Page 55 of Trial By Fire
Bronwyn slides some samples from Itty-Bitty Bakery across the counter toward me.
"Anything appeal?"
I eye the treats and settle on a plain butter cookie, thinking maybe the blandness would be better than the rich and decadent chocolates. "Thanks."
Bronwyn seems satisfied that I've at least chosen something to nibble and goes back to chatting with her friend, Amelia. The topic turns back to the bride, who discusses the upcoming wedding and now the small event has grown larger because so many people want to come celebrate the happy couple.
The Babes and their families, Gabe's firehouse crew and their plus-ones, as well as patrons who insist they'd better get an invitation. The wedding has now been moved outside to the beach, with a reception to follow inside the bookstore.
Love, flowers, family, forever—nice in theory. But harder to swallow when the only thing my body seems willing to keep down is regret.
Chapter 23
Kace
Dani is bounding off the walls—or rather the rails—of the ferry as we get under way. Lindsey drove us onto the ferry from Ft. Fisher to Southport, where she dropped me off at the entrance and parked my truck. Now that I’m in a lower leg cast and can sit up front, she’s returned Bronwyn’s crossover SUV and drives mine.
The ferry to Bald Head Island holds an assortment of people, from tourists to laborers to golfers. Dani asks a million questions as we cruise along the water, but she's as animated as the other kids excited about the ride.
I glance at Lindsey and find her gripping the edge of the bench seat, face lifted to the breeze. The ride is pretty smooth, all things considered, but every now and again, we hit a wave that leaves her looking more than a little green around the gills.
"How are you holding up?" I ask softly.
"Just peachy," she says between clenched teeth.
I grab the backpack I'd brought for emergencies and pull out a piece of peppermint candy. We've all brought backpacks—or in Lindsey's case, a tote bag—with beach towels and sunscreen and drinks, but I've also thrown in Band-Aids and a few other things because old habits die hard, and I'd rather be prepared. "See if this helps. I brought it for you."
I nudge her with my elbow while also keeping an eye on Dani, who's belly-up to the railing staring out at the waves. Mads puts her phone away and leaves the bench to go join her.
Lindsey opens one eye, creating an adorable expression in the process.
"Thanks."
"I have some crackers and ginger ale for you. I know we said we'd eat on the island, but I didn't want any of my girls getting hangry."
Shock and surprise float over her features before they fade to amusement.
"Don't want to deal with a hangry pregnant woman?"
"No, ma'am."
She takes the candy and pops it into her mouth after unwrapping it. I wait a bit and ask, "Any better?"
"Yeah, some. Thanks."
"You're welcome. Lindsey, look…"
"No."
I frown down at her. No?
"We don't need to discuss the thing that didn't happen. It's all good. No big deal."
It was kind of a big deal. At least for me. Apparently not so much for her, I think in a dark grumble.
"I need more air."
I watch as she gets up and goes to join the girls at the railing. I'm struck by the image of Dani tucked between Lindsey and Mads, her little face turning up this way and that as she talks to them. My Dani-girl is energy and light, and she's so excited about the day; she's practically vibrating.
