Captiva Ever After (Captiva Island Series #7)

“See, that’s just it. I’m not unhappy. I love my life. I love our marriage and the family that we’ve created. It’s just that I need something more…something that is completely my own. Writing does that for me.”

There was silence for a moment before the doctor said anything.

“I thought I’d be able to sit down and do some writing, but every time I try, the kids interrupt, the dog needs a walk, one of your sisters calls me or I’ve got to drive the kids somewhere. There doesn’t seem to be any time for me to focus on this without a specific class schedule. If I went back to school, then I think we’d make it happen. I know I’d be more committed to it.”

“Brea, how can I help you? I ask this because you seem to be doing very well on your own.”

Brea and Michael both laughed at that.

“I’ve wanted to say these things to Michael, but…”

Right then, Brea could tell that something clicked for Michael. He understood why she needed to have this conversation in front of Dr. Wells.

“Because of the shooting and everything that’s happened to me since, you thought I couldn’t deal with this?”

Brea shook her head. “No, not that you couldn’t deal with it, only that I didn’t want to take the focus off of your healing. I didn’t want to add one more thing on our plate. I’d never want to be a burden.”

Michael dropped his head in his hands and then ran his fingers through his hair.

“Brea, honey, are you serious? You could never be a burden to me. We’re a partnership. We’re in this together. You’ve been with me through everything and then some. The least I can do is do the same for you. If you need help with the kids or any other thing that takes you away from your dreams, then I need to help you.”

Dr. Wells interrupted them. “Brea, do you think, now that you’ve heard Michael’s response to your concerns, that you could have this kind of conversation with him in the future? Although I’m happy to meet with the two of you, from what I can see, you guys are doing just fine.”

Brea took a deep breath and sighed. “I feel pretty silly for doing it this way, but honestly, doctor, you did help.”

They spent the rest of the hour talking about Michael and his improvement dealing with PTSD. Their home has always been a safe and honest place where each was comfortable with feeling vulnerable.

Now, after just one session with the therapist, Brea felt confident that no matter the subject, she didn’t need to worry that her marriage would suffer. In fact, it thrived in its strength. Collectively, they were formidable; individually, they each were grounded and powerful in their own right.

* * *

Trevor drove his pickup truck as Devon pointed out areas of concern. They’d spent the morning surveying their company’s properties but now, because of the impending weddings, Trevor insisted that they look at the structural issues on Captiva Island generally, and the Key Lime Garden Inn, specifically.

“I don’t think you’ve got anything to worry about,” Devon said.

“Dad’s right, Maggie. The inn is in good shape. We can help you get another gazebo up right away, and I’m thinking when Paolo gets back from Sanibellia we can help transport some trees and flowering bushes that will add color to the event.”

“Let’s not forget a few Christmas trees. I think we can combine the island’s natural beauty with a bit of holiday lights.”

Relieved that she didn’t need to deal with major construction, Maggie clapped her hands. “This is the best news. Thank you so much for your help, Devon. I appreciate your coming from West Palm Beach.”

“Not at all. Eliza is still there but I had to get back this way to see if our affordable housing construction is secure.”

“Oh, did you have much damage?”

“Not too bad. We did have shutters and roofs that blew off, but we’re taking care of that right away. Many people moved away during the storm. They’re waiting for us to do the repairs and then they’ll return.”

“I’ll tell Paolo of your plans to help us. I think these weddings might actually have a chance.”

“Oh, don’t you worry about the weddings. You won’t have any problem if Trevor and I have anything to say about it. Unless the brides or grooms get cold feet, that is.”

Maggie laughed. “We don’t have to worry about that. These are two couples who are perfect for one another. If a hurricane didn’t cancel their weddings, then nothing will.”

* * *

Ciara looked at the names on the Outreach Center’s shelter summary list. “There are forty-five names here. Looks like we had a full house.”

“We did. I think many people could actually have stayed in their homes, but the media scared the heck out of everyone. As you know, most of these women have no one to check on them. I guess they didn’t want to take a chance,” Kendra said.