Nantucket Romance 3-in-1 Bundle

by Denise Hunter

  But her letter to Tucker . . . What could she say? She tapped her fingers on the keyboard. He would expect her to give some reason for leaving the island. And she had to let him know she couldn’t see him again.

  She wanted to tell him that she and God were back on speaking terms. Maybe she could include that too. He’d be thrilled for her.

  But first, how could she explain Arielle’s departure without telling another lie? She was adamant about avoiding more lies.

  All that deception had gotten her nowhere.

  Tucker’s words from the week before popped into her mind. “Unfortunately, I can’t explain why I kissed you. But I don’t regret it.”

  That’s what she would do. Offer no explanation and ask him to trust her.

  The phone rang, and she was grateful for the disruption. Probably Renny calling to set up a brainstorming session now that the creative neurons were firing again.

  “Hello?” Sabrina tucked the phone into her shoulder and swiped away cookie crumbs Arielle had left behind.

  “Sabrina?”

  Tucker. She dropped the crumbs in the trash and rubbed her hands together. Was it too late to hang up?

  “Yeah.” She could hit herself for not writing Tucker as soon as she’d returned.

  “Hey, how’s it going?”

  “Fine.” Except everything is fixing to fall apart. She covered her face.

  “I was wondering if I could drop by tonight. My sister’s visiting for the weekend, and I wanted her to meet you. I mean, you and Arielle.”

  This cannot be happening. “Uh . . . Arielle’s not here.” Sabrina paced across the room.

  “Will she be back soon?”

  Here goes. Sabrina swallowed the dry lump in her throat. “I—I have something I need to tell you.”

  “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” The concern in his voice about broke her.

  “Arielle left. I mean, she left the island.” She gentled her voice, stealing herself against the pain she was causing. “I—I don’t think she’s coming back.” Her heart hurt for him. She wanted to coat the words with chocolate or something to make them go down easier, but there was no way to sweeten them.

  “She left?”

  Sabrina heard the surprise in his voice. “I’m sorry, I—I don’t know what to say.” An understatement. A huge understatement. Please don’t press for details.

  “Did she say why?”

  A question she could answer honestly. Thanks, God. “Not really. She was packing when I got home from work, had a cab waiting. I’m sorry she left without an explanation. I’m sure she’ll be in contact soon.” She’s in the middle of writing you as we speak.

  A silence ensued. A long one that made her wonder if Tucker was still on the line. Then finally, he spoke. “It’s okay, Sabrina. I think I understand.”

  He did? Had something happened between Tucker and Arielle after all? Had he kissed her? Told her he loved her?

  Please, no. She couldn’t bear the thought of him whispering those words into her cousin’s ear, of seeing Arielle wrapped in his arms the way Jaylee had been in Jared’s. She scrubbed the image from her mind.

  “Sabrina?”

  He didn’t sound hurt or depressed. She was confused. “I’m here. Just be watching for that email.”

  “I will.”

  “Yeah, so I’ll—uh—see you bright and early, then.”

  “See you tomorrow.”

  She turned off the phone and set it in the cradle, their final words ringing in her ears. She couldn’t go to work the next day. Or even Sunday. What if Tucker brought Tracey? She could ruin everything with just one word.

  Sweetpea: My dad whistled when he was happy. That was before my mom died, so I was little, but I still remember the tune, the way his lips puckered, and the way it made the whole house cheery.

  Chapter Thirty-six

  The next morning there was no email response from Tucker. Sabrina puttered around the house, cleaning and reading all day, hoping the time would pass quickly, eager to hear from him. She’d taken two personal days and asked Char to fill her spot so Gordon would have no cause to complain.

  When evening arrived, she opened her email again. In her message, Sabrina had said as little as possible about her departure from the island. Arielle’s departure, she corrected herself. She’d spent most of the email expressing her joy at finding peace with God. She knew Tucker would rejoice with her.

  While writing the letter, Sabrina also had come to grips with her anger toward Jared and Jaylee. How could she hold a grudge against her cousin after God had forgiven her? It was time to let it go. She’d told Tucker that too.

