Page 89 of The Summer Inn on Plum Island
“Dad gave it to me to give to you,” Harper told her. “I wanted to give you something special, but I didn’t know it glowed.”
“I think your father put a tracker in it,” Dawn said. “Because this is the second time today it’s glowed right before the rescue team showed up.”
As the Coast Guard boat pulled alongside the dinghy, Liam’s heart pounded with a mixture of hope and fear. The sight of Dawn, Harper, and Lila, huddled together and looking exhausted but alive, brought an overwhelming wave of relief crashing over him. He could hardly believe his eyes, and for a moment, he stood frozen, the enormity of the moment sinking in.
Scott was the first to move, his voice cracking with emotion. “There they are!”
“Dad?” Harper’s surprised voice mingled with Dawn’s shocked one. “Scott?”
Liam’s legs finally responded, and he rushed to the edge of the boat, reaching out as the Coast Guards began the delicate task of transferring the three survivors. His eyes locked onto Dawn’s, and he saw the same mixture of fear and relief reflected in her gaze.
“Dawn! Harper! Lila!” Liam called out, his voice trembling.
“Dad!” Lila’s voice was a sob of relief.
Liam pulled her onto the boat, his arms clamping around his daughter. Tears streamed down her face, wetting his shirt as she clung to him.
Scott reached for Harper, his hands trembling as he helped her aboard. “Thank goodness you’re safe!” His voice broke, and he pulled Harper into a tight embrace, tears mingling with the salt water on her cheeks.
Liam’s hands closed around Dawn’s as he helped her onto the boat. She stumbled into his arms, her body shaking with exhaustion and emotion.
“How did you find us?” Dawn whispered, her voice raw.
“Full disclosure: your Christmas present doubles as a tracking device,” Scott admitted. “When we get within a few feet of you, the necklace’s signal gets stronger.”
“It would’ve been nice to know,” Dawn told him, her eyes narrowing. “Does it record things, too?”
“No.” Scott shook his head.
Dawn couldn’t argue with him for giving it to her. It has saved her life twice today already. She hugged her brother. “Thank you, big brother. I love you.”
“Ditto, little sister, ditto.” Scott kissed the top of her head before she stepped away from him, giving Liam and Scott space to be with their daughters.
The Coast Guard secured the dinghy as the girls told Liam and Scott about their adventure. Liam’s gaze kept returning to Dawn, who stood fiddling with the pendant she always wore. When they were ready to take off, Liam left Lila with Scott and Harper to continue their story.
Liam walked over to Dawn, and, not caring who saw it, he put his hand around her shoulders, happy when she leaned into him.
He held her tightly. A few tears flowed freely down his face, and he quickly wiped them away. “I was so scared,” he admitted, his voice choked. “I thought I’d lost you all.”
The boat’s crew moved efficiently around them, offering blankets and water. Dawn leaned into Liam, her body trembling. “We were so lost,” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “I didn’t know if we’d make it.”
“You did,” Liam replied, his voice steady now. “We found you all, and you’re safe. That’s what matters.”
The Coast Guard officers gave them space, their expressions respectful and understanding as they continued to check on everyone’s condition. Dawn pulled back slightly from Liam, her eyes searching his face. “Is Ben okay?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.
“He’s in the hospital,” Liam replied, brushing a strand of wet hair from her face. “Luckily, they still had the antidote from when they thought Carl had been poisoned by that rare plant. He’s strong, Dawn. He’ll pull through.”
“Trust me, it takes a lot more than a poison dart to kill Ben Hardy,” Scott assured her as he, Harper, and Lila came over to join them.
The boat turned back toward the shore, the sun dipping lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the water. Liam kept his armaround Dawn, holding her close as the reality of their reunion settled in. The terror of the last few hours began to ebb away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love.
Lila nestled closer to him, and his other arm folded around his daughter. “I love you, Dad,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“I love you too, Lila,” Liam replied, his voice filled with emotion. “So much.” He kissed the top of her head again.
Dawn rested her head against his shoulder, her eyes closing as well. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice soft and sincere. “For finding us.”
Liam kissed the top of her head, his heart full as he whispered in her ear. “I’ll always find you, Dawn. Always.”
