Page 38 of Forgiving Her First Love

“This is my life,” Logan said. “I tell her how to spend our money and she tells me how to save it. It’s kind of annoying. Tell him what you said yesterday about the MissionaryII,” he prompted Sophie.

She blinked. “I thought the consensus was that it was even more boring than regular. You just watch TV and go to bed.”

Reid choked and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“You did not just say that to your bosses,” Logan said, because that was not what he had meant. At all.

“I thought it was an action movie,” Trystan confided to Reid.

“It’s not a lunar launch?” Reid asked with mock surprise.

“That wasn’t even dirty!” Sophie defended. “You should have heard some of the things my old boss said to me before you three came along.”

“Please don’t drag us into that workplace harassment claim,” Reid said smoothly. “And thank you for the laugh. I needed it.”

“She suggested we buy it,” Logan said of the damaged vessel.

“That was off the cuff,” Sophie said with a dismissive wave. “Two of the crew from the MissionaryII would have stayed if they could have found a place to live. I just said to Logan that it’s too bad we couldn’t have kept it as a floating staff house, especially for the summer months.”

“See? It’s a solid suggestion,” Logan said. “The fire damage is mostly in the engine room and replacing the engine will be very spendy. If we bought it as is, repaired the hull, and parked it, we would instantly gain two-dozen bunks.”

“We don’t need that many rooms for staff. Once the renos are finished, we won’t have so many contractors on site, either.” Reid was skeptical.

“It could be a cheaper option for the sports fishermen who still want to come here, but don’t want to pay the higher price at the renovated lodge,” Trystan pointed out.

“We could book it out for private parties. Family reunions. Weddings,” Logan added.

“I don’t hate the idea,” Reid said. “We definitely need more accommodation available in summer months. Adding it into the lodge reservation system would be simple enough. Put some hard numbers together and a plan for the remodel. Let’s circle back on that.” He nodded at Logan. “Right now, we have a more pressing matter. But thank you, Sophie. That was a great suggestion.”

“Sure. Do you want me to leave?”

Reid looked briefly conflicted, then waved at her to stay where she was.

“Em will tell you anyway so you might as well hear it. We just got a call that Tiffany’s sister has been released from protective custody. There’s no indication that she’s coming here, but I wanted you two to know that it could happen and keep your ears open.”

Logan swore. Trystan set his hand on Storm’s belly. Storm chewed her teething beads, oblivious to the blanket of concern that had descended over the room.

“What does that mean?” Sophie asked tentatively.

“I don’t know.” Reid’s voice held all the frustration that Logan felt. It was reflected in Trystan’s face as well. “We know that she knows about Storm and was planning to come here, but wound up in trouble with the law. Now she’s loose. If she wanted to call and arrange a visit or something, I think we’d figure something out.”

Reid looked to Logan and Trystan. They each jerked their shoulders in maybe.

“But if she challenged us for custody, then no,” Reid said firmly. “That’s a war we need to be prepared to win.”

“How’s Em?” Sophie asked.

“Freaking out and pretending she’s not.” Reid gave his jaw a rub. “I said I’d bring Storm home. Do you mind?” he asked Trystan.

“I have to finish getting the Storm Ridge ready to sail anyway.” He unbuckled the sling, as somber as the rest of them.

Reid took Storm but pulled her out of the sling. He let the contraption dangle off his elbow while he held the baby securely against his chest.

Hold on to her. Hold on tight, Logan wanted to insist. His own arms felt weak and useless, his chest hollow.

“Maybe it’s nothing,” Reid said, but he didn’t sound convinced or convincing.

“Maybe,” Trystan echoed in a hollow tone.

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