Sand Castle Bay

“Intellectually, I know it wasn’t your fault.” He tapped his chest. “But in here, I’m looking for somebody to blame.”

“I get that, and it did happen on my watch, right after I’d assured you he’d be safe with me.”

“And I was standing right here when he took off running across the lawn just now, oblivious to all the branches that could trip him up. He’s a rambunctious kid.”

“That almost sounds as if you’re letting me off the hook,” Emily said.

“Trying to,” he admitted, grinning. “Ethan gave me an earful. That helped to put things in perspective, too.”

“You two are still good friends?”

Boone nodded. “Ethan didn’t make it easy when he first got home from Afghanistan. He was angry and bitter and pretty much hated the world after he lost his lower leg.”

Emily’s eyes widened. “He lost his leg? I had no idea.”

“He’d be delighted to hear that. The truth is that most people don’t even notice. He’s mastered the prosthesis, had a huge attitude adjustment and finally seems to be on track again.”

“That’s amazing. Good for him.”

“It really is good for him,” Boone said. “There’s nobody around I admire more.”

“Wasn’t he engaged? Is he married now?”

Boone hesitated, then said, “That didn’t work out. And, word of advice, don’t bring it up around him.”

Emily stared at him. “They broke up because of his injury?” she guessed.

Boone nodded. “Talk about being bitter where women are concerned? Ethan wrote the book on it.”

“That’s a shame,” she said.

Boone nodded.

Emily met his gaze. “You coming in for cookies and milk? Or would you rather have something stronger? I think we have some beer.”

Boone looked torn. She had a hunch if it hadn’t been for B.J., he’d have taken off right then. He surprised her, though, by suggesting she get a couple of beers.

“Maybe we could sit down by the water,” he said. “Catch up?”

“Sure,” she said, eager to accept the olive branch he was extending.

When she went inside to retrieve the beers, she found her sisters doting on B.J., exclaiming over his bandaged arm and his bravery.

“Where’s Boone?” Cora Jane asked.

“Outside. I’m going to grab a couple of beers and join him for a little while, if that’s okay.”

The three women at the table exchanged amused looks.

“I win!” Samantha said, holding out her hand.

“Win what?” Emily asked with a narrowed gaze.

Cora Jane and Gabi each put five dollar bills into Samantha’s outstretched hand. The sight of her sister gloating grated.