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The scent of garlic and basil filled Bobby’s cozy kitchen as Hannah moved around with a grace that belied her usual clumsiness. She had insisted on cooking dinner, saying it was the least she could do for our impromptu gathering. I leaned against the frame of the doorway, watching her stir the simmering sauce, a lock of her blonde hair falling into her eyes.
“Smells incredible, Doc,” I said, my stomach growling in anticipation.
“Thanks.” She flashed me a quick smile. “I hope it tastes as good as it smells.”
“Oh I have no doubt it will!” Bobby shouted from his chair in the living room.
We sat down, and the pasta was perfect—al dente, with a tomato sauce that sang with fresh flavors. Bobby heaped his plate high, mumbling appreciative noises between mouthfuls.
“Girl, you can cook!” Bobby exclaimed, his voice muffled by a forkful of spaghetti.
“Thank you, Mr. Hennessy,” Hannah said, her cheeks glowing with pleasure from the praise.
As we ate, the conversation shifted from light-hearted banter to something deeper.
“I’m so happy you moved in next door,” Bobby told her as he finished his second helping of pasta. “But what made you choose Moon Harbor? You could have gone anywhere, a young professional like yourself.”
Hannah’s laughter faded. “I just needed a change.” She shrugged, taking a sip of wine before continuing. “Sometimes I feel like I’m not cut out for this place... or any place, really,” she confessed, twirling her fork in the pasta absentmindedly. “I’ve always struggled to find a place that felt right. So when I saw that Dr. Bruske was selling his practice, I figured, maybe it was time to start over. Maybe this time, I could find where I was meant to be.”
I listened, nodding, seeing the vulnerability she tried so hard to mask. “Hey, look at me,” I urged gently. “You’re stronger than you think. And we’re glad you’re here. This town, these people—they can be your anchor if you let them.”
“Easy for you to say,” she replied, but her tone was more teasing than bitter. “You’ve got it all figured out.”
“Hardly,” I chuckled, holding her gaze. “I’m just good at riding out the storm, remember?”
* * *
Later, as we settled into the worn fabric of Bobby’s couch to watch an old movie, I couldn’t help stealing glances at Hannah. The flickering screen light danced across her features, softening the lines of doubt that had etched themselves there during dinner.
Bobby snored softly from his recliner, his breaths deepening until they became part of the room’s rhythm. I stood quietly, draping a blanket over him with a care that surprised even me. His gentle snores continued, undisturbed.
“Let’s get you home,” I murmured to Hannah, offering her my arm.
The night air was crisp, carrying the briny smell of the ocean. We walked in comfortable silence, the gravel of the driveway crunching under our feet. Her hand rested lightly on my forearm, a touch sending currents through me like the distant call of the tide.
“Thank you for tonight, Sawyer,” Hannah said as we approached her front porch. “For listening... and for the encouragement.”
“Anytime, Hannah,” I replied, feeling that pull again—the one that made me want to dive into whatever lay beneath her surface. “You ever need to talk, or feel the need to offer up a plate of pasta, you know where to find me.”
She laughed, the sound like waves retreating from the shore, leaving behind something beautiful and fleeting. “I’ll remember that.”
“Goodnight, Hannah,” I said, reluctant to let go of the moment.
“Goodnight, Sawyer.”
And as I watched her disappear into her house, the overwhelming pull I’d been feeling toward her became palpable. And for the first time in my life, I wondered what would happen if I let it lead the way.
eight
HANNAH
The morning suncascaded through the freshly cleaned windows of Moon Harbor Animal Clinic as I juggled a box of medical supplies and nudged open the newly painted teal door with my hip. Today was the day I’d been dreaming of since veterinary school: my very own clinic’s grand opening. Well, re-opening in this case, but close enough.
“Easy does it now,” I muttered to myself, nearly tripping over a rolled-up welcome mat that seemed to have a vendetta against my feet. Not as graceful as I’d like, but nothing could dent my enthusiasm.
“Morning!” Paula, my new Vet Tech said, as she finished setting out the stock of vet-approved retail items on shelves along the right wall.
“Good morning! That looks great, Paula, thank you!”
