Disclaimer: Same as previous chapters.

Authors Note: I hope y'all enjoy this chapter. It was one of my favorites to write. I feel obligated to put a warning up, though.

This chapter has a fairly mature scene towards the end. I didn't change the rating as it's not too explicit, but it's still very obvious as to what's going on. If you object to this sort of material, please feel free to gloss over it and continue to the final part of this chapter. Otherwise, sit back, relax, read, and enjoy. I know Shane and Sarah did ;)

She Knew Him When…

September

"Babe, I swear to God if that rat comes in here one more time, I'm gonna barbeque it along with these ribs."

Smothering a laugh at Shane's exasperation, Sarah gently pushed the tiny terrier that had been hovering at his feet through another door.

"Sorry about Gigi. But you're fixing food and Lucy brings her everywhere she goes."

Shane was clearly baffled.

"Why?"

"Because Gigi is people."

Walking into the kitchen, Trish opened a stainless steel wine-cooler beneath the counter and pulled out a bottle. "Or so Lucy claims."

"You're joking."

Letting a tiny smile slip, Trish shook her head. "Not even a little. Sar, can you bring the potatoes out when you're done?"

"Yep. I just have to fold in the cheese before popping them back into the skins."

"Sounds good." Turning from the kitchen door to wave to a new arrival, Trish bounced towards the sound of the growing outdoor party.

"Small barbecue for eight?" Shane arched an eyebrow .

"They're a loud eight," Sarah replied dryly. Putting down the spatula, she began counting off. "Let's see…Us, Henry and Trish, Lucy-"

"And Gigi?"

He was smirking.

"Ah, no. She's not included on the list."

"Of course not. How silly of me."

Jumping as he walked by to pinch her bottom, Shane's smirk broadened. "So who else?"

Tilting her head thoughtfully, Sarah began spooning the potato mix.

"Malcolm's in town for some sort of meeting-"

"Henry's friend?"

"Yes."

"The fat guy."

"He's only a little big."

"The fat guy," Shane repeated slowly. Rolling her eyes at his indelicacy, Sarah sighed.

"Yes, Shane. The fat guy."

"Well that makes six since he just got here." He used some tongs to pull aside a curtain, contemplating the group of people laughing and drinking. "So who's the seventh and eighth?"

"Danny's local so he'll be here in a bit."

"Just don't tell me he's bringing that dickhead friend of his."

"Wait, you mean to tell me you don't like Sully?" Sarah placed a hand to her chest, feigning surprise.

"Naw. Him and me?" Shane linked his fingers together, shaking them. "We're tight-best buds."

"While your dislike of him is completely understandable, Chris Sullivan is currently persona non grata at Wellington gatherings. He's not coming, so there's nothing to worry about."

Sarah kissed the cleft in his chin as she passed by.

"I'm not worried." Looking offended by the suggestion, Shane crossed his arms and leaned against a counter. "But if it's not him, who's the eighth?"

"Henry didn't say, and it was his invite." Sarah moved back towards the small kitchen island, looking around. "Shane, did you see where I put the corkscrew?"

"Your sister took it two trips ago."

"Which is why I can't find it," Sarah muttered to herself. Then looking up at her boyfriend, beamed. "Thanks."

"Yeah. So, hey, can I tell you something?"

"Absolutely."

"You," he pointed the tongs at her, "look really hot when you're being domestic."

Bursting into laughter while he went to collect a beer, Sarah waved the potato covered spatula in his direction.

"You think I'm hot now? Just wait, honey. You'll think I'm scorching when I start vacuuming after everyone leaves tonight."

"Oooh." Shane waggled his eyebrows at her, lips curving up wickedly as he raised his drink. "Sounds dirty."

"Hey!"

Henry stuck his head through the door, wine cooler in hand. Judging by his bright eyes and too broad smile, he wasn't on his first drink.

"Hey back." Sarah wiped her hands on a towel. "Everything all right out there?"

"Yeah, great! I just wanted to know if we were going to barbecue tonight."

"Maybe."

Shane's deliberate attempt at being obtuse went straight over Henry's head. It was a sure sign the alcohol had taken him to a very happy place.

"Behave." Smiling, Sarah pushed his chest lightly, then handed Henry the potatoes. "We'll be out in a few. Tell Trish?"

"Yes m'am!"

Saluting her with the hand holding his drink, Henry headed back out, calling to Trish as he staggered across the yard with the tray. Sarah prayed he wouldn't drop it.

"Is he already wasted?"

"If he isn't, he's definitely on the way there," Sarah replied.

"On wine coolers?" Shane snorted, unimpressed. "The guy's a cheap drunk-and believe me, I've seen my share."

"That may be, but he's also the reason Trish isn't busting your chops."

Shane mumbled to himself as he went to grab the platter of uncooked ribs and chicken.

"I can handle your sister."

"I know you can, but this isn't about handling people, Shane. I just want it to be a nice evening."

