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Perplexed, he allowed a full smile to cross his face. “What do you think this place should be?”
“A beautiful destination for families who deserve to enjoy time spent together but couldn’t afford such a luxurious location in their wildest dreams. Imagine the pool filled with happy children, parents able to enjoy accommodations that are safe, posh, and otherwise unattainable. Make it like your own private Disneyland, full of activities to enlighten the imagination.”
I dared to take a glance into his eyes, expecting amusement or admonishment, but he was listening intently.
“Go on,” he encouraged.
“You could consider it a nonprofit, finding investors to help you. Flights would be free or at least something they could afford. Have their every need catered to, even for just a little while. Maybe then they’d believe there is some good in this world. You can make that happen.”
I found myself walking closer until we were only a few inches apart.
He lowered his gaze, taking several deep breaths. When he raised his hand, brushing his fingers across my face, the same incredible sensations rushed through every cell and muscle. I was suddenly lightheaded, my need for the man shoving past all the anger and hatred I’d felt. When he curled his fingers, pulling his hand away, I knew he’d shut down.
“I’ve fallen in love with you, Cassie. I think I did the moment I looked into your eyes, but a man like me doesn’t deserve the woman you are. Kind. Generous. Loyal to a fault. I can’t give you what you need, but both Brogan and Daniel can. They are the best men I know, people I’m honored to call my friends, even though I haven’t been a very good friend to them, just like I wasn’t to your brother. I will find the person responsible for killing Garrison. That much I promise you. When I do, they will pay.”
“Don’t kill that person, Alexander. What good would it do? Promise me you’ll let it alone.”
“I won’t make you a promise I’m not certain I can keep, but as long as you’re safe, I’ll do what I can.”
He was already letting me go.
“Okay,” I managed, my pulse racing so fast my throat tightened.
“Just so you know. Garrison loved you more than anything. I know that about him. Whatever money he left you, use it for all the goodness you just mentioned.”
“Maybe I will.”
“I’m glad. He’d like that.”
I pressed my hand against his chest, fighting the urge to wrap my arms around his neck. “You are a good man, Alexander. Allow yourself to become what you’ve been fighting to find your entire life. Don’t allow your anger or your need for revenge to cloud the person you’ve become.”
He cupped my face, the hold gentler than ever before. When he lowered his head, breathing across my lips, my heart raced. “I will always love you, Cassie, so much so I’m going to let you go. Find your happiness.” He pressed his lips across mine, slowly easing his hand around my waist and pulling me against his chest.
We’d kissed before, but for those few precious seconds, I enjoyed being lost in his arms.
Time seemed to stop, but when I opened my eyes, he was gone.
And I’d never felt such loneliness in my life.
* * *
The darkness was comforting, but the stars were just like Brogan had said. They were not only mesmerizing, but they provided hope for the future. As I thought about Garrison, I had the distinct feeling he was smiling down at me. It was time to forgive the things I hadn’t been able to control in the past, forging a way into the future.
Only I didn’t know what that future would entail. How could I? The thought of leaving the island and never seeing the three men again created intense pain in my heart. But I had to forgo fantasies. The four of us could never bridge the distance that had been created from guilt and anger.
No matter how much I wanted that to happen.
“When you wish upon a star…”
I couldn’t help but smile hearing Daniel’s strong, deep baritone as he sang the few words. His voice alone sent a tremor throughout my system. “What do you wish for?”
“To go back in time,” he answered. There was such sadness to his voice.
“What good would that do?”
“I don’t know, Cassie, but having the opportunity would be incredible.”
“Do you miss her? I know about Emily.”
