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

by Karice Bolton

  I tossed my book bag in the car and began my drive to school. I looked at the clock. I still had almost two hours before my class started. I hadn’t done it yet and I wouldn’t do it again, but today I needed a break. I needed to see Aickens Corner and maybe see if Natalie had taken her lunch. I had no student appointments before class so I wouldn’t be missed.

  I pulled onto the main street that led to the flower shop and my mind raced with radical possibilities. I returned a wave from the postman as I parked and jumped out of my car with some sort of renewed energy. I wasn’t sure how long it was going to last so I thought I’d better embrace it.

  The flowers from the day before had been traded out for fresh ones on the sidewalk, and I actually got excited about reconnecting with someone tied to my past, or more so to my dad’s.

  “Well, you’re back quickly.” Natalie smiled. “The flowers didn’t die, did they?”

  I laughed. “Not at all. Did I miss your lunch?”

  Natalie shook her head. “You didn’t miss it because I don’t take them, but I could today.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Absolutely. One of the perks about being the owner of a florist shop in a small town and believe me, there aren’t many.” She smiled and tossed her rag onto the counter. She turned on her voicemail, wrote a little note, and followed me out the door, flipping the sign to closed and posting the note on the door.

  “I feel so bad. I didn’t mean for you to have to close shop.”

  “Oh, gosh no. I’m happy to get out. I’ve been working nonstop on a wedding order and needed a break. Nothing like getting changes to the order the day before.”

  “The wedding is during the week?” I asked.

  Natalie nodded. “Yep. I actually have quite a few midweek weddings. The rates around the island are a lot cheaper Monday through Thursday and it pulls in the tourists.”

  “I hadn’t even thought of that.”

  “Any particular place you want to go for lunch?” she asked.

  I hadn’t even gotten that far.

  “Anywhere works for me. I’ve only been to a few places.”

  “Teriyaki sound good?” Natalie asked.

  I laughed. “Sounds perfect and is one of the few places I’ve been.”

  We walked to the café and placed our lunch order, taking a seat by the window.

  “Here’s a question,” I began.

  “Shoot.”

  “How do you like living on Fireweed?”

  Natalie’s mouth wound into a circle as she thought about my question. “You know…I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. It’s home and it’s always been that way. I mean, I’m still single so that could prove to be an issue since there seems to be a shortage of good men on the island…”

  “Not just on the island,” I laughed. “It’s a far-reaching epidemic.”

  “That great out there, huh?” she laughed.

  “Yep.”

  “Well, I actually love it. When I was a kid, I wanted nothing more than to get off it, but once I got older, I realized how lucky we are to have this kind of a community. When I’ve gone to the bigger cities, I realized I was one of many and got lost in the shuffle.”

  “That can have its perks,” I added.

  She laughed. “I suppose, but I’ve always kind of liked being the center of attention.”

  Her smile brightened as the door jingled behind me.

  “Speaking of men on the island,” she whispered.

  I didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was. I could feel him, sense his gaze on us as he walked into the restaurant. It took all my self-control not to revert to ninth grade and shout, I thought you brought your lunch, but I didn’t. Instead, I kept my eyes on Natalie as her gaze followed Mason to the counter where he placed his order. Even hearing his voice made my insides squeeze.

  “He will make someone so happy,” Natalie mused. “If only it were me.”

  “Why not try?” I asked.

  “Oh, please. You know that feeling you get when the other person is extremely nice but they have no interest?”

  I did. I’d felt it myself many times, thank you very much.

  But it was intriguing that it was Mason who threw it Natalie’s way. There was a bit of relief planted in that seed of knowledge.

  “Well, his company bid on some repair work and he came out to handle the project,” she whispered. “He was so polite and put me out of my misery in the kindest way.”

  I half-snorted at her admission and Mason glanced over. I almost caught a smile fighting his lips, but he refrained as Natalie laughed.

  “You still do that?” she asked. “I would’ve thought you would’ve outgrown that.”

  I shook my head. “Afraid not.” But I had managed to hide it from Mason until now.

  Our chicken was delivered, and Natalie and I caught up on all life’s twists and turns. I didn’t even notice that Mason had left, and I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not. I also wondered why he didn’t take me up on my turkey sandwich offer. Did he think I poisoned it or something?

  As lunch wound down, I got up the nerve to ask Natalie about Aickens Corner. I thought I’d want her to come with me, but the more I got my nerve up, the more I realized it was something I should do alone.

  “I should probably get back to the shop and see what other changes the lovely bride-to-be has in store for me.” Natalie grinned.

  “Good luck. I need to get to my class too, but I have a little more time. I have a question. Which end of the park is Aickens Corner?”

  “The far end, toward the bluff. Keep your eyes peeled for the most beautiful butterfly garden you’ve ever seen, and you’ll know you’re in the right place.”

  I gave her a quick hug and we both promised to stay in touch. I watched her walk back to her shop as I prepared myself to experience another side of my dad.

  The park was only a short drive away and there was a small parking lot that held about six cars. I was the second in the lot. I viewed the time and quickly climbed out of the car. Following Natalie’s directions, I pointed myself toward the bluff and began my trek.

