Read Online Finding Love in Forgotten Cove (Island County Series Book 1) by Karice Bolton - Free Book Online Page B

with Mason’s I knew it did, for some. Mason experienced that kind too. He saw the standards set so high that they felt unachievable, so why not merely set the bar low and be prepared for disappointment? That was what I had done with Tanner.
    “Well, let’s get started. I thought we could work on the downstairs bathroom. It’s small and very little has to be done so it will feel like a great accomplishment.”
    “What do you have planned?” I asked. “Paint and new linoleum?”
    Mason was almost beaming. I could tell he truly loved what he did.
    “No way. I’ve got some white porcelain tile, and then we’ll add a border with glass subway tiles that are almost the color of the cove down below. You know that almost blue-grey it’s known for in the summer?”
    “Forgotten Cove?” I asked, my voice hoarse and my mind spinning. I’d done so much to never utter those words—that place—since the accident. I became nauseous and wanted to lie down. The room was spinning, and I knew I needed off this island.
    “Are you okay?” Mason asked, concerned. “We don’t have to do that. I can return the tile if you hate the idea that much.”
    I offered a feeble smile and shook my head. “It’s not the tile. Sorry. It’s…” I couldn’t say it. I wouldn’t say it, but the sorrow had already plunged deep into my bones.
    “Would you like me to leave? I can…”
    I knew that would be a horrible plan. If he left, I’d crawl right into bed and not get out again until the feelings were buried deep into the crevices of my mind, and being back here, I wasn’t sure that was possible this time.
    I patted his knee and hopped up. I needed to make things disappear. “No. Let’s get it going. I can’t wait to see the finished product.”
    “Well, the tiles are in the truck and so are the tools.”
    “Great. I’ll help bring them in.”
    Mason opened his mouth, but shut it quickly and nodded before walking back through the house. It took everything I had not to go outside and hop in my car and never return. There were some moments in life that were meant to be left behind, concealed under memories’ cobwebs with no hope of spinning them back into reality again. That was why I’d left Fireweed Island so long ago. I didn’t want to remember.

 
     
     
    Our first field trip to the EMP was a huge success. The kids’ fascination with the exhibits filled my heart with joy and the teaching opportunities were endless. I had to admit the Nirvana exhibit made me feel like my parents must have felt after answering my nonstop Rolling Stones questions.
    Old.
    Several of the parents volunteered to help with the field trip, and every one had made it back safe and sound to the island. I was sitting at Gabby’s Goodies, eating a scone and waiting for Delilah’s mother, Marcy. She had asked if she could meet with me after she dropped her daughter off for tennis lessons, which happened to be on the same island as Gabby’s Goodies. It sounded like a perfect way to eat up time before Mason got to the house. Fireweed Island was only a fifteen minute ferry ride away from here so the timing should work out perfectly, and if not, he had a key to let himself in.
    I took a sip of my mocha as Gabby slid into the chair across the table.
    “I heard your new bathroom looks spectacular. Do you like it?” she asked.
    I nodded and quickly swallowed so I could answer. “I love it. The accent tile is gorgeous. He was right about getting one of the smaller projects out of the way. I see a glimmer of hope.”
    Gabby beamed and tapped the table. “What did I tell you? He’s a miracle worker.”
    “Indeed he is. In fact, tonight we’re starting work on the family room. He’s saving the kitchen for last so that I can continue to cook him meals.”
    Gabby laughed. “Sounds like the Rhodes brothers.”
    The phone rang and Gabby bounded from the chair but not before hollering over her shoulder. “From what I heard, he hasn’t stopped talking