“Let me finish,” he said, and something in his voice made her look back at him. “I did go and find the bonds. They added up to about fifty thousand dollars, and that’s what I gave to your dad’s...whatever you want to call her.”
“That’s a lot!” Meg blurted out, indignant. “I didn’t know he was holding back that kind of money.” It was an amount that would certainly would have eased the way for them.
“It is,” Finn agreed, even though it had to be pocket change to him at this point in his life. What did he know about the struggles an ordinary family faced? “I gave her that money,” Finn said, “out of my own accounts. So you got all the money Randy had, including the bearer bonds. I cashed them out for you and included the money in the estate. It was only right. Especially with all the hospital bills and the debt Randy had gotten you into.”
Meg stared at him. “You paid Randy’s mistress out of your own pocket?”
“Yeah. It was the only thing I could figure out to do. I didn’t want to disillusion you two when you were already grieving. Working on estates with our firm, believe me, I’ve seen plenty of that. It’s an ongoing issue in the legal community. Sometimes it’s better not to reveal everything you find out when going through the decedent’s papers.”
Kayla’s anger seemed to have deflated. “That was...generous,” she admitted. “I don’t know how to feel. I thought...” Her voice broke, and she swallowed hard. “I thought Dad was better than that.”
“Oh, honey,” Meg said. “He was a good man in so many ways. He just didn’t have the faithful gene.” She met Finn’s eyes. He knew. She was still glossing over Randy’s flaws for Kayla’s sake.
“I’m going to have to think about all this,” Kayla said, standing. She turned to Finn. “Look, I’m sorry to have accused you of stealing. I guess I should be thankful for what you did.”
“I’m not looking for thanks,” he said quickly. “I’m just sorry you lived with this worry all these years.”
“I didn’t, not really. It was seeing you that piqued my memory.” She looked at Meg. “Still, Mom...be careful, okay? I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Of course. Thank you for caring so much.” She stood and hugged her daughter, felt her shoulders shaking, and that made Meg’s own eyes tear up.
When they finally let go, she leaned back, still holding Kayla’s forearms. “We’ll talk.”
Kayla nodded and then hurried to her car.
She and Finn watched her go.
“Do you hate me for what I did?” he asked her.
“No! It was a generous thing. More than Randy deserved.” She checked her own feelings to make sure she was telling the truth. She was. “Whatever happened to the woman?”
“She did go to rehab,” he said. “And the money should have given her a little stake to get on her feet afterward, as well. But I didn’t stay in touch.”
She nodded, her head spinning.
“Meg, now you know why I said I wasn’t in a position to have a relationship. I didn’t feel like I could, with that secret standing between us. And I didn’t want to tell you the truth and break your bubble.” He shook his head. “I should have known that you would be aware of Randy’s issues and mistakes.”
“I learned about them pretty quickly in the marriage.” She sipped beer and stared out at the bay. “Stayed with him because of Kayla. It’s an old familiar story.”
They sat quietly for a few minutes, watching the gulls swoop, listening to their harsh cries.
“You’re a good woman, Meg,” he said. “A wonderful woman. You didn’t deserve what Randy did.”
“I don’t know about that,” she said.
She’d started to feel alive and attractive, with the wonderful positive attention from Finn. But today, she’d been plunged back into the reality that she hadn’t been enough for Randy. She reached down for Oscar and pulled him into her lap.
After a little dog therapy, she stood. “I have a lot to think about,” she said, “so I’m going to say good-night.” Before she could change her mind, she turned and carried the dog and her bag into the house.
* * *
THE KNOCK ON her door a week and a half later made Meg jump up. She started to hurry toward it and then deliberately slowed her steps. It probably wasn’t Finn, and even if it was, he was probably just coming to say a polite goodbye.
She’d seen him packing his car earlier. She’d thought he planned an early departure tomorrow, but maybe he’d decided to leave a day sooner.
And that would be fine. She drew in a deep breath, composed her features and went to the door.
Seeing him threw her emotions into turmoil again, especially when he smiled that crooked smile.
And then he said the last thing she’d ever expected: “Want to go on a boat ride to the art festival over on Teaberry Island?”
She tilted her head to one side. “What? I thought you were leaving?”
“I am. It’s my last day, and I take off early tomorrow. But I wanted to clear the deck so we...” He paused. “Well, I, but hopefully we, can go check this summer festival out. Get a little inspiration, you know?”
He was springing this on her last minute and she didn’t know why, didn’t know what to say.
Time had sped by since Kayla had confronted Finn after the nature reserve day. The day they’d kissed. Meg had worked like crazy on her thesis, finally gotten it done and turned in. And though she and Finn had greeted each other going in and out, and one night had shared burgers and a beer at the Gusty Gull, there hadn’t been any more romance between them.
“Please?” he said. “I don’t want to leave without spending at least a little more time with you.” He checked the time on his phone. “Plus, the ferry leaves for the island in forty-five minutes, and we have two seats reserved.”
She felt her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. “We do? You were that sure I’d go?”
“I’ve always been a hopeful guy, but no pressure. You can say no.”
