Page 71 of Serenity Harbor

“I also think that’s one reason she’s dated so many losers,” McKenzie confided, glancing around to make sure Katrina hadn’t wandered within earshot.

Hereallydidn’t need to hear this, Bowie thought, but he couldn’t seem to prevent himself from asking the follow-up question.

“Why is that?”

“She needs a decent man to show her she doesn’t have to keep proving herself—that she’s enough, just the way she is.”

Longing rose in him, wild and fierce. He wanted to be the one to take her by the hand and show her all the wonderful things he saw in her. Her courage, her strength, her kindness.

He was still reeling from that realization when Milo raced over with the dogs close behind.

“Eat,” the boy said.

McKenzie smiled. “I bet it’s ready by now. If it’s not, we might have to start eating mosquitoes.”

She opened her mouth and pretended to chomp the air, making Milo almost smile.

How would he help his brother hold on to that almost-smile when Katrina walked out of their lives? He had no idea. Milo’s impending heartbreak almost made him wish he’d never offered her a job that day in the supermarket.

Almost. But not quite.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“WHATALOVELYEVENING,” Katrina said as Bowie drove the short distance between Redemption Bay and Serenity Harbor. “I’d forgotten how much I enjoy spending summer evenings on the lake.”

“It was beautiful.”

In the blue glow from the dashboard lights, his features appeared harsh, with more contrast and deeper shadows. She studied him freely here in the dark, trying to memorize the angle of his nose, the curve of his strong cheekbones.

She would miss him.

She curled her hands into fists on her lap, trying her best to ignore the ache of emotion in her throat. The evening had been beautiful not only because of their surroundings but because it gave her the chance to be with Bowie and Milo. She would have dozens of memories to store up and relive after she left them.

“So has Ben talked you into a boat yet?” she asked.

“He’s working on it. I’m not convinced yet. Boat ownership is so much work. You know what they say about it, right? The happiest two days in a boat owner’s life are the day he buys a boat and the day he sells it.”

She smiled. “There you go. When you think about buying a boat, you can look forward to at least two happy days in your future.”

“At least,” he said, his teeth flashing white in the dim interior.

“Yes, they’re a lot of work, from what I understand, but a lot of fun, too. Like most things worth having in life, right?” Relationships. Families. Careers. All took effort before one could savor the joy.

“I suppose that’s true. Some people want to skip the work part and focus only on the fun.”

That had been her, Katrina realized. She had loved the fun of dating but had never been willing to invest the time and effort to find something meaningful.

When they reached his house and he pulled into the garage, she climbed out and opened the door for Milo. The boy blinked at her, eyes bleary. They had put in a long day, and she couldn’t blame him for being exhausted.

“Come on, sleepyhead. Let’s get you to bed.”

“I can do that,” Bowie said. “You’ve been on duty all day.”

“I don’t mind,” she assured him. “I won’t have many more chances to help him into bed.”

His features tightened briefly, but he said nothing as she ushered Milo into the house and down the hall to his bedroom. The little boy was too tired for a bath, so she decided to let him skip it, even though usually it was one of his favorite parts of his routine. She helped him wash his face and hands—all those dog germs!—and brush his teeth, then he slipped into his pajamas and climbed into his bed.

“No story tonight, okay?” she said when Milo had the covers tucked up to his chin. “It’s been a long day and we read a bunch of stories earlier. Straight to sleep, bud, so we can have fun tomorrow at the parade.”

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