After everything that went down last night, he sure as hell hadn’t wanted to sleep on Beckett’s couch. Doug wasn’t going to let Rose spend the night in the nursing quarters. He’d wanted her in the suite close by him where he could be there for her. But the ladies decided it was their personal responsibility to care for Rose, so he’d stepped out to give the ladies some space. While Rose was in their good hands, Doug took the opportunity to make sure Gunny was well aware of what a fucking asshole Martin was. Gunny said, “This is going to be one fucking bumpy ride. One he’ll never forget.”
He went back to the suite after handing Martin off to Gunny and was practically kicked out. The three women looked like mother hens all standing there, arms crossed and warning him. It wasn’t as though he’d been the one to hurt her, but being a man seemed enough for them. Trying to reason with them was impossible. Women.
Danielle made it back home sometime after three a.m. He inquired about Rose then and was told under no circumstances was he to disturb her. Doug could only imagine the things running through her mind. Actually, he had a good idea what they were. He dealt with emotional trauma every day. Who better to support her through this?
Danielle had returned to the bungalow and updated him on Rose’s status, saying she was fine and resting. When he’d tried to leave to go to see Rose, Danielle stopped him, saying Rose asked for a little time alone. He needed to respect her wishes, but how long wasn’t discussed.
The house was quiet, and he couldn’t lie there staring at the ceiling a moment longer without seeing her. He needed to see for himself she was okay. Doug got up and folded the blanket Beckett had given him. As he opened the front door, Beckett came out of his room.
“Not before we talk.”
There were things that needed to be cleared up on both sides. “Not here.”
Beckett agreed, and the two of them headed off to a common dining area in one of the main lodges. Only staff would be there at this time of the morning.
Doug poured two cups of hot black coffee then walked over to Beckett. He handed him one cup and then took a seat across the table. This conversation could go many ways. There was only one thing he needed to know. The truth. That would require him to be honest with Beckett as well. What he had to say wasn’t going to make Beckett a happy man.
“Want me to start?” Doug asked.
“Let’s start with Martin and why he was here,” Beckett replied.
“Rose invited him.”
Beckett arched a brow. “Why? Did you piss her off?”
Doug burst out laughing. It wasn’t funny. It was hilarious. How Beckett could be one of the best in his field, and so obtuse to his own sister was beyond him.
“Something funny?” Beckett asked angrily.
Doug nodded. “Did you think Martin wouldn’t tell Rose about your conversation?”
Beckett shrugged. “I don’t care who the fuck he told. He got the point, or so I thought until his ass showed up here.”
“What did you think Rose was going to do when she found out you threatened him?” Doug asked.
He could see by the look on Beckett’s face that wasn’t what he expected to hear. “I what? Threatened him? What exactly did that little fucker say I said to him?”
“That if he didn’t stay away from Rose, you’d make him disappear, never to be seen again.” It was Beckett’s turn to laugh, and Doug found nothing humorous about it. “Threatening a man’s life is not funny,” Doug said firmly.
“This is coming from the guy who almost killed him last night?”
“Two different scenarios. I was protecting her and yo—”
“Cut the shit, Doug. We’ve known each other for almost fifteen years. There is no way in hell you really believe I called and threatened Martin. First of all, we’re not all talk. We’re action. Warnings are not our thing.”
That was true on both their parts. It wasn’t good, but Beckett was stating facts. There was no way Beckett called Martin threatening him. That didn’t mean a conversation didn’t take place. It only meant it wasn’t as Martin stated. Something wasn’t adding up. He’d easily bowed out when he’d supposedly been threatened, but then came when she soothed him. What were they missing? “What was Martin’s agenda for lying to Rose?”
Beckett looked as puzzled by this as Doug was. “I’m not sure. Rose said he was a quiet, shy guy, but my gut said differently. Given what took place last night, I was correct. The guy is dangerous, and my so-called threat will become a reality if he ever comes anywhere near Rose again.”
