Page 97 of Unexpected Entanglement

Rae nodded. “Maybe you’re right.”

They walked in silence until they reached the large boulder where Rowan liked to sit and watch nature waking up on the island. The surf was rougher this morning as waves hit the rocky beach. But the repetitive sound, combined with the call of a solitary loon somewhere in the distance, was soothing.

“You didn’t grow up here, did you?” Rae asked.

“No. Dad did,” Rowan answered. “We lived outside of Freeport.”

“Right. I think I knew that.” Rae nodded.

Rowan studied Rae’s facial expression. Though her words had been forgiving, Rowan could see she still felt some residual pain.

“I don’t think I’ve told you I’m sorry for your loss, Rowan,” Rae said, surprising Rowan yet again.

“It’s your loss, too,” Rowan said.

“I lost him decades ago. I’ve had years of learning to live without him. Your grief is still quite fresh, and I’m sorry for it,” Rae said gently.

It had been nine months since her father passed in her arms, but after hearing Rae’s words, it felt like she’d just lost him yesterday. Tears instantly filled her eyes, and Rowan looked up at the sky, trying to stop them from spilling out. It was ridiculous how the smallest thought of Dad could turn her into a leaky faucet.

Rowan felt Rae’s hand cover hers on the rock and squeezed. “Let it out, Rowan. You don’t have to suppress your tears for me. He was a good father to you, wasn’t he?”

Reluctantly, Rowan nodded, not wanting to hurt Rae with her memories.

“Then remember him for that. Let nothing else ruin it, okay?” Rae smiled.

“But what he did to you—”

Rae shook her head. “No, don’t.”

“Did you really forgive him?”

“It took a long time, but I did. I had to. I didn’t want to keep that anger inside me anymore. It almost ruined my chance of happiness. So I let it go. You can forgive your dad for his imperfection, Rowan.”

“How do you do that?” Rowan gazed at Rae through a tear-blurred vision, baffled.

Rae looked thoughtful before she said, “Time makes it easier. Finding the silver lining in the unfortunate situation can help. I was afraid coming here would reopen an old wound. That’s why I agreed to have Chris come on my behalf. But now that I am here, I’m glad I came.

“I would never wish this loss on anyone, but in his death, our father finally put us together. And for that, I am grateful,” Rae finished.

Rowan took a deep breath and wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

“You’re right. That is something to be grateful for,” Rowan agreed. “And I didn’t expect this, but I think Kieran feels the same way.”

“You think so?”

“He won’t say it in so many words, but I can tell.”

“I had a pleasant day with him yesterday,” Rae said.

“See. Nobody would ever say that.” Rowan chuckled. “Maybe Frankie, but that’s because she’s in love with him.”

“Is she?” Rae’s eyes brightened. “I thought I got a vibe from her. What does Kieran feel?”

Rowan rolled her eyes. “Kieran is clueless. But I hope he realizes what’s in front of him before he loses her.”

“Maybe Frankie should initiate the first step,” Rae suggested.

“That’s up to her,” Rowan said.

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