  Now, she opened her email program and smiled when she found Tucker’s reply in her inbox. Finally.

  I’m so happy for you. I sense a new freedom in the tone of your message, and I couldn’t be more pleased. Isn’t it amazing how God accepts us right where we are, regardless of where we’ve been or what we’ve done? It’s such a foreign concept in this world that it’s hard to fathom.

  I’m also glad you’ve found it in your heart to forgive your cousin and ex-fiancé. I can’t believe you’re going to the wedding—I’m so proud of you. I’d love to go with you, if you’ll have me. I admit that it relieves my mind to know you’re able to put Jared behind you completely. Does that make me a selfish jerk?

  I want to talk with you more about all this, but my sister, Tracey, is visiting for the weekend so my spare time will be limited for a couple days. Know that I’m thinking about you and missing you.

  Sabrina couldn’t keep the smile from forming. She reread his letter and noticed he hadn’t said anything about her leaving except that he missed her. Obviously he couldn’t go to the wedding, still a few weeks away—but, oh, how she wished he could be there with her.

  She sighed. He’d probably be out of touch until Sunday night when his sister left, and until then, she had only one goal.

  Stay out of Tracey’s sight.

  Sabrina felt like singing when she awoke early on Monday. She’d survived the weekend without running into Tracey, and her relief was tangible.

  When she exited the bathroom, her eyes caught on her own image in the oval mirror Arielle had hung there. She stopped in front of it. Well, her cousin was gone now. Sabrina grasped the maple frame in her palms, ready to pull it from its spot, but something stopped her.

  She uncurled her fingers, releasing the frame, and stepped back from the mirror. The honey color of the wood contrasted nicely with the sage color Arielle had painted the hall. The mirror had a beveled edge that was simple and elegant, and the face staring back from the middle of it really wasn’t so bad.

  Sabrina watched herself grin. Maybe she could live with the mirror after all. Happy with her decision, she turned toward the kitchen, but when she rounded the corner, she bumped her leg on the end table. Straightening, she surveyed the room with fresh eyes. She really didn’t care for the way Arielle had arranged the furniture. She preferred to face the window looking over the ocean, not the TV.

  Before she knew it, Sabrina was scooting the table, sofa, and recliners into new positions. As she gave the sofa one last shove, her bracelet caught on the fabric. She worked the heart charm loose from the material and straightened.

  Why was she wearing this stupid bracelet? That part of her life was over. Sabrina unfastened the clasp, walked to the wastebasket, and dropped it inside. It landed at the bottom with one last jingle.

  Turning, she surveyed the living room critically. It was good. She didn’t know why she hadn’t thought of the arrangement before. She liked it much better. Not only did it open up the room, but it seemed brighter and cheerier somehow. Giving a satisfied nod, Sabrina used the extra few minutes before leaving for work to peruse The Inquirer and Mirror.

  When she reached the back section, a help-wanted ad drew her eye. It was for an editorial position at Mill Hill Press, right here on the island. Maybe it was time she did something with that literature degree.

  B
ut if she weren’t working at the café, she wouldn’t see Tucker every day. The thought put an ache in her stomach.

  But she’d still have the email relationship. Was it worth the tradeoff? Maybe it would be easier not seeing him all the time. Anyway, she might not even get the job. She’d put in her application and see where it led.

  The thought put an extra bounce in her steps as she exited her loft. Dark clouds obscured the sun, but not even a gloomy day could dispel her good mood. The lyrics from “It’s a Beautiful Morning” hung in her head like harbor fog on a warm spring morning.

  Once she was at her station, Sabrina tied her apron and tucked an order pad in her pocket.

  “What’s with the mysterious smile?” Char asked as Sabrina made fresh coffee.

  Sabrina shrugged. “Just in a good mood.”

  All was well. She and God were hanging out again. Arielle was gone. The charade was over. And she’d survived the weekend without running into Tucker’s sister. Oh, yeah, life was good.

