Page 58 of Island Whispers

“One more and then you’re taking a break until tomorrow.”

He nodded, though he intended to argue like hell if necessary.

Becky drove him over to Hargrave Hideaway. He’d bet everything he had, every dream in his heart, that she was down at the private cove.

It dawned on him just how much he’d learned about her life in the past week. And how natural it felt to have all that knowledge. He was confident Celeste would let Nina take advantage of the one place on the island where she could truly be alone with her thoughts.

“Wow!” Becky pulled to a stop at the end of the drive and just gawked at the house. “Remind me to check availability here next time I visit.”

“You’ve barely visited this time.”

Her gaze locked with his. “Something tells me I’ll be back.” She smiled. “You think she’s inside?”

“No. Around back.” He hoped so anyway. If Nina was inside with Celeste, the oldest of the Hargrave sisters, there was no guarantee he’d be allowed to talk to her. Which wasn’t the least bit fair. He hadn’t done anything wrong, other than let Spratt get too close. Nina had walked away before they’d had a chance to settle anything.

“Should I wait?”

“Please don’t,” he replied, reaching for the door. The idea tempted him, but he didn’t want an easy out. If she wasn’t here, he could benefit from a few minutes of solitude himself. “I’ll call if I need you to pick me up.”

“Be smart, Boone.”

“Stop worrying. I won’t overdo it.”

Becky chuckled. “You already have. I was talking about Nina. Be smart with her.”

“Oh. Right.” What was the smart play? He didn’t want to be a dictator, but he deserved to hear her tell him he would be a father. He deserved to have a role in that child’s life.

His sister caught his arm. “Tell her what’s in your heart, Boone. Don’t hold back. It’s the only way either of you can make an informed decision.”

Her sisterly advice echoed in his head as he walked up the driveway, aiming around toward the cove. His legs were heavy, his steps slow, but he pushed on. This effort would all be worth it if she was there.

He was crossing the small patio out back when a sliding glass door opened in a rush. The last thing he wanted was to get busted for trespassing.

“Boone?” Celeste rushed outside. “My goodness.” Her mouth opened and snapped shut. “Are you okay?”

If he was okay, he doubted she would need to ask. “Is Nina here?”

Celeste nodded. “She said Spratt is back in jail. Is it over then?”

“The criminal part, yes,” he said. Hopefully the personal part was just getting started.

“I’m glad to hear it.” She gripped the back of a chair. “Why don’t you sit down. I’ll go down and tell Nina you’re waiting.”

“No, thanks.” With his luck, she’d jump into the ocean and swim away first. “I’ll be fine.”

Celeste shook her head, even as a soft smile bloomed across her face. “Good luck.”

He gave her a nod and walked on.

At first, he thought Celeste had purposely misled him, until he finally spotted Nina. She sat in the sand, well back from the water and slightly hidden by the tall grasses flanking the path. Her back was to him. Maybe he shouldn’t intrude. This was her island, her family and community. What gave him the right to storm into her quiet, safe space?

Then he caught the unmistakable sound of a sniffle.

“Nina.” He moved forward, his tired legs dragging a little in the soft sand.

“Boone?” She scrambled to her feet. “What are you doing?” Her arm slipped around his waist, lending support. “You shouldn’t be here.”

“Had to come to you.”

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