Page 53 of Island Girl

“You're not asking. I'm offering.” His voice softened. “This is what family does, sweetheart. We take care of each other. You spent far too much of your younger years taking care of your mother. We don’t have to have that talk again, but for now at least, let me take care of your needs.”

She was crying now, silent tears rolling down her cheeks. “I don't know what to say.”

“Say you'll think about it. And then let me come down thereand see this bungalow for myself. If it's half as beautiful as you say, it'll be the easiest decision I've ever made.”

“You want to fly down?”

“Why not? I haven't been to Florida in years. And I'd like to meet this Gregory, thank him for looking out for my daughter.” He chuckled. “Plus, since you're playing guitar at a bar now. I'd like to see that too.”

Merritt laughed through her tears. “You would?”

“Are you kidding? My daughter, performing for a crowd? I wouldn't miss it for the world.”

They talked for another hour, working through the details. Richard would fly down next week, stay for a few days. Paula could help coordinate, she knew Gregory best, understood the situation, could help navigate the logistics. They'd meet with Gregory, see the bungalow together, talk about what a sale might look like.

“This feels fast,” Merritt said. “Are you sure?”

“I've been thinking about leaving Maine for a while now. I just needed the right reason.” He paused. “You're the right reason, Merritt. You always have been. But it’s also time that I think about my future too.”

After they hung up, Merritt sat in the dark for a long time, trying to absorb what had just happened.

Her father was coming to Florida. He might buy the bungalow. She might actually get to keep this place that felt like home.

It was too good to be true. But maybe, for once, the good thing was actually happening.

She called Paula the next morning.

“I need to tell you something,” she said. “And I might need your help.”

Paula listened as Merritt explained: her father's offer, his plan to fly down, the possibility of a sale. When she finished, Paula was quiet for a moment.

“Your father sounds like a good man,” she said finally.

“He is. The best.”

“And he's serious about this? About buying the bungalow?”

“I think so. He wants to see it first, meet Gregory, understand what he's getting into. But yes, I think he's serious.”

“Well.” Paula's voice warmed. “That changes things, doesn't it?”

“Does it? I don't want to get my hopes up. I don't want Gregory to feel pressured, or for this to complicate things.”

“Gregory has been waiting for someone to care about that bungalow the way his wife did. If your father is that person, I think it'll make him happier than anything.” Paula paused. “When is he coming?”

“Next week, if that works. He's flexible.”

“I'll talk to Gregory, make sure he's up for a visitor. And I can help coordinate. I could pick your father up from the airport if he’d like, show him around, answer any questions.” She hesitated. “This is a big deal, Merritt. For you, for Gregory, for all of us.”

“I know. That's why I'm terrified.”

“Don't be. This feels right.” Paula's voice was firm. “Trust it.”

After she hung up, Merritt sat on the deck of Shorebirds, watching the morning light spread across the water. Justin was inside, prepping for lunch, and she had an hour before her shift started.

She thought about her father, alone in that big house in Maine, surrounded by memories of her mother. She thought about him shoveling snow, his breath fogging in the cold air, coming inside to an empty kitchen and a silence that used to be full of her mother's voice.

He deserved more than that. He deserved warmth and sunlight and the sound of waves.