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After dinner, Ray located Charlie at the bar and slid out of the booth to shoot pool. He nudged Lincoln’s shoulder. “He’s taking his boat out early tomorrow morning to fish. Come on and join us, if you want.”
“I’ll think about it. Thanks.”
“Dad, I have groceries to drop off for you.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, Grace felt foolish. Her father was out boxing and fishing and God knew what else that she didn’t know about, and she’d felt the need to buy his milk and bread. Maybe Lincoln had been right about that, too. “And Bee gave me another book that you might like.”
“I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon. I’ll text you.” He ambled toward the bar.
Lincoln set his napkin aside and pulled out his wallet. “You okay?”
She nodded. Snark episode aside, she’d beentoookay since he’d walked into her life. That seemed to be exactly the problem.
“Hey, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about the boxing.” Lincoln put his credit card in the bill folder. “I wasn’t trying to keep it a secret.”
“I know. It’s okay. I haven’t seen much of him lately, which is probably why he didn’t tell me.” She let out her breath and reached for her purse. “I’m glad he’s doing it, and he seems to be enjoying it a lot. So thank you.”
He put his hand on her lower back as they walked out to their cars.
“By the way,” she said. “I also owe you thanks for donating to my school account at the hardware store.”
He blinked, almost as if he’d forgotten the gesture. “Happy to do it.”
Grace opened her car door. “Did you go through the administrative channels?”
“No. Should I have? I just gave Joe a check.”
“I’ll have to explain how I got the money, so it’s probably just a question of filling in some paperwork.” She tossed her purse onto the passenger seat. “I’ll find out if there’s anything you need to sign. The kids will be excited to have more professional set designs and costumes.”
His forehead creased. “Then why do I get the feeling that you wish I hadn’t done it? Is it because I didn’t tell you? I really didn’t think much of it.”
And yet to her, the gesture felt momentous.
Was this what he did everywhere else? When he lived with Bedouin tribes and talked with war veterans and donated supplies to refugee camps…did he make things a little easier, help people out, inspire warmth and gratitude…all before he moved on to the next endeavor?
She knew he kept in touch with many of the people he’d met. He contributed to foundations and charities. He did a lot of good in the world beyond writing his books.
But in the end, he walked away.
“Lincoln, I’m so grateful.” She rested her hand on his chest. “I just don’t want you to think you need to rescue me and my students. I know this teaching gig is fun for you, but it’s my life and my reality.”
He frowned. “It’s more than just fun for me, and you know it.”
“My point is that I’m the one who has to deal with administrative issues and budget cuts. This isn’t a problem that can be solved with a Band-Aid.”
“I didn’t realize that’s what I was trying to do.” He stepped away from her, his jaw tightening. “It was just a gift, Grace, so you and the kids could put on the show. I get that your budget is an ongoing problem, but I can help. I’ll give you whatever money you need, both now and in the future.”
“I don’t…” A knot stuck in her throat. She wanted so much more than his financial support.
She wantedhim. Now and in the future. Because in spite of everything, she’d fallen in love with Lincoln. She’d grabbed the stars. She’d tumbled headfirst into the lyrical poetry about endless seas and multicolored sunsets.
Miss No-Relationship Schoolteacher had gone and done exactly what she’d said she wouldn’t do. So much for “nice and tidy.”
“Hey.” Lincoln slipped his hand under her chin and tilted her face up. “Honestly, if I’d known you’d be upset, I wouldn’t have done it. Or I’d have talked to you first. I’m sorry.”
She shook her head. “I’m not upset. Thank you again. It was a lovely, generous gesture.”
He pressed his lips against hers. “Can I drive you home?”
A tiny ache spread through her. She desperately wanted to enjoy the time she had left with him, but she couldn’t let herself get used to him being around. She didn’t want her father to either.
