“That’s the thing, Grady. I care. I have to, now.” She glances at the swamp, seeming to take an interest in the skittering dragonflies or the sunning turtles. “I’m used to being devalued, and that’s okay. Devalued for working in a grocery store, not going to college, not having any family or even many friends. That’s all okay. But this… this time, I feel devalued. That’s what I hate. I. Am. Less. A future with me means a sacrifice for someone else. How can I ask anyone to give that up for me?”

“The chance to love you forever, to be yours, wouldn’t be a sacrifice. It’d be a gift, an honor, the best pirate treasure. Truly.” I grab her hands across our laps and hold them between us as she chuckles. “Want to know what’s better than having a family?”

Her brow scrunches. “I can’t think of anything.”

“Creating one wherever you go. That’s your gift, Marina. One of many. You are beautiful, intelligent, motivated as fuck, and so warm, like a fire on a cold night. I’ve never met anyone quite like you. Just existing in your periphery makes me a better person. As the surliest asshole in Seagrove, I’d never say any of that unless I meant it. I can’t imagine a luckier man than the one who wins your heart.”

Her lips curl while her eyes stretch wider than usual. “That’s definitely the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

“Shit,” I breathe out in a smile. “I’m losing my edge.”

Her hands tighten around mine, and she whispers, “I won’t tell anyone.”

She pulls the pen from behind her ear and clicks it into action. She scribbles something on her page and then holds it up to me.

I, Marina Ann Strange, release my fears to the swampy void so that I might open my heart to the one who loves me as I am, not for what he imagines me to be. I let go of limiting expectations and choose limitless possibilities instead. I release those who have held me back for those who push me forward.

She takes the page down as soon as I read it, and her delicate hand curls across it once more. She holds the new addition up, smiling.

I let go of regrets over that day, and I hope Grady does, too. He saved me. Truly.

My eyes find hers as soon as her words come together, and her accepting, even loving expression assures me that she means it—and it does something to me. The man numb to feelings is overcome by them, starting with relief and ending somewhere around humble admiration.

This woman is my family.

I don’t notice the tears welling until her hand drifts to my cheek to catch one with her thumb.

“It’s okay,” she says softly.