Page 67 of All You Need Is Love

“I’m happy to help in any way I can.” And Shannon meant it.

Then Jenna came over, a small white pastry bag in her hands, and Shannon hugged Noah and Julie both, wishing them well.

As they headed toward the beach, Jenna fished a cookie out and handed Shannon the bag. “That looked rough.”

“It was.” Shannon was done stuffing her emotions down. “But I truly want what’s best for Noah. And if that’s his mom, then I’m happy for them.” Even if every step away from him physically ached.

“Do you think you’ll continue with the foster process?”

It was something she’d considered, albeit only briefly. After all, Noah wasn’t the only kid in need of a good home. “I’d maybe be open to it. But I think I need to take some time to process and grieve first, you know?”

“Absolutely.”

Continuing down the street, they fought through spots where festival attendees stood shoulder to shoulder. It was heartening to see, considering how the earthquake nearly a year ago had harmed the town’s economy. Finally, they arrived at the beach and, despite the burgeoning crowds, located their families.

Gabrielle lay with her head in Tyler’s lap, and he stroked her blonde hair as they talked. Mom and Dad chatted with Aunt Lisa and Uncle Frank, and several other Bakers had claimed blankets nearby. Shannon and Jenna plopped onto the sand next to their siblings.

Shannon peeked into the bag she held, spying about a dozen cookies. “You guys want dessert?”

“Oh my goodness, yes.” Gabrielle wiggled her fingers from her spot on the ground. “Baby Girl has been begging me for one of Miss Josephine’s cookies all day.”

“And of course my niece should have whatever she desires.” Shannon handed over a double chocolate cookie.

Liam and his friend joined them with a wave. They sat next to Tyler and instantly started talking football.

The sun slipped behind the horizon completely, which meant the fireworks would begin soon. Shannon broke off a piece of a chocolate chip cookie and nibbled the edge as she sank into the moment.

There was a lot in life she couldn’t control, and one of those things was other people’s behavior. But here, now, peace washed over her, and it wasn’t merely due to the rumble of the waves just beyond, though that always helped.

No, this time it was because she’d not let fear hold her back. She’d spoken her truths—and they hadn’t shattered her world.

Marshall was her one regret. Hopefully that wound would heal in time.

Overhead, the first firework of the night exploded in the air, the heat so close it seemed to singe her skin. The crowd applauded and whistled.

“Mind if I sit here?”

Shannon glanced up to find Quinn towering over her. A purple firework backlit her as she squatted to Shannon’s level.

Quinn pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and nibbled her lip, waiting for Shannon’s reply.

“No, I don’t mind.”

“Okay.” Her sister settled in beside her, knees pulled up to her chest.

They watched the fireworks in silence for the next five minutes, the top of the pastry bag gripped in Shannon’s fist. But little by little, Shannon loosened her hold, and finally held it out to her sister without taking her eyes off the exploding night sky. “Hungry?”

“Um … sure.” Quinn took the bag from her fingers. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

After a minute or two of shared watching as the fireworks displayed their glory, her sister scooted closer until their shoulders touched. “Shannon?”

She looked at Quinn. Despite the darkness, she could sense her sister’s uncertainty. “Yeah?”

“I … I do want to be sisters, if you still want that.” Quinn played with the cookie in her lap. “And I want to try to be a good person. I don’t really know what I’m doing in that regard, but maybe … if you help me …”

Shannon’s heart shot off like a rocket, brilliant streaks of light flooding her veins. She hooked her arm through Quinn’s. “Of course I’ll help you.”

“Because we’re on the same team?”

“That. And because I love you.”

Quinn frowned, nodded. “I’ll try to be worthy of it.”

“You don’t have to try. Just be you,” Shannon said as she laid her head on her big sister’s shoulder.

“That hasn’t worked out well for me so far.”

Shannon laughed, and then Quinn did too. Overhead, the fireworks finale began, explosions rocking the night even as tranquility settled once again into Shannon’s soul.

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