“You’ll need to get in line,” Doug stated.
Beckett looked at Doug long and hard before speaking again. He knew what was coming next, and Doug didn’t have any answers for him. Not because he was hiding anything, but because he wasn’t sure himself.
When he’d heard Rose’s scream and came around the corner to find Martin with his hand in her hair pulling, dragging her, he saw red. If he’d had his Glock on him, he would have shot him. Instead, he used what was also trained as weapons, his hands.
Doug was fighting an internal battle with what he’d done. He’d seen many battles and much loss of life. It was par for the course in war. This was different. It was personal, and his actions were out of rage, not in response to an order. He stopped the asshole from hurting Rose. He was aware if it hadn’t been for her begging him to stop choking Martin, he might not have stopped. That scared the fuck out of him.
“I’ve never seen you like that, Atwood.”
“I know,” Doug said softly, trying to process his own flashback.
“You’re not going to like this, but I think you should stay away from Rose for a while.”
Doug shot Beckett a look of astonishment. There were many things he thought he’d hear, but being warned to stay away from Rose sure wasn’t one of them. “Beckett, like you said, we’ve been friends a hell of a long time. That doesn’t give you the right to tell me who I can or can’t be around.” Especially Rose.
“This has nothing to do with our friendship. It has everything to do with keeping her safe.”
“And you think I’d hurt her?” Doug asked angrily.
Beckett shook his head. “I think she has the potential of being collateral damage. I’ve had my men start looking into the names you gave me. Any one of them could’ve killed or had your father killed. I know you’re set on finding out what happened to Earl, but I will not let Rose get caught in the middle. There is no one in West Virginia to watch over her. If last night doesn’t show you how defenseless she is, I don’t know what will. If you care about her at all, you’ll walk away now before she gets hurt. Physically and emotionally.”
Given how quickly the events of the last few days had made changes to his life, he hadn’t had time to assess how pursuing his father’s killer, if there was one, could affect Rose as well. Until seeing her again, he hadn’t considered there could be anything serious between them. They’d crossed paths several times before, but this time, they spent some one-on-one time. He wasn’t sure where it was headed, but he knew he wanted to explore it.
Until Beckett delivered that blow. He sucked in a deep breath, his gut feeling like he’d been stabbed, because Becket was right. Everything in him wanted to be there for Rose, help her recover from a brutal attack, but the best thing he could do for her was put some distance between them. He still needed to know she was going to be okay.
“I hear you loud and clear. Now I need you to do me a favor.”
“What do you need?”
“You need to find a way to keep Rose here on Marpe-Agape.”
“She won’t stay. I’ve asked her many times. Her answer is always the same. No.”
Rose had told him why. There wasn’t anything Beckett could do to change that. It was going to take someone else. Someone she might listen to. “How about Trent? Or KJ, or even Danielle?”
“Doug, I know you want her safe, but she won’t stay here.”
Nothing was impossible. It was only a matter of finding the one thing she wouldn’t be able to resist. Doug thought about Danielle and the kids. If she needed someone, Rose’s parents would step in like they did for all their children. That would mean Rose was still free to leave.
“I’ll stay with her,” Doug said, without even thinking it through. He knew if he couldn’t find a way to keep her here and safe, he’d just have to stay here with her until he did.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea either.”
“Why? Don’t you think I can protect her?” Doug asked.
“From others? Yes. From you? No,” Beckett said plainly. “She’s my sister, Doug. I’m not going to sit by and let you break her heart. I was wrong asking you here. I’ve seen how she looks at you. I . . . don’t like it. You’re not the settling-down type, and she’s not the screwing around—”
“You don’t have to tell me what she is. Rose is an amazing woman. Did you hear that word, Beckett? She’s a woman. Not a little girl, needing you to control every aspect of her life. If you don’t stop, you’ll put a wedge between you two.”
“And you know this how?”
