Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90464 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 452(@200wpm)___ 362(@250wpm)___ 302(@300wpm)
I give the nurse a welcoming smile. “Hi, Harlow. I’m Nova, and this is Lainey.”
Harlow has a kind face, and her smile is warm as she says, “It’s nice to meet everyone.” She stops in front of Rachel. “Hi, Rachel, I’m here to help make things easier for you.”
My best friend nods. “Going to . . . beach.”
“Yes.” Harlow’s smile widens. “I hear we’re going to have a fun day. I didn’t bring my swimsuit, so I’ll just hang out with you if that’s okay?”
Rachel chuckles softly. “Okay.”
“Frances, will you let the people from hospice out when they’re done setting up?” Easton asks as he comes to pick up Rachel.
Frances doesn’t hesitate to answer. “Yes.”
“Let’s go,” Easton says.
“I’ll grab the wheelchair and anything else she might need,” Harlow mentions as we all head into the house.
I stop to get the camera and tuck it into my handbag before I catch up to Lainey.
Just like yesterday, we take two SUVs. One for the guards and one for us. I sit in the passenger seat again and glance over my shoulder at Rachel, who’s positioned between Harlow and Lainey.
I want to spend every waking moment with my best friend, but it’s no longer about me and what I want. Lainey comes first.
As Easton follows behind the guards’ SUV, I glance at him and notice the lines etched into his face.
Not thinking, I reach across the console and place my hand on his thigh. It’s meant to be a quick, comforting touch, but before I can pull back, he places his hand on top of mine. His fingers curl around mine, and he gives me a grateful look before turning his attention back to the road ahead.
I feel a little self-conscious, but thinking he needs the comfort, I push my own feelings aside.
After a few minutes, Easton lets go of my fingers so he can take a turn, but the moment I start to pull my hand back, he shakes his head. “Don’t.”
Leaving my hand on his thigh, I shoot a glance over my shoulder only to see a smile on Rachel’s face as her eyes move between Easton and me. I shake my head so she won’t get any ideas, but it only makes her chuckle.
His hand settles over mine again, and he lets out a slow breath as if he finds my touch soothing.
I glance out of the window at the passing scenery, but I don’t focus on anything around me except for the way Easton’s hand feels on mine.
All the little touches and hugs he’s given me have helped so much, and they mean the world to me. I just have to keep reminding myself not to read too much into it because he sees me as a sister or maybe a friend.
But that’s all it will ever be.
Seeing how those women lost their minds at the school made it very clear that Easton can have any woman in the world, and little old me doesn’t stand a chance.
I’m okay with that. I get to love him every day, and that’s enough for me.
Besides, I promised Rachel I’d see a therapist. I’ll have to heal from the trauma I’ve suffered before I can think of ever having another relationship.
When Easton brings the SUV to a stop, I see a gazebo has been erected on the beach. There are also lounge chairs and a table, and a grill stands to the side. A spacious area has been taped off around everything, and Sylvia walks toward us.
Easton gives my hand a squeeze before he lets go so he can climb out of the car.
While I watch as Harlow and Lainey get out, Easton glances at Sylvia. “Thanks for getting everything ready.”
“You’re welcome.”
She waits while Easton picks up Rachel, then she steps forward to give Rachel’s arm a squeeze. Unable to say anything, she quickly rushes away to where her car is parked.
We all head down to the beach, and after Easton sets Rachel down on a lounge chair, Harlow covers her with a blanket.
For a moment, I stare at the waves rolling in, then I say, “Come, Lainey. Let’s build the castle.”
I kick off my shoes and put my handbag down before pulling my dress over my head, revealing my only one-piece swimsuit. After I fold my clothes neatly, I dig the camera out of my bag and glance at where Harlow and Easton are sitting with Rachel.
Today is for her.
Walking to where buckets and shovels are lying on the sand, I sink down to my knees and ask Lainey, “Where do we start?”
“The foundation. We have to make the sand smooth and hard.”
I watch for a moment as Lainey pats the sand, and I do the same until we have a big square ready.
“You can load sand into the buckets while I build a wall,” Lainey orders.