Page 113 of Changing Tides

My heart swells watching his strong hands carefully handle her and then nearly explodes as her joyful laughter echoes through the garden.

Home.

In that moment I know that Sandcastle Cove is home.

I climb the steps to the back porch where I find Amiya waiting for me on the outdoor sofa with a glass of wine in hand.

She scooches over and I sit down beside her.

“We’re staying,” I say as I snatch the glass from her fingers and take a sip.

She grins. “I knew you were all along. I’ve just been waiting for you to figure it out.”

“I need to call Kimball and retract my resignation and hope she’ll still recommend me for the permanent position here on the island. And I’ll have to find us somewhere to live since our lease is up in November,” I babble.

Amiya chuckles.

“I’m sure you’ll be able to work something out with Sebby and Sabel. After all, you are their great-granddaughter’s mother. Might as well start using the little crumb snatcher to your advantage,” she teases.

I pull a decorative pillow from behind my back and hurl it at her.

She artfully dodges my assault.

“I’m proud of you,” she says as she stretches out her hand.

So am I.

“Proud enough to babysit for me one more night before you leave for Alanta?” I ask.

“Hot date?”

I grin.

“I have a couple of debts to pay off, and Sebastian is calling in his markers.”

She rolls her eyes. “Ugh, you’re such a slut.”

“So, is that a yes?”

“Of course.”

I lay my head on her shoulder. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Leia

Three Months Later

I’m sitting on the counter beside the stove. Daddy is cooking dinner, and he’s letting me help. I stir the big pot while he adds all the things.

“What are we making?” I ask.

“Frogmore stew.”

I wrinkle my nose. “We’re having frogs for dinner? Gross!”

He laughs. “There are no frogs in it. Only shrimp and sausage. This was my favorite thing your grandma Milly made for me and Uncle Lennon when I was your age.”

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