Page 33 of Only You

“Uh, Dad? Are you okay?” Lucy asked.

Snapping into reality, I turned and looked at her.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I inhaled a sharp breath.

Spreading the jam on the toast, I set it on the plate with the eggs and placed it in front of her.

“So, tell me about your new friend, Isabelle.” I leaned against the counter, holding my coffee.

“She’s nice. Her mom died when she was five, but she has a step-mom now.”

“Oh yeah?” I tipped the cup to my lips.

“Yeah. She said she’s nice, but it took some getting used to.” She took a bite of her toast.

“Mara should be here any minute. She’ll look after you today while I run some errands.”

“Okay. But I’m old enough to stay home alone.”

“Not happening, kiddo. I’m going to jump in the shower before your friend gets here.” I patted her head as I walked by.

“Dad?”

“Yeah?” I stopped and turned to her.

“I really like it here. It feels like home to me.”

I stared at her as a small smile crossed my lips.

CHAPTER 11

Alex

I drove fifteen miles out of Harbor Falls and stood in the middle of the open field that now belonged to me. My great-grandfather purchased it after his father died to ensure no one could build on it. My parents used to bring my sister and me here when we were children, and my sister would run through the open fields with her arms out, shouting, “Welcome to Athena Harbor, where all of your dreams come true.” My parents discussed building another town on this land, similar to Harbor Falls. But for some reason, my father never went through with it.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dialed Owen.

“Top of the day to you,” he answered, and I smiled.

“I need you to fly to Harbor Falls first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Why?” he asked.

“There’s something I want to show you.”

“I have a meeting tomorrow with Gunderson.”

“Reschedule it. I’ll pick you up at the airport. After you book it, text me your flight information.”

“Okay. Sure, Alex. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

When I arrived home, I looked out the sliding door and saw Lucy and Isabelle in the pool, splashing, laughing, and having fun.

“You’re back.” Mara smiled, walking into the kitchen.

“I am. How are the girls?”

“As good as gold. I was just getting ready to make them lunch. Can I make you something?”