Page 104 of When We Are Falling

“So, how’s David doing?” he asks.

I finish my mouthful before answering. “He’s actually doing better. He spoke to the sheriff, made his statement about Sylvia. It wasn’t easy for him, but I think he’s finding some peace in it.” I pause, meeting Ethan’s eyes. “Thank you again for helping that night. I don’t think I could’ve gotten through to him alone.”

“You don’t need to mention it again, honestly. You did all the heavy lifting. I was just there as backup.”

His humility makes me smile. I take another bite, letting the comfortable silence stretch between us for a moment.

Ethan sets down his drink, his expression growing more serious. “Hey, I’ve been thinking…”

I raise an eyebrow. “That sounds dangerous.”

“No, really. I’ve been thinking about something important. Remember when we did that fundraiser for the oil spill cleanup? We rallied the town, raised a good amount of money and got people back in the Tavern.”

I’m curious about where he’s going with this. “Yeah, you did an amazing job. I’ll never forget that.”

He takes a breath, his eyes searching mine. “I want us to do it again, for something that means a lot to you. I think the Tavern should host a fundraiser to build the emergency accommodation for foster kids you’ve been pushing to get across the line.”

The words hit me harder than I expected. It’s not just the idea itself, though that’s meaningful enough. It’s the fact that he knows. He knows what matters to me, what’s close to my heart. “Ethan…” I say softly, not sure how to respond.

He presses on. “I don’t want to do it alone. This isn’t my project. I want you to take the lead, and I’ll help howeveryou need. We’ll get the Valiant Hearts boys on board, local businesses, our friends... It'll be a collective effort. But it’s your vision. Your dream.”

His words stir something deep inside me. The idea of helping foster kids, of giving them a safe place to stay while waiting for a foster home, has long been a goal of mine. But the mayor hasn’t been able to secure the funds, especially after the oil spill, and it’s always felt just out of reach.

“You’d really do that? Help me organize something like this?”

His eyes soften with sincerity. “Of course I would. This matters to you. And it’s something that’ll make a difference. I believe in you. I always have.”

For a moment, I’m so overwhelmed I can’t speak. “It’s a beautiful idea, Ethan. But I don’t even know where we’d start.”

“We’ll start together,” he says. “We’ve got all the contacts from the last fundraiser and we’ll figure it out. And this time, you’re in charge, Blake. I’m just here to help.”

I take a deep breath. “Okay,” I say. “Let’s do it. Let’s make this fundraiser happen.”

Ethan’s smile widens. “Deal.”

And we sit there under the stars, planning something that’s bigger than both of us. Together.

Chapter 50

Ethan

The Tavern is completely transformed.Fairy lights drape from the ceiling, and tables are set up for the silent auction, each one carefully arranged with donations from local businesses—everything from handmade jewelry to charter trips on theFreedom.

A live band plays on the stage, their music blending with the sound of laughter and conversation as the crowd swells. There’s a vibrant energy in the air, but as I look around, the knot of nerves in my stomach tightens.

I’m not usually one to get jittery. I’ve jumped out of planes, dived into rough seas, and faced a multitude of disasters . But tonight? Tonight’s different. This isn’t just a fundraiser. This is Blake’s dream, her heart, out there for everyone to see. I want it to be perfect for her.

I spot Liam weaving through the crowd, cutting through the sea of people. When he gets closer, he grins and gives me a fistbump. “Looking tense there,” he says with a laugh. “You got this.”

“Thanks,” I reply. “I’m just hoping everything goes as planned.”

He claps me on the shoulder. “It’s already a success. Look around, dude. You and Blake are a hell of a team.”

He walks off, leaving me with that thought, and I take a deep breath, scanning the room again. The place is packed—more people showed up than I expected, and there’s a real buzz of excitement in the air. I spot Blake’s moms, Trudy and Charlotte, who are standing by one of the auction tables, chatting and laughing like old friends. Even though they’re getting divorced, they seem more solid than ever.

“Hey, Ethan,” Charlotte waves me over.

“Hi there,” I reply, walking up to them.

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