Page 102 of Sheltered By Love

I take a breath and do my best to look at the people who have taken the time out of their day to come.

“You are the nicest, most genuine, kindest people I have ever met, and I hope to someday be able to show you just how much that has meant to me. If there’s anything I can do for any of you, please let me know,” I say.

“Marry my brother,” Levi shouts.

I suck in a breath as everyone laughs and looks at Zane. No one speaks, there’s not a sound except for the waves rolling onto the sand.

“What’s it to you? You’re not invited,” Zane shouts back at him.

I’m so stunned they are joking about it, I stumble back to him, hands gripping the frame.

Garrett has other news to share, so he lets the crowd settle down, warns Levi not to interrupt, and carries on.

I gape at Zane, but he just winks and smiles as he reads the certificate.

I didn’t think to ask what would be written on it, but the wording has my eyes blurring with tears as I read it again.

Commendation presented to Felicity Michaels.

For her selfless service to the Blueskin Bay community.

We will forever be in her gratitude.

Garrett Reid

Deputy Chief

Blueskin Bay Police Department

I have to dig my nails into my palm to not cry but I don’t even care anymore.

Being accepted into this community was all I ever hoped for, finding people who genuinely cared about me is almost beyond belief.

While I’m still floating on air, Garrett carries on speaking. “I’m pleased to report, we now have the budget for a part-time investigator,” he says.

His eyes briefly shift to Zane who shakes his head. “Don’t look at me, I’m just a reserve,” he says.

Given how much work he’s already put in, no one really believes that, but Garrett moves on and tells them all about the calendar.

Now isn’t the time to talk about why Zane’s not really committing, so I just listen and try not to spoil the moment by wondering if I should call my parents and tell them.

There was a time they would have been proud of me.

But it’s been seven months since I left Arizona, and they were ghosting me for a month before I left.

No matter the ache thinking about them causes, one look at the crowd gathered and I have my answer.

Thesestrangers were the people that embraced me when I needed comfort. They offered me their support instead of turning their backs on me.

And as far as family goes, I have a feeling Zane and I will be starting our own soon enough.

Zane

The official side of this gathering now over and done with, my eyes scan the last stragglers as they make their way across the lot.

As surprised as I was to see Ethan with his family, I’m not surprised to see him hand over his keys to his wife and head toward the tavern.

Noah needs guidance and a good role model. His brothers are fast turning into replicas of their father, either at sea or drunk, his mother works full time, and Noah’s in danger of falling in with some of the shadier characters in the Bay.

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