He wasn’t going to break a confidence Rose had shared with him, not even to Beckett. He’d given him the only warning he could. “It’s my professional opinion.”
“There isn’t anything professional about how you view my sister,” Beckett said snidely.
“What goes on between Rose and me is none of your business.” Doug couldn’t believe he was drawing a line with Beckett. Never had there been one, or a need for one. He wasn’t doing this for himself. He couldn’t care less about what Beckett thought. This was for Rose. She needed to know if anything happened between them, it would stay that way. His friendship with Beckett would not impact anything.
“Your feelings for her are that strong?” Beckett asked. “Because you’re treading on thin ice, Atwood. You’d better consider what you want with Rose before you go any further. We might be friends, but that won’t play into it if you hurt her. Got it?”
Anyone else talking to him like that would’ve ended on a different note. Beckett’s warning only made him respect him more. Doug wasn’t sure about his feelings for Rose; that needed to be sorted out. The only way to do so was with time. He’d had every intention of calling for his chopper to pick him up today and head back to the States. He couldn’t bring himself to leave her. For now, Marpe-Agape was where he’d be.
Doug wasn’t walking out of Rose’s life, but he’d planned on keeping it casual. Beckett was right. Rose didn’t deserve that type of relationship. Could he give her what she was looking for? Hell, I’m not even sure what that is. All I know is she’s got me tied up in knots, thinking of her.
“Trust me, Beckett, Rose’s feelings and well-being are first and foremost in my mind.”
“I’ll like to second that,” Trent said as he pulled up a chair at the table and joined them. “I’m assuming you were discussing what happened last night with Martin.”
Beckett never took his eyes off Doug as he nodded. “Yeah. Doug and I were just clearing the air on what’s best for Rose.”
“Good. Elaine was really shaken up last night. She told me what Rose said about you,” Trent said to Doug. “How if you weren’t there she could’ve been—”
“But she wasn’t, and that’s what matters,” Doug said.
“You’re right. But we were all busy celebrating, and you still watched out for her. I . . . we owe you. This morning could’ve been a hell of a lot worse if you hadn’t been there. You ever need anything at all, just ask. It’s yours.”
“I appreciate that,” Doug said plainly. He wasn’t someone who’d ever go to Trent for assistance, but he’d hold that in his pocket, just in case.
“In the meantime, care to explain your arrival in a chopper with LaPrade on it?”
Surely it’s too early in the morning to open up that conversation. Hell, there isn’t a good time. “Listen, Trent. It’s a long story.”
“Good thing we all got up early then. So start talking before I decide to do my own digging.” Doug shot him a warning look, which Trent shrugged off. “What can I say? I’m a nosey prick,” Trent said, leaning back in his chair.
Among other things. He respected Trent as Beckett’s brother, but his reputation in business was more questionable. Doug knew it was much more than being nosey. Why Trent wanted to know wasn’t clear, but Trent always had a motive. One that suits his needs. He had wanted to change the subject from Rose, but onto Earl wasn’t much better. Either way, Trent would find out. The man had enough money to bribe just about anyone. Of course, so do I now. Damn, that’s not something I’m used to.
“He was my father.”
By the stunned look on his face, Trent wasn’t expecting to hear that. It was Trent’s reply that caught Doug off guard, though.
“Wow. Must have sucked being raised by that bastard,” Trent said coldly.
So much for offering sympathy. Guess that’s why you earned the reputation of being a prick. If there’d been any real connection between them, Doug would’ve taken offense at Trent’s choice of words and would’ve probably knocked him on his ass. “Wouldn’t know. Didn’t know the man.”
Trent arched a brow and peered at Doug. He could tell Trent had a lot of questions running through his mind. Instead of asking them, he offered some information.
“I heard he married a couple years back. She’s a real winner. Did you hear what happened to her first husband?”
