Chapter 29Aiden
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Aiden
The first birds were beginning their songs in the trees surrounding Dove Key Marina, the sky a pastel painting of pink and orange. With each careful stroke of the brush, I applied the final strokes of varnish to the wood before me. It shone under the growing light, smooth and clear—the finishing touch to my project.
For the thousandth time, my thoughts drifted to Stella. The memory of her smile mingled with the air, and I could almost feel the warmth of her skin under my touch. Each swipe of the brush seemed to echo my growing desire to win her back, to show her that we were worth another shot.
Luke’s words came back to me, clearer now than when he’d said them last night. Maybe it was the quiet peace of the dawn or the rhythmic motion of the brush, but I got it now. I wanted—no, needed to prove to Stella that our careers didn’t have to be at odds with our relationship. That we could thrive together, support each other, and build a life that didn’t compromise on love or ambition.
Rocking back to sit on my heels, I took a moment to admire the finished project. I wasn’t a flashy, over-the-top kind of guy. As grand gestures went, I wasn’t sure it was all that grand. But it was me.
I capped the varnish and cleaned my brush. The scent of the sea mingled with the fresh tang of the wood treatment, a combination that had always felt like home. But as I descended the stairs to get ready for my day, I imagined the cabin through Stella’s eyes, and the tight confines became more noticeable.
“Maybe she’s right,” I murmured to myself as I surveyed the cozy, lived-in cabin where every inch of space was utilized. “It is a little cramped.”
My eyes traced the lines of the compact galley, the small table cluttered with coffee mugs and notes, and the narrow hallway that led to the even narrower bathroom. I pictured her here, imagined her laughter bouncing off the walls, her presence filling the space. The idea of a permanent place on land—a proper apartment or a bungalow—didn’t seem so far-fetched anymore.
Stepping into the bathroom, I turned the shower knobs, wincing at the initial burst of cold before it warmed up to a more comfortable temperature. The water pressure was nothing to boast about, but it got the job done. I let the warm cascade wash away the remnants of varnish, uncertainty, and the last tendrils of sleep.
Refreshed from the shower, I stood in front of the mirror, swiping a hand across the fogged-up glass. My damp hair was sticking up in odd directions but smoothed under my fingers. I dressed quickly for work in slacks and a button-down shirt, the fabric feeling crisp and cool against my skin.
My mind shifted gears as I straightened my collar and tucked in the shirt. My clinic would be bustling today, a schedule packed with patients who each carried their own stories, ailments, and hopes. It required a clear head, sharp focus, and empathy—the qualities I prided myself on. Yet underneath it all, my heart thrummed with an undercurrent of anticipation for the evening ahead.
By tonight, I’d have some answers. I’d either rekindle something beautiful with Stella or finally close a chapter that had never truly ended. The stakes were high, and the thought sent a shiver of nerves through me even as determination settled in my chest. I gave myself one final look in the mirror, a small nod of encouragement, then grabbed my bag and headed to the galley.
I pocketed my cell phone and climbed up the stairs, locking the cabin door behind me. By now, the sky was fully blue, and boats were slowly moving out of the marina, ready to start the day’s work. Then familiar jingle rang out—I pulled my phone from my pocket to see the call was from Mom.
“Morning,” I answered, settling into a camp chair and watching the seagulls compete for breakfast scraps. I was running ahead of schedule and had some time to spare.
“Good morning, honey. Did I catch you at a bad time?” Her voice was warm and carried the comforting lilt of home.
“Perfect timing. I’m ready for work but don’t need to leave yet.” I could picture her in the sunlit kitchen, sipping coffee by the window.
“Oh, good. I woke up wanting to hear your voice.”
“How’s life in Michigan?”
“Good! I just started a new volunteer project. We’re setting up a community garden, and I’m really getting into the planning.”
I smiled, enjoying our much more easygoing rapport. “That’s fantastic, Mom. You’ve always had a green thumb, and a garden will really bring people together—something fresh and vibrant.”
She laughed. “It keeps me busy. Speaking of fresh and vibrant, how’s Stella?”
The question hung in the air, a gentle reminder of the one thing that wasn’t as bright as it should be in my life. “Things with her aren’t so great at the moment.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” The concern in her voice was clear, even as she tried to keep it light.
“I’m trying to show her I’m not the same guy who left all those years ago—that I’m here to stay. But I can’t seem to get through to her.” The words tumbled out, heavy with the weight of my fears .
“Oh, sweetheart, I know you are. And I’m sure she’ll see it too. You just have to give it time.”
“Time,” I replied, gazing out across the water where the horizon blurred into the sky. “That’s what I’m afraid we’re running out of.”