"Whatever you want, babe. I'm just here to see you."

Sarah touched his hand before he could pick up the food. She knew the weekend was far out of his comfort zone, and hoped she wasn't asking too much of him too soon.

"Thank you for coming up this weekend."

"Like I was going to say no," Shane scoffed, then reflected on the people he'd voluntarily agreed to spend time with. There had been plenty of reasons to be tempted.

"I'm glad you didn't."

Sarah's smile was tender.

"Yeah. Me, too." Brushing several strands of hair from her face, Shane tipped his face down, murmuring against her lips. "I just can't say no to you."

Sarah laughed breathily into the kiss.

"I'm going to have to remember that."

Chuckling, Shane went to deepen their embrace, but the slamming of the back door against the kitchen wall startled them apart.

"Whoa. Now this is way too weird."

"J.D.!" Sending Shane a warning look, Sarah gave an awkward wave. "I had no idea you were coming."

"I wasn't sure I was coming," he replied. Pale blue eyes moved from her to Shane. They glittered meanly. "I thought Henry was joking when he said Shane was here."

"Far as I can see there's only one joke in this room," Shane growled.

"You know what?" Sarah moved carefully between the two men. "I need some extra hands. J.D., could you carry this out for me?"

"Sure." Grabbing the tray of condiments, he smirked at Shane before heading back out.

"That kid's gotten a hell of a lot creepier since I last saw him."

"And he's been through a lot," Sarah reminded him, pausing. "I know you and J.D. have some problems, but could you put them on hold tonight for me?"

For her, he did.

There was an obvious strain between them, but Shane kept his distance by manning the grill while J.D. stayed on the fringe of the group, glowering silently at everyone. Dressed in black and pale as death, he was hard to miss. It made it easy for Shane to avoid him. Not only did it keep his girl happy, but he was also able brandish the skewers and tongs if anyone got on his nerves.

And amazingly, other than J.D., no one really did.

The rest of the evening went pretty well. He had a few snickers at Henry's expense as he stumbled around into people. He even had some laughs with some of the others-mostly with Danny, best friend to the dickhead. He was pretty easygoing; quick to laugh or smile.

He reminded him of Jimmy.

Sarah didn't hover; letting him do his own thing without having to mingle. Considering this wasn't really his scene, he appreciated that. But he was glad when she slid her hands into his, or gave him a kiss when caught in a conversation. He liked having her near him.

There had been a few times when he'd been tempted to throw a few pieces of raw meat-skewers and all-at J.D.. Henry was blitzed enough to not notice if he had. Thing was, Shane felt pretty certain he'd just eat it. J.D. was just freakish enough to do it. So he restrained himself.

The party rolled to a stop around eleven, when Malcolm and Danny had to help Trish carry Henry to the car. J.D. seemed happy enough to watch from the sidewalk. He didn't offer to help.

"Do you need anything?" Sarah asked her sister. Shaking her head, Trish lifted a hand in a helpless gesture.

"No. I don't know what's gotten into him. This isn't like Henry."

"He talked to Abby today."

J.D. spoke up for the first time since arriving. His ghostly face showing no discernable emotion. It was perfectly blank.

"He seemed upset after that."

Sharing a quick look with her sister, Trish hurried towards her car. "I see."

Shane sauntered out, leaning in the doorway, a dishtowel draped over his shoulder. He placed a hand on Sarah's arm.

"You need to make sure they're okay?"

"Yeah." Her fingers touched his lightly. "Give me a moment."

Brushing past Lucy and Gigi, Sarah grabbed Trish's elbow before she could slide behind the wheel.

"Let me know when you get home?"

Turning to hug her younger sister, Trish placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Promise."

"And if you need anything-"

"I'll call." Shooing her away with both hands, Trish smiled with some reluctance. "Go on, Sarah, I can handle this. Besides, I think someone's waiting for you."

Glancing over the roof of the car, Shane was still leaning in the front door, arms crossed. Much of his face was shadowed by the porch lights, but she could feel him watching carefully. Sarah felt a smile forming. His head tipped back; she could almost see the soft curve of his lips. He made such a tempting sight.

Distantly, she heard Trish sigh.

"-lost cause."

Turning back to her sister, Sarah blinked. "I'm sorry?"

"Nothing." Trish slid into her car, turning it on. "I'll let you know when we get back to the loft. Danny and Malcolm are going to follow us back-help get Henry upstairs."

"Sounds good," Sarah nodded, taking one last glance at Henry. He seemed to be unaware of anything at that moment. "Drive safely."

"Always."

Saying good-bye to the rest of her guests, Sarah walked up the steps to where Shane was waiting. His blue eyes were curious as he held out a hand.

"Your sister going to be okay?"

Looking where Trish had parked, Sarah turned back and placed her hands in his.

"Yeah. She said everything would be all right. Apparently Henry talked with Abby today, and it put in him a mood."

