“I never asked Parker, but I always wondered why the two of you sold the house in East Hampton.”

“We could never sell the house in Greenwich—our house. It’s home. But the other ... We both knew we could never unwind there or enjoy it. Remembering Mom and Dad at home, that’s ... important and there’s some comfort in it. But the place we had at the beach? We just couldn’t go there anymore. This place is new, and we’ll make other memories here.”

“And you needed to wait to do it. A little time and space first.”

“I guess we did. This is a good place, and it feels like the right time.”

“She loves it already. I know that matters to you. She told me, but even if she hadn’t, I could see it. We all do. So thanks for finding the right place and the right time.”

“You’re welcome.” He pressed his lips to the side of her neck. “You smell really good,” he murmured.

“I feel really good, too.” She smiled when his hand stroked down her back. “See?” She tipped up her face, brushed her lips over his. “I think we should write that love scene.”

“Good idea.”With a flourish, he swept her up into his arms. “I think we should open it like this.”

“It’s a classic for a reason.”

THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A MORE PERFECT SPOT AND A MORE PERFECT time and a more perfect mood, but Laurel couldn’t imagine it. Her stubborn internal clock woke her before dawn, but she snuggled into the luxury of knowing she didn’t have to roll out, but could stay just as she was, curled up with Del with the sound of the sea serenading.

She drifted in and out for a time, and even that was perfect. As was the sunrise over the water to the east. She thought it spread its pinks and gold just for her as she stood on the deck with the filmy curtains fluttering behind her.

Inspired, she tugged on a tank and shorts, then jogged down the outside steps. Parker stood at the base, in a tank and shorts, her deep brown hair caught back in a long tail under a sassy white cap.

“You’re up, too.”

“Oh, yeah.”

Laurel lifted her hands. “What’s wrong with us?”

“Not a thing. Everyone else is sleeping through vacation. We’re wringing every drop out of it.”

“Damn right. That beach calls for a run, as previously discussed.”

“My thoughts exactly.”

They warmed up on the walkway, then set off at an easy pace on the sand. They didn’t need to talk, but simply matched gaits, followed the shoreline with the surf foaming beside them.