Page 67 of Visions of You

“Thanks. I made it out of teak I sourced in Big Pine Key.”

The crib had been my main project for the past month, and April was the only other person who knew about it. Working on it had allowed my mind to wander and develop solutions for the resort’s financial issues. I was close to my solution—I just needed a little more time before bringing it up with Dad.

Maia hunkered down, balancing carefully as she lovingly ran her fingers down the vertical rails of the crib. “I can’t believe you did this. Didn’t you make something similar when Hailey was born?”

I smiled, though the memory was bittersweet. “Yeah. But when she outgrew it and it became clear Kora wasn’t interested in any more kids, I gave it away.”

Maia stood up and grasped my arm, resting her head on my shoulder. “I won’t do that. This will be a family heirloom. I promise.”

I planted a kiss on the top of her head. “It’s yours, so do whatever you want with it. No strings.” I ran my fingers over the top rail, enjoying the smooth warmth of the wood.

I wrapped her in a hug as she slipped an arm around my waist and melted against my side. As the summer had progressed, so had her girth.

“I’m so glad you’re home.”

“So am I.” I smiled at the realization I wasn’t just humoring her. It was true.

“I know you’ve been shielding me from the financial changes you’ve been making. But the resort’s doing okay?”

“It is. I’m still working things out, and hopefully, I’ll have some ideas for remodeling soon. Now that the initial stress is past, I’m enjoying the challenge.”

She laughed softly. “That’s not the only thing you’re enjoying. I’m happy April is here to keep you out of jail. You can call her next time to bail you out.”

I grinned as we pulled apart. “Trust me. There won’t be a next time. No matter how many Coleridges cross my path.”

“I’m very glad to hear that.” She returned to inspecting the crib. “I can’t wait to show this to Wyatt! He’ll love it.”

“He and I can move it into your cottage tonight if you want.”

She nodded rapidly. “I want.”

I smiled and stepped forward to place my hands on her shoulders. “Get ready for your whole life to change, little sister. In the best way possible.”

“I’m a little scared. Not the birth so much anymore—I’ve done everything possible to prevent any complications. But the responsibility of raising a kid and not screwing it up.”

“You don’t need to worry about that. You’ll do a great job. I admit I was suspicious of Wyatt to start, but he’s a good man. You two will be fine.”

She patted my chest. “At least I don’t have to do this alone. You’ve done such an amazing job with Hailey.”

“Thanks. It hasn’t been easy.”

She pulled away and stroked the crib again, then looked at me from under her lashes. “You’re happy with April?”

“I am. She’s helped me to remember that life can be fun and not just responsibilities.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that. As long as you two are happy, I’m happy.”

I cocked my head. “What do you mean by that?”

She walked around the crib, trailing her hand along the top rail as she circled. “I don’t know. It’s just that Wyatt and I are so… fulfilled, after working out all our shit. I just want the same for you and April.”

I raised a brow. “Not everyone wants the same thing, Maia.”

“I understand that. And I understand why you didn’t want to fall in love after your divorce. But maybe being with April might help you see things differently?”

“No. We’re both happy the way things are right now.” And I didn’t want to let a woman have that kind of power over me again.April wasn’t going anywhere, and neither was I. “There’s absolutely no reason to rock the boat.”

Maia stopped and stared at me. “But that’s the problem. Sometimes the boat gets rocked without you having anything to do with it. What then?”

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