His expression darkening fleetingly, Shane grunted. "She has that affect on people."

Pushing him back over the threshold gently, Sarah closed the front door.

"She doesn't have to have that affect on us."

Thinking about the suggestion, Shane only needed a moment to nudge her back against the closed entrance, leaning into her with his body. Tossing the towel to the floor his arms circled Sarah's waist as he dipped his head down.

Sarah murmured quietly when his mouth closed over hers. Shane broke the kiss briefly, mouth turned up in his typical smirk when she protested.

"But what about the vacuuming?"

Smacking his arm lightly, Sarah laughed as she pulled his head back down to hers, kissing him deeply.

"Later," she purred. "Much, much later."

December

There was a reason the ferry ran only a few times during the winter. Besides the freezing temperatures and falling snow, the water was vicious. It even looked angry. Black and grey, crested with frothy white caps, people who went into this kind of water didn't tend to come back out.

Sarah was huddled inside the tiny cabin as she looked outside its single window. It was bleak. Everything looked so dreary, completely unlike the cheerfully lit Seattle skyline she'd left behind half an hour earlier.

But she'd promised Shane she'd make this trip, and truth be told, she'd missed him terribly. She'd gladly weather the rough seas to see him. Voice mails, phone calls, and the occasional email just weren't enough.

"Arriving at Harper's Island in five minutes."

The booming voice of the man steering the boat caused Sarah to squint towards the horizon. Or what she thought was the horizon..

Five minutes? Was he joking? She couldn't see a thing in front of her yet he knew the Island was a few short miles away?

Sarah concentrated very hard as she tried to see the outline of the island, but she just couldn't do it. Turning her back to the window, she sighed, closing her eyes. To her, visibility had become all but zero. Why keep them open? It was as if the island had simply vanished.

"You gonna stand there all day and sleep? Or are you getting' off, Miss?"

Sarah's eyes flew back open.

"What?" Looking over her shoulder, the familiar, though very white dock of Harper's Island lay before them. Sarah hadn't even realized the ferry was no longer moving. "We've stopped."

"Uh, yeah." The driver gave her an odd look, then opened the door, gesturing for her to get a move on. "You stayin' or goin'?"

"Going, thanks!"

Gathering up her leather tote and a small case, Sarah pulled the hood to her coat up and started down the ramp towards the docks. It was eerie. Her footfalls were the only sound she could make out. But with the winter storms headed their way, taking the trawlers out were out of the question. The marina was dead, void of all activity.

Not the best news for those who made their lively hood from it, but it was just another part of weathering the seasons on an island.

"Looking good, mainlander."

Turning unsteadily on the heavily powdered dock, Sarah's face lit up in delight.

"What are you doing here?" She jumped into Shane's arms unceremoniously, pressing fervent kisses across his bearded face. "You're not supposed to be working."

"Are you kidding? Work in this?" He laughed, taking a look at the near blizzard conditions. "Not a chance. I had to grab some things from the wheel house. Figured I'd wait 'til I came to pick you up."

Sarah rewarded him with another round of kisses.

"It's still such a nice surprise."

"Yeah, well, you didn't really think I was going to let you hike all the way to the lot by yourself did you?"

"We never discussed it on the phone."

"Didn't need to." Pressing his lips against hers firmly, Shane smirked. "Besides, you'd never make it with all the crap you probably brought with you."

"I'll have you know I only brought one bag and my violin case, thank you very much."

Underneath his wool cap, Shane's eyebrows lifted as he inspected the small tote on the dock.

"You managed to fit all of your girly stuff into that?"

"I packed light," Sarah replied defensively. "I have everything I need."

Mouth parting in a slow grin, Shane chuckled. "I'm sure you do. Ready to get some place warmer?"

Jumping up and down in the cold, Sarah nodded.

"Yes, yes, and oh, God yes."

"You're turning me on, woman." Shane chided as he leaned down to pick up her things. "Stop it."

Laughing into his arm as they headed towards his truck, Sarah sighed happily.

"I've missed you so much."

His free arm swung around her back, pulling her closer. "Me, too, babe. More than you know."

"Oh really?"

"Yep. I'm not the only one, either." At Sarah's inquiring look, he shook his head. "Nuh-uh. Let's get home. You'll find out."

************************************************************************

"It all happens here: good friends, good times-"

"And good food!" Nikki cheered, interrupting Jimmy. Her nose ring winked at them as she shook out her wet hair. "I've got eats people."

"Finally," Shane groaned. He rubbed his stomach for show. "We're starving and you took for freaking ever."

"Please." Nikki handed Jimmy the bags as she shimmied out of her snow-covered jacket. "You try to get Bitsy Mae to rush an order on the night we're forecasted to loose all power."

"Is that what the weatherman said?"

Jimmy stopped inspecting their boxes of food.

"That's why every other person was stocking up on whatever's available," Nikki confirmed. Then making a face at Shane, added, "You could have helped if you were so concerned, y'know."

