Page 59 of The Sailor

Linc and Kash had started walking toward wherever Linc had parked, when Kash turned around. “Marit?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you think maybe, one day, I could go out on your lobster boat with you? I don’t think I want to be a lobsterman, but a lot of the kids at school have dads who own boats. And I thought it would be good if I knew a little about it. You know . . . so I wouldn’t seem so dumb when they talk about it.”

Zach’s heart swelled that the kid wanted to learn more about the industry that was so popular around here, and it simultaneously broke because he thought he was the slightest bit dumb. He was so smart it was almost scary.

“It would be my honor. I’ll talk to my boss, Eliot. I’m sure he’d be delighted to take us out sometime and show you the ropes.”

“Awesome! Thanks again for coming today.” With that, he waved once more, then turned back around and jogged a little to catch up to Linc, who’d stopped to wait for him.

Kash still had his medal around his neck, and Zach wondered if he would sleep with it tonight. He certainly had when he’d won.

“He’s such a good kid,” Marit said.

“He is,” Zach agreed. He was more than ready to have Marit to himself, and he could see she was exhausted. “Come on, let’s get you off your feet.”

“Yes, please,” she said quietly, as she looked up at him.

Thankful that his apartment was so close to town, Zach held her hand as they walked. Neither spoke as they made their way through all the people still milling around, and each time he glanced at Marit, he could see she was deep in thought.

The moment the door to his apartment closed behind them, she began to pace the small space. Zach frowned, praying he hadn’t done anything to agitate her. He leaned against the kitchen counter and waited for her to tell him what was on her mind.

It didn’t take long. She stopped about eight feet from him—and he was alarmed to see tears in her eyes. He straightened, intent on going to her, but she held up a hand to stop him.

“I didn’t get it at first. How could I? I mean, it wasn’t as if I’ve had any experience.”

“Get what, honey?” Zach asked gently, hating the amount of space she’d put between them.

“What it meant to have a true family. You already know the fact that you have brothers was tough for me, because of my own history. You’d think I would’ve at least felt a camaraderie with the men I’ve worked with on boats. But I didn’t. They only tolerated me, much as Mav and Max did. And I like Eliot and Jonah, they’re great . . . but they’re still just coworkers.

“Today? Cheering on Kash, and seeing your family come together to be there for an awkward little boy who’s struggling to figure out who he is and how he fits into the world . . . I felt as if I was part of a family for the first time since my parents died. Don’t take that for granted, Zach. Ever.”

He was done keeping his distance. Zach quickly stepped toward Marit, pulling her into a heartfelt and tight hug. She didn’t resist, snuggling into him as if she was born to be there. “I won’t,” he whispered into her hair.

Then he pulled back, because he wanted to look into her eyes as he said this next bit. He waited until she met his gaze. “You are a part of our family. Even if things between us don’t work out, you’re still a part of us. If you think my mother is gonna let you go, you’re wrong. And Kash thinks you walk on water. He’s officially a Lobsterite, just like you’ve been dubbed. Everyone you meet loves you, honey. Hell, you haven’t even known Britt that long, and you two text as if you’ve been friends forever.

“Family isn’t just about blood. It’s about choosing to be with those you love, who love you back. My family is your family, Marit. It might’ve taken you a while to find us, but now that you have, you’re stuck with us.”

She chuckled, and the tears she’d been holding back dripped down her cheeks.

Zach gently wiped them away. “I’ll warn you, though. They can be annoying. All up in your business. Nagging. Irritating. You might not want to be a part of our family at times.”

“Will they hurt me?”

“No!” Zach told her with a fierce shake of his head. “Never.”

“Then I’ll never not want to be a part of your family.”

Zach closed his eyes, wishing that they’d known each other longer. That their relationship had started months ago, rather than the couple of weeks that had passed.

Because like a bolt of lightning, it hit him that he wanted to officially make her a Young.

It was way too soon for that, but the seed was planted. She fit in perfectly. She was made for them. For him.

“You’re tired,” he said gently. “Why don’t you nap in one of the chairs until dinner’s ready?”

“I can help,” she protested.