Could she really, though?
If she went, it would mean one thing; if she refused, it would mean another. But she wasn’t ready to make that choice. “I’ll go,” she said slowly, “but listen, this doesn’t mean... Well, it doesn’t mean more romance. I’ll go as your friend. If you want me to.”
Then she felt like she’d been forward. Maybe he’d just come over as a friend after all.
An emotion flickered across his face and was gone. “That’s fine,” he said. “We’ll go as friends.”
But you could hardly take a boat ride to Teaberry Island on a summer day that didn’t feel at least a little romantic. The waves of the bay sprayed mist against Meg’s face, and she laughed. Finn reached over to wipe it off and his hand lingered. The gulls swooped overhead and the sun warmed their backs.
The island was an artist’s paradise. So naturally beautiful, with mostly small houses and a cute tiny downtown, and rows of paintings and crafts on the lawn of the town park. He bought her a stained glass suncatcher shaped like a crab.
She imagined a story about a kid living on a tiny island, loving her home but wanting to see the big world, too. She told Finn about it and he lifted a brow, nodded, asked her questions to get her to think it through.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have that type of connection with someone, that meeting of the minds, on a regular basis? Maybe even full-time?
Finn held her hand a couple of times, and poignant regret stabbed her heart. She enjoyed this man’s company, cared what happened to him. Liked the way the sun shone on his hair and made his eyes sparkle.
They sparkled more when he was looking at her. Twice, she caught him doing that, studying her like he was memorizing her, but he made no move to kiss her.
And after all, that was what she’d requested: just friends. Right?
It had to be that way. Jumping into a superfic
ial relationship with Finn now, when he was leaving, when his life was so different from hers...well, it just didn’t make sense.
The boat ride home took them into the sunset. She didn’t want the day to end, didn’t want him to go, but she knew it wasn’t meant to be between them.
After they’d left the boat and were strolling through the quiet streets toward home, Finn spoke. “Meg, since I came here I’ve developed feelings for you. You’ve always been a terrific person, but now...” He raised his hands, palms up, and a smile lifted one side of his mouth. “I’ve fallen for you. I don’t know how else to say it.”
His words seemed to suck the air from her lungs. They weren’t what she’d expected to hear. She studied his face.
He seemed sincere, but it was such a rearrangement of all she’d thought about herself that she couldn’t quite wrap her mind around it.
“I’d like to pursue that,” he went on, “although I understand if you’re not interested after all the water that’s passed under the bridge.”
She looked away from his handsomeness, his appeal, and let her gaze sweep out over the bay, its blue reflecting the sky. She saw a few sailboats, not as many as last week. Tourist season was ending.
So much had gone on in these past two weeks, from Finn to her creative work. She was on the verge of achieving her dream.
A man had derailed her dreams once before, dreams of a good, happy family. And then she’d lost him, and she’d had to shelve her dreams in the interest of just plain surviving. How could she know Finn wouldn’t do the same?
For better or worse, she was wiser now, more cautious.
When she’d figured out what she wanted to say, she turned to him. “I understand why you did what you did all those years ago, about Randy. And today’s been wonderful. But right now... I just need time to absorb everything. And I have my work to do.” She lifted her hands in apology. “I appreciate you, and everything you’ve done, but I’m not ready for more just now.”
CHAPTER SIX
A MONTH LATER, at midmorning, Finn approached the biggest redbrick building at Bayshore University. The air was a little cooler now. Instead of tourists, students dominated the town just a few miles up the coast from Pleasant Shores.
Amid the small crowd walking out of the building, he spotted her.
Meg had the biggest smile on her face. She was dressed in a skirt and jacket, wearing heels, and she looked...amazing.
The man at her side was a good-looking guy, too, and they laughed together.
Primal possessive anger rose up in him, but he forced it away. It wasn’t surprising she’d be with someone. She could have flocks of men around her if she wanted to. Maybe he should put the flowers back in his car.
But he’d brought them, and he cared, and he wasn’t going to give up without a fight. He’d respect her choice, of course, but he knew what it was to complete a big project. At any rate, he’d congratulate her. He strode toward them, and when he got close, called her name.
She looked over and her eyes widened. She paused, then turned back to the man. Finn kept coming closer, so he heard what she said to him: “See you. Thanks for everything, Dr. Hypes.”
“I’ll call you,” he said. “See how the degree’s sitting with you.”
She looked surprised. “Um, I guess.”
It was a little endearing that she didn’t know the guy was hitting on her. He pulled his flowers from behind his back just to make sure the guy understood he wasn’t the only one interested in how the degree was sitting with Meg.
“The thesis really was terrific. One of the best I’ve read.” The man touched her arm, glanced at Finn and walked away.
Meg’s eyes sparkled with newfound confidence. It looked good on her.
“I wanted to congratulate you for finishing your defense,” he said. “I assume you passed?”
“I did,” she said slowly. “How did you know where and when?”
“A little bird told me.” He handed the flowers to her. “Congratulations. That’s quite an accomplishment.”
