Page 61 of Captiva Book Club

“It won’t happen again,” he responded quickly, almost automatically.

“No, it won’t but not for the reason you think. I’m out,” she said, as emphatically as she could.

“What? What do you mean, you’re out?”

“I mean, I don’t want to get involved with your work. Other than to support you, I don’t want to be an integral part of this potential project. I’m not saying the Outreach Center and Thompson Green Developments shouldn’t collaborate on this. You can work with Ciara, and I can support it from a distance. I don’t want to be involved in meetings or marketing or anything else you deem necessary. I’ve said this before: this is your dream, and it’s a noble one, it’s just not mine.”

Trevor took a moment to process her words, looking at her with a mixture of surprise and confusion.

“You’ve always been my sounding board, my partner in this.”

Sarah nodded, understanding his confusion. “I’ve supported you, Trevor, because I believe in you and your vision. But my passion is at the Outreach Center. I love working at the domestic violence shelter, and the food pantry is one of my favorite places to be. I see the difference we’re making in people’s lives every day. And as much as I love that work, I also love that it’s part-time. It allows me to be there for our children, to be present in their lives. That’s where I do my best work and where I’m most needed.”

Trevor’s expression softened as he listened to her. “I didn’t realize you felt this way.”

She smiled. “Because I didn’t tell you,” she admitted, her voice gentle now. “I’ve been so focused on supporting you that I didn’t take the time to consider what I really want. And what I want is to be the best mother I can be. I’m lucky to have had a great mom, and I want the same for our children. Working part-time at the Outreach Center gives me the balance I need. I feel fulfilled, and I’m making a difference, but I’m not overwhelmed. I’m not willing to give that up.”

Trevor leaned back in his chair. “I guess I’ve been so caught up in the excitement of this project that I didn’t stop to think about how it might affect you.”

“I love that you have this incredible vision. But we need to find a way for me to support you without losing myself in the process. I’m happy that we’ve finally found what works for us.”

He nodded. “I love that you’re happy at the Outreach Center. That place holds a special spot in my heart too. Don’t forget, it’s where we met.”

She smiled and walked to him. Sitting on his lap, she placed one hand on his chest and weaved her fingers in his hair with the other. “I’ve never forgotten and I never will,” she said, leaning down to kiss him.”

Sarah loved her husband and felt blessed to have a man who put their family above all else. She expected there would be challenges to their relationship in the future, but she didn’t worry about their ability to weather any storm.

More than once, they’d faced difficult times, and their marriage was stronger than ever because of them. Proof that almost anything could be accomplished with commitment, communication and an open heart.

CHAPTER 21

The waves lapped gently against the shore, a rhythmic, soothing sound that usually brought Becca peace. She sat on a large, striped beach towel, her toes digging into the warm sand as she gazed out at the horizon.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow across the water, and the salty breeze played with loose strands of her long blond hair.

It was the kind of day Captiva Island was known for—perfect in every way. For Becca, it was more than perfect, it was home. She knew every inch of the island, having grown up here. Her summers weren’t always spent relaxing on the beach or playing sports with her friends every day. Instead, she spent most of July and August working with her brothers in their family business, with an occasional day off here and there.

Powell Water Sports was the perfect place to meet new people, but it was a simple volleyball game on the beach with friends and a few tourist teenagers where she met her future husband, Christopher Wheeler.

So much had happened since that special day, and as she sat reminiscing about her childhood, the sadness returned without warning. Despite the beauty around her, Becca couldn’t shake the restlessness gnawing at her insides.

Christopher sat beside her, his arm draped casually over her shoulder. “Wouldn’t you feel more comfortable on a lounge chair?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No, I wanted to feel the familiar sand under my body. I claimed this beach as mine when I was eight years old. My brothers made fun of me and said no one person could own this beach, but I refused to listen.”

Christopher laughed. “I can see you as that little girl, stubbornly insisting you were right. Not much has changed since then.”

Becca punched him in the arm. “I wouldn’t complain if I were you. As it happens, it wasn’t just the beach that I claimed. I remember telling them that everyone on the beach was mine too. And since I met you for the first time right here on my beach, I claimed you too.”

He smiled. “And look what happened. You made me marry you,” he teased.

“I’m pretty sure you came willingly.”

They were quiet for a few minutes, and then he interrupted her thoughts.

“You need this. I’m glad we came down early. You needed to unwind. I think we both did.”

She didn’t say anything, but shifted slightly, trying to get comfortable, but the unease inside her only grew.

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