“We did a lot of thinking on that, too,” Louisa said, feigning confidence. “We decided the best cause was the family of Jackson Wirth.”

The previously noisy room quieted.

Then a chorus of “You’re kidding” and “What did she just say?” and “Jackson Wirth, the kid in the coma?” echoed throughout the room.

“I know his family has been critical of the Coast Guard,” Louisa said.

“They annihilated us,” one of the guys said. “And all we did was our job.”

In the back, Aaron Jessup crossed his arms over his chest. Okay, she knew this part would be hard. But she believed in her idea.

“Look,” she said. “I understand what it’s like to be criticized and have your name dragged through the mud.”

“Do you, princess?” Aaron said. “Really?”

“Seaman Jessup.” Cody’s tone warned.

Jessup stood. “She doesn’t have any idea what she’s talking about.”

“Sit down, Seaman,” Cody said.

Louisa tried to tell herself he wasn’t defending her—he was doing his job as an officer in the Coast Guard—but it didn’t work. It felt like he was defending her. And that feeling was altogether too warm and fuzzy. A tingle shot up her spine.

He does care.

Jessup did as he was told, but he’d locked his glare onto Louisa so tightly she thought she might snap.

“Louisa?” Cody gestured as if to encourage her to continue.

“I understand this is a difficult subject,” she said. “But I really do think it would go a long way in repairing the damage between the Coast Guard and the community.”

“Seems like we’re saying we’ve got something to be sorry for,” Jessup said. “Like we did something wrong so we have to pay them off to try and make it right.”

“But we didn’t do anything wrong,” the guy next to Jessup said.

Louisa didn’t bother to point out that it was Jessup’s thoughtless commentary that had caused them trouble in the first place. If he’d just kept his opinions to himself, none of this would’ve happened. One could argue that they did have at least their insensitivity to be sorry for.

“You saved those boys,” Louisa said. “I know there were comments made during a heightened emotional state, but this is where we are now, with a community that needs to understand that what you do is important. They need to know you’re here for them when they get into trouble and you’re the resource to help them prevent an accident.” She glanced at Cody. “With the recent heroism displayed by Officer Boggs, the timing couldn’t be better.”

“People really do love you guys,” Ally said.

“The fundraiser is going to be a really fun, lighthearted way to get you guys out there,” Louisa said. “You can let me handle the messaging regarding Jackson Wirth. I’ll make sure it’s clear why we’re doing this.”