  “Oliver’s trying to get your attention,” Char said. “Probably wants to stump you with another word, poor man. He’ll never give up.”

  The kitchen bell rang, and Sabrina trayed an order, collected a couple refills of milk and juice, and headed to the corner table.

  “Promise you won’t say anything,” Tucker said. He loaded the last of his sister’s luggage and closed the trunk.

  Tracey limped to the car as the first drops of rain fell; then Tucker slid behind the steering wheel and turned the key. “Tracey . . .”

  “What?” She flashed wide baby blues at him.

  “We’re not going unless you promise.”

  “Let’s get this straight. This is the woman you love, the woman who’s stolen your heart”—she covered her heart—“who gives breath to your very—”

  “I’m waiting.”

  Tracey sighed, still in drama mode. “Oh, all right. Party pooper. I came here for nothing.”

  “Who asked you?”

  “You did.”

  “Yeah, well, I didn’t know you were going to be such a pain in the patootie.”

  “Are you going to get this thing in gear? We’ll have to skip the café if you don’t hurry. I’m not missing my ferry.”

  “Maybe that’s not such a bad idea.”

  “I promised to be a good girl. Now, let’s go. I have to see this shining example of womanhood.”

  Now that Tracey’s divorce was final, her life was settling down. She’d lost the emaciated look she’d had since she and Sebastian split, and she was starting a new life in a new city. Her new job as a hospital dietician was giving her a purpose and allowing her to meet new people. He was starting to see her trademark steel will reappear.

  “I still don’t understand why you don’t just tell her who you are.”

  “I told you, she’s been hurt. Did I ask for your advice?”

  “I’m your sister, honey. You don’t have to ask.” She patted his shoulder. “I’m always here for you.”

  “Your generosity overwhelms me.” Tucker backed from the drive and put the car in forward gear. The weekend had passed quickly. He’d assigned some of his trips to Nate to make time for Tracey, but his sister didn’t seem to mind hanging around his house while he worked.

  “All joking aside, bro, I had a great time this weekend. After the lousy start, that is.”

  Tracey had been upset after running into the woman she’d caught Sebastian with, but she’d been determined to stay. And when Tracey was determined, nothing stood in her way. Tucker’s goal had been to keep her so busy she didn’t have time to dwell on it. Besides, the island wasn’t that small, and presently it was crowded with summer people. Chances of running into the woman again were slim.

  As Tucker pulled to the curb and parked diagonally, a butterfly or two fluttered in his stomach. “Not one word.”

  “I promise! Sheesh.”

  “Or look.”

  “I’m here to see her, Tuck.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  Tracey rolled her eyes and reached for the door.

  Tucker hit the lock button, and all the locks snapped downward.

  Tracey glared.

  He couldn’t believe he was so nervous. It wasn’t like Tracey was a blabbermouth. She could be a brat when she wanted to but she’d never hurt him.

  “She means a lot to me, Trace.” Everything, actually.

  Tracey’s face softened, and she laid her hand on his. “I get that. Relax. I won’t do anything to draw undue attention, okay?”

  Tucker gave a sheepish grin and hit the button, unlocking the doors.

  They ducked through the drizzle, slowed by Tracey’s uneven gait; then he opened the door for Tracey and ushered her to his table. Oliver was already at the neighboring table with his steaming mug of coffee.

  He introduced the man to his sister, and they made small talk as they settled in. He handed Tracey a menu.

  “How am I supposed to see her when I’m facing the street?” she whispered.

  “Stop whining. She’ll be around soon with coffee.” Sabrina was loading a tray at the kitchen window. Her uniform was still spotless as far as he could tell, and her ponytail was caught in her collar, but he knew one flip of her head would set it free.

  “Bacon and eggs are good, and so are the pancakes if you’re in the mood for them.”

  “I’m starving,” Tracey said.

  It was good to see her appetite back. She’d lost too much weight the last year. “Get the Hungry Captain then. It has a bit of everything.”

  Sabrina delivered food to a table at the back, then retrieved the coffeepot as Oliver drained the last drop in his cup.