  I hadn’t expected to find what I did around the bend. It was gorgeous, almost fantastical, as the bronze butterfly sculpture rose from the center of the garden. I walked toward the sculpture, my hands grazing the yarrow and stocks, feeling softness on my fingertips until the gravel path ended.

  The sculpture was taller than me and stood gloriously with wings spread, reaching for the sky. I hadn’t prepared myself for this. My father somehow created an homage to my mother and her love of all things living as new beginnings emerged. I felt the first tear trickle down my face as my hand touched the cold metal. It was beautiful. It was filled with love, but it showed he was stuck in time. He never escaped his memories.

  I wiped the tears away and sniffed in as something else caught my eye near the bluff. I slowly walked over to the piece that was resting on the lawn. My heart started beating quickly as I approached the large sculpture and circled it, kneeling in front of the sculpture where a woman held her two daughters. I stared at the replica of my mother, sister, and I and knew I needed to stay. There had been something calling me back for years, but I’d refused to listen. As my cries turned to whimpers, my gaze fell to the nameplate of the piece.

  When A Mother Calls

  A shiver ran up my spine as I thought about Forgotten Cove and hearing my mother’s voice calling to me. Had my dad heard her too? My fingers ran across my mom’s cheek as I took a shaky breath in. I had kids waiting. I had a real life waiting if I was willing to live it.

  I’d found the perfect place to rent. It had a view of the water—if you stood on your tiptoes in the kitchen and craned your neck about six inches to the left, right between the far kitchen cabinets—and it came mostly furnished. The best part was that it came with a storage shed, which was good since the actual home wasn’t huge by any means. But it had some cute updates and the timing worked out perfectly. I’
d put the home on the market and received three offers—the most important one from Mason. His was, of course, the best one and I quickly accepted it, giving me thirty days closing and twenty-eight had already flown by.

  Two more days and Forgotten Cove would be behind me. It wouldn’t be forgotten, but it would be firmly planted in my past. Over the last month, I’d learned a lot. I learned I didn’t need anything much from my Skaneateles apartment. I’d flown back last weekend to end my lease and pack whatever I thought I needed and donated the rest. I hadn’t realized what I mostly wanted was already at the Forgotten Cove home so I’d been hauling boxes to my new place over the last several weeks.

  It was a weird sensation to be living on Fireweed Island and not live back at the house. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit it was somewhat unsettling, but I’d rather not try to continue the upkeep by myself and I knew Mason really loved it.

  So did I, which was why I wanted the home to go to someone who loved it as much as I did. Besides, it was mine for two more days.

  I hadn’t talked to Mason since the day we called things off. All communication had been through our real estate agents. I knew there were some items he’d hoped to finish before he took possession and even though my agent advised against it, I let him keep working on the house. I think there was a part of me that hoped I’d run into him when I was collecting my things.

  I never did.

  So I did what any nosey person would do. I came up with a reason to call his mom. It was like she’d expected it and was perfectly willing to tell me what they’d all been up to since the barbeque, which was a trip to Paris. She sidestepped Mason and focused on the big news about Aaron and Brandy, and the revelation was quite surprising. It made me happy to know solid relationships did exist out there, when the time was right.

  I hadn’t heard from my aunt since I sent the letter and a copy of a will and made that the reason for the call, which I passed on to Mason’s mother. We both ignored the fact that I had told her the same thing at the lake. By the time the phone call ended, I knew we all knew the relationship was over.

  I poured myself a glass of lemonade and stood on my tiptoes to try to get a glimpse of the water, but it looked like the clouds were in the way. I eyed the time and got a little excited. Bethany was coming over in a few minutes. She’d be my first official guest since I’d decided to stay on the island. I pulled out the veggie tray and hummus and set it on the counter.

  The doorbell rang and I quickly made my way to the door. Bethany hadn’t even waited for me to open it and swung it wide as she gave me a big hug.

  “I’m so happy you finally came to your senses,” she squealed.

  “Me too,” I agreed.

  She shut the door behind us and followed me in.

  “Did you take plenty of pictures of the old place?” she asked.

  I nodded. “I took video too. Not that I think I’ll be sitting around watching it.”

  “Nope. Don’t do that. It’ll make you sad. It’s just good to have.”

  I nodded and pushed the veggie tray toward her. I was sure she was starving. She grabbed a piece of celery and crunched loudly on it.

  “I think I found someone,” she gushed.

  “Well, if you gnaw on celery around him like that, you might as well kiss him goodbye.”

  She threw the piece of celery at me and I ducked so it hit the wall.

  “My word. How old are you?” I asked, picking up the piece of celery.

  “Twenty-one,” she laughed.

  “Yeah, like how many years ago?”

  She rolled her eyes and began describing her latest infatuation as I dreamed about my mine, Mason Rhodes.

  “Are you even listening?”

  “Absolutely. You think he’s the one,” I said, nodding.

  “So you were listening.”

  I nodded obediently and took a bite off a carrot, wondering if I should swing by the other house tonight to grab my mom’s punch bowl. That was among the last of the kitchen items I’d packed.

