna. Or your anger.”
He looked over with a stupid grin on his face and winked at me, and somehow, that was enough.
I started to laugh, and he knocked my arm with his shoulder.
Papa had broken my heart, but somehow Graham hadloosely stitched it back together. I still felt betrayed. I still could not forgive Papa. But I could smile, albeit marginally.
“Mr. Everett!” a rough voice called from the distance.
We turned, and a portly man strode toward us.
“Oh, good grief,” Graham muttered. “Brace yourself, Anna. You’re about to meet a wild man.”
ChapterTwenty-Six
Graham
“Mr. Everett!”
I returned Morton’s waving hand. He was usually among those who fished late, so I hadn’t expected to see him here so early. I stole a sideways glance at Anna, whose eyes were still puffy and red.
Devil take that man Lennox. I had half a mind to call him out for exposing such a delicate situation and hurting everyone involved. I hated myself for my part in Mr. Lane’s secret, but most of all I hated how brave Anna had to be to face this mess, and so soon.
“Morton.” I tipped my hat as he approached, bringing with him a strong scent of fish and the sea. His dirty hands were stained, scarred, and weatherworn, my own paling in comparison, and his shirt had been torn in several places. “Heading out early for the catch?” I asked.
He grinned. “Soon, yes.” He took off his cap and scratched his greasy head, then wiped the sweat from his tanned, crinkled forehead. “I’ve a celebration for my eldest daughter this evening, and I’m in need of a dozen or so fresh fish before I set out with the big boats.”
