Beyond that, I also want him to know the truth. To understand why I have to go.

I glance back at Julie and Steve and think of all the work that has gone into allowing me to have this opportunity in the first place. The key component has always been that no one can know who I really am. Entrusting Jace with my true identity is the largest leap of faith I can take.

By the time we land, I’m still undecided.

We disembark into warm sunshine, and I thank the Vanderbilts’ pilot again. He promises he’ll be back to return us to Michigan tomorrow afternoon.

I pile into a waiting taxi alongside Jace, Julie, and Steve. Jace and my security team exchange curious looks, but none of them speak as we wind through streets lined with luxurious houses to the address the pilot gave us. The taxi driver leaves the car windows down, and I’m quickly sweating in my jeans and sweater.

“Y’all picked a good weekend to visit,” the driver informs us. “Unseasonably warm at the moment.”

We pull up to a gated entrance. Julie climbs out to speak to the security guard. After a brief discussion, she gets back into the car and the gate slides open.

A short stretch of tree-lined driveway lies ahead, leading up to a wide curve. We reach the bend, and the Vanderbilt’s beach house appears before us. It’s every bit as ostentatious as I expected it to be.

The base of the three-story house is made of stone, contrasted against wood shingles that have turned a weathered gray in the salty air. We all step out of the taxi and stand in front of the mansion, taking in the luxurious sight. We’re surrounded by lush greenery on all sides, which makes the house seem as though it’s in the midst of a tropical oasis.

Jace grabs our bags from the trunk, and I take the opportunity to pull Julie and Steve aside on the cobbled driveway.

“We’re all set here,” I promise. “I won’t leave this property, and I’ll call if anything comes up.”

They nod, although I can tell they’re both hesitant to leave. I’m guessing it’s because Jace wasn’t who they envisioned when I told them I was taking this trip with a good friend.

Finally, Julie and Steve climb back into the taxi after promising they’ll be back tomorrow afternoon to pick us up and return to the airport.

I walk up to Jace’s side.

He glances over at me. The sea breeze ruffles his dark hair. “You’ve got a lot of explaining to do.”

“I know,” I tell him, grabbing his hand and pulling him forward.

We step into the front foyer. The walls of the entryway are lined with white shiplap, and a bench made of weathered wood is pushed against the wall. We keep walking deeper inside the house until we reach a short stretch of stairs, climbing them to emerge into a massive gourmet kitchen equipped with sparkling marble countertops and brand-new appliances.