Finding Love in Forgotten Cove (Island County Series Book 1) (13 page)

“The same could be said of you.”

“I guess that’s true, but it’s never felt that way. I threw myself into college and created a network of avoidance and not so great friends. Leaving him was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. I felt like I was abandoning my dad, but it was almost as if he was pushing me away at the same time. He told me over and over he didn’t want me to stay here and waste my life. Anyway, over the years, I told myself I’d come back and then it was too late.”

A few minutes of silence wrapped around us as the words settled into the present until Mason reached for my hand and began speaking.

“I won’t pretend to understand what you’ve been through. I can’t imagine losing my brother or sister and to lose a parent at the same time. I doubt I’d be able to function.” He shook his head.

“We’re pretty resilient, but some of us deal with things in different ways. Running from the situation seemed to work best for me or so I thought.”

Mason nodded.

There was one other thing I hadn’t told anyone, not a soul, but as I looked into Mason’s eyes, I couldn’t help it. The words left my lips at a speed that I couldn’t control.

“Before their death, my father had a drinking problem for a couple years. It kind of popped up out of the blue. My mom didn’t see it at first, but my sister and I noticed tons of empty beer cans in the trash, usually under something as if he was trying to hide them. He never drank that much in front of any of us in the beginning,” my voice trailed off as I gauged Mason’s reaction, that of resolute understanding. I felt like I was destroying the image of the girl he’d pieced together, and I wasn’t sure if there’d ever be going back to how it was before our trip to the cove.

“Anyway, it progressed to finding small liquor bottles in the trash and around the home. My parents were so in love, I don’t know if she saw it and thought if she was there when he faltered, everything would be okay, or if she honestly didn’t know the extent of the problem.”

Mason shook his head.

“That day of the accident, my dad could barely stumble down the trail. When the police, medics, and search teams arrived, he was hardly standing. I wasn’t sure he could even comprehend fully what was going on. We’d managed to keep my father’s secret hidden for so many years and all in one night everything changed. Word spread quickly as it often does in these small towns.”

Mason stretched his arm out and rested his hand on my shoulder.

“That’s what he died of. Liver disease. After I left, there was no one to monitor him and drinking became his everything. He lost his job at the community art center and his online photography business sank; everything in life crumbled apart. When I got engaged, there was a part of me that hoped he wouldn’t come to meet my fiancé because I wasn’t sure what shape my dad would be in by the time he flew to New York. I feel horrible for even saying that.”

Mason’s gaze flashed a moment of shock, but I wasn’t sure if it was over my father or him finding out I was engaged.

“Ex-fiancé,” I clarified. “Although, I think my father knew Tanner wasn’t the right person for me. My parents knew me so well, and I’m sure whatever I told my dad about him only made him want to drink more,” I half-laughed.

“I doubt it,” Mason assured me, rubbing my arm.

“I’ll show you a picture of Tanner. You’ll probably agree.”

Mason chuckled softly.

“Anyway, my dad’s drinking problem became quite notorious on Fireweed Island. The police got accustomed to following him home to make sure he got there safely.”

“He drove?”

“Oh, gosh no. He’d insist on walking himself home so they’d follow him in the patrol car or at least that’s what I was told. I loved my parents more than life. We were the perfect family. I don’t know what snapped to make my dad tumble into drinking when things were so good. And to be honest, he was a happy drunk. Even when he started hitting it hard while we were in high school, he was completely functioning but happier than usual. It wasn’t until they died that things went to hell.”

“Addiction can be a hard thing to understand. The disease is complex, but you can’t blame yourself for your mother, sister, or father’s life choices. They all made choices that altered the course of their lives and yours.”

“It doesn’t make it any easier,” I whispered, as the tears began rolling down my face.

“It wouldn’t,” he agreed, wiping the tears from my cheek.

It felt like the biggest weight had been lifted. Sorrow freely filled my soul, but I wasn’t weighed down with the uncertainty of my life and where it would lead. Harboring these secrets for so many years had eaten away at me, and telling Mason Rhodes exactly what led me back here made the rest of my life almost seem manageable. Everything I needed to focus on this summer didn’t seem impossible any longer. I’d never even told Tanner about my father, and I skipped over my sister and mom’s deaths to the point of him taking the term “boating accident” as enough explanation for him. He never really did want to hear much from me.

“I’m sorry you went through everything alone, baby,” Mason whispered. “But no matter what you want our relationship to be, I’ll always be here for you.”

My mouth fell open at his confession, and I felt as if Mason was a gift from above, just like the cherry tree. But after finally saying everything out loud, I wasn’t sure I wanted to drag him even further into the mess of the Aickens family legacy. It felt like even when I went to Mudflat, people eyed me closely, wondering if I had my father’s tendencies. Maybe it was in my head, but the thought was always there. Why would I want to drag someone I cared about into that mess? Maybe that was why I was more than willing to marry someone I didn’t truly love. Maybe I never truly loved Tanner.

“Think we should go back up to the house?” he asked softly.

I nodded, but not before I turned into his arms.

“Every person has their own struggles, guilt for things they wish they’d done differently in life. I know I have plenty.” His throat constricted as he held me tighter. “If you don’t allow yourself the opportunity to grow from the past, you’ll stunt yourself. There’ll be no growth.”

My head was pressed against his chest and I took a deep, shaky breath in. I’d let down my guard, feeling the strength in his embrace, as I dared to imagine another ending to my time at Forgotten Cove.

“I know this sounds kind of corny, but have you ever heard of a bucket list?” he asked, and my heart fluttered with glee.

There was bacon wrapped asparagus and corn on the cob roasting on the grill outside, and inside I had a platter of barbeque chicken wings with a honey sesame glaze. A batch of homemade sorbet was in the freezer, and a bunch of appetizers were spread out on the kitchen counter to get us to dinner. I was a girl who liked to make sure there was enough to eat when guests were over.

