Page 35 of Renewal After Dark

“I think I’d like to see them.”

“I’ll ask my mom if she has them. Is there any word about Jim?”

“Not that I’ve heard.”

Her deep sigh said it all. “I’m so worried about Tiffany. I can’t imagine her having to tell Ashleigh this news.”

“Hopefully, he’s off being oblivious and will turn up like nothing ever happened.”

She looked up at him. “Do you think that’s possible?”

“Probably not. I think he and Billy were riding out the storm on Billy’s boat, which was beyond stupid. They’re putting divers into the pond again today to look for them.”

“God, I can’t imagine what they must’ve gone through.”

“They shouldn’t have been on a boat in a hurricane. Hopefully, they were both drunk and didn’t know what hit them.”

“It’s horrible. I couldn’t stand him, but I never wanted something like this to happen.”

“Me either. I keep thinking about Ash and how she has no clue he’s even missing. I don’t envy Tiff and Blaine having to explain that to her.”

“I know. My heart aches for her.”

“She’ll be okay. We’ll all make sure of it.” Mac knew he should get up and get going on what promised to be another very long day, but they so rarely got a minute of peace that he stayed put for as long as it lasted.

“What’s on the docket for today?” she asked.

“I’ll swing by Rosemary’s place to look at the cabin and see what we’re going to need there, and then to Slim and Erin’s, then back to the marina. Dad decided to open back up for the rest of the season.”

“You knew he would.”

“Yeah, I figured he would despite what he said. He’s not going to want to miss out on another month of doughnuts and BS with the boys.”

“True.” She reached up to stroke his face. “I’m sure you’re stressing out about how much needs to be done, but you’re one man and one company. You can only do what you can do. Take it a minute at a time and don’t let it trigger the anxiety, you hear me?”

“Yes, dear.” For the second time in his life, stress had led to a panic attack that’d scared the hell out of him and everyone who loved him. He was trying to do better about managing it, but at times like this, that was easier said than done.

“You do so much for the people on this island, but there’s no point in you working yourself to death. It’ll all get done. Somehow.”

“You’re right. Thanks for the reminder.”

“It’s available any time you need to hear it.”

“Are the grannies coming to help today?” Having their nanny out of commission was another thing adding to his stress. All that mattered was that Kelsey was okay and would recover from the broken arm. But being without her for a few weeks would be tough on Maddie, who was still recovering from the twins’ birth and adjusting to caring for two infants in addition to three older kids.

“They are, thank goodness.”

“I’d better get to it. Gonna be another long one.”

“Remember you’re not God out there, okay? Don’t take on more than you can handle. It’s okay to say no.”

“Really? It is?”

“Yes, Mac, it’s okay. I promise.”

“I hear you, honey. Now give me a kiss and make it a good one. It’s got to last me all day.”

Smiling, she reached for him and gave him a kiss that made him moan from wanting more.

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