  Yep. Definitely need the punch bowl. It was decided. I’d be stopping by the house. I glanced at the clock and maybe going later would improve my odds.

  “And the next thing I know I decided I needed a puppy,” Bethany said, laughing. “Can you believe it? I think I want a puppy.”

  “No. I don’t believe it. You don’t even like caring for houseplants. What in the world makes you think you should get a puppy? That’s like adopting a child. They become part of your family, Bethany. I’m not saying you can’t handle it. In fact, I know you’d make a great fur baby mom, but are you sure?”

  “See, I knew you weren’t listening. I only threw that in there to see if you’d bite.”

  I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Sorry. I’m a horrible friend.”

  “Actually, you’re a really good friend so the fact that you’re over there daydreaming has me completely intrigued.”

  “I was just thinking about this punch bowl I have to get from the house. It’s driving me nuts. I need it for tomorrow.”

  “What’s going on tomorrow?”

  “I want punch tomorrow.” I grinned.

  Bethany laughed. “Yeah. There’s nothing like quenching your desire for punch. Makes the whole world stand still. So have you heard from him?”

  I shook my head. “Not once. Every single thing has been through our agents. I really blew it.”

  “In my humble opinion, you both blew it. You can’t take total blame.”

  “I’m sure you’re right, but I can attest, I was pretty much at my wit’s end. It got to the point where I’d even confuse myself and that was just over picking up groceries.”

  “So what changed?” Bethany asked, dabbing her carrot in the hummus.

  “Letting go and listening.”

  “Listening to what?” she questioned.

  “Silence.”

  She nodded. “I actually completely understand that.”

  I smiled, giving her a hug and taking a step back as I mulled over how best to shorten up my date with her.

  “Say the word and we’ll reconvene tomorrow or Sunday. A punch bowl is very important in life, especially when it holds the exact punch you want.”

  I laughed. “Okay, now you lost me.”

  Bethany swatted my arm and laughed. “Okay, give me a call tonight and tell me how it goes or I’ll just plan on showing up tomorrow around five. It’s so good to have you back, Tori.”

  She gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, and I walked out the door with her, grabbing my keys and purse on the way. Having friends that understood every eccentricity and complexity was nothing more than a miracle and suddenly my life had become full of miracles.

  I turned onto the road and cranked up my radio as I sang my way to Forgotten Cove. It wasn’t until I pulled into the driveway that my heart stopped, and I saw Tanner sitting on my front porch, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

  I sat in the car stunned and disgusted. What in the world was Tanner doing in Washington state? I hadn’t spoken with him since the boat incident. There was nothing left to say and there was nothing pulling at us, keeping us together, in some random way that often happened with ended relationships. We were truly finished and if there had been a way to anchor him to the ring, I very well might have.

  I looked around the property not seeing Mason’s truck and muttered a silent thank you for that little gift from above as I climbed out of my car. I hauled my purse with me and slammed the car door unexpectedly as I trudged up to speak with the unwelcome guest. He was dressed in a pink polo and chinos, and his bronzed skin told me where he’d been most of the summer—his parents’ boat. What in the world had I seen in him?

  I climbed up the steps and stayed on the one below the porch, my brow arching as I waited for him to say something.

  “I’m so so sorry, Tori, about your dad. I had no idea.”

  “Why would you? We broke up the week before. Well, I mean you were having sex with my best friend the week b
efore.” I didn’t know what came over me. It was like venom oozed at the tip of my tongue waiting for the next sentence to come from his lips.

  “I just had no idea. I would’ve been here for you.”

  “Who said I’d want you? But, really, why are you here?” I set my purse down and crossed my arms. Tanner had always looked out for Tanner so I knew for him to fly across the country, there had to be something else.

  “I miss you. What I did was wrong and juvenile. I never meant to hurt you. I hadn’t planned on sleeping with her.”

  “Oh, thank God. It wasn’t in your plans for our vacation. That makes me feel so much better. What a relief.” I rolled my eyes and heard footsteps inside the house and my pulse quickened. “Well, that admission really changes things then.” My mouth dropped open in surprise as Mason swung open the front door, balancing two beers in his hand.

  Everything about this moment felt surreal and I did my best to keep my focus, but as Mason’s eyes steadied on mine, the familiar electricity shot through me. It was never-ending with this man, no matter the situation, the chemistry was relentless and this was quite the situation.

  “I didn’t know you were swinging by,” Mason said, handing Tanner a beer.

  I tilted my head, completely bewildered at what universe I’d entered.

  “I thought I’d get another few boxes from my parents’ room. I didn’t see your truck,” I said, narrowing my eyes at Mason.

  “I had a friend, Sammie, drop me off. My truck’s in the shop.”

  Sammie? I disliked her already.

  “Would you mind explaining to me what my ex-fiancé is doing here with you?”

  “You know, I was as surprised as you are to have him appear on the doorstep.”

  “It was the only address I had for her out here,” Tanner explained to Mason.

  Mason nodded and flashed a smile in my direction. “Well, there you have it.”

  “Well, in less than two days it won’t be mine any longer,” I informed Tanner, “So I guess your timing was impeccable.”