“The night I stayed at your house, the night of the solstice, when I saw you on the cliffs I told myself I was dreaming.”

Mia didn’t turn, just continued to look calmly out over the ocean. “Is that what you want to believe?”

“I’m not entirely sure. I dreamed of this place. Even when I was a child, I had dreams. For a long time I ignored them, or blocked them out. When I saw the painting—the cliffs, the lighthouse, your house—I had to come here. It was like finally being allowed to come home.”

She looked back at Mia. “I used to believe in fairy tales. Then I learned better. The hard way.”

And so, Mia thought, had she. No man had ever lifted his hand to her, but there were other ways to bruise and scar. “Life isn’t a fairy tale, and the gift carries a price.”

A shudder raced up Nell’s spine. Easier, she thought, to turn away. Safer, to run away.

A boat out to sea let off a sky rocket. The gleeful shriek of sound ended on a burst of light that showered little specks of gold as it shattered. A delighted roar went up from the beach. She heard a child call out in wonder.

“You said you would teach me.”

Mia let out a breath she hadn’t been aware she was holding. So much rested on this. “And so I will.”

They turned together to watch the next rocket soar.

“Are you going to stay to watch the fireworks?” Nell asked her.

“No, I can see them from my cliffs. And it’s less frantic. Besides, I hate being a fifth wheel.”

“Fifth wheel?”

“Ladies.” Zack strolled up. It was one of the rare times he had his badge pinned to his shirt. “I’m going to have to ask you to move along. Two beautiful women standing on the beach creates a safety hazard.”

“Isn’t he cute?” Mia reached up to cup his face and give him a noisy kiss. “When I was in third grade, I planned to marry him and live in a sand castle.”

“You might’ve clued me in on it.”

“You were sweet on Hester Burmingham.”

“No, I just had lustful feelings for her shiny red Schwinn. The Christmas I turned twelve, I got one of my own from Santa, and Hester ceased to exist in my little world.”

“Men are bastards.”

“Maybe, but I’ve still got the bike, and Hester’s got twin girls and a minivan. Happy ending all around.”

“Hester still checks out your butt when you’re walking away,” Mia told him, delighted when his mouth dropped open. “And on that note, I take my leave. Enjoy the fireworks.”

“That woman always manages to get the last word,” Zack muttered. “By the time a man untangles his tongue, she’s gone. And speaking of getting a man’s tongue tangled, you look great.”