Page 15 of Her Wild Coast Promise

“Is it too much to ask that a guy sweeps me off my feet? Who makes me feel special? Who believes in me?” I ask.

“Oh honey,” Libby says, and slides her hand over mine. “No, it’s not too much to ask. That’s what love is supposed to be like.”

Memories of Noah and Vonnie’s wedding weekend rush back in vivid color. Why was it so easy to be with Seth? Is it because we have so much in common? Because we laughed at the same silly jokes? Because of how good I felt in his arms? Or maybe it was knowing we would never be more than friends thanks to the unspoken promise we made?

Saying goodbye to him that Monday morning at the airport felt like cutting off a piece of my heart. I cried all the way to Montana.

As if reading my mind, Libby gives me a kind smile. “I don’t suppose a certain deputy from Alaska has anything to do with this feeling?”

My chest tightens with a painful ache. “Is it that obvious?”

“You’re not exactly known for your stoicism.” She stirs her smoothie. “I still think you should have at least kissed him.”

“At my brother’s wedding? Even you wouldn’t stoop that low.”

She gives me a mischievous grin. “If he’s as dishy as you described, hell yes I would have.”

“I don’t date cops,” I say.

“And he doesn’t date at all, I get it, but that doesn’t mean two consenting adults can’t enjoy each other’s company.”

“Water under the bridge, Lib.” Pining for my big brother’s best friend does not bring me any closer to my someday dream of having a family.

Libby’s pert nose twitches the way she does when she’s concentrating. “My offer to bunk with me in Costa Rica still stands.”

I poke at my smoothie. “Tempting. But what would I do?”

“Yoga, and maybe a surf instructor. Or two.”

I throw my napkin at her, laughing. “You’re not serious.”

“Yoga and mangoes every morning, steamy gymnastics with an athletic, tanned stud every night,” she sing-songs, then gives me a kind smile. “Sorry, I’m as bad as Doug telling you what do to.”

I stir my smoothie, then lick the foam off the straw, but it just makes me think about Seth and the steamy gymnastics I’d rather be doing with him.

With a sigh, I set my smoothie aside. “I appreciate the offer, but I need to polish up my resume while also re-evaluating my options.” There’s also that weird note from the home inspector. Is Gerry selling the house?

Libby sets her cup on the counter, looking pensive. “That sounds like a great idea. Open it up to the universe.”

“I mean, I have a degree in psychology and a minor in French, plus six years of experience in state politics. I’m definitely employable.”

“Of course you are. Are you still interested in law school?”

I gaze out the window at the blue Montana sky. “Maybe. It’s four years. How would I support myself and pay for tuition?”

“If it’s what you want to do, you’ll find a way. You might even find a job that will pay your tuition if you stay on with them after.”

“That’s a great idea.” I open up my phone’s Notes app and start a new one titled “Operation Parachute” after the famous book my high school guidance counselor used to consult like an oracle, then start listing bullets:

Research law schools

Research jobs willing to pay for law school

“Maybe list out some things you love?” Libby suggests.

I make a new section titled “Loves” and type:Horses. Hiking. Children. Reading.

Libby taps her chin. “Could any of those be career opportunities?”

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