Page 82 of Betrayal In Calusa Cove

“Looks like they’ve adjusted quite nicely,” Foster said.

“Better than I ever could’ve imagined.” Fletcher watched the boys laugh with their friends. “It’s taken some time. A few angry outbursts. Some tears. A lot of explaining and even more love. But the past is fading into the distance.”

“They love it here. They love you,” Baily said, tipping her head up. “About the only thing they fear now is if something were to happen to us.”

A cheer went up from the far end of the dock as Bingo stepped up with a guitar, strumming a few notes before leading the crowd into a familiar country tune. His voice was stronger, more confident now. He’d grown into himself. College had been good to him, and in two years, he’d be leaving for the Navy. He’d stuck to his plan and was thriving.

Fletcher took it all in—their friends, their children, their home. The warmth in his chest didn’t fade. He squeezed Baily’s hand. “We did it,” he said.

“No,” Baily said. “We’re just getting started.”

And as Kendra stirred again, letting out a tiny sigh before curling back into her mother’s warmth, Fletcher knew with each beat of his heart that this was just the beginning.

For the first time since Fletcher had returned to Calusa Cove, there weren’t any secrets lurking in the murky waters. There weren’t any pirates hiding in the shadows. No murderers hidden in plain sight.

And no more betrayals by those he loved and trusted.

There was just peace in the place he’d always called home with the woman he’d always loved.