A gust of wind shook the cottage so severely, Claire expected shingles to fly past the window. White-tipped waves surged toward the beach beneath a cloud-striped sky.
A knock sounded at her door. “Who is it?” she called, her hand suspended over the latch.
“It’s Philip.”
Surprised, she opened the door to a rush of air. “You’re home?”
Philip held a box in both hands. “Only for a minute. I got thinking about a few things and decided to scoot back. First…,” he handed her the box, “…here’s a lantern, a flashlight, and some utility candles. I’m sorry I don’t have a generator for the cottage, but at least with these you won’t be in the dark if the electricity goes out.”
She grabbed the box. “Thanks.”
“Also, I really think you should let me put the deed in the safe at the Compass Rose. I don’t trust Hollenbeck and your cousins. If that boat at the island belonged to them, and they saw us leave or came across the empty cavity, who knows what their next step will be.”
“I’d really rather keep it here—close to where I can put my hand on it.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You should give it to me.”
As if out of darkness, distrust shot into her mind. “Okay, but let me sign it first.”
“No! Whatever you do, don’t do that!”
“But why?”
“You should sign it in front of an attorney to make sure your right to the island isn’t compromised. This is too important, Claire. I’ll make an appointment with my attorney first thing Monday morning, and we can get in to see her as soon as possible.”
“Oh, but at least let me keep the deed here. Monday is only the day after tomorrow, and—”
“No, Claire. It would be unwise to leave the deed, the tubes, or even the padlock and key here where they could be stolen.”
His uncharacteristic insistence unsettled her. “I can hide it. I know of a good place where—”
“Claire.”
“Oh, all right. I’ll be right back.”
After closing the door behind her, she placed the box on the table and picked up the brass cylinder. For a brief moment she considered giving him an empty tube. No, that would be deceitful.
She returned and reluctantly handed Philip the locked tube and key.
He lifted her chin drawing her eyes to his. “Hey, everything will work out fine. Just wait and see.”
She nodded.
“I’ll pick you up after I close. Let’s make it 7:25. The Soames know we’ll be a little late.” He stroked her cheek with his thumb. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Philip.”
Claire reached to the nape of her neck and fastened the dress’s hook onto its eye. Tonight Philip would publicly declare his love for her and his intention to marry her. This should be one of the happiest evenings of her life.
Yet, since Philip’s brief visit, anxiety had built within her—waiting and watching for the right time to overtake her.
She pushed a bobby pin into her loose bun.
It must be because so many eyes would be on her—the outsider who stole Philip’s heart. Surely people would see how much she adored him. Hopefully her love would outshine the flicker of distrust she had been unable to extinguish over the course of the afternoon.
She slipped into her low-heeled, flesh-colored shoes.
Then there was Parker. If only something—anything—could prevent him from being there tonight. Focus. Focus on being beside Philip all evening.
She added the final touch to her right hand—the watermelon tourmaline ring. She looked at her empty left hand. How he would announce their engagement, Philip had told her, was a secret he could barely contain, and only Mr. and Mrs. Soames knew of last Sunday’s proposal and of his plans.
After sweeping lipstick over her lips, determination crossed the face in the reflection before her. I love Philip with my whole heart, and I know he loves me. She poked in another bobby pin. I’m not going to doubt him.
She sucked in a deep breath and released it slowly. No, anxiety, I won’t let you best me tonight. She straightened her neck. Doubts and fears, you won’t overtake me. She rolled her shoulders and straightened her back.
This will be one of the happiest nights of my life.