Page 49 of Their Reluctant Catch

The world feels impossibly big, and I am a small speck caught between sea and sky. It should frighten me, and on some level it does, but it also feelsright to me. Like I belong here.

TheSea Spiritcuts through the waves with almost a purr, like she recognizes the hands of these men who have spent their lives on the water. I grip the metal railing, thankful for my gloves and the residue of heat from the coffee mug, and watch as the darkness softens, the night slowly giving way to dawn.

The water shifts in color, deep blue rippling into silvery streaks where the light begins to touch it. Something moves beneath the surface—a dark shape that disappears before I can make it out. My pulse jumps.

Dolphins? A shark?

Before I can ask, a spray of mist erupts from the surface not too far from the boat. A second later, the long, curved back of a whale breaks through the water.

My breath catches.

“Whoa.” The reverent word escapes me, almost lost in the sea air.

Colton glances at me over his shoulder, a knowing glint in his eye. “First time seeing one?”

I nod, still transfixed as the massive creature rolls lazily through the waves, disappearing again into the depths. “It’s… unreal.”

Todd chuckles, standing beside me with his own coffee. “Better than Miami, huh?”

I don’t answer right away. Miami is bright and loud, chaotic and hot—a city that never stops moving. Palm trees, white sand beaches, neon signs. It has its own beauty, its own rhythm.

But this?

This is something else entirely.

“I don’t know.” I take another sip of coffee. “I think Florida might be jealous.”

Todd grins and bumps his shoulder against mine. “We’ll make a Mainer out of you yet, starling.”

I don’t argue.

For the first time, I think he might be right.

* * *

Colton

I don’t like cities.

They are too busy, too bright, and there are too many people in too damn small a space.

The noise presses in from all sides. Unnatural sounds like the constant hum of traffic, sharp honks, and the chatter of strangers who walk too fast and who never make eye contact. The air smells like exhaust and stale coffee, nothing like the crisp salt air of Northwick Cove.

I shift my stance, leaning against our van while Todd helps Savannah unload our fresh catch at the back of the market. She’s talking to the vendor, all easy smiles, waving hands, and relaxed body language.

An unwelcome thought slips into my mind. She belongs here.

She might be happier in a place like this.

My chest tightens.

I tell myself I’m imagining it. That she isn’t looking at the tall buildings like they’re calling her home. That she doesn’t miss Miami’s heat and chaos. That she doesn’tneedit but can be perfectly happy in a small town, in a modest house with two rugged men.

Doubt digs its claws in, and I shift uncomfortably.

I try not to watch her, but my gaze keeps dragging back. I catch myself looking for signs—any sign—that she’s already slipping away. That two rough-around-the-edges fishermen aren’t enough to hold her here.

Like I should have watched Annalise.

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