“Shit, man. I’m sorry.” My words seemed more than lacking, but what did you say to something like that?

“It all worked out in the end, but Hunter still carries that weight. And what’s happened with Sam just stirs up all that guilt.”

“None of that is his fault,” I argued.

“No shit,” Griffin added.

Ford turned back to the sink and the pile of dishes. “I just wished he saw that.”

Movement flashed from the corner of my eye. Soon, arms wrapped around me, the scent of lavender filling my senses. Shay burrowed into my side. “You ready to head back? I was starting to fall asleep in there.”

I pressed my lips to the top of her head. “Sure.”

Griffin grabbed a set of keys from a little rack. “I’ll give you guys a ride.”

We said our thank yous and goodbyes and headed for the marina. The drive was mostly silent, which seemed to be Griffin’s preferred state. But thoughts of all the scars that everyone in this group of friends seemed to carry swirled in my head. It just went to show that no one made it out of this life unscathed.

Shay and I waved to Griffin as we headed to the boat. The skies were pitch-black, but the docks were well-lit. It didn’t stop me from being on high alert, my gaze swiveling back and forth.

Shay slipped her hand into mine as we approached the Whaler. “You okay?”

I nodded, placing a quick kiss on her temple. “Fine. I had a good time tonight. You?”

She climbed over the side of the boat, moving immediately to one of the ropes. “Me, too.” She paused for a moment, looking up at me. “It’s nice to have friends. I’ve never really had them before. Not people I truly felt like I could be open with anyway.”

I crossed to Shay, wrapping her in my arms. “You took a big step tonight.”

She tipped her head back so she could meet my eyes. “It felt right.”

“I’m glad.”

She traced a finger over my lips. “You feel right, too. Like it was always meant to be you and me.”

My chest constricted. “I feel it, too.”

Her hand fisted in my shirt. “Thanks for sticking with me.”

“Always.” The single word was a vow. She just didn’t know it yet.

37

Shay

Evergreen13: Well, it’s about time! I thought that man of yours might’ve kidnapped you and locked you in a dungeon. I guess that might not be a bad thing, though…

I almost choked on the sip of coffee I’d taken. I carefully set the mug on the island counter before I typed out a response.

Phoenix26: Sorry I’ve been MIA. Things have just been busy.