Didn’t know Dad wasn’t her first. Interesting. That piqued Doug’s interest. From the look on Beckett’s face, he’d also caught that last remark. “No, I didn’t.” Candi wasn’t even thirty, and Earl was already her second husband. What a track record. He knew the only reason Candi had married his father was money. Money she’s not getting. It was possible her first marriage was for love, and it didn’t work out. It was a very slim chance, but he would give her the benefit of doubt . . . for the moment. “What do you know?”
“She was married to some guy on Wall Street named Pelletier. Like Earl, he was an older guy, using his money to get young women. Not sure what happened, but it was rumored he had a heart attack and died while they were on their honeymoon. The guy was in his sixties, and she decided to take him on a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro.”
Doug didn’t have any fond memories of his father, yet he didn’t like hearing Trent speak ill of him either. Before he could respond, Beckett chimed in.
“She must’ve been left a rich woman,” Beckett said.
Trent shook his head. “Nope. Pelletier only looked good on paper. I hear he was so far in debt she was left with nothing.”
Candi needed another sugar daddy. She’s collecting rich husbands, just not planning it all the way through, because two down, and she’s still broke. And if I find out she had anything to do with my father’s death, she’ll add jail to her list of accomplishments. His father was one hell of a savvy businessman. Marrying her seemed so out of character now. Was it possible his father didn’t know who he was marrying? Were you blinded by lust? Because I can’t believe you didn’t check into her first. Then again, you did know enough to cut her out of the will. But not enough to keep you alive.
“What happened to your father?” Trent asked.
Doug met Beckett’s gaze. He wasn’t sure how to answer that. Beckett did for him. “That’s why Doug’s here. I’m helping him find that answer.”
“Murdered?” Trent asked.
“We don’t know. Nothing is ruled out at the moment,” Doug answered reluctantly.
“He’s made a lot of enemies along the way. Hell, I’m on that list, but I didn’t kill your father. His business dealings were not always aboveboard, and he screwed a lot of people over. Nothing illegal, but in this type of business you can still piss people off, even if you follow every letter of the law. Anyway, don’t cross his wife off that list yet.”
Doug could read Beckett’s thoughts. He was already planning his visit to Candi. How Doug wished he could be there when it happened.
“Please don’t tell me Earl left that vixen everything,” Trent said.
Doug shook his head. “No. Like you said, he was a savvy businessman. Guess he wasn’t as blind as everyone thought.”
“Good. So I guess since you arrived in LaPrade’s chopper, everything was left to you, and that makes you my competition now. There’s a little place in South America I think we need to discuss.”
Doug didn’t want to hear anything about business. He didn’t plan on following in his father’s footsteps. Not professionally and not personally. “Whatever it is, it’s yours. I’ll have my lawyer, Robert Handa, reach out to you to finalize anything if you need it.” Until now, he’d never needed a lawyer. Since Handa had offered and knew more about the business it only made sense to utilize him. He was probably the only one my father trusted too.
“You’re not the least bit interested in what it is, are you?” Trent asked.
There was a piece of him that wanted to ask. Whatever it was, Trent seemed eager to get his hands on it. It’s only the first of many things I want out of my life. If I don’t give it to you, it’ll be some other guy. Might as well make it a Davis. “I am his son by blood only. If you want something, you can have it. None of it means anything to me.” He knew someone like Trent wouldn’t understand that. He’d built himself an empire, and his name was known and often feared, worldwide. It was believed that if he visited your company, you best be looking for new employment. He’d never resist what Doug was willing to walk away from.
The shock of being offered what he’d fought Earl for showed all over Trent’s face. Sorry to disappoint you, but I’m not fighting over money or things. Neither matter to me. Never have and never will.
“We don’t know each other well, but I will tell you that’s not a wise business decision. I know or can guess what Earl was worth. Just in assets alone, the guy was a giant. You don’t need to be him to run the business. Actually, I’d prefer you aren’t like him if you’re anywhere around my sister. Hell, any of my family for that matter.”
“So are you suggest giving it all away? Trust me; I’m considering that option.”
