The Cursed Series, Parts 3 & 4 (Cursed #3-4) - Rebecca Donovan Page 0,144
were there in July.”
She laughs. “I’m sure you have. It’ll be nice to get away this one last time.” She rubs her belly that looks as round as a basketball.
“Faye!” Parker shouts excitedly from the backseat.
“Hi, sweet boy,” I say as I open the door and climb in next to him.
He has his stuffed tiger in one hand and a small cup of his favorite cereal snack in his lap.
“Want some?” he asks me, pinching a piece between his chubby fingers and holding it out to me.
“Thank you so much for sharing.” I accept it and pretend to eat it as I toss it out before closing the door. I buckle and turn toward him. “Are you ready to go on the boat?”
“Yes!” he hollers and kicks excitedly. “We’re going on the big boat!”
I laugh.
“He’s been just as excited to see you,” Mrs. Harrison tells me from the passenger seat. “But I’m sure there’s someone who’s even more excited.”
“He’s called twice already, making sure we’re still on schedule,” Mr. Harrison adds with a chuckle.
I can only beam. My heart flutters at just the mention of the boy I love.
I was young and in love. The world was full of possibilities. And I was excited for what my future held. I had so many plans. Being in love with Kaden Harrison changed my life. It gave me hope.
The four hours it takes to get to Nantucket feels like an eternity. And not because I’m bored. Parker keeps me entertained with his cute stories and need for attention, and Mrs. Harrison is engaging, asking about school and if I’m looking forward to the big transition next year. I can talk about what I’m doing after high school for forever. The places Kaden and I plan to visit. Where I’m hoping to attend college. I almost feel bad for them having to listen to me gush about it, except I can tell that Mrs. Harrison is truly happy for me. Mr. Harrison doesn’t say much. He never does though.
I’m trying to contain myself as the island comes into view, wanting to be docked already. I lead Parker to the front of the ferry as we get closer, holding on to him as he stands on the bench, pointing at all the sailboats moored in the harbor.
“Do you see Uncle Kaden?” I scan the faces along the dock, but they’re still too far away to decipher features.
“Uncle Kaden!” Parker screams into the sea breeze, like he will be heard if he yells loud enough.
I laugh. “Nice try, buddy,” I tell him. “Guess we’ll have to wait ’til we get there.”
I fidget as I pace, impatiently waiting our turn to deboard the boat, occasionally extending on my tiptoes and craning my neck in search of his beautiful face. As soon as my feet hit the planks of the dock, I see him standing off to the side, away from the line waiting to board. His smile sends sparks shooting through my chest. I run and practically jump into his open arms. Kaden lifts me off the ground, squeezing me tight. I know we’re attracting attention, but I don’t care. I’ve waited two excruciating months to be back in these arms. Another second would have killed me.
His lips press against my neck.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I murmur in his ear, still not ready to let go.
“Oh, you have no idea,” he responds, squeezing me tighter.
“Kaden, do you think you could put her down for a second to help with the luggage?” Niall asks from somewhere behind us.
My cheeks flush with heat. Kaden chuckles, slowly setting me on my feet.
“Yeah, of course,” he says, brushing a kiss against my temple before heading to the luggage carts being parked on the dock.
Kaden and Mr. Harrison unload the suitcases from the cart with 28 marked on its blue tarp.
I take hold of my own suitcase handle with one hand and Parker’s small hand with the other. He’s rolling his miniature Thomas the Train suitcase behind him, insistent that he can do it on his own. Kaden is pulling another that I presume to be Mrs. Harrison’s.
“Uncle Kaden, we looked for you. Did you see us?” Parker asks as we weave through the pedestrians along the dock and onto the cobblestone sidewalk, which is filled with people perusing the shop windows or lingering outside the restaurants.
“I was looking for you too, little guy,” Kaden tells him. “You’re hard to miss.”