Chapter 19
I’ll admit it. I made sure to knock on her door before she left just so I could see her, and I still wasn’t prepared in the slightest.
The door opens, and everything in my head goes blank. The reason I’m standing there disappears. The words I practiced vanish. For a second, I forget my own name.
All I see is May.
Every version of her hits me at once — May put together even in the rain, kneeling on the slick rocks trying to save a seal. May windblown after a whale rescue, hair sticking to her face, eyes bright with adrenaline. May curled up on her couch in sweats, wine in hand, laughing.
And now this…
She’s dressed for the night, naturally stunning. Her hair is braided neatly, with soft strands framing her face. A thin choker rests at her throat. Tattoos of hydrangeas, birds, and a mandala trail down her right arm—art I’ve never seen this clearly before.
I lose my breath.
“Hey.”
“Hey,” I manage, though it comes out rougher than I intend.
Neptune saves me by barreling out the door, circling my legs before sitting neatly at my side. I crouch to pet him, grounding myself, breathing again.
“Give me just a second to grab his leash.” May is already turning back inside.
She returns a moment later, leash in hand, and this time she’s not alone. Another woman follows her out—familiar, though it takes me a second to place her.
“Thank you so much for all your help, Cassie.”
Cassie. One of her coworkers. I’ve met her before.
“Oh—Cassie, do you know Aiden?” May adds.
“In passing.” Cassie smiles.
“Good to see you again.” I offer my hand.
She shakes it easily. “You too. Have fun tonight, May.”
May waves as Cassie heads to her car, and then her attention is back on me.
I still don’t know what I’m doing.
She steps closer and hands me Neptune’s leash. “Ten-mile hike today?” she asks, curious.
I somehow find my voice. “Yeah.” Then, because it needs to be said, “You look… absolutely beautiful.”
She blushes a deep, honest flush, and somehow that’s even better.
“Thank you.”
“Can I take a picture of you and Neptune? Right here in front of the hydrangeas.”
She hesitates.
“Come on,” I tell her gently. “I know you’re going to want to show your sisters.”
She laughs. “Okay. Let me grab my phone—”
“I’ve got it.” I lift mine. “I’ll send them to you.”
“Alright.” She steps into place. “Where do you want me?”
That question lands heavier than it should, because there are a dozen answers I can’t say out loud.
“Right there.” I point. “Neptune, come.”
He obeys instantly, sitting perfectly at her side. She rests her hand on his head, and he leans into her gently.
That dog is as gone for her as I am.
I take a few steps back, lift my phone, and snap a couple of pictures.
“Beautiful,” I murmur. “Absolutely stunning.”