“Do I look fucking crazy? Hell, no. Unless you’d like to give it to me, then I agree with your decision.” Trent laughed lightly. Then he became serious again. “Take a look at Marpe-Agape, Doug. Every single thing you see is because of donations. Both money and time. But none of it would stay viable without continuous funding. I’m not saying for you to give your inheritance to Marpe-Agape. We’ve got it covered now. What I am saying is to think long and hard before you make any decision. A man with that much money has great power. How you choose to use it determines what legacy you leave one day for your children.”
For my children? Hearing Trent speak like that surprised Doug. He’d been known as a shark, swallowing smaller fish. Had Trent changed because of the love of a woman and having a family of his own? It never happened for my father . . . and so far, not for me. But both these men?
It appeared to be the case for both brothers.
It was surprising and good to see people change for the better. He’d been worried about Beckett when they’d spoken earlier in the week. He hadn’t spent time with KJ, which wasn’t surprising given he’d arrived late on the eve of her wedding. She had seemed both relaxed and happy yesterday, which he was glad about. Beckett had been able to articulate what was concerning him, so he could work through some strategies to see his friend feeling more in control of his fears and doubts soon. Sitting here now, the only one who seemed to be having serious issues was himself. Tables seem to have turned. Doug needed to pull back and check himself. He couldn’t afford to snap. Not if he wanted to be near Rose. She is the last person I want to witness that side of me. Last night was bad enough.
He remembered the sound of her voice as she pleaded with him to let go of Martin. She was scared of him then, and he hated it. It was the ugly side he’d hidden for so long that he almost forgot it was there. The truth was, he’d only buried the brutal anger. The crushing darkness. The stench of war. Me. It was only a matter of time before it reared its ugly head again.
Hearing Trent talk about having children one day freaked him out. As long as he had these demons within him, how could he ever consider sharing his life with someone, never mind bringing innocent, defenseless children into this world? He wasn’t ready for that. Maybe I never will be.
Doug needed a break from the conversation. He wanted to see Rose, to explain what she’d seen last night wasn’t what she thought. He should know the words to use, but despite spending the past five years counseling others on how to deal with speaking from the heart, why was it so fucking difficult to figure it out for himself?
“Trent, that location is South America is yours. I’ll keep you in mind if I want to give the rest away. Right now, I’ve got other things on my mind.” Doug got up from the table and said, “Beckett, you keep digging. Right now, I’m going to try to do some damage control.”
“I’d suggest giving it a bit more time. But you don’t seem like someone who takes advice. So good luck. I look forward to hearing from Handa. I wish all my business dealings were so simple.” Trent got up from the table too and left the dining hall.
I wish I didn’t have any of them. I don’t like walking with snakes. Eventually you get bitten.
Beckett stayed seated. “You’re serious? You’re just giving my brother property without even knowing what it’s worth?”
“I don’t want to know. Let him put it to good use.”
Beckett shook his head. “You’re one crazy son of a bitch.”
“Lately, I’d have to agree with you.”
He watched as Beckett’s expression became much more serious. “Do what you want with your money. Neither of us value it. It’s just a means to an end. But I’m warning you, Atwood, you blow it now with Rose, and you might not get a second chance. Trent is right, and I don’t usually agree with him. She needs to sort out her own emotions first. Once she’s done that, she’ll be ready to listen. If you go to her now, she’ll focus on you and not what she needs. She was attacked last night. Physically and mentally she needs to heal. If anyone should know that, it’s you.”
Doug walked out of the dining hall and slammed the door behind him. Fuck. I know. I just don’t like it.
Rose spent the entire day in bed. Lying awake, tossing and turning. Although she wished Doug was with her, it was a relief not to face anyone. Her face was black and blue and still tender to the touch. Her body felt as though someone had taken a baseball bat and beaten her. Did he only hit me once? The pain felt like more.
She thought she heard the front door to the suite open and close again. Was Doug back? She didn’t want him to see her like this. If he entered now, she knew the tears she’d shed all night would return. Nothing good would come from that.