"Nah." Shane grinned around the mouth of his coffee mug. "That's women's work."

Squinting his eyes shut at what was bound to follow, Jimmy wasn't the least bit surprised when Nikki hauled back and socked him in the back. Hard.

"Jackass."

Sarah frowned at her boyfriend, but began rubbing the sore spot from Nikki's punch.

"That was pretty insensitive."

"Says the girl who's daddy claims she's getting a degree in being a housewife."

"He did not!" Nikki's mouth formed a bright pink "o" as she sat across from the couple. She didn't even look at the plates as she scooted them around the table.

"Yes, well, he doesn't seem to think becoming a career violinist is an actual career."

"He's heard you play right?" Jimmy sipped from his glass slowly. "He's got to know how good you are."

"He thinks it's a hobby," Shane explained, sliding a protective arm around Sarah's shoulders. "Thinks she should go into the family business."

"Which I'd rather gouge my eyes out than do," Sarah finished. "And he knows that. I don't think he heard the part where I'd be playing full-time with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. It's not a big deal, though. He'll come around eventually. Daddy always does."

"It's still a jerk thing to say," Nikki groused.

"Thanks, Nik."

"Uh, hey?"

Sarah raised her eyebrows.

"What?"

"I pretty much said the same thing." Shane glanced at his girlfriend pointedly. "So how come you got bent out of shape when it came out of my mouth?"

"Because the word you used wasn't 'jerk', and you said several other unflattering things as well," she reminded him patiently. Drinking from his mug again, Shane nodded slowly.

"Oh, yeah. That's right." He smirked. "I did, didn't I?"

"He's so proud of himself," Jimmy chuckled, walking behind his friend to pat his head. Shane's hands came up to bat at him.

"Stop it, man. I'm not five."

Jimmy was still laughing.

"Sorry. But sometimes it's really hard to tell." Gesturing to the small kitchen with his head, he turned to Sarah. "Give me a hand?"

"Absolutely."

Glancing out of the den windows they went into the kitchen, Jimmy called over his shoulder. "Kelly's here."

Expelling a long-suffering sigh, Shane's head fell back over the top of the chair.

"Why the hell did you invite her, Nikki?"

"Because she's always on her own and could use the company." Eyes narrowing, she placed her hands on her hips. "I know she can be a little strange-"

Shane snorted.

"A little?"

"-but she's sweet." Nikki finished. "Try and remember to be a human being while she's here, and stop being such a hypocrite."

Shane's head shot back up.

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, so you aren't the guy who used to date Kelly?" Nikki's jaw jutted forward as her temper flared. "I don't get how she was good enough to be with a few years ago, but now you can't be bothered to spend an evening with her."

"Okay, one," Shane held up a finger," we didn't date. We hooked up a few times, it wasn't anything serious. And two, all that was before she turned into a total nutjob."

"You're a real piece of work, you know that?"

Shane was ready to fire back, but the sound of several voices had him snapping his mouth shut.

"Hey, everyone." Jimmy's smile was warm as he ushered in a timid looking girl. "Look who's here."

"Hey," she mumbled. Her eyes darted up and around before her hands, fingernails chewed to the quick, began to tug on the ends of her dark hair.

"Hey, Kel." Nikki's boots clomped on the floor as she hurried to her side. "Come and sit."

"Thanks." Taking off a black over coat, Kelly gave Shane a tentative smile. In turn, his mouth turned up, tight and obviously forced. She looked away quickly as Sarah re-entered the room.

"Have you met Sarah?"

Nikki pointed to her left.

"I don't think so."

"Actually, I think we did." Sarah gave Kelly a friendly smile. "You made those paintings at the bazaar last summer, right? The oil and acrylics."

Kelly's eyes lit up.

"Yeah, that was me. You…You remember them?" She asked shyly. "I mean, I know I'm not very good, but-"

"No, they were great. A little dark, but great."

"I see dark things," Kelly explained, tugging a little harder on the ends of her hair.

"And I see dead people." Shane's chair scraped against the hardwoods as he pushed back his chair, mug in hand. "I'm getting a drink."

"Shane-"

"It's okay." Kelly's hands fell to the table, clamping together tightly. "I'm used to it."

Nikki's mouth pressed into a thin line, her eyes darting to Sarah.

"So, um, do you work at The Cannery with Nikki?"

"I help out at several places," Kelly replied vaguely. "I'm not sure what I want to do."

Nikki patted her arm.

"Girl, you're young. You don't have to figure that kind of stuff out now."

"I guess."

"You know…" Sarah tilted her head sideways, looking at Kelly's hair carefully in the light. "Feel free to tell me if I'm imagining it, but do you have red and purple in your hair?"

"You noticed?" This time Kelly's smile warmed up a fraction. "I just did it this morning."

"Wow! You did color it again, didn't you? Looks good!" Nikki grinned enthusiastically. "Much better than the purple by itself."

