by Megan Ryder
She had kept an old sweatshirt of his, one she’d packed after their last trip to the island and had forgotten to give to him. It hadn’t been washed and his scent was all over the shirt. At night, when the battling over the media and her father’s court case had gotten too bad, the reality too much to bear, the pain of losing him like a knife in her heart, she had taken it out of her closet and curled up in her bed with it, wrapping it around her, imagining it was his arms that held her, not an inanimate shirt. She still had it, the scent long gone now. But it was still her comfort, a teddy bear she clung to like a toddler with a security blanket. It had been a rag back then, a comfy sweatshirt, but time had only made it more raggedy, more worn and frayed. It was her one last connection to her old life, her one anchor in her new reality.
Maybe someday she would be able to get rid of it. Not need the comfort it provided.
His eyes pierced the silence, and she turned her head but only saw the mirrored glasses. No clue what he was thinking. She shook her head slightly, focusing on the present, willing the past to fade. If only it were that easy.
“Did you say something?”
A slight smile crossed his face. “I asked if you had been back to the island since graduation.”
“No. I’ve been a little busy.” The words came out sharper than intended and she softened her tone. “I didn’t have a reason. You?”
He shrugged. “A few times, but only for weekends. We sold our house out there. Kira never liked it. Not exclusive enough.” His mouth grimaced when he said his stepmother’s name.
“What was she looking for? Half the island is a gated community, and the other half is a mixture of wildlife sanctuary and the village.”
“You know Kira. She wants to be seen and admired. Whitby doesn’t offer that.”
“I always liked that about the island.” She spoke softly, tentatively, as if she were imparting a secret that she wasn’t sure she should share. “It was the one place we could all relax.”
“In the safety of a gated community,” he reminded her.
“Safety? I think it’s more dangerous there in some ways. But, we always were free to do what we wanted without guidelines, protocols. It was...freeing.”
He cocked his head and glanced over. “I never knew you felt that way.”
She focused her stare on her clenched fists. “I didn’t either. I only knew how much I loved the summers on the island. I wonder if it’s changed, or if we’ve changed too much?”
He faced the horizon, jaw clenching. “Everyone changes.”
“Exactly,” she replied.
When he didn’t say anything more, she turned and looked out the passenger window, tears that had nothing to do with the bright sunshine blinded her to the view of the island. She took a deep, shuddering breath, hoping he wouldn’t notice her emotions, then glanced in the back of the plane. “What’s in the crates? Hermitage Vines?”
For the first time since she’d seen him, he smiled, a genuine smile full of pride and satisfaction. “They’re mine. I own it. Caroline likes my white wines and asked me to provide all of the wine for her wedding.”
“I heard you took over your grandfather’s vineyard. I never pictured you a farmer.”
“Me neither.” He shrugged. “I find it suits me, though, better than financial stuff ever did. Though, don’t tell my father. He’s pushing for me to take over the business now that the vineyard has started to turn a profit. Surely, you’ve heard about this. It hasn’t been a secret.”
“I haven’t exactly been privy to a lot of insider information.” Her lips twisted on the last words, bitter on her tongue.
He nodded. “I guess not.” The plane angled to the right and began its descent. “Make sure you’re buckled in. Landing might get bumpy.”
“No more than this first meeting,” she murmured and bit her lower lip.
Hopefully the rest of her homecoming would be easier, but she somehow doubted it.
Ethan swung the crates out of the plane and onto the rental truck. Few cars were allowed on the island, only for the residents, and a shuttle ran for tourists but Caroline had arranged for a rental truck for his delivery. Delaney sat in the passenger side of the truck, looking small and lost. He resisted the protective urge to comfort her. He had already weakened on the flight, his resolve tested, and he failed in the first few minutes of being around her. But even he wasn’t that big of an asshole to push her when she was trapped and relying on him for safety. She had enough issues with trust, not knowing if he’d help her, protect her if she needed it, especially after the one man who should have performed that duty bailed on the job, going to jail then dying, leaving her to pick up the pieces. Not that her father had any control over his death.
He shook his head sharply, clearing the thoughts from his mind. He needed to gain back some semblance of control and figure out where it all went wrong. Refocus on his plan to stand firm against her and not let her draw him into her spider web again. But first, he had to know why she broke up with him. A question he had thought he never cared about the answer, but the flight taught him one thing. He needed it. Once he knew that, he could deal with it and move on with his life. Closure. That was what he needed and desperately wanted. The question was, would he get it or lose himself in the process again?
He made quick work of the crates and tossed their luggage in the truck bed, noting the cheap wheeled suitcase with a tag that clearly had a different name than Delaney Winters. No more Louis Vuitton for her. He slid into the cab and paused before starting the engine. Delaney looked small and lost in the seat next to him, lost in thoughts, lost in the past. He hated to interrupt, but he thought she might be grateful for it.
He put the key in the ignition but let his hand drop. He shifted in his seat and tapped her on the shoulder to get her attention. She looked at him, eyebrows raised.
“Before we go any further, I think we need to talk.”
She sucked in her lower lip but nodded. “We should clear things up so we can enjoy the week. We don’t want to distract from the wedding.”
