Caelyn rushed to the other side of Shay’s bed, tears filling her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re okay. You are, right? I was so scared—”

Griffin cut off her words by pulling Caelyn against him. “She’s going to be just fine.”

“I am,” Shay promised. “Any word on Hunter?”

Caelyn nodded. “The surgeon was briefing Ford when we got here. It was touch and go for a little bit, but they say he’ll make a full recovery.”

Tears spilled down Shay’s cheeks. “Oh, thank God. I don’t think I could’ve handled it if he wasn’t okay.” I pulled her closer against me and kissed the top of her head. Shay turned her gaze to Parker. “My brother?”

“He’s in county lockup, awaiting transport to prison.”

Shay swallowed hard. “That’s good. He won’t be able to hurt anyone else.”

The pain in her voice was raw and deep. I rubbed a hand up and down her arm. “You’re allowed to be sad, too.” I knew that Shay’s feelings for her brother would never be simple, and she needed to be free to express whatever complicated emotions swept through her.

“He’s so sick,” she whispered, a tear slipping from the corner of her eye. “And he’ll never be better. My heart breaks for him. But I’m also relieved that there’s no chance of him getting out now.”

Caelyn stepped forward, taking Shay’s hand. “It’s understandable. Your relief comes from being safe. And knowing he can’t hurt anyone or himself.”

Shay nodded slowly. “Thank you for everything. All of you.”

Caelyn gave Shay’s hand a squeeze and then released it. “Griffin and I are going to go get everyone food. How does a burger and milkshake sound?”

Shay’s stomach grumbled audibly. “Cheeseburger? Vanilla shake?”

“You got it.”

Caelyn, Griffin, and Parker said their goodbyes, Parker promising that the official statements could wait. Suddenly, we were alone again. I brushed the hair back from Shay’s face. “Feel a little better?”

She let out a long breath. “I do.”

I gazed into her eyes. “You’re free now. You can go anywhere you want.” I hadn’t realized until this very moment how terrified I was of that. Shay could decide she wanted to play in an orchestra on the other side of the world. Or that these islands held too many painful memories. But if she left, I would follow.

Shay brushed her lips against mine. “The only place I want to go is home. With you.”

I’d never heard sweeter words.

Epilogue

Shay

ONE MONTH LATER

“Have you seen the tomatoes, Everly?” I asked as I sliced the mozzarella.

“They’re over here. Do you want me to wash them?”