Page 3 of Where We Belong

“She had a previous commitment,” Piper says apologetically, seeming to read my thoughts. See, telepathic powers.

“Who?” Derek frowns.

“Cory,” Piper answers.

“I wasn’t thinking about her,” I lie unconvincingly.

They both burst into knowing laughter.

“It’s okay to miss her,” Piper says gently once she calms down. “She did send a present for Bernie.”

“What was more important than my daughter’s birthday?” I snap bitterly, then clamp my mouth shut, regretting the harsh words.

Okay, so I’m probably upset because Cordelia Spearman didn’t show up. In fact, a little more than six months ago she stopped talking to me and soon after she started dating some douche named dude, pal, or maybe buddy. I swear he has a fucking ridiculous name I can’t stand. She claimed to love my daughter and now… now she doesn’t give two fucks about Bernie—or me. Last week she left on vacation with the douche, and what about Bernie?

Piper steps away from my brother’s embrace and loops her arm through mine, guiding me to the secluded part of the backyard where we can have some privacy.

“Are you going to drown me in the pool,” I attempt to lighten the mood with a joke.

“You could go for a swim later once the party dies down so you can cool down,” she says.

“Is it going to die?” I ask wearily. “Your family has been here since last night.”

“Not all of them,” Piper corrects me with a secretive grin, resembling a giddy teenager on the verge of sharing a stolen treasure.

I study her curiously. “Are you happy because they didn’t crowd your place?”

“Actually, it’s the opposite. I’m not thrilled they can’t stay for long because there isn’t a hotel in Paradise Bay,” she admits, her gaze narrowing. “According to Fern Spearman, there used to be an Inn. There were plans to create something new, so the owner closed it, half demolished it, and…” She trails off, and I understand what she’s implying: I fucked up the balance of the town.

“I bought it for her, you know?” I stare off at the horizon, remembering Cory’s face when I gifted her the deed one Christmas morning. Of course, I pretended her brothers all pitched in, but it was only my money.

“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for her,” I say, my heart heavy with the reminder that she now has a boyfriend. “But we can’t be together. And what am I supposed to do with…?”

I don’t even know how to finish the sentence. The rest of my life, without her, with all the love I have for her.

Piper considers this before responding. “Focus on Bernie and the hotel. As for Cory, you have two choices. You either try to win her heart, or you let her go. If you think living here is hard, then move to Seattle with us. Derek would like to have his youngest brother and niece around.”

It sounds so simple when she says it, but I can’t just leave Paradise Bay and forget about Cory. This town has always felt like home. The Spearmans took me in when I didn’t have anyone, not even Derek. I appreciate that my brother is finally showing concern for me, and I owe it to Piper for bridging the gap. However, I can’t just pack up and abandon the people who were there for me when no one else gave a fuck.

“If I stay, you guys would still visit often, right?” I ask hesitantly.

Piper nods reassuringly. “Of course. Finn is the one who suggested buying a house in Paradise Bay, so Derek could visit you as often as he could.” She glances at the mansion they built almost two years ago. “We want Rhea and any other babies we have to get to know you and Bernie.”

“But what am I supposed to do with a hotel?” I can’t help but express my frustration. “I have a daughter, a medical practice, and very little time for anything else.”

I glance toward the vineyard, remembering that Cory wanted the new place to look like the French château Atzi’s family owns in France.

“The hotel is Cory’s dream, you know?” I mumble, wondering if I can make it happen for her. Even if I can never have her, we can have that.

Piper’s lips quirk up knowingly. “You have plenty of people who can help you. Ask Cory to share her plans. Maybe she’ll be happy to help you with it—or continue the partnership.”

“She has a boyfriend,” I remind Piper, feeling a pang of longing deep within me.

“I said run a hotel with her, not propose,” she teases, pointing at her ear with a playful smile. “You should clean them often, doc.”

I run a hand through my hair, a mix of frustration and conflicted emotions swirling within me. “Just being near Cory and not…” My voice trails off painfully.

“You love her so much it hurts,” she mumbles, placing a hand on my arm. “You might want to follow your heart. Tell her how you feel.”

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