“I’m sorry, Aiden. It shouldn’t be this way.” Her voice softened with a hint of regret. “You shouldn’t have to prove yourself. And it’s our fault that you’re in this position.”
I propped my feet on the gleaming railing, glad to finally be resolving this issue with my parents. “It’s okay, Mom. I love my medical practice, and I love being back on Dove Key. I’ve come to believe I’m right where I’m supposed to be.” The words were more for myself than for her, an affirmation as the first rays of daylight spilled across my boat. “And if things are meant to be with Stella, I’ll know soon enough.”
There was a brief silence on the line, one filled with understanding and the unspoken guilt of what could happen if Stella and I didn’t reconcile. Just the thought of that made my stomach twist, an uncomfortable knot of anxiety and longing.
“Your father and I are so proud of you, Aiden,” she continued, tactfully changing the subject. “You know, I’ve been talking to Pam Bryant a lot lately. Does that name ring a bell?”
“Of course.” I smiled, pushing away the conflict with Stella to picture one of Mom’s oldest friends in Dove Key. A friend who had also become one of my favorite patients. “I’ve seen her around a few times. How is she?”
“Thrilled with her new doctor.” Mom laughed heartily. “A few months ago, Pam called me up just to sing your praises, and we’ve rekindled our friendship. She said you changed all her medications, and she feels better than she has in years.”
I smiled at the compliment, feeling a swell of pride. “Well, Dr. Nelson had his medical philosophy, and I have mine.”
“You’re not going to tell me a thing, are you?” she teased.
“Nope.” I grinned .
“You’re very good at what you do, Aiden. Dove Key is lucky to have you.”
Her words wrapped around me like a comforting hug. “Thanks, Mom. The longer I’m here, the more I love being a small-town doctor. The sense of doing my best for the people here.”
“Which is precisely why you’re so special. We should have realized that sooner.” She paused, the kind filled with unspoken apologies and old regrets. “We didn’t give you enough credit, honey. You’ve proved us wrong time and again.”
“Hey, no need to get into all that now.” I wanted to put the awkward regret in the past forever. Where it belonged. “Why don’t you and Dad come visit sometime? The island’s more beautiful than ever.”
“Really?” Her surprise was evident, a smile audible in her voice. “We’d love to visit you, wouldn’t we, George?” I heard some muffled assent from my dad in the background.
“Absolutely, but fair warning—the quarters are a little tight here on the boat. Unless you like the idea of sleeping on deck.”
“No, thanks! We’ll find a nice place to stay. Calypso Key is a lovely resort, you know…”
My smile widened at the leading tease in her voice. “Yeah, it’s just about perfect.”
“And of course, I’ve heard nothing but praise about their fine-dining restaurant.”
I laughed out loud. “Okay, now you’re laying it on a little thick.”
“I know. We’ll make plans to come down soon. Oh, Aiden, we’re so excited!”
“Can’t wait to show you both around. Just be ready to meet the two sides I have now—Aiden and Dr. Mitchell.”
She laughed, that hearty, infectious laugh that used to echo throughout our house. “We wouldn’t expect anything less. You’ve made quite the impact, son.”
“Let’s hope the impact lasts,” I murmured, more to myself than to her. “I gotta go, Mom. Patients to see and all that. ”
“Of course, darling. Take care.”
“Will do. Bye, Mom.”
The line went dead, and I pocketed my phone, feeling a curious mixture of pride and yearning. The latter, no doubt, tied to the fluttering image of Stella on a Calypso Key beach, sun-kissed and carefree. Or manning the booth at the Sea and Sand Festival. Shaking my head to dispel the thoughts, I turned to face the day, knowing it would take more than a successful career to fill the void she left.
I stepped off the boat with a sense of resolve that was as clear and sharp as the morning air. I was headed toward a full day, yet all I could think about was Stella and the conversation we were long overdue to have. I was willing to give her a gesture of my love, my dedication. But I needed one back if this relationship was going to work.
Tonight. I’d call her tonight.
The thought alone made my heart race, but it was a risk I had to take. I turned for one last look at my boat—the vessel that had been both my sanctuary and the symbol of my freedom. It had seen me through some of the loneliest nights, cradling me in solitude while my thoughts churned with memories of Stella. Now, it bore witness to the determination to make those memories real. It was time to shed the shell of the past and reach for what I wanted most.
Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and strode toward my car. I clung to that courage like a lifeline. After work, I was either going to win back the love of my life or make a complete fool of myself. But no matter the outcome, I’d know I had given it my all.
For Stella.
For us.
And for the future I wanted more than anything.