CHAPTER 21

The morning mist curled lazily above the lake, softening the outlines of trees and sky. It was quiet except for the low hush of water brushing against the shore, a silence that wrapped itself around Pearl and Ethan like a blanket. They were still wrapped in the spell of the lakeside cottage—a small, rustic thing with creaky wooden floors, a wide porch, and large windows that framed the serenity of the world outside. Pearl stood barefoot on the porch, a mug of tea warming her hands. Her hair was a wild mess dancing around her face as she looked out toward the lake. Ethan, sitting behind her in one of the cushioned wooden chairs, trailed his eyes up the length of her back and smiled at nothing in particular. “You’ve been quiet,” she said after a while, without turning. He rose and stepped up behind her, placing his arms gently around her waist. “Just enjoying the view.” Pearl leaned into him, sighing. “It’s nice, isn’t it? Quiet. Simple. Almost like another world.” He pressed a kiss