Forgiveness wasn’t complete for everyone yet. It would take Noah and Jules some time to completely absolve Helen, but Quinn had talked them into working on it. There was far too much sorrow to put behind them without continuing the blame. Helen was just relieved no one was knocking on her door with an arrest warrant, though Quinn could see through her tough facade that she longed to be a bigger part of the family. That would hopefully come in time, along with healing for everyone.

Quinn finally felt her life had meaning, for she was the catalyst in monumental changes in the history of three families. She still had questions, though. Like had her coming back to Maui really ended the long feud? Perhaps even dissolved the supposed curse? She didn’t really believe in magic, but she couldn’t deny something extraordinary had happened in her story.

Of course, she was also the cause of much sorrow, but she chose not to dwell on that. And as they moved closer to shore, she was excited to start her new chapter surrounded and supported by the big family she’d always dreamed of.

She also couldn’t help but look for Liam, and as she drew closer, he continued to play, his fingers strumming the strings of the ukulele, his eyes locked on hers. He looked so proud of her. She saw promise there—even a trace of commitment, if she wanted it.

Quinn needed time to heal from all that had transpired, and she knew that Liam was just the kind of man who would give her that time. Her experience in Maui had taught her that she could stand on her own if she wanted. There was no need to rush into another relationship.

She also wanted to concentrate on building new bonds with her family. Then, when that season was over, she planned wholeheartedly to explore just what those silent promises meant.

The canoe finally skimmed the sand and came to a stop just beside Liam. One of the men hopped over the side and held it steady, beckoning for Quinn.

She climbed out and stood in front of Liam, locking her gaze on his.

He stopped playing and took her hand, then leaned in and put his forehead to hers softly, comforting her in his own tender way. She responded, drawing closer to him, her eyes closed until their shoulders touched too. The electricity that flowed between them was unnerving and, admittedly, intoxicating.

For now, it was enough.

When they broke apart, he still held her hand, and they turned to face the water. Looking out to sea, Quinn felt truly at peace for the first time in her life. She realized that with her journey, she’d won a difficult but important battle. She’d pursued her truth, and because of that, she’d finally found her place in life, down by the sea.

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments