Chapter 25
CHAPTER 25
ONE WEEK LATER
A lex
I gave a town speech in the park, announcing Steven’s retirement and my taking over. I also announced my plans for Athena Harbor to the town.
“As you all know, tragedy struck my family when my sister Athena died all those years ago. At the age of thirteen, she dreamed of building a town called Athena Harbor, where all of your dreams come true. The land my family owns fifteen miles outside of Harbor Falls is the perfect place for that town, and in my sister’s honor, I will build it.”
The residents who attended clapped and whistled. I could feel their support all around me. After my speech, I went out to the crowd and shook hands with many of the residents, who patted my shoulder and congratulated me.
“It looks like the town is happy to have you as their leader.” Hannah smiled, walking over to me.
“I hope so.” I gripped her hips and kissed her lips. “What are you doing here? You have a shop opening tomorrow.”
“You didn’t think I’d miss your big speech, did you? I’m here for support. Besides, everything is all set for the opening tomorrow.”
“Dinner tonight?” I asked. “Lucy is hanging out with Isabelle at her house after school.”
She placed her hand on my chest. “As much as I’d love to, I have to finish working on Adalyn’s wedding dress.”
“Okay. I understand.”
“Alex, over here,” I heard Ralph’s voice.
“I have to go. We’ll talk later.” I kissed her forehead and walked away.
After the park, I headed home.
“Mara?” I called out.
“Upstairs in your room,” she shouted.
I went up the stairs, and when I entered the newly completed primary room, I saw Mara hanging my clothes in the closet.
“You don’t have to do that, Mara.”
“That’s why I’m here, Alex.” She smiled. “It looks so different in here. I love the new furniture.”
“Thanks. Katherine did an excellent job.”
It was nine p.m. I was sitting on the patio with a scotch when I saw Hannah walking to the guesthouse.
“You’re home late.”
“Oh my gosh, Alex. You startled me.” She walked over.
“Sorry about that.” I smiled.
“I hired someone today and was showing her the ropes before tomorrow.”
“Who did you hire?”
“Her name is Mary. She’s twenty-five, newly married, and she and her husband have only been in Harbor Falls for two weeks. She’s been looking for a job.”
“That’s good.” I smiled. “You look tired.”
“I am. Now, I have to finish Adalyn’s dress. She’s coming over tomorrow night for her final fitting.”
“Have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
“You haven’t had dinner?” My brows furrowed.
“It’s been a busy day. I really didn’t have time.”
I stood up from my seat. “I’ll bring you leftover chicken and potatoes that Mara cooked. It’s still in the warming oven.”
“You’re sweet, but I have to finish that dress.”
“I don’t care. You need to eat something. Go on. I’ll be over in a few minutes.”
I went into the house and saw Lucy in the refrigerator.
“Why was she over here?” she asked.
“I was talking to her, and now I’m taking dinner to her. She hasn’t eaten yet.”
“That’s not your problem, Dad.”
“What is wrong with you, Lucy?”
“I came down to talk to you, and you were outside talking to her. I wanted to say goodnight.”
“Okay. You could have come outside and said goodnight.”
“No.” She grabbed a bottle of water and shut the refrigerator door.
Sighing, I pulled the chicken and potatoes from the warming oven and set it on the island.
“Come here.” I held out my arms to my daughter.
She walked over, and I wrapped them around her, pressing my lips against the top of her head.
“Goodnight and sweet dreams.”
“Night, Dad.”
“I love you,” I said as she walked away.
“I love you, too.”
Grabbing the dish, I went to the guesthouse and stepped inside. Hannah was sitting on the couch with Adalyn’s wedding dress on a dress form in front of her.
“I can’t believe that was once a plain satin dress.” I smiled. “You are very talented, Hannah.”
“Thank you.” She grinned.
“Come to the table and eat.” I reached into the cabinet and pulled down a plate.
I sat with her and talked while she ate. When she was finished, I grabbed the dish and headed to the door.
“Thank you for dinner. It was delicious.” Hannah wrapped her arms around my neck.
“You’re welcome. Don’t stay up too late. You have a big day tomorrow.”
“I won’t. I just have a few finishing touches left.”
Our lips met for a passionate kiss before I left for the evening. After checking on Lucy, I climbed into bed and drifted off to sleep.
“Athena, stay close to the shore. You know the rules.” I looked at her in the water as I shielded the sun from my eyes.
“I know, Alex. Come in with me!”
“Not right now. I will later. Now, where were we.” I smiled, turning to Rachelle and kissing her.
She pushed me on my back and straddled me, holding my arms above my head. “You are as handsome as they come, Alex Harbor. Thanks for inviting me here today.”
“You know I’d rather not be with anyone but you, babe.”
“Maybe you should take me into the cottage and have your way with me.”
“Are you sure, babe?”
“Yeah. I’m more than ready.” She smiled.
“I can’t leave Athena in the water. Let me tell her to get out.”
Rachelle climbed off me, and I sat up, looking straight at the water. I immediately stood up, screamed Athena’s name, ran into the water, and began looking for her.
“Athena! Athena, this isn’t funny!” I shouted.
“Alex, where is she?” Rachelle screamed.
“I don’t know! Call 911 now!”
I dove under the water but couldn’t see her. My heart pounded out of my chest, and fear paralyzed me.
“Please, God. I beg you. Let my sister be okay.”
Within minutes, the police stood at the shore, yelling for me to get out of the water.
“Alex, what happened?” Mark, one of the officers, asked.
“Athena was in the water, and when I turned around, she was gone. Please, find her, Mark.” I grabbed his shirt.
“Calm down. I see the Coast Guard approaching. We’ll find her, son.”
An hour later, the Coast Guard found Athena’s body. He told me that Athena likely got caught in a rip current. I was shaking, and all I could think about was my mother. When she arrived home, she ran out the sliding door and down to the beach, where they had covered Athena’s body with a blanket. The screams I heard coming from my mother were earth-shattering. She threw herself over Athena’s body and hugged her tight while sobbing. Then she turned to me.
“This is all your fault!” She screamed hysterically. “You were supposed to be watching her! Why weren’t you watching her?!”
I gasped for a breath as my eyes flew open. My heart beat out of my chest, and I was soaked, as was the bedding. Climbing out of bed, I went into the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face. Gripping the sink, I stared at myself in the mirror.
“It should have been you, not your sister. After what you’ve done, you don’t deserve to be happy, ever . You only deserve the misery and pain I’ve felt every single day since her death! ” I heard my mother’s words as if she was standing next to me.
She was right—always right. I didn’t deserve to be happy. Why would I get to be happy when my sister died because of me? She doesn’t get to be happy here anymore. She hadn’t even begun to live her life and was taken away from us too soon. All because I cared more about a girl and getting laid than watching my thirteen-year-old sister like I promised my mother I would.
Walking downstairs, I poured myself a scotch and took it out to the patio, taking in the fresh air to help open my constricted lungs. I stared at the guesthouse and tipped the glass to my lips, remembering how being with Hannah made me happy. Happier than I’d ever been. Guilt rose up inside me as tears stung my eyes. I threw the rest of the amber liquid down my throat and went inside.