“This blueberry salad is delicious,” Tessa said, poking around the bowl.

“No double sporking, and if you keep at it, there won’t be any left.”

“There’s no such thing as sporking.”

“There is when you have a spork in your hand.”

Tessa examined the metal contraption before setting it back down while she fumbled with the term a bit.

“I can’t believe you haven’t heard of a spork.” I shook my head. “And you call yourself an educator.”

Tessa chuckled as Bethany pulled into the driveway. Gabby had texted she’d be a few minutes late because she missed the ferry. She had to wait for her friend, who she wanted to introduce to me. I knew she had two best friends and one happened to be Mason’s sister.

I had no reason to be nervous.

Absolutely none.

Yet, I was a hot mess. I’m sure Gabby only wanted to enlarge my circle of friends while I was here, but nonetheless, I was a nervous wreck. She didn’t mention specifically that it was Mason’s sister, but my hunch told me it might be.

“Knock, knock,” Bethany hummed, as she walked through the front door. She looked really cute in a pair of cut-offs and a loose, pink camisole. Her platform sandals showed off her already long legs.

“For tonight. Thought you might need extra backup.” She shoved a bottle of pinot noir in my hand and laughed.

Tessa eyed Bethany and her brow quirked as she grabbed a chip and dipped it into the guacamole. “Why’s that?”

“She didn’t tell you?” Bethany asked, reaching in for a chip.

“Tell me what?” Tessa asked, folding her arms.

“It’s nothing.” I shook my hands at them. “Just a few girls getting together for a girls’ night out, in.”

“Mason’s sister might be coming over,” Bethany informed Tessa with a half-wicked giggle.

I groaned. “Only because she happens to be one of Gabby’s best friends and she’s bringing one of them over.”

 “Why didn’t you just ask which one was tagging along?”

“That would be too easy.”

“Do I notice a recent glow?” Tessa asked, circling me like I was prey.

“I’ve gotten a lot of sun out in the garden.”

“That’s not it,” Bethany said, eyeing me up and down. “That’s definitely not it. She’s right. You look lighter, brighter somehow. Maybe being back here isn’t such a bad thing after all.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Personally, I think it has to do with the fine-ass contractor who happens to be helping her on this home,” Tessa teased.

I couldn’t hide my grin.

“He is a
great
friend,” I agreed. “And that is it. Please, don’t embarrass me tonight. I would be mortified if it got back to Mason.”

“Friend? After this many weeks… a friend?” Bethany’s eyes narrowed.

“Actually, I think we’re officially past weeks. We’re into the first month,” Tessa corrected.

“
We
aren’t into anything,” I laughed, opening the bottle of wine. “You know, I don’t think I need this wine because of Mason’s sister. I think I need it because of you two. You’re relentless.”

“How often do you see him?” Bethany asked.

I glanced around the almost-new house. “Can’t you tell by how much work has been done around here? A lot.”

“Almost daily by my calculations,” Tessa responded.

I scowled at her and heard Gabby and another woman laughing as they walked down the driveway toward the house. I quickly washed and dried my hands before getting to the door.

“I think someone’s nervous,” Bethany hummed.

“Not even.” I opened the door and there Gabby stood with a pastry box in one hand and a plastic bag in the other.

“Lemon biscuits to serve with the raspberry sorbet. The bag has heavy cream for whipping too. Wow. It smells great in here.” She stepped inside, and I quickly observed the very friendly face right behind her. She had auburn hair piled on top of her head in a loose bun and was dressed in a pair of capri leggings and a loose, gauze shirt. To say she was beautiful was an understatement. I didn’t see any resemblance between her and Mason, but that didn’t necessarily mean anything.

“Tori, this is Lily. Lily, Tori.”

Oh, thank goodness. I was off the hook tonight.
It wasn’t Mason’s sister, Brandy.

“Thanks for allowing me to tag along with Gabby,” Lily said, coming in for a quick hug.

“Anytime,” I responded, taking the biscuits from Gabby. “It’s wonderful to have you.”

We walked into the kitchen and Gabby stopped in her tracks, taking in the dining and family rooms. Both had been completely remodeled since she was here last.

“I thought the entry way looked amazing, but this… This is beyond anything I could have imagined.”

“Thank you.” I beamed. “Mason has a real talent. His ideas have raised this home to something I never imagined. I almost want to dream up more projects to see what he can come up with.”

“He really is a special guy.” Gabby grinned, glancing at Lily, who smiled in return.

“Now, Lily,” Bethany began. “Are you related to Mason?”

My cheeks ignited with the question, even though I knew the answer was no. Brandy was his sister, not Lily, but Bethany didn’t know the names yet. I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing.

Lily laughed and shook her head. “Not yet.”

I looked at Gabby for clarification. “She’s dating Mason’s brother, Ayden.”

“You’re dating his twin, huh?” I asked, unsure of whether that was better or worse than having his sister here. Either could report back to him.

“I sure am.” Her eyes twinkled with the same love I saw in Gabby’s when she talked about Jason. I didn’t think I ever had that look when I was engaged to Tanner. Actually, I knew I didn’t. It was more like indignant resignation to the fate I chose for myself.

“It seems like it’s almost done,” Gabby said, glancing at the kitchen.

I shook my head. “The kitchen and back deck are the final two things he’s got on the schedule. He’s doing the kitchen last so I can continue to feed him.”

“Sounds about right,” Lily confirmed, smiling.

“I better go check on the veggies on the grill. Mason promised me the deck is sturdy enough for me to grill on, but if I go down, please call fire and rescue.”

“If he thinks it’s sturdy, it should hold you. He’s a good guy and I don’t think he wants anything to happen to you,” she added.