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Kit slipped her hand over Viv’s as she sat back down beside her on the bench. “You can always come back anytime,” she said over the whip of wind and the purr of the boat’s motor. “No matter where you are or what time of year—you just make your way back to the dock, and we’ll pick you up and bring you home.”
Viv drew in a deep breath and nodded, her gaze drifting out toward the horizon, as the boat reached the mouth of Hope Creek and crossed into a larger river, weaving its way along wide curves toward the shore.
They both grew silent, holding hands and admiring the view.
Viv glanced back and rested her chin on Kit’s shoulder, whispering near her ear, “Mama would’ve wanted us to be happy.”
Kit looped her arm through Viv’s and smiled. “Yes.”
Viv’s eyes, filled with relief, roved over the boat’s wake. “She knew we loved her,” she said softly. She faced Kit again and leaned against her side. “Both of us.”
Kit closed her eyes as the swift breeze ruffled her hair, the strands tickling her cheeks, and the heavy weight on her heart lifted. She breathed deep, filling her lungs with clean, salt-laden air, and smiled as the waves lapped at the boat.
Sylvie was at peace now, and they could all finally move on.
“We’re here.” Beau slowed the boat, and the whip of the wind died down as they drew close to the Hope Creek Water Taxi dock. He glanced over his shoulder at Viv. “Soon as we tie up, I’ll unload your bags, and you’ll be good to go.”
The boat stopped by the taxi pickup, and Beau stepped onto the dock to tie up.
“Well, if it ain’t the Teague girl again. You leaving?”
Kit stood and, shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand, focused on the small figure lounging at the opposite end of the dock.Lou Ann Cragg.She smiled.
“No,” Kit said, grabbing a plastic bag and stepping onto the dock. “I’m right where I want to be.”
Lou Ann frowned, her hand stopping halfway to her mouth, a lit cigarette dangling between her fingers. “Then what’s all them bags for?”
Viv followed Kit onto the dock, hefting a bag over her shoulder. “They’re for me. I’m the one who’s leaving.” Her lip twitched. “Not that it’s any of your business.”
“Oh, put your back down, girl.” Lou Ann lifted the cigarette and took a drag, narrowing her eyes at Viv as she studied her from head to toe. “You look different.” She thumped her cigarette lightly, knocking the built-up ash off the tip. “All gussied up . . . Where you headed?”
Viv raised an eyebrow. “Jeans and a T-shirt is hardly gussied up, Lou Ann. And I’m heading to Highlands.”
Kit grinned. Even Viv’s voice had lifted with excited anticipation.
“Oh . . .” Lou Ann looked Viv over one more time, then nodded with a satisfied smile. “Good for you.” She lifted her hip, withdrew a cigarette pack from her back pocket, and held it out toward Viv. “You want one for the road? To celebrate?”
Viv stared at the cigarette pack for a moment, then shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m starting fresh, and quitting those is at the top of my list.” She hefted the bag she carried into a more secure grip and smiled at Kit. “I want to be present for everything—feel everything—from here on out.”
Kit lifted her chin, a newfound sense of pride streaming through her at the healthy glow on Viv’s face. She turned on her heel and walked across the dock to Lou Ann. “Here,” she said. “These are for you.”
Lou Ann reached out and took the plastic bag with one hand, then inspected it closely. “Oysters?” She cut her eyes toward Beau, who was lifting the bags from the boat one by one and placing them on the dock. “These them deep cups of his?”
Kit grinned. “Ofours. You’re looking at a new partner of Pearl Tide Oyster Company. The Teagues and Suttons are joining forces, you see.” She softened her tone, when she added, “And you were very kind to me when I first arrived a few weeks ago. I wanted to return the favor.” She gestured toward the bag of oysters. “Careful of the bottom. There are holes for any ice that melts to drip out of. I figure they’ll stay cold ’til you make it home and get settled for the night. A few of those steamed would go great with a cold beer.”
Lou Ann lifted the bag in her hand, testing its weight, then smiled wide. “Dang sure will. Thank you for this.”
“You’re welcome.” Kit nodded, then walked back over to Viv and withdrew a set of keys from her pocket. “And these are for you.”
Viv’s eyes widened. “For the car, right?”
“For the car.” Kit laughed, then threw her arms around Viv and hugged her tight, whispering, “And Teague Cottage. You have a house key to let yourself in whenever you come home.”
Viv hugged her back so tight, Kit could scarcely draw breath. “I love you, Kit,” she whispered.
Kit blinked hard, wet heat tickling her cheeks. “I love you, too.”
* * *
