47

We make our way down the narrow stairs and across the terrace to the inn’s waterfront restaurant. People are still milling around and eating mini versions of Frannie’s signature sandwich. I am different and there is no way to conceal it from the people who love me. My dad sees it first and puts his hand over his heart, as if to tell it to be still. A smile takes over Frannie’s face, and she elbows Marco too hard.

Greer narrows her eyes at me, and I see the realization that something good is happening move across her face. Iris wheels Theo’s stroller through the crowd to where we are talking with Sandy and Camille. Their grief is temporarily lifted and they seem like they’re just at a party. I know this is a trap in the same way I know they’ll eventually be okay. Cliffy’s at my side with his arms around my waist. I squeeze him back and feel Ethan watching us. In this moment I am nothing but my heart.

After everyone’s left, and I’ve said goodbye to my dad, I find Ethan on the terrace holding Theo by the hand and talking with my kids. I don’t know who I want to touch first. You can have all of it, my mother says in the wind.

“I guess we’d better get home,” I say.

“Yes,” Ethan says. “It’s been a big day.”

Greer crosses her arms. Iris looks like she might be holding her breath. “Come on, Scooter,” she says.

“Really?” he asks.

Cliffy lets out his breath. “Don’t chicken out.”

Ethan turns to me, and he’s overly formal in a way that makes me want to laugh. “These three have given me permission to ask you on a date.”

I try to contain my smile. “Is that true?” I ask them.

“Yes,” says Iris. “And he said a real restaurant. Maybe even here.”

“Well, that sounds nice,” I say. “I accept.”

“Good,” says Iris. “Because Grandpa and Libby are coming to babysit tomorrow at six.”