Page 88 of Buried Secrets

The words came out fierce, immediate. “That’s what scared me so badly. I was falling for you, Kaitlin. Hard. And when I realized you’d been keeping something that fundamental from me, it felt like proof that you’d leave eventually. Like everyone else does.”

“So you left first.”

“So I left first,” he confirmed, shame coloring his voice. “Like a coward.”

They stood in silence, the lighthouse beam sweeping past them again. Below, the waves continued their eternal conversation with the shore.

“I don’t want to be that person anymore,” Matt said finally. “Someone who pushes away anything good because I don’t know everything or worry it might not last forever. And I don’t want to be the kind of sheriff who treats newcomers like threats instead of potential neighbors.”

“Even benign British researchers with questionable honesty about their employment status?” Kaitlin teased.

“Especially British researchers who turn out to be braver and more dedicated than anyone I know.” Matt smiled, the expression transforming his face. “Besides, you weren’t technically lying about being a researcher.”

“Just creatively interpreting the concept of employment.”

“Exactly.”

They began walking back toward the cottages, their steps naturally synchronized. The lights from Amy’s porch glowed warmly ahead, a beacon guiding them home.

“For what it’s worth,” Kaitlin said as they reached her cottage, “I should have told you sooner. About my real reasons for being here. I wanted to, especially after—” She broke off, heat rising in her cheeks.

“After what?”

“After that night at your house. I knew I was in too deep to keep lying to you. I was just scared of how you’d react. I couldn’t find the right time, the right words to let you in.”

“Turns out you were right to be scared,” Matt said ruefully. “Though not for the reasons you thought.”

They stopped at the bottom of her porch steps, neither quite ready to end the conversation. The cottage windows glowed softly behind them, welcoming and warm.

“Matt,” Kaitlin began, then hesitated.

“What is it?”

“Are we okay? I mean, can we… is there a way forward from here?”

Matt stepped closer, close enough that she could see the hope in his eyes. “I’d like there to be. If you’re willing to give me another chance.”

“More than willing,” she said softly.

“Good.” He smiled, then seemed to remember something. “Actually, I was wondering if you’d like to meet my parents. This weekend, maybe? My father’s a retired history teacher. I think you two would get along.”

The invitation was casual, but Kaitlin understood its significance. Meeting the parents was a statement of intention, a sign that whatever was growing between them was worth nurturing.

“I’d love that,” she said, surprised by how much she meant it.

“Great. I’ll call them tomorrow, set something up.” Matt stepped back, his eyes lighter than she’d seen them in days. “And Kaitlin? About the town clerk position—I think you’d be perfect for it.”

“Thank you,” she said, meaning it.

“I should let you get some rest. It’s been a long day.” Matt moved toward his Jeep, then turned back. “Kaitlin?”

“Yes?”

“I’m glad you came to our island. Whatever the reasons.”

As his taillights disappeared around the bend, Kaitlin climbed the steps to her cottage, a smile playing at her lips. For the first time since arriving on Widow’s Point Island, the future felt bright with possibility rather than weighted with uncertainty.

Inside, she pulled out her laptop and began drafting an application for the town clerk position. She had four days to submit it, four days to decide if she was ready to make this place home.