They had shared something special yesterday in the garden. That was how she wanted him to remember her. Not bruised and looking like hell.
There was a knock on her bedroom door, and Rose thought about not responding. Then there was a second one. Avoiding him wasn’t going work. “Come in.”
When the door opened, she was surprised to see Sharma. “Rose, I was worried about you. Are you okay?”
Rose sat up on the bed and tried to smile, but it hurt too much. “I’m okay, Sharma.”
Sharma came into the bedroom, carrying a tray. “I thought you might want something to eat and drink. And I also brought an ice pack and pain killers.”
She hadn’t eaten anything since the reception last night. Food wasn’t on her mind, yet the smell of coffee was wonderful. Sharma placed the tray on the nightstand near the bed and started back toward the door. Rose realized then she didn’t want to be alone. At least not now. Who knows how I’ll feel in ten minutes?
Her emotions had been all over the place since the attack. It was a normal reaction—she worked with victims of assault regularly—yet knowing that didn’t help her.
“Sharma, do you have time to sit for a while?”
She turned back, looking at Rose with concern. “Do you need me to call the doctor? Are you hurt badly?”
Physically no. Mentally, I’m not sure yet. “No doctor needed. Just a friendly face.” Rose patted the opposite side of the bed. “Come and sit with me.”
Sharma did as Rose asked but didn’t speak. It was obvious she didn’t know what to say. Who did? It happened to Rose, and she wasn’t sure what to say either. The silence became awkward, so she decided to take the time to get to know more about Sharma.
“What did you do before you came here? I mean to Marpe-Agape.”
Sharma looked down at her hands that were folded on her lap. “Do you mean for work?”
“Yes. Did you do housekeeping back home too?”
“No. My family was very poor, and I didn’t get the education that most did. I had to work to help support my family as a child. Then when I got married, it was too late. All I could do was sell things in the market and make a little money. Very little education and no job skills left me with only a few options. Even housekeepers are required to have education. So the answer is no, I didn’t work as a housekeeper until I came here.”
Rose knew some countries required a college degree for some low-skilled positions and that seemed totally outrageous. Obviously Sharma came from such a place. For people who couldn’t afford an education, it trapped them in a vicious cycle of poverty. Just hearing Sharma’s story tugged at Rose’s heartstrings. “Did you ever think about finishing your schooling while you’re here?”
Sharma looked surprised. “I am too old to go to school.”
“No one is ever too old to follow their dreams. If you could be anything, what would it be? What is your dream, Sharma?” Rose expected Sharma to have to stop and think about what she wanted to do. After all, her husband had only recently died, so she’d been dealing with grief and a new job. So she was surprised when Sharma looked at her and smiled wistfully.
“I would be a caregiver. A nurse like you and Mrs. Navarro. To be able to help the sick and know how to ease their pain is what I’d want to do. But that is just a dream.”
Rose wasn’t used to hearing KJ addressed as Mrs. Navarro. Most people on the island were so much more laid back, but Sharma held to formal names until told otherwise. I’m sure KJ will set this straight soon. “Have you ever told anyone you want to go to school?”
“No, and I’m not even sure why I shared that with you. You don’t need to hear all my woes. Thank you for being a good listener and easy to open up to.”
She understood it could be embarrassing to admit she had no education. What Rose saw in Sharma was something so special. She had such a kind heart that Rose knew if Sharma truly wanted to be a nurse, she’d be an amazing one. You’d be an asset to Marpe-Agape.
Rose wasn’t sure how she was going to pull it off, but she was going to make it her personal goal to make sure Sharma fulfilled her dream. She knew she could ask Trent to sponsor Sharma’s education, but she had a feeling Sharma would refuse the help. It would need to be something more creative than that.
“What about you, Rose? Is being a nurse your dream?” My dream?
