Chapter 14
When Finley called, Claire was lounging on a sun–drenched beach in the Maldives.
The scenery was straight out of a postcard–crystal–clear water, endless blue skies. For someone who’d never seen the ocean, Claire was completely captivated.
She’d arrived carrying the weight of her grief, but the island worked its magic. Slowly, the sea seemed to pull her sadness away, leaving behind a strange sense of peace.
Nearby, the instructor was setting up for a snorkeling session when Claire’s phone started buzzing nonstop.
She pulled it out, saw the caller ID, and her stomach sank. Finley. Of course, he’d seen the divorce papers. He probably knew about
the baby too.
Claire sighed and hit decline. She didn’t have the energy for him.
But Finley didn’t give up. He called again. And again.
The instructor nudged her. “Seems important. You should take it. We’ll wait for you to join us in the water.”
With a deep breath, Claire decided to just get it over with. She picked up.
“Hello?”
“Claire! You finally picked up!”
Finley’s anxious voice caught Claire off guard.
She blinked.
It was a tone she’d never heard from him before.
“Do you need something?”
