Chapter 14

Carter helped Lucy up the embankment until they both stood on the cliff that overlooked the sound. It was the highest point in Hazel Island—not Mount Everest, but enough of a hike to get his blood thrumming—and it was one of those perfect summer days that reminded you why you put up with the winter here in Washington State. Lucy inhaled deeply and took his arm.

Everything was emerald green, moss growing in pockets down the cliffside. Seagulls cawed and circled in the sky, a few skimming the water to catch unsuspecting fish. Without the clang of the city or the traffic, Carter could imagine this place was far away from everything that wanted to sink its claws into him. He could almost imagine his shoulder didn’t hurt or that this thing with Lucy could last beyond the summer.

“I could live here,” breathed Lucy as she entwined her fingers with his.

“Really?” He considered. “I think I’d get bored after a while.”

“I was raised in Fair Haven, so I’m used to small towns. I like them. Ever