Chapter 29: Decisions

Bear stood in the bow of the boat, wagging his tail, as Blake made the crossing from the mainland to the island. He’d brought with him a toolbox, extra glass panes, and a piece of plywood. He wondered if Shasta was still watching from the cabin’s deck, but he didn’t turn around to see. It had been a long time since he’d wanted something so badly, and the thought that it might not work out gave him a literal pain in his gut.

But he believed he was doing the right thing. He’d give her some information to think about, give her space to make her own decision. Having held her throughout the night, he knew he never wanted to be alone in his bed again. But it would have to be up to her. He couldn’t compromise on who he was. The other side of this coin was the fact that Shasta was only here temporarily.