  “Okay, here she comes,” Tucker whispered to Tracey, feeling his heart pounding into his throat. “Act natural.” He turned his mug over and settled back in his chair, striking a casual pose.

  Sweetpea: Did I mention I hate surprises?

  Chapter Thirty-seven

  Sabrina’s mind was so occupied, she was at Oliver’s table before she felt Tucker’s presence behind her. Was it that late already?

  She filled Oliver’s mug and removed the empty creamers from his table. He had a word coming, she could smell it.

  He didn’t disappoint her. “Did you hear about the opprobrious behavior of the students here on summer break?” Oliver asked.

  Someone squeezed between the tables, and Sabrina leaned forward to let them by.

  “Hey, Sabrina,” Tucker said after they passed.

  She turned with a bland smile, steeled against Tucker’s charm.

  She met his gaze and was extending the coffeepot when she became aware of the other person at the table.

  Her eyes collided with the blue gaze of Tucker’s sister.

  She was supposed to be gone. She’d come for the weekend, and it was Monday. She should be far, far away by now. Sabrina’s nerves rattled like a stack of dirty dishes on a rickety table.

  The woman’s friendly smile turned down, and the twinkle in her eyes turned as dull as old ice.

  The pot shook in Sabrina’s hand. Mechanically, she poured the coffee. The stream of liquid shimmied dangerously close to the rim.

  Please, God.

  “Opprobrious behavior, I’m telling you.” Oliver’s voice was a dull buzz somewhere in the distance.

  Sabrina finished filling the mug.

  “Sabrina, this is my sister, Tracey,” Tucker was saying. “She came all the way from Atlanta to—What’s wrong?”

  Sabrina couldn’t move. Couldn’t tear her eyes from Tracey’s rigid face. A rush of dizziness hit her like a rogue wave, sudden and debilitating. “I—I have to—”

  Leave.

  Now.

  Before Tracey tells you.

  She couldn’t be here when he found out. And he would find out. The look on Tracey’s face confirmed it.

  Sabrina wavered under the dizziness, then took a step toward the kitchen. Char blocked the path with a large tray of food.

&n
bsp; “Sabrina.” It was Tucker’s voice.

  Could she dash out the front? A family of five clustered around the entry, waiting to be seated. She was trapped.

  “Tucker.” His sister’s whisper was like the slicing wind of a hurricane, harsh and angry.

  She had to leave. Sabrina spun, sloshing coffee over her wrist. The burning pain was a welcome distraction. She bumped Char on her way by.

  “Sabrina . . .” Char scolded, but Sabrina kept going. She heard Tucker calling her name and prayed he wouldn’t follow. But no, his sister was no doubt informing him who she was, telling Tucker she was the one responsible for breaking up her marriage.

  She dropped the pot at the station and darted to the back. Grabbing her bag, she exited through the rear door. She should’ve told Char or Gordon she was leaving. She’d never walked off a job, but she couldn’t go back now, couldn’t go back and see the look on Tucker’s face when he learned the truth.

  Tucker watched Sabrina skirt the tables and exit the room; then his gaze swung to his sister. Between Sabrina’s panic and Tracey’s—what? anger? hurt?—he didn’t know what to think.

  “Was it something I said?” Oliver’s befuddled voice barely registered.

  Tracey’s nostrils flared twice. She wrung the napkin until it split in two.

  Dread clogged Tucker’s throat, but he squeezed the words out. “What is going on?”

  Her gaze bounced off his. “Not here.”

  Oliver watched them with interest and, across the room, Char cast a curious glance their way.

  “Come on.” He stood, taking Tracey’s arm. He ushered her outside, through the drizzle and into his waiting car.

  Tracey’s breaths came heavily, fogging up the windows. “It’s her.” She peered through the passenger window. “I can’t believe it’s her, of all people.”

  The dread spread downward, a thick ball of trepidation. “Tell me,Trace,” he said, but suddenly wasn’t sure he wanted to know. He watched a raindrop trickle down the windshield, collecting others in its path, growing larger.