"Yeah?" Settling in, Kelly's smile relaxed even more, exposing even, white teeth. "I wasn't sure. But when I added the red it started to look pretty good." Her eyes were plaintive as she looked between the two girls. "It does look all right, doesn't it?"

"Abso-posa-lutely," Nikki said, her voice knowledgeable. "This color mix suits you so much better than just the one. Sarah, what d'you think?"

"It's very nice," Sarah remarked. "What color was your hair before you dyed it?"

"Blonde." Nikki and Kelly replied in unison.

It caused the girls to break into a fit of giggles.

"Now there's a nice sound."

Jimmy's arms were loaded up with several plates. Shane was right behind him, drinks and silverware in hand.

"Care to share the funny?"

"You had to be here," Sarah said, rolling into another fit as Kelly tugged on some of Nikki's wild, blonde curls.

Shane and Jimmy exchanged bewildered looks.

"Chicks, man, it's their world. We're just living in it."

Grinning at his friend's words, Jimmy had to nod in agreement.

"Amen to that."

Settling into their meal, the group of five bantered back and forth as the snow began to fall harder. Kelly's spirits continued to rise throughout the evening, though she seemed more comfortable to hang back in her seat and listen.

The local station continued to give weather updates, and by the way static was cutting into the broadcast, the power wasn't going to last much longer.

If that wasn't enough of an indication, the lights had been flickering for the at least an hour, the last time dimming for almost a full five minutes. As he was a cautious person, Jimmy suggested they start wrapping things up for the night.

"I'll make sure you girls get home safe," he promised Kelly and Nikki.

Sarah had helped clear the table and was scraping food into a bag, but paused a moment to look through the windows above the sink. Winter really was beautiful on Harper's Island. The snow and ice had painted a soothing canvas of white on every available surface. Nothing stirred.

Earlier she'd thought about how different it was from the city. She'd considered it bleak, and unfriendly. Now more refreshed and able to really study her surroundings, Sarah had to admit she'd been wrong.

Harper's was quiet, peaceful; a little haven away from the rest of the world.

"You we're a friend of Abby's, too, right?"

Jumping at the sound of Kelly's voice, Sarah turned around to see the pale-skinned girl watching her intently.

"Yes. We still talk now and then."

Kelly's eyes were unfocused as she looked over Sarah's shoulder and out the window.

"Did you see something outside?"

"What?" Turning back to her winter wonderland, Sarah laughed a little. "Oh, no. I was just enjoying how peaceful it is here. It's much different from the city."

"It's not always peaceful."

Kelly's voice trembled.

"He's out there, you know."

The smile on Sarah's face froze. "Uh…who's out there?"

"John Wakefield. He killed my mom."

Sarah swallowed. "I didn't know. I'm so-"

"Just like he killed Abby's." Her eyes gained sudden intensity as they refocused on her. "Her name was Sarah, too."

"Ok, that's it." Storming into the kitchen, Shane looked furious. "Freak show's over. Get out!"

"Ease up, man." Coming up behind him, Jimmy jumped between his friend and the quavering girl, putting a hand against Shane's chest. "She didn't mean anything by it."

"I care." Pointing over his shoulder at Kelly, Shane spoke through clenched teeth. "Get her our of my house. Now."

Kelly's eyes filled up. "I didn't mean-I'm sorry."

She burst into tears and ran from the room. Nikki barely managed to avoid being knocked down.

"What happened?"

Sarah moved forward quickly, grabbing Shane's arm.

"Calm down. Please."

But he ignored her.

"You wanna know what happened? Your friend went looney tunes on Sarah," Shane snapped. "That's what happened. Making all kinds of weird talk about Wakefield."

Face clouding over, Nikki grabbed her coat from the back of a chair.

"I'd better make sure she's okay." Zipping up, she gave Sarah a regretful smile. "Sorry if she upset you. She doesn't mean it."

"It's all right."

"No, Sarah, it's not all right,." Shane retorted. "I told you inviting her was bad news. Don't ever bring her back here, Nikki."

Shooting a contemptuous look back at him, the blonde flipped up her middle finger.

"You couldn't be decent person for more than a few hours, could you?"

Flinging the side door open, she marched out into the snow to find Kelly, Sarah right behind her. Jimmy gave him a light pat on the shoulder as he reached for his jacket.

"You were pretty harsh, man."

Shane shook his head stubbornly.

"What she said was out of line."

Flipping his collar up, Jimmy sighed tiredly and pulled down his wool cap. "Yeah, I know. But Kelly, you know how she's been. She didn't mean any harm. And if you had taken five seconds to think about that instead of flipping out, you would've seen that Sarah knew it, too."

Swinging the truck keys around his finger, Jimmy opened the side door, peering outside. The cold swept through the room, making both men wince.

"Looks like the girls are ready to go. I'll see you later?"