She took a deep whiff and smiled. “A bird named Kayla?”
He nodded. “She seemed to feel she’d been hard on me. So when I called her, she was kind enough to give me the information. Plus, she was sorry she couldn’t be here herself.” Apparently, Kayla was needed to supervise the preschool in Meg’s absence.
“Thank you for the roses,” she said. “They’re beautiful.” She inhaled them again, and the pleasure on her face tightened every muscle in his body. He wanted to see that look on her face every day.
“I remembered that you liked them.” On their one fancy date together, back in high school, he’d brought her a few roses, and she’d loved it.
Of course, he’d told Randy, who’d taken advantage of the insider knowledge to win her heart.
He brought his other hand from behind his back: a small bottle of champagne in a shiny gift bag. “Do you think we can find a spot to share a glass of this? I have cups.” He held the bag open to reveal a couple of plastic wineglasses. “I scoped out a secluded spot over by the little bridge.”
“It’s worth a try.” She smiled up at him. “I do feel like celebrating.”
Heat flickered inside him as he led her to where a stone bridge arched over a creek. Beside it were a couple of benches, with bushes blocking the main quad from view. Thankfully, aside from a few students visible in the distance, it was deserted.
“What if I get in trouble and they rescind my degree?” She was joking, looking around, and he loved it, loved how relaxed and fun she was.
“You’re not really nervous.” He popped the cork and the champagne flowed.
Laughing, she caught it in her wineglass and then held his up to fill.
He raised a glass to her. “To a successful woman on her way to bigger successes.”
They both sipped, and she raised an eyebrow. “You spared no expense,” she said. “But I can’t believe you came back for this.”
“I care about you, Meg. A lot. In fact...” He hesitated. “I’m house hunting in Pleasant Shores.”
She gazed at him over the rim of her glass, then took another sip. “You’re looking for a second home?”
“Maybe a first home,” he said. “Since the place is starting to become a writer’s paradise.”
She smiled. “I guess it is. I, for one, am planning to finish my book in my free time from running Coastal Kids.”
“I’m glad.” She had talent, and he wanted her to succeed. Wanted to help her, but he didn’t know if he’d get the chance. “Hey, listen. Would you consider coming with me to look at houses?”
She tilted her head to one side, like she wasn’t sure what he was asking.
He wasn’t sure himself.
Her expression cleared and she brushed her hands together briskly. “I guess it would be good for you to have a local perspective. I’m happy to provide it for you.”
That was Meg, never assuming it was her own appeal that would make him want to be with her. “It would,” he said. “But also... I was hoping if you helped look, you’d have a little stake in the place. Hoping you’d spend a little time there.”
Her eyes widened. He could see a pulse quicken in her very lovely neck. “What do you mean?”
Here it was. Time to share the vision that had been haunting him ever since he’d left Pleasant Shores a month ago. “I mean, I’d like to host you for dinner. Find a place with a deck where we could watch the sunset and have a glass of wine. One with some good office space so we could write together. Wood floors, so we could dance in the moonlight, all by ourselves.”
Her breath caught. “I... Wow. I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. Just come help a guy find a house.”
She considered, and a tiny smile rose on her face. “You do make it sound appealing to
spend some time there.”
He pulled her into his arms. As she smiled up at him, as he stroked her hair, he felt the secrets and the pain of the past slip away.
He hoped they’d spend more than a little time there. Hoped they’d spend a lot of time.
Maybe even the rest of their lives.
* * *
Read on for a sneak peek at the final book in
Lee Tobin McClain’s The Off Season series,
Forever on the Bay, coming this spring!
Forever on the Bay
by Lee Tobin McClain
CHAPTER ONE
EVAN STONE TIPPED back his chair in the middle of the Gusty Gull, laughing at someone’s dumb joke. Here among friends and off duty, he could relax. There’d been a time when even being in the vicinity of a bar had been a risk, but not anymore.
He tapped his thumb on his thigh in rhythm with the music—eighties pop, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”—and breathed in the smell of fried fish and crab cakes. Life was good in his adopted Chesapeake hometown, and he was content.
He felt his phone vibrate and glanced at the face of it.
Got a minute? Need some help.
He did a double take, stood, and strode out into the chill of an early-March night. Cassandra Thomas, his late best friend’s younger sister, never, but never, asked for help.
What’s wrong, can you talk? he texted back and then, too impatient to wait for an answer, tapped the audio call button.
She answered immediately. “I’m okay, I’m sorry to bother you.” Her voice sounded fine, just a little... funny.
His tight shoulders relaxed some, and he leaned against the bar’s outside wall. “What’s going on?”
“I’m worried about Mom.”
“She’s gotten worse?” Cassie’s mother struggled with anxiety and depression, and it had gotten more acute since the death of her only son, Cassie’s brother.
Cassie sighed into the phone. “Not exactly. It’s just, since I didn’t get this artist-in-residence job I applied for, she’s canceling her trip. Do you think you could talk to her, reassure her that I’ll be safe staying here in Harrisburg? She really needs to get away, and she might listen to you.”
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