He grimaced. Enjoy wasn’t exactly what he thought of when he thought of this week. Awkward. Uncomfortable. Stressful. Those were more like it.
“I know things were difficult back then, and I never quite understood why you walked away. I could have made everything easier for you. But I just wanted you to know that it’s in the past and I’ve moved on.”
“Are you seeing someone else?” She held up her hand. “Wait, I don’t want to know. I don’t need to know. I’m really sorry how I ended everything, but it was for the best.”
“For what it’s worth, no, I’m not seeing anyone seriously. The vineyard takes all my time right now. Everything worked out for the best.”
She laid a hand on his arm, the cool touch sending tingles up his arm. “I’m glad you’re happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
He turned away and started the truck. “Well, then, we’re good. Let’s get Matthew and Caroline married.”
He pulled out of the parking lot from the small airfield and tried not to remember how right her touch felt. His arm burned from her fingers, a fiery reminder that when it came to Delaney Winters, he feared they would never be over.
Chapter Five
The car ride was silent the entire way around the small island to the gated community where Caroline’s family’s house was. Delaney could almost hear Ethan’s thoughts, tension radiating off him in waves, threatening to capsize her fragile commitment to her plans, sending her fleeing back to her home to hide like she’d been doing for five years. No more. The time for hiding was over. It was time to reclaim her life, whatever life that might be. Despite their conversation, and both proclaiming everything was settled, she doubted anything had been resolved. No, there was too much between them for it to be over with a quick two-minute discussion. She dreaded the deeper conversation, knowing somehow it would be far more painful than anything else she had experienced, and maybe not the cathartic moment s
he had hoped for.
Ethan steered the truck through the little village, with its souvenir shops, ice cream places, and seafood stands, which brought back memories of years gone by—happier times. She rolled the window down to breathe in the salty, fresh air, free of pollutants and smog. The island restricted vehicle access by limiting parking, keeping roads narrow and providing bikes and other forms of transportation, making cars unnecessary and a burden for most people.
She closed her eyes and inhaled the bracing, sea air then slowly exhaled, her troubles rolling off her like the water receding from the beach. She leaned back and let the island do its magic and relieve her of all stress.
Far too soon, they drove through the gate to the enclave and past several houses set back from the road, a distance from each other, designed to give a little privacy to each homeowner but enough visibility to show the neighbors what they were doing. These were beyond cottages, beyond houses, really. Most were summer homes, decorated to reflect the cottage or French countryside or whatever was in style that year. There was little activity in the front. All yard maintenance was done during the week, when the family or guests weren’t there. Today was Sunday, a day to rest and hang out at the beach. On the island, it was warm and humid like the rest of Texas, but the sea breeze was refreshing. She couldn’t wait to go for a walk on the beach, listening to the waves and the seagulls. That was the best part about Whitby. The beaches were all private, except the one on the gulf side, near the village, so people felt alone, secluded, peaceful while they dug their toes in the sand and played in the Gulf of Mexico.
Ethan pulled into a driveway and up to a familiar gray-blue house with white shutters. Nothing much had changed on the outside, yet just seeing the house brought back waves of tension. A sudden, insane urge to beg him to take her back home, back across the gulf and home to Houston, overcame her. She gripped the strap of her purse, twisting it. What to do? Stay here with Ethan and be burned alive in the feelings welling up or face the dragons, the three women she bailed on all those years ago? It was a no-win situation, but her cowardice with Ethan won out.
Ethan clicked off the engine but didn’t move to get out. He shifted in his seat to face her. “Laney...”
She was shaking her head before he could finish his thought. She needed her space. “Thanks for the ride, Ethan.” She pushed open the door and slid out. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you at some point.”
She grabbed her bags out of the back of the truck cab and slammed the door, feeling his hard stare on her back the whole way up the walkway. It was her first time back in this world, and she had no idea who she was, how she should act, what was expected. She squared her shoulders and strode up to the front door. Fake it until you make it. Good motto for the week. Focus on the prize—Caroline’s wedding. She took a deep, cleansing breath and raised her hand, but the door swung open before she could knock.
Caroline stood on the other side, enveloping her in a giant bear hug, taking all choices away from her. “You made it! You’re the first. Ethan, thanks for giving Delaney a ride. I’ll send Matthew out to help unload the wine.”
Delaney hugged her back, the years apart falling away. “I’m so happy to be here, Caroline. Thanks for inviting me.”
Caroline shot her a strange look. “Of course I had to have my best friend here. What’s a little time away after all we’ve been through? Our debutante balls, numerous crushes. You helped me get back at that counselor when he publicly embarrassed me because I got my period, remember?”
Delaney groaned. “He was such a jerk. But we got him back.”
Together they said, “Hair remover in his shampoo!”
“He freaked out all week until he figured it out.” Caroline wiped her eyes. “See? I need my best friend, my cohort in crime to be my maid of honor. You even taught me how to kiss!”
“Kissing?” Matthew Coughlin strolled into the foyer just in time for the last statement. “Can we see some of that this week?”
Caroline laughed and playfully punched Matt.
