Page 67 of Captiva Book Club

Luke sighed, knowing she was right. “It’s just… weird, you know? Calling my ex to tell her I’m bringing someone else to her wedding, when the bride just broke up with me seven months ago.”

Becca nodded, her expression softening. “It is weird, but it’s also part of moving on. Meredith has, and now it’s your turn.”

Luke looked at his sister, appreciating her straightforward advice. But as he studied her, he noticed the faint circles under her eyes and the slight weariness in her smile. “What about you, Becca? How are you feeling? You look tired.”

Becca waved off his concern with a smile. “I’m fine, Luke. Just the usual pregnancy stuff—tired, hungry, and dealing with cravings that make no sense. But I’m okay.”

Luke frowned, not entirely convinced. “You sure? I don’t want you overdoing it. You need to take care of yourself and that baby,” he said, pointing to her belly.

Becca rolled her eyes, though her smile remained. “I’m taking it easy, I promise. I’m just happy to be home for the holidays, and to catch up with you.”

“Just don’t push yourself too hard, okay?” Luke said, his tone more serious. “I want you and the baby to be healthy.”

Becca laughed softly. “You’re such a worrier, Luke. But I appreciate it. And speaking of worrying, you should probably get that call to Meredith out of the way. The longer you wait, the harder it’ll be.”

Luke groaned at the reminder. “Yeah, you’re right. I’ll do it as soon as it’s a reasonable hour to call. It’s still too early.”

Becca grinned, clearly amused by his predicament. “Good. And don’t overthink it. Just be honest with her, and everything will work out.”

Luke nodded, feeling a little better now that they’d talked it through. “Thanks, Becca. I needed that. I’m glad you’re home.”

“Anytime,” she said, giving him a quick hug. “And don’t forget—just because you’re going to a wedding with Katie doesn’t mean it has to be a big deal. Take it one step at a time.”

Luke watched as she walked back up the beach, feeling a mix of relief and lingering nerves. He knew the call to Meredith wouldn’t be easy, but Becca was right—he needed to face it head-on. And after that, he’d focus on getting to know Katie better, one step at a time.

The thought of Katie brought a smile to his face. He remembered how they’d walked together along the beach. He loved how she called him out on things, not letting him get away with anything.

There was something about her—a quiet strength, an intelligence—that drew him in, made him want to know more. But he didn’t want to make the same mistakes he’d made with Meredith, rushing in too quickly or letting his work consume all his time and energy. This time, he wanted to do things right.

He took a deep breath, pulling out his phone. It wasn’t time to call Meredith yet, but at least now he knew what he had to say. He scrolled through his contacts until he found her name, his thumb hovering over the call button. Part of him wanted to just get it over with, but another part—perhaps the wiser part—knew that waiting a little longer wouldn’t hurt.

As he stood there, phone in hand, the beach began to wake up around him. Early joggers appeared on the sand, their feet kicking up small clouds of dust as they ran by. A few seagulls gathered near the shoreline, picking at the remnants of yesterday’s tide. Life continued its steady pace, indifferent to the turmoil in Luke’s mind.

He put his phone back in his pocket, deciding to wait until a more appropriate time to make the call. For now, he would focus on the day ahead, on the customers who would soon start arriving at the kiosk, and on the possibility of something new and promising with Katie.

Whatever happened with Meredith’s wedding, Luke knew one thing for sure: he was ready to move forward, and he wasn’t going to let the past hold him back.

Tourists came and went, and when he couldn’t wait any longer, Luke decided it was time to call Meredith. With a deep breath, he pressed the call button and held the phone to his ear, his stomach tightened with nerves. He wasn’t sure why he felt so anxious; after all, this was just a phone call. But the awkwardness of the situation, coupled with the fact that he was about to discuss his ex-girlfriend’s wedding, made it anything but simple.

“Luke?” Meredith’s voice came through the line, bright but with a hint of surprise. “How are you?”

“Hey, Meredith,” Luke began, trying to keep his tone casual. “Uh, yeah, I’m sorry to bother you. I know it’s early.”

“It’s fine,” she replied, though there was a slight edge to her voice. “What’s up?”

Luke hesitated for a split second before diving in. “Listen, I know I’m late, but I wanted to let you know that I’m planning to come to the wedding.”

There was a pause on the other end, and Luke could almost hear Meredith’s exasperation through the phone. “I remember how you always wait until the last minute for things, but my wedding? Really, Luke? I sent the invitations out weeks ago.”

“I know,” Luke said, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I’ve just been swamped with work, and it slipped my mind. I’m sorry.”

Meredith sighed, and Luke could picture her shaking her head. “It’s fine. I’ll add you to the guest list. Are you coming alone?”

“Actually, I’ll be bringing someone,” Luke replied, trying to keep his voice even. “Her name is Katie Wright.”

“Katie Wright?” Meredith repeated, clearly not recognizing the name.

“She’s new to the island,” Luke explained, feeling a bit defensive. “We’ve been getting to know each other.”

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