Chapter 6

During the drive, Felix’s quiet “Friends. Sure.” lingers with Lucy, who arrives at Summer Wind feeling immediate relief and connection to the house. Bridget welcomes her warmly as Lucy takes in the familiar, beloved details of the home and the newly renovated kitchen.

Bridget proposes Felix stay in his old room so they can all be together. Felix resists, insisting the house is no longer his home. When Felix asks directly if something happened with Miles, Bridget denies it, but her evasiveness suggests strain around the wedding. Lucy resolves to support Bridget when she is ready to talk.

Bridget tries to coax Felix with traditions—oysters and bonfires—but Felix cites responsibilities at Salt Cottages. Lucy senses his choice is partly to avoid proximity to her, deepening her discomfort and guilt over their unresolved history.

At the shed, Felix replaces the Mustang’s battery and gets it running. He hugs Bridget, promises to return with oysters in a few days, and offers Lucy a restrained goodbye. As his truck departs down the red dirt drive, Lucy is left with the beauty of Summer Wind and the weight of Felix’s deliberate distance.