He grinned and hugged Delaney, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. “Great to see you, Laney. Glad you could make it. Now, about that kissing.”
Caroline pushed Matt toward the door. “Ethan’s here. Give him a hand with the wine.”
Matt wandered out the door and manly greetings ensued, along with some backslapping.
Caroline shut the door and grabbed the garment bag. “Leave that bag here. One of the guys will bring it up.”
“I’ve got it.” Anything to avoid Ethan for a little bit longer. Delaney took a deep breath and looked around the foyer and into the living room. “You redecorated?” She suppressed the stab of disappointment. Of course they’d redecorated. It was no longer the fall home of four college girls but a family residence. And many years had passed, styles had changed. “It looks nice.”
Caroline’s gaze followed hers. “Oh, yeah. Mom changed it a few years back. She and daddy had gone to Europe and mom fell in love with Tuscany.” She squeezed Delaney again. “Anyway, I’m so glad you could get away for the week. We’re going to have so much fun. I put you in your old room. Is that okay?”
They walked toward the stairs when Delaney froze. On a side table opposite the stairs sat a lamp. Not just any lamp. The lamp. Found on a yard sale hunt years ago in their freshman year at college, this lamp had followed them fall to fall to the island. They had looked for the most eclectic and obnoxious decoration they could find, their little rebellion from the strictures of their parents. More at home in a bordello, the garish, red velvet lamp with gold tassels was as out of place here as Delaney felt. “I can’t believe you kept it!”
Caroline’s brow furrowed. “Of course I kept it. It was our fall prize.”
“Or punishment. I can’t believe your mother allowed you to put that monstrosity here.”
“She doesn’t know it’s here, and it’ll be gone by Friday. Won by one of you.”
Delaney shot her a look, but Caroline just dragged her up the stairs, chattering away about wedding plans, updates on friends and people they knew, and other inane topics as she led Delaney down the hall to the room she’d claimed every fall on the island.
Caroline walked into the room, running her hand on the white dresser and the lilac-colored bedspread. “Mom went crazy for the wedding and redid the rooms, too. She was tired of the nautical theme. I hope this is okay.”
Delaney dragged the suitcase into the room and closed the door behind her. “It’s lovely. I’m really excited to be spending time with you and the girls. I know I wasn’t there as much the past few years, but I really want to help this week. What can I do?”
Caroline waved her hand in the air, as if brushing aside the words. “I have everything all in hand. You know what a control freak I am. No, this week is to relax and have fun, before the crazy stress of the wedding. I do have a few things, but they’ll be fun, I promise.”
Delaney narrowed her gaze. She wasn’t fooled by Caroline’s nonchalance. “Right. I knew you’d have everything under control. But I didn’t expect you to be pulling double duty this week.” She quirked her eyebrow, taking a stab in the dark. “Bride and matchmaker?”
Caroline’s gaze shifted toward the garment bag, confirming Delaney’s deduction. Caroline unzipped the garment bag, pulling out the ice-blue maid of honor dress. She held it up to Delaney and leaned back. “I knew this would be the perfect dress for you. Perfect color and cut.” She turned and hung it in the closet. “So what if I’m playing a little matchmaker. You hurt Ethan when you left. You hurt all of us, but him most of all. How could you do that?” The words ended on a soft catch.
Delaney sunk down on the edge of the soft bed, tears blinding her to everything. “I’m sorry, Caroline. I honestly didn’t know what else to do. I didn’t want to drag you all down with me.”
“It hurt, Laney.” Caroline sat next to her and enfolded Delaney’s cold hands in her warm ones. “We would have stood by you. It wouldn’t have brought us down
, as you think. And anyone who thought that, well, screw them.”
Delaney laughed and sniffed. “You never could swear worth a damn.”
“And your family has no idea that you can.” Caroline teased, laughing through her tears. “We loved you, Laney. I’ve really missed my best friend these past few years. The occasional lunch wasn’t quite enough. I know things changed for you, but did you really think I’d cut you off like you were trash?”
Delaney shook her head and wrapped an arm around Caroline, pulling her against her shoulder. “No, of course I never thought that. But it was ugly, Caro. My mother was practically attacked outside the courthouse, and no one did anything to help her, as if she deserved it. Then my father died. My life was a wreck, completely out of control, and it was all I could do to keep things together. I couldn’t ask anyone else to be involved in that. Never mind the money.”
“I wouldn’t care if you were rich or poor. None of us would.”
“It’s not that.” Delaney pulled her hand back and buried it in her lap with her other hand. “My father took money from so many people, so many of our friends. And Ethan’s father ran an investment firm, several of his clients had invested in the scheme. Can you imagine the scandal if I’d stayed with him? I couldn’t put Ethan or his family through that. I didn’t want to be responsible for them losing business because of their association with me. At least now it’s in the past, rarely brought up. I can finally move on.”
Caroline studied her. “And I pulled you back in by asking you to be my maid of honor. Oh my God, you must have wanted to say no.”
“So many times,” Delaney admitted. “But I couldn’t say no to you.”
Caroline squeezed her in a lung-stopping hug. “I’m glad you didn’t, because I’d have to hunt you down and drag you here.”