Being a nurse had been expected of her. Her mother and sister were nurses. As long as she could remember that was all everyone thought she wanted, but no one asked her what she wanted. Rose knew she was a damn good nurse. Caring for others came naturally to her.
Rose had started to share with Doug that she wanted something more, yet never gave him any details as to what that was. Mostly because she hadn’t exactly defined that yet. It was interesting that this was the second time in a few days her future had been brought up. Was the universe telling her it was time to reconsider her existing plan? Time to make a change?
One thing was holding her back. The word change scared her. Growing up in a military family should’ve made her used to it, and she was to a degree, but that didn’t mean she liked it. Setting down roots someplace meant so much to her. Yet everything around her was changing. Her siblings were married and had families of their own. She was the only one who seemed stagnant. Was it time she started thinking of what she wanted instead of what her family expected of her? Here I am telling her it’s not too late to chase her dream. So what’s stopping me from chasing mine?
Rose could come up with a trillion excuses, but that’s all they’d be. There were such things as fundraising to get the backing she’d need. Anything she didn’t know, she could learn. And I have enough connections in my family who could advise me if I get stuck. “A nurse is what my family wanted me to be.”
“You don’t like being a nurse?” Sharma asked.
“I love caring for others. It’s very fulfilling. But I feel I’m only able to help one person at a time. My dream is to be able to cast a wider net to help more.”
“I don’t understand. How would you do that as a nurse?”
I wouldn’t. She wanted to step out of her comfort zone. Ever since Beckett had come home from a mission as an amputee, she knew the physical aspect of losing a limb was only one part of the trauma. She respected Doug for what he did, trying to help people heal. That was another part. There was the financial part, and other agencies helped with that. And the adjustments needed to their home to accommodate their disability.
Rose wanted to start a nonprofit agency for veterans that did it all. One that reached more people and saw that nothing or no one slipped through the cracks. And one that included regular check-ins on their clients to confirm their needs were not being overlooked. Not just closing a file and moving on to the next. Serious injuries, whether from war or not, sometimes precluded people from returning to work in their trained professions. She wanted a full-service center, including rehabilitation, affordable psychological assistance, retraining into a new role should that be needed, and case workers prepared to put in the extra time and effort to help those in need make a better recovery.
She knew her brother had been fortunate to have the support system he had. So many others weren’t as lucky.
“I want to start my own business.” It was such a simple answer to such a big dream. Yet it was still all she was able to share right now.
Even before the flight to the island with Doug, the nonprofit service had been on her mind for a long time. She hadn’t planned on staying on the island for the entire week, yet in doing so, she could put the time to good use. It’ll be better than hiding in my room under a blanket. I can’t change what happened yesterday, but I can change what I want for tomorrow.
A smile crossed her face. She was glad Sharma stopped to check on her. Whether she knew it or not, her act of kindness and concern was just the kick-in-the-pants she needed.
“Sharma, have you seen Doug today?”
“Yes. He was walking on the beach. Would you like me to find him for you?”
“No. I’ll find him later. Right now, I have a few things I need to do.” Although she wanted to see him, he would be a distraction from putting this plan into action.
Rose threw off her blanket and got out of bed.
Sharma shot her a grin and said, “Good to see you up and on your feet. Let me know if you need anything.”
Rose called out as she was about to leave the room, “I need you to hold on to your dream. Don’t you give up, Sharma.”
Sharma nodded. “I won’t. I promise.”
Good. Because the first thing on my agenda is to make sure this happens for you. Helping Sharma get into nursing school was going to be so much easier than her own dream. Helping others sparked a motivation that took off and started a life of its own. What Sharma needed were the funds, because Rose knew she already had the passion and drive.
Rose rushed to the shower. She had a few people she needed to meet with before the entire day was lost. Danielle and KJ were the two women who had the tools, knowledge, and ability to make Sharma’s dream become a reality. Hold on tight, Sharma, because you’re about to enter the next chapter of your life. And if I’m right, it starts tomorrow.