Garnet (Gems of Wolfe Island)

Because of me.

I don’t know what to say. I could tell Luke to stay out of it. That once Buck is released from the hospital, we’ll go back to Manhattan and forget all about this.

But I can’t.

Someone tried to harm Buck. Someone killed Gloria and her husband.

And it’s all because of me.

This is my fault.

I need Luke’s help. I need Luke’s help to put a stop to all of it.

“Katelyn…” I begin.

She turns to me, swallows back a sob. “No, Aspen. Don’t go there.”

“I’m sorry.”

“What happened to you and what happened to me. None of it is our fault.”

“I understand that. But I’ll let this go. I’ll let it go for you. For Luke. Buck and I can go back to Manhattan. I don’t need to know who was behind this. All I really need is to get on with my life.”

Katelyn gazes at me. She wants to take me up on my offer. I can tell, but she won’t.

She won’t because she meets her fiancé’s gaze.

And his blue eyes—they tell a different story.

He will not let this go. His reasons are somewhat of a mystery to me, but they strengthen my resolve.

I harden. I harden into a freaking statue.

Buck could have been killed. Gloria and Brian were killed.

Whoever sealed my fate those years ago is still out there. I will track them down. Not only for me, but for the man I love.

Yes, the man I love.

The confession inside my mind doesn’t surprise me.

It’s there.

As if it’s always been there and it always will be.

I love Buck Moreno.

So I’m in. I’m all in. I gather every ounce of courage, mettle, and strength I possess, and let the fierce determination surge through me like fire.

Hello, old friend.

Garnet is all in too.

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