CHAPTER 29

Theo was depressed, but stalking down to the piers helped him shake some of the tension that had been snaking through him. The day was gray and cloudy, a perfect mirror for his mood. A few brave seabirds called out in the chilly, damp air. He thought about strapping on some skates and heading out to the pond. It had always been a surefire relaxation method before. But something told him it wouldn’t work this time. Avery had snuck her way into his heart so insidiously, he couldn’t believe how much not having her hurt. But why now? Why this woman?

It was more than the fact that he’d been so wrapped up in himself in the past that he hadn’t been open to real love. It was Avery—everything about her fit just right. The curve of her lips when she found something amusing. That tinkling, fairy laugh. Her innate kindness. The sparkle in her eye when she challenged him. The way she encouraged others to open up and confront their inner selves, even though she was afraid to do the same. Man, he loved everything about her—even her flare of temper when he teased her.

Saturday night hadn’t been a tease. It had been an all-out onslaught, and she’d fled from him. Sighing, he leaned on the railing of Mutterman’s Pier and gazed out over the harbor. Without realizing it, he’d returned to his favorite childhood spot—his thinking place. This was where he’d go for a few minutes away from his rowdy brothers when he needed some breathing room. His dad had always known where to find him. Right at the end of this pier.

Family. He wanted one of his own, and it tugged at his heart. Being back in Star Harbor had done this to him. Had made him realize who he really was and what he truly cared about. Returning to his old life wasn’t an option at this point. He was staying right where he was, and there was only one woman he wanted, in his bed, in his life: Avery.

The only problem was that he’d driven her away.

What could he do to make her see that he’d changed? What could he do to get her to accept that he was willing to wait for her as long as it took? And where the hell was Val when he needed his advice? Probably off on some super-secret DEA mission.

Pondering the serious question of what to do about Avery required something strong to drink. Luckily, he was close to the Nail. Giving the water a final glance, he walked back down the pier and into the warm, dry tavern.

Andy greeted him as soon as he walked in.

“Theo. You’re here early. Hate to say it, but it isn’t your style to be drinking this early in the day.”

“I just needed a warm place to think,” Theo responded, shucking off his coat and throwing it on an empty stool before sliding onto the one next to it.

“Library wasn’t cutting it?” Andy asked with a laugh.

“This isn’t an academic problem.”

Andy let out a low whistle. “Oh, boy, you got it bad.”

Could the man see right through him? He’d given up trying to understand how people in Star Harbor knew so much. “You might say that,” Theo said wryly. “Unfortunately, she and I aren’t seeing eye-to-eye right now.”

“Told you that one had a mind of her own.” Andy gave him a sympathetic look. “Can I give you some advice?”

“Sure.” He had nothing to lose at this point. “Lay it on me.”

“Apologize.”

“What?”

“Apologize,” he repeated. “For whatever it was that you did.”

“How do you know I was the one in the wrong?” Theo asked indignantly. Andy just gave him a look. Theo slouched in his seat. “I need a beer.”

“Damn right you need a beer.” Andy pulled a frosty glass out from behind the counter and began to fill it from the tap. “But you best drink it quickly. I’m closing up early tonight for the concert.”

“Concert?”

“You’re in such bad shape you don’t even know she’s performing tonight. Episcopal Church. Seven o’clock. If I were you, I’d stop by Martins’ Market to get some flowers for afterward. Nice ones.”

“Nice ones, huh?” Theo said, his lip curling up.

Andy put his elbows on the bar and looked Theo dead in the eye. “Real nice ones.”

That night Theo changed into corduroy pants and a collared shirt before pulling on a sweater and his jacket. He went down to the first floor of the Inn, taking the steps two at a time. As he walked through the foyer, he ran into the Southern couple.

“Howdy, T. R.,” the man said to him. “You headin’ out tonight?”

“Yes, I am. Going to the holiday concert at the church. Are you planning to go?”

“We’d forgotten the concert was tonight,” Bess said.

“You should come,” Theo said. “Avery is playing.”

“Her playin’ was wonderful. What time does the concert start?”

“Seven.”

“Oh, we’re going,” Bess said to her husband. “It’ll be a real treat. As it is, we’re just thrilled that we’re goin’ to have a white Christmas.”

“See you there,” Theo said, leaving out the front door. He couldn’t linger; he had a few stops to make before concert time. First he stopped in at the LMK to grab a bite to eat. The place was crowded—everyone probably had the same idea—so he wolfed down a sandwich at the counter. Laying his money down next to his empty plate, he gave a quick wave goodbye to Lexie and Buster before making his way to Martins’ Market. Andy was older and sometimes crotchety, but he did have some good ideas. Theo wanted to win Avery back, and flowers were a good place to start.

To her credit, Joanne Martins didn’t say a word as he paid for the luscious bouquet of deep-red ranunculus flowers. She must have known who they were for, but she just smiled and told him to have a nice evening. He was sure he’d see her at the concert later, but she hadn’t even mentioned it. Despite their tendency to gossip, Star Harbor folks could keep their mouths shut when the situation warranted it.

The dull, gray day had shaped up to be a gorgeous, clear night, and he lightened his step. Theo felt a true sense of belonging as he joined the small groups of people walking toward the church on the far side of the Green. The old building, with its snow-covered roof, was decked out for the holiday. Wreaths were hanging on every window and two huge ones covered the double front doors. A couple of older women he didn’t recognize were outside taking donations for the concert. Handing one of them a bill, he climbed the worn, wooden steps.

The bottom floor of the church was already packed full by the time he got inside. Spotting Cole, he gave a wave. Unfortunately, there weren’t any seats available near his brother, so Theo headed up to the balcony. That was almost full too, but he managed to snare a single seat near the back.

Before the concert began, he took a long look around. He hadn’t been inside the church in years. In fact, the last time he was here was for his mom’s funeral, and before that, it had been for his dad’s. Though his mom had continued to attend services every Sunday, he and his brothers had just stopped going after his dad died. Maybe it was time to come back.

The interior of the church was simple and beautiful. There were long pews in the nave, a raised platform where the sanctuary began, and boughs of greenery on the pulpit. Five chairs had been arranged in a semicircle on the platform, and a piano had been set up on the right-hand side of the semicircle.

There must have been a few hundred people packed into the tight space, and Theo was glad because it was mighty cold outside. With his big frame wedged into a corner of a pew, he’d be plenty warm by the time the concert was over.