When she pulls back, her desert brown eyes search mine. “And Josh?”
I’m unable to find the words.
Her expression turns to sorrow. “You did everything you could.”
I want to tell her it doesn’t feel like enough, but the conviction in her eyes stops me. She rests a hand gently on my cheek. I lean into her touch, drawing strength from her.
“Come on.” She takes my hand. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”
Chapter 25
Maddie
A cool breeze carries the subtle sweetness of wilting flowers. We stand at the edge of the crowd gathered beneath the sprawling oak tree. We’re here to say goodbye to Josh Lanning.
My fingers fidget against each other as my gaze sweeps over the gathered faces. Josh’s mother stands closest to the casket, her shoulders trembling under the weight of her grief. Her husband’s arms are the only things supporting her. Beside them, Josh’s younger sister clutches a single white rose, her knuckles pale against the stem. She doesn’t cry. I weep for her.
To my right, Scott stands rigid. His broad shoulders slack with grief. His hazel eyes remain fixed on the casket, his jaw clenched. There’s turmoil simmering beneath his calm exterior. It’s been a few days since the storm ended. He hasn’t said much since the rescue.
The minister’s reverent voice cuts through the breeze. “Today, we honor and remember Josh Lanning.” He turns his attention to each family member. “A man whose passion for the sea is cherished by those who loved him. He courageouslyembraced its beauty and challenges, inspiring those who knew him. He was a son, a brother, and a friend, and he will be deeply missed.”
Soft sobs rise from Josh’s family, slicing through the minister’s words. I swallow hard, my chest tightening as guilt and sorrow twist together within me. Training with Wes without telling Scott feels hypocritical. I’m risking more than my own safety.
Josh’s sister steps forward and places her white rose on the casket. Her voice trembles as she speaks. I have to strain to hear her. “Josh loved the ocean. It meant freedom and passion to him. He always said it was where he felt the most alive. We’ll keep that part of him with us forever.”
Her words carry through the air, leaving a deep ache in their wake. I clench my hands tighter. My eyes flick to Wes.
He stares near the casket, his expression unreadable. There’s tension in his face, and his posture is rigid. Defiant. He’s unaccustomed to failure. He believed he could save Josh. It doesn’t matter to him that Josh was already dead when he found him.
After the service ends, people step forward to pay their respects. Scott moves ahead of me, resting his hand on the polished wood of the casket. His lips move, but whatever he says is meant for Josh alone. When he returns, his eyes meet mine, and I reach for his hand, intertwining my fingers with his.
As we linger, a man approaches the Lanning family. He carries himself with grace, extending a firm handshake to Josh’s parents and sharing a few kind words with his sister. He seems familiar, though I can’t quite place him. His face softens when he turns and spots Scott, and he walks toward us with determination.
“Scott,” the man says warmly, his voice filled with affection. “It’s good to see you, son.” Scott straightens up, his expressionsoftening. “Charles.” He takes the older man’s outstretched hand, and they shake.
This must be Charles Hayes, Adeline’s father. I hadn’t met him before. He’s not what I expected. He looks very young for his fifty-five years. But he’s sad. His eyes suggest he has experienced his share of tragedies.
Mr. Hayes holds onto Scott’s hand. “You’ve done right by Adeline, by all of us. I’m happy to see you finding your way forward.”
Scott’s throat bobs as he swallows. “Thank you, sir. That means a lot.”
Mr. Hayes’s gaze shifts to me, and his expression softens further. “You must be Maddie. I’ve heard a lot about you. Nathan was a good man.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Hayes.”
He smiles at me and chats with Scott for a few minutes longer before turning to leave. “Take care of each other.” He pats Scott on the shoulder before stepping away to greet someone else.
Scott stares after him for a moment, his jaw working silently. When he turns back to me, there’s a flicker of peace in his eyes. “He’s a good man.”
I tighten my grip on his hand. “You, okay?”
He doesn’t answer right away. His eyes drop to the ground, and he exhales slowly. “I’m getting there.”
Scott and I linger at the cemetery’s edge, the last mourners drifting away.
“I hate this.”
I squeeze his hand.
