She shook her head. “This is fine.” She wanted to check off another item. She did like the sense of accomplishment it provided, and she did feel a shred less remorseful as she worked her way through the bucket list. Focusing on something new would also help her feel less weird about her stunt earlier today.

“I have blankets in the trunk,” she told Dylan. She’d known beforehand that she’d spend at least one night sleeping outside. She’d come prepared, packing only the essentials: a couple of blankets, a roller bag of clothes, a toiletries and cosmetics case, and a small lockbox for her birth certificate and passport. What if she misplaced her license? Her dad insisted she keep them with her.

“What about bug spray?” He smacked his arm. “I think we’re going to need it.”

“In the small green case. Give me a sec.” She got out of the car and paced a short distance away. She needed to call Mark. His texts had grown incessant throughout the evening and she’d sent his calls directly to voice mail. She’d ignored them because, shamefully, she didn’t want to miss Dylan’s performance.

She also wasn’t ready to face the music streaming through her head. Thoughts about Mark and her future with him in New York played like dissonant chords, leaving her conflicted. The ring on her finger was too big. Their May wedding was coming up too fast. And his proposal, the day after her graduation, had been too soon. She was even having second thoughts about moving to Manhattan.

Then there was Dylan. For an instant today, as she’d watched the couple on the shore, she’d desired to be that woman. Easygoing and, by all appearances, without worry. Untainted by a past that couldn’t be undone. But it wasn’t Mark she imagined beside her. It was Dylan. In a few short days, he’d become the tide pulling her in his direction. He was sunlight drenching her skin, warming her. She wanted to ride that wave and bask in his glow. But where did that leave Mark? And who was she to think Dylan wanted anything more than their interim friendship? How presumptuous of her.

She pinched the bridge of her nose. She knew that she had to talk to Mark about their engagement, but not yet. She had to sort through her thoughts and determine exactly what she was feeling. With every mile, New York drew closer and her feet colder. She could simply be nervous about the big changes in her life. For now, though, she wanted to hear Mark’s voice and ease his worry. Hers, too.