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He turned his head to her as well, his cheek resting on the sea foam-and-clam-spotted beach towel they’d found in the house because he forgot to pack one. “Just people reported missing. The only connection they’ve found is they were all last seen at the Plattsburgh City Beach.”

“But it’s March. What are people doing at the beach in March?”

“There was a recent and supposedly very credible Champ sighting, so all the cryptid hunters are coming out hoping to spot him.” Uther adjusted his sunglasses, turning to face the underside of the umbrella.

Esther had only recently learned about the mythical sea creature, Champy, that lived in Lake Champlain from Uther—Plattsburgh’s own Nessie. But if vampires were real, who was to say a freshwater dinosaur wasn’t swimming around upstate New York?

“The rumor I’ve heard, so far, is that a couple poor swimmers underestimated the icy waters,” Uther said. “I was planning on going to the beach when we get back and taking some photos for my photojournalism class. Maybe talk to some people. If there really are any people on the beach in March.”

“Hey, Uther, Esther. Get in here,” August called from the water.

Simultaneously, Esther and Uther sat up and lifted their shades as August rose from the ocean, water catching the light as it dripped from his sun-bronzed body. With both hands, he brushed his shoulder-length hair back from his face, his biceps flexing from the movement and the ocean sparkling around him.

“Holy Mary,” whispered Esther. “This never gets old.”

“This man is going to wreck me.” Uther fanned himself with his hand.

August jogged up the beach to them, water glistening off his body. By the time he made it to their umbrella, both Esther and Uther were perspiring.

“Hey, love.” He dropped onto Uther’s towel, taking his chin and giving him a quick kiss.

In their two seconds of contact, Esther’s mind raced to Ashley, wishing she was there on the beach with her.

Ashley regrets becoming a vampire.

Uther and August parted, and Esther shook her head, clearing the wayward thought.

“So, how’s your lady love, Esther?” August’s eyes creased at the corners, fighting off the sun. “Is she doing all right after…”

“She didn’t say much this morning.” Other than requesting Esther stop fussing over her and go to the beach. “Her leg looked better.”

He grunted like he knew there was more to it. “Maybe I’ll check in on her tonight and bother her while she packs. Lord knows I owe her a headache.”

“Hey, what about me?” Uther pouted.

“I have other evening plans for you.” August pressed his forehead to Uther’s.

They stayed that way for several seconds, and Esther looked back at the ocean, uncomfortable in their private moment. Being the surprise third wheel on a romantic getaway was not always fun. The moment dragged until she decided she wouldn’t be missed and got up and walked to the ocean.

It was still in the lower seventies. Too cold to be in the ocean. She didn’t know how August could stand it. But Esther waded in to her knees, not willing to miss a chance to be in the water. The waves tugged her in farther, but she held her ground, letting the receding water erode the sand around her feet, sucking them into the ocean floor.

“I was hoping I’d get a chance to talk to you.” August was back in the water.

She hadn’t heard him over the crashing waves. She looked back at the shore to see Uther lounging, a book in hand and his hair slightly more ruffled than before. She looked back to the blue horizon. There was something entrancing about the ocean. The rhythmic give and take of the swells, the silent spark of the sun dancing on its surface. The way the breeze gently pulled at her hair, pushing the heat of the sun from her shoulders.

“I know she’s asked you.” August didn’t have to elaborate. There was only one she and only one question. “And I know it’s not my business…” He trailed off, as though expecting her to stop him.

The corner of Esther’s mouth lifted at that. He was used to talking to Ashley.Ashley regrets becoming a vampire.

August continued. “Don’t. Don’t do it.”

“What a shocking opinion coming from a witch.”

“It’s coming from a friend.” August rested a hand on her shoulder, and she turned to look at him. Even his concerned face reminded her of Ashley. The way they both knit their brows and looked down at you in the sternest of ways. It was almost parental. A sure kind of concern. “If I had been there when she was asked, I would have said the same thing.”

Ashley regrets becoming a vampire.

“But you weren’t.” Esther turned to face him fully, and his hand slid from her shoulder. “You weren’t there, and I wasn’t there. And now…”