RICHARDShe was too thin again. Even with a jacket on, it was evident. Her appetite had been non-existent after Penny passed, and in the few days we’d been apart, I knew she wasn’t eating. She was suffering as much as me.When I arrived at the small cluster of cottages, I parked far enough away I wouldn’t alert her to my presence if she was, indeed, there. Walking onto the beach, I spied her right away, a small, huddled mass on the sand, staring into the horizon. She looked lost and tiny, and the need to go to her, lift her into my arms and refuse to let her go, was strong. I had never felt anything that intense until today. However, I resisted, knowing I needed to approach her cautiously. She had run once, and I didn’t want her running again.We stood, staring at each other. I began to head toward her—slow, wary steps, until I was in front of her, inches away. Up close, she looked as ravaged as I felt. Her blue eyes were bloodshot and weary, her skin paler than ever, her hair limp and

RICHARDI SHOOK BILL’S HAND AND walked across the beach. Katy was sitting on the sand, a sketchbook on her knees, pencil in hand, but she was motionless. The breeze picked up the strands of her hair, blowing them back like ribbons of dark silk. I sank down behind her, pulling her back into my embrace.“Hey.”She tilted her head back, observing me upside down. “Hi. What were you talking to Bill about for so long?” A frown crossed her face. “Please tell me you didn’t ask about buying the resort.”I snickered at the expression on her face and dropped a kiss on her forehead. “No. I think he has a buyer. I was thanking him for letting you come back, and we were talking about other things. Where he is moving to, stuff like that.”She pursed her lips and shrugged, turning back to face the water. “What are you sketching?”She held up the book. “Nothing. I’m enjoying the view.”I wrapped my arms around her waist, holding her tight. “It’s a great view.”“Penny and I used to build bonfires, cook

Although I didn’t want any of them, I was sure the writing was on the wall, in regards to my place at The Gavin Group. It was time to look at my, our, options. I wanted Katy to be happy, and I knew she wouldn’t be in a large, crowded city like Toronto. Also, I had no desire to start commuting hours to get into the office. I had to put away my pride and choose what would be best for us.I stood up, heading to the kitchen. I needed coffee and to show Katy what Brian had sent over. She looked up from the huge cookbook she was studyingand smiled at me. “What are those?”I tossed the pile of sheets on the counter and reached for the coffee pot. “Job leads.”“Oh.” She tugged the papers closer. “Okay. Anything good?” I tapped the top page. “This is interesting.”She looked it over, frowning. “It’s pretty small compared to what you’re used to.”I sat down, sipping my coffee. “I’m going to have to make some concessions.”“Do you have to jump right away?”“No,” I acknowledged. “I don’t want to

The sadness of her words made my heart tighten.“What about some volunteer work besides the shelter? You know so many of the residents at Golden Oaks—maybe you could spend some time there. I’m sure they’d appreciate the help.”“I thought of that.”I shifted forward, pulling her close. “Katy, I want you to do whatever you want to do. Volunteer, work, whatever makes you happy. But, listen to me, sweetheart. The past few months have been one thing after another for you. Everything you said earlier about how I changed your life is true.” I stroked the softness of her cheek with my knuckles. “And although it’s turned out well, I know how stressful it all was on you. Everything changed in your life,and you lost Penny. I know, at times, it must overwhelm you, so I’m going to ask you to think about it. Don’t rush into anything. Please.”Her eyes were fathomless as our gazes locked. I didn’t know how to express how important this was to me.“I want . . .” I swallowed and breathed deep. “For th

RICHARDTHE FAMILIAR ACHE FORMED BY degrees in my head, my eyes became heavy, my shoulders and neck sore. I stared out the window at the gathering storm, wondering if I would make it home before it and the massive headache hit.The three raps that Amy always used sounded like gunshots to my achinghead. I slouched back against the cool leather of my chair, shutting my eyes. “Come,” I called as loudly as I dared.“Do you need anything, Richard?”I didn’t bother to lift my head. “Can you cancel Board Tech?” “I already did.”“Great. You might as well take off the rest of the afternoon, Amy. I’m going to be useless.”“Can I do anything else?”I sighed, keeping my eyes closed. “If it wouldn’t offend you, a cup of coffee and a couple of pain relievers would be appreciated. If you can get my wife on the phone, it would be great.”Her chuckle was low. “I think I can handle it, Richard.” “Thank you.”She left, and I rubbed my temples. I knew when I spoke with Katy, she would tell me to leave my