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“Because they’d tell him the truth, wouldn’t they?

That I was seventeen and still in high school.

He was twenty-four and a high school coach.

Didn’t matter it was with the rival school.

He’d have gotten in trouble, which means he’d break up with me and that could not, would not happen.

So I skipped school and snuck around, which I liked.

Allison covered for me when I stayed with him.

” She caught a tear in the corner of her eye.

“Was he the reason you dropped out of school?” Caleb said. “Did you really live with Posey when you left? Or with him?”

“Posey. The summer plan was to get him back in my life. We’d broken up because—Hey, Bentley, I don’t think you’re supposed to touch that, okay?

Be careful.” Cassidy paused as they walked through a makeshift operating room.

“Must’ve been something to be at sea in one of these.

Anyway, I was such an idiot.” She moved forward.

“And I hate myself for it, I really do.”

“Why’d he break up with you?”

“His fiancée moved in. Which was a huge surprise to me. We were supposed to go to Disney World at the beginning of June, right after school let out, but he never called. Never texted. In my insane na?veté, I went over to his house, thinking he must be sick or something. He wasn’t there, so I waited.

Two hours later he came home with Tavia and about a hundred suitcases.

She was drop-dead gorgeous with intelligent eyes, and I hated her instantly.

He was shocked to see me but played it off, introducing me as the daughter of some West End boosters.

I cried the whole way home. He said I was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, and I was going to hold h im to it.

” Cassidy pounded her fist against her palm. “He was mine, so move over Tavia.”

“Thus the job at the Driftwood Door.” They took the stairs to the top deck and walked into the sunshine.

“I started stalking him. Online. In person. I sat in the bleachers when their preseason football practices started. I figured out when Tavia traveled for work and broke into his house. I thought if I got him alone, I could make him realize I was the love of his life. That’s when he lost it.

Called me a freak. A nobody. A loser. Trash.

Told me to get out, and if he saw me again, he’d pelt me with rotten eggs. ”

She hurried forward, arm outstretched, as Bentley leaned over the edge of the ship.

“Rotten eggs? Who keeps rotten eggs in their house?” Caleb watched Bentley cross the ship under the massive guns. “Why didn’t you talk to me? Or Mom and Dad?”

She shook her head, face turned away as she wiped her cheeks.

“I was too ashamed. When he said all that stuff, I felt out of control. The heartache felt like knives. I went all Fatal Attraction on him. Can’t even remember half the stuff I did.

Then the crème de la crème : He broke up with Tavia that summer and started dating a West End teacher.

That’s when I had to get out of Sea Blue Beach.

Everything reminded me of him and how dumb, ugly, and insignificant I was. ”

She turned to Caleb. “I know I owe you, Mom, Dad, and my friends a huge apology, but I’m not sure I can repeat this story again.

And to be real honest, some days I think I’m not over him.

” She lowered her head, then looked up, eyes tracking Bentley as he explored.

“Sanchez is not Bentley’s father, by the way. ”

“Cass, you’re living in the past—in the lies of someone who didn’t love you.

Come home, let your family tell you who you are.

Look at your son. Is he the product of a loser?

Of trash?” A cross the way, the eleven-year-old was talking to a Korean War veteran, listening and asking questions. “He’s a star.”

“Mom will freak when I walk in the door. She’ll really love you now.”

“Ha, she won’t when I find Sanchez, wherever he is, and pelt him with rotten eggs.”

Cassidy’s laugh broke any remaining tension between them. “Caleb, I’m sorry ... for everything.” She didn’t look at him, but Caleb embraced the sincerity in every word.

“Know what, me too. I’m sorry for my part. I wasn’t always a good brother.”

They drifted through a peaceful silence. Then Cassidy hooked her arm through Caleb’s. “So tell me all about Emery Quinn. Bentley says you should marry her.”

“Bentley!”

EMERY

She’d just carried her last bag into Cottage 7—she packed up more things from home—when strong arms gripped her from behind. “I missed you.”

“You missed me?” She twisted around to see a tired but happy-looking Caleb. “It’s only been three days.”

“Forever to a guy in love.” He searched her face with a bit of wonder.

She’d imagined this scene the moment she crossed the Florida line. Not before. Because she wanted it to be honest, and about the true Caleb Ransom, not her idea of him.

She’d spent far too many years believing the lie that she belonged on the outside looking in as the only way to preserve M om’s memories. But if Delilah was right and there was a “God with us,” then why waste time living in the past?

As for Caleb, every confession, every kiss, drew her closer to the truth. She loved him.

His kiss was firm, then soft, tasting of something sweet. His arms flexed tight around her, and with one exhale, she let love have its way.

“Have you talked to Simon? Did he tell you?”

“He told me. In fact, let’s go see him.” Caleb kissed her again, then pulled away, smiling. “What are you thinking, Emery Quinn? That your royal invitation has staying power?”

“No, but I’m glad they’re coming back. I was thinking that I like it when you hold me.” She pulled his face to hers for a kiss, then jerked away with an wild exclamation. “Oh my word, I’ve figured it out.”

“Figured what out?” Caleb’s brow furrowed.

“Wait. Let me think.” Emery exited the cottage for the courtyard. “It was something Joanna said. About the missing ads. Caleb, I know why they’re missing. It’s Tobias and his darn terrazzo floors!”