Shane nodded, crossing his arms to ward off the cold.

"Stay warm."

"Yeah, you, too," Shane mumbled. He ran his hands over his face a few times then joined his friend as he walked outside. Standing next to Sarah, he called out, his voice echoing through the trees. "Drive safe."

Without turning around, Jimmy waved, quickly climbing into his truck. The engine rumbled to life and soon the three passengers were headed into the snowy night.

"Come on." Shane gently pulled Sarah back into the warmth of his house. They headed back into the kitchen, both of them silent as they finished picking up.

Wiping her hands on a faded towel, Sarah's eyebrows drew together in consternation.

"I thought John Wakefield was dead."

Shane's head dropped to his chest. "He is. Abby's dad killed him."

"Then why-"

"Because she's messed up, thinks she sees him on the island still. I don't know." He rubbed his jaw hard, trying to mask his frustration. "Maybe the Sherriff was right to send Abby away, because Kelly? When her mom was killed, she stayed, and something inside her broke. Hasn't been right since."

Sarah continued to frown at the dishcloth. Moving behind her, Shane placed both hands on her shoulders and rested his head atop hers, sighing heavily.

"Look, I'm sorry I lost my temper. It just freaked me out."

"What freaked you out?"

There was a long stretch of silence following the question. It seemed to take a few minutes for Shane's thoughts to come together.

"Sometimes I think back to that day, you know, of The Rampage. If I'd been even a few seconds later finding you at Murphy's Shed, Wakefield would've…" There was a tense pause, his voice gruff when he continued. "You wouldn't be here right now."

Sarah's head lifted slightly, indicating that she was listening.

"And when Kelly said you and Abby's mom had the same name-"

"I understand," Sarah said softly.

"It made what could've happened seem more real. Like there could've been two Sarah's in that tree instead of one."

Turning under his hands, Sarah eased back against the sink.

"I don't think about what happened here a lot; I can almost forget. That's the luxury of living off the island, I guess. Not having to face it every day."

"Like we do."

"Like you do," Sarah agreed quietly. "Some people have just handled it better than others."

"Kelly's always been a little fragile," Shane admitted. Something akin to shame glinted in his eyes. "Even back in school she wasn't all there. But Wakefield didn't help things, and neither did staying here."

"No. They didn't."

"Being around her freaks me out, because that's how she talks all the time. People just want to move on, forget Wakefield ever happened." He lifted his head to meet Sarah's gaze. "I know it's a shitty excuse, but she won't let the guy die. Maybe she'd get a little better if she did."

"Do you really believe that?"

Shaking his head, Shane slid his hands down Sarah's arms.

"I don't know. And right now, I don't care either. I just want to forget the last few minutes ever happened."

"So would I."

Swinging their hands, Shane pulled them up to his lips.

"Forgive me?"

Nodding, Sarah buried her head under his chin, shivering as her eyes took in the winter landscape through the windows. Once more she was struck by how quiet and desolate winter made the island.

But it didn't have the same charm it had earlier.

Shame.

Late February

"God!"

Gasping out loud, Sarah's head fell back onto the sheets, her body arching away from them as Shane's grip tightened around her waist.

Winter on Harper's Island was like any deep winter in the North: cold and isolating. But for those who were fortunate to have a working fireplace and plenty of warm blankets, waking up on those snowy days weren't so bad..

At that moment not even the blankets were necessary.

Moving together slowly, Shane's lips left a wet trail of kisses up Sarah's throat as she continued to whimper beneath him. He hadn't stopped touching her since they'd woken that morning, something Sarah didn't mind a bit. She happened to love the way he touched her.

She loved the way he loved her; intensely, passionately.

He didn't hold anything back, so neither did she.

"Sarah…" His moan was hot against her ear, muscles tensing briefly as her nails raked a slow, deliberate path down his back. "Sarah."

They fit together so perfectly.

It didn't seem to matter that she was slender and small, or that he was taller, broader in every respect. When their bodies came together it was like two missing pieces of a puzzle; their lines and curves melted together to create a seamless picture of wanton desire.

His hand brushed over the curve of her hip, running along the silken plane of skin and up. Burying it in the damp curls at the nape of her neck, he grabbed them, gently easing her head back further. It exposed her throat to him, leaving it and the rest of her completely vulnerable to him.

"Tell me you'll always be mine," he whispered hoarsely. Her body was forced that much closer to his, pulling him deeper into her; the contact caused him to groan deeply. "Sarah…"

His teeth grazed the shell of her ear, then moved to the pale flesh beneath it.. He buried his head into her shoulder, eyes closed, stubble brushing against Sarah's already sensitized skin. Her body tightened around his, and he swore.

"Please. Tell me."

His mouth moved just above hers, hovering; brushing kisses light enough for her to feel, but not nearly close enough for her to deepen.

Each measured, languid movement brought them closer, their breathing quicker.

"Shane," Sarah whispered.

Her eyes were feverish when he managed to open his again.

"I will always," she ran her hands over his shoulders, "be", kissed his lips softly, "yours."

And he fell, Sarah not far behind him.

Despite the heat from the fireplace, Shane could feel himself shaking.

Or was that Sarah?

At that moment his mind was too hazy to figure out which one of them was doing what. All he could be completely sure of was the utter contentedness he felt. It swept over him as he clung to her, and she to him.

Shane didn't want to let go, wasn't ready to, so he rolled them over, trying to get some control over himself. Once on his back, and Sarah's head was nestled beneath his chin, he breathed deeply, relaxing.

Moving his head just so, he could see her face; half-lidded eyes, sated smile. And she glowed. From the top of her head to the tips of her fingers and toes, Sarah glowed.

Beautiful.

He made a content sound, his mind sluggish as it caught up to the fact that she was doing something...Oh, that was nice. Her fingers were making sweeping motions along his chest. They were soft, lazy movements. Very soothing.

Following them with drowsy eyes, he felt his body calm further beneath hers. He watched her slender fingers as they sketched their way up, then down, Up, down. Up, down.

Shane pressed a kiss to the top of her head he closed his eyes, marveling a little at the situation.

Sarah was amazing.

And she was with him.

He smiled faintly, sinking a little further into his daze; lulled by the rhythmic motions of her sweeping fingers.

Sometimes he had a hard time believing they were together. They were so different. She was Seattle royalty: high-class, well-traveled, well-educated. He, on the other hand, stopped his education after high school. He worked on the island he'd probably die on, lived in a tiny home, and earned his living as a fisherman. It wasn't that he was ashamed of any of that. He wasn't.

It was just a very unlikely match.

Yet here they were. What had started out as a tentative "we'll see where it goes" kind of thing, had developed into something much deeper. This fact hadn't crept up on him, but he was still trying to come to grips with it. Because damned if he knew when it happened, but somewhere in the past seven months he'd had fallen in love with Sarah Wellington.

He loved her.

So now what? He wondered drowsily. What did he say? What was he supposed to do? Was he even the one who was supposed to do anything?

There were no answers, however. Shane didn't figure it out that evening. His thoughts ended there, drifting off with his consciousness as he fell into sleep.

"Shane?"

Lifting her head from his chest when he didn't respond, Sarah smiled endearingly. He seemed to be fast asleep-or if he wasn't, close to it. He was completely at ease, his face peaceful.

Deciding that what she'd been itching to tell him could wait, Sarah eased closer, pulling the sheets around their bodies. Leaning forward, she placed a delicate kiss to his mouth, tracing the generous lines with a finger before settling back down into his arms.

Hearing the chimes from the clock in the living room, her lips turned up briefly as she whispered the words to her sleeping boyfriend.

"Happy Birthday, Shane."

May

"Tell her about the tattoo."

Shea's navy eyes widened dramatically, turning on her youngest sister.

"You have a tattoo?"

"Thanks, Trish." Sarah sent her older sister a withering glare. "Yes, Shea, I have a tattoo."

Her normally smooth forehead wrinkled, perhaps pondering the very idea of this sort of body art.

"Why?"

"He offered and I wanted one." Sarah shrugged, taking a sip of her iced tea.

"What's it of?"

A bright purple crayon hovering over a coloring book, Sarah's niece, Madison Allen, looked on with keen interest.

"Madison, it's not important," Shea said firmly. "Go back to your coloring." Waiting until her daughter was engrossed in her activity once more, she leaned over to her youngest sibling. "Sarah, does that man even have a license to run that sort of business? Were the needles even clean?"

"'That man' has a name, Shea. It's Shane, and I wish you'd stop acting as if he were some sort of derelict," Sarah said tightly. "Of course he has a license. And yes, the needles were sterilized."

"You just can't tell with some people," Shea said by way of explanation.

"He's a fisherman and he makes extra money with a side job." Sarah was trying to keep her voice even. "Even if you don't approve, it's an honest living. Certainly there's nothing wrong with that."

"Of course there's not," Trish said quickly. "I thought it was interesting."

"You think tattoo's are interesting?" Shea took a delicate sip of wine, shaking her head. "Since when?"

"I thought about it once or twice."

Her confession earned stunned looks from both her sisters.

"When Henry and I were together I thought about getting his name put right here." Trish pointed to a spot above her hip. She smiled a little sadly. "Henry Bear. I guess it's a good thing I didn't, right?"

"I still can't believe you two broke up," Sarah sighed. "You were perfect for one another."

"Hunter's a good catch," Shea offered, trying to be reassuring. "He's handsome, has good connections-"

"He's a complete control freak," Sarah argued. Tossing her dark curls over her shoulder, she wrinkled her nose in distaste. "Who cares about having the right connections?"

"Obviously you don't," Shea retorted. "If you had any sense at all you'd end things before they go too far."

