Page 3 of Under the Island Moon
And when Bryce’s father had died—before they could set a wedding date—leaving Molly unmarried and pregnant, Sharon had given her a safe haven when no one else would even speak to her.
Sure, Bryce’s father had some questionable gambling habits and compounded the problem with sketchy associations to coverhis losses. Her parents hated him. She wasn’t sure his parents were too fond of him either. But back then, Molly had been sure a change of scenery and a new wife and baby would inspire him to become a better man.
How utterly naive she’d been.
Was it wrong to be grateful his poor choices had caught up with him before he could drag her and Bryce into more serious problems?
Her son raced back to her side, happy and cheerful, and she knew things had worked out best for Bryce. Single parenting wasn’t easy. She was exhausted more than half the time, but giving him a healthy start in life was worth it.
She and Sharon had found their way, making a home as they became a unique family unit.
“Have I said thanks?” Molly asked.
“For the costume?” Sharon waved it off. “Many times, sweetheart.”
“No. For a stable home. For all of this,” she gestured toward the bustling community around them.
Each of the shops and offices in the buildings that overlooked the marina were decorated and open for trick-or-treaters. Some had games as well, with prizes for both kids and adults.
It seemed as if the entire community had turned out for the event. And more than a few visitors as well. Molly kept close tabs on Bryce, holding his hand as they walked through the busy area, but letting him go by himself to the trick-or-treat stops.
Sharon gave her shoulders a squeeze. “That’s been a pleasure from day one. Watching you mother that boy and raise him right.” She beamed at Bryce. “Well, it’s been an honor to be part of it.”
Molly sighed. Her parents had written her off. Worse, they ignored Bryce’s existence.
“I know what you’re thinking and stop right now,” Sharon admonished. “It’s good to be happy. Maybe especially when others are determined to be unhappy. Your son isn’t lacking for any good role models or elders to dote on him.”
Bryce was a few paces ahead of them, chatting non-stop with police lieutenant Will Frasier and his new wife. No doubt telling them all about his costume.
They exchanged a quick word with Will and Maureen before Bryce dragged Molly to the next storefront. She held his hand, reminding him of his manners before she let him go up to the next stop.
“He’s a brave one.”
Molly whipped around, startled to see Miles Kearney at her shoulder. She should’ve heard him. He wasn’t a man she could overlook or ignore. No matter how hard she tried.
“Yes, he is.” And it terrified her sometimes. All the time. “He’s never met a stranger,” she admitted. “Which means I’m always on high alert.” She tried to laugh it off.
“Really? Isn’t a close, safe community the big draw for living out here?”
She glanced up at him, momentarily taken aback by the intensity in his gaze. Miles didn’t mean to imply anything. He was like that with everyone. He paid attention and had a way of making whoever was in front of him feel as if they were the most important person in the world. “What do you mean?”
“The locals watch out for each other,” he explained. “Obviously, you’ll worry. Part of being his mom. But I thought?—”
Miles stopped short as Bryce came racing back to show off his latest sweet acquisitions. “I said thank you,” he assured her. Bryce pulled a piece of paper out of his candy bucket and shoved it at Molly. “They said that’s for you.”
“Okay.” She glanced at the coupon for a deep-sea fishing group outing. “Thank you!” She waved at the owner standingnear the booking-office door. Tucking the note into her pocket, they walked along.
When they were out of earshot, she offered the coupon to Miles. “You won’t use it?” he asked.
“Boats aren’t really my thing,” she confessed under her breath.
He threw his head back, laughing. “You’re down here at the marina all the time.”
“Because of my favorite guy.” She gave Bryce a fast hug, holding him an extra second before he squirmed away to hit up the next candy stop. “He’ll sleep hard tonight.”
She wondered if she’d manage to sleep at all. With a little luck, she’d enjoy a sexy dream of Miles. A dream was all she could handle of Miles… or anyone, really. She was definitely smitten, but he was out of her league. Far too composed compared to her chaotic single-mom life.
They continued to walk through the festival, finishing the trick-or-treat stops along boardwalk. She could see Bryce was wearing out, but he was too stubborn to give in, insisting he wanted to see more.
