Page 16 of The Choices I've Made
The boy who had stolen my heart long before I knew it could be claimed.
Was he really coming home?
For the sake of my sanity, I hoped not. I wasn’t sure my heart, the mangled remnants of what he’d left behind, could ever survive another round with Jake Jameson.
Long after the Lovells had retired to their guest room, I found myself wandering the grand house. I lingered in the breakfast room, making sure chairs were tucked in their proper places and the settings were just right. I carried that attention to detail into the sitting room, fluffing pillows and refolding blankets.
It wasn’t like me to primp so much.
I’d been doing this routine for years, well before my name was listed as proprietor.So, why was I so eager now?
Checking the antique clock, I squinted to see the tiny hands.
It was late.
Well past the time when Dean should have checked in. He’d been busy the last few days, grabbing supplies on the mainland as the Sutherlands prepared for an upcoming busy season.
Dean Sutherland was from one of the most well-known families around. Born into a wealthy family who owned a commercial fishing company, he’d had his life planned out for him as clearly as mine had been.
It was why I had been attracted to him in the first place—his dedication to his trade and his family…to this town. It was our common ground. It didn’t hurt that we’d known each other since birth either.
Checking the clock again, I began to feel anxious.Surely, he’d call if he was running late?He always had, so why would today be any different? Realizing I was wearing a path across the floor, I went in search of my cell phone.
I found it on the kitchen counter just as it began to ring.
Taylor Sutherland—Dean’s younger brother.
I answered on the second ring.
“Molly? It’s Taylor.”
I breathed a sigh of relief at hearing Dean’s brother on the other end. They must be running late and Dean was making his brother call to avoid my wrath.
“Hi, Taylor.”
“There’s been an accident. I’m up here at the hospital in Virginia Beach.”
“Virginia Beach? Oh my gosh, are you okay?” I asked, suddenly frightened.
“I’m fine. It wasn’t me, Mols.” There was a deafening pause. “It’s Dean.”
The dreadful feeling I’d had crept back up my spine. “What happened?”
“An explosion on the ferry. They think the engine blew. Several people are dead, and—”
I swallowed audibly. “And Dean?” Tears stung my eyes.
“He’s in surgery now. They’re trying to save his arm. He’s in bad shape Molly.”
My hand flew up to my mouth as sobs tore from my throat. “Oh God, Taylor.”
“Listen,” he said intently, “I’ve arranged for a pilot to fly you up here. The ferry is out of operation until further notice. Do you think you can make it?”
I nodded before answering, “Yes, absolutely.” I wrote down several details—the pilot’s name and where to meet Taylor when we arrived. My mind was going a mile a minute as I operated on autopilot, not giving myself a second to react.
We said our good-byes, and I quickly sprang into action. Calling my parents, I filled them in on Dean.
“I’ll be back by morning to serve breakfast,” I said, wiping tears from my eyes.