"Too late," Trish sing-songed, holding her napkin over her mouth to cover her smirk.

Shea looked between her younger sisters with penetrating blue eyes. Her hand gripped Sarah's tightly.

"Tell me you're not sleeping with him."

"If you make one crack about protection I am walking out of here," Sarah threatened in a low voice. "I mean it, Shea."

Inhaling deeply, the eldest Wellington daughter focused on the silverware by her left hand. Her fingers absently fiddled with their placement; straightening them to her liking.

"I suppose it would be a waste of time to tell you he's only after one thing."

"He's not like that," Sarah snapped. Madison, startled by her aunt's frosty tone, looked up.

"What are you talking about?"

"Madison, honey." Shea turned to her daughter, smoothing her hair back with one hand. "Why don't you see if the geese are back in the pond. I'll call you when your lunch arrives."

A petulant frown touched the five-year old's face.

"You never let me hear anything," she pouted as she walked away.

"Shane doesn't want my money."

Spinning back in her seat, Shea crossed her arms at the wrists. "Are you so sure? Does he know about your trust?"

"No!" Sarah was completely affronted by the question. "We don't talk about money."

"Shea, ease up," Trish said quietly. "He's not that bad."

Turning her gaze on her middle sister, Shea frowned. "You were his biggest detractor. What on earth made you change you opinion?"

"He makes Sarah happy."

"Happiness won't pay the bills or for your children's education," Shea bit out. Pointing a well-manicured finger at her younger sister, she offered a warning. "If Dad finds out this has gotten serious, you know he'll step in."

"And do what?" Sarah demanded. "The trust was written by Mother. It was her money. Daddy can't do a thing."

"Don't be ridiculous," Shea huffed. Judging by the way she touched the French knot atop her head, she was trying to remain cool. "He wouldn't leave you destitute. It's not about the money."

"What's it about then?"

"Look, can we talk about something else?" Shea suddenly seemed tired. Putting a hand to her cheek, she looked flustered as the waiters approached with their meals.

It was a Saturday luncheon the sister's took when they could. They usually spent the time catching up and enjoying light-hearted conversation. Unfortunately, there had been nothing light about their meal so far.

Not that the average eye would have noticed. All they would have seen were the three Wellington sisters; all with dark hair, fair skin, and dressed in shades of varying blues. Beautiful, wealthy, and for most, completely out of reach.

"Thank you," Sarah murmured as her plate was set in front of her. But her appetite was gone. Suddenly the lobster ravioli didn't seem quite as delicious as it had on the menu.

Shea and Trish thanked their waiters as well, each placing their napkin into their lap as they prepared to dine. Yet none picked up their utensils.

Feeling guilty for causing the upset, Trish made an attempt to salvage what was left of their meal with another remark she hoped was taken as humorous.

"Ask her what they were doing when he gave her the tattoo."

"Trish!"

Sarah nearly choked on her drink when her sister spoke up again.

"What?" Shea's mouth opened and closed a few times. She didn't seem to know what to say. "You don't mean-no. No!" She looked at the telling blush on her youngest sister's face and leaned back into her chair. "How is that even possible?"

Touching the corner of her lips with her napkin, Sarah offered what she hoped was a nonchalant shrug. "Shane is a very talented man."

Eyes wide with apparent curiosity, Shea opened her mouth to say something else, then seemed to decide against it as she cut into her seared tuna. She chewed on it, swallowed, then took a sip from her glass.

"I see. So…what kind of tattoo did he give you?"

Stunned, but also pleased that her sister was at least trying, Sarah smiled. "A little crown."

Shea's eyebrows knit together. "I don't understand."

"Sarah means 'princess'," Trish explained, having heard the details already. "I think it was kind of sweet."

"Hmmm." Cutting into her fish again, Shea seemed to relax a bit more. "And where is it? Somewhere discreet, I hope."

"Ah, yes." Sarah's lips turned up at the corners impishly. "It's very discreet. I can assure you that no one-"

"Except Shane," Trish piped up.

"Except Shane," Sarah agreed, "will ever see it."

"Really!" Leaning onto the table with her elbows, Shea considered the options. "Your back?"

"No."

"Hip?"

"No. And you could see it when I wore a swimsuit if it were there."

"Not if it were high enough," Shea said smoothly. "Stomach?"

"No."

Trish was delighted as she watched their very refined older sister play a guessing game involving tattoo's. It was certainly unexpected. But then, she and Sarah were very good at getting their elder sister to loosen up.

"I'd ask if it were your bottom, but-"

"No bottom's," Sarah laughed. "No. Not there."

"Well, then." Shea threw her hands up, sighing in defeat. "Where is it?"

Leaning over the finely pressed tablecloth, Sarah whispered to her sister. "Inner thigh. All the way up."

"All the way…up?" Shea shifted in her seat, pulling on the collar of her dress.

"Mm-hmm."

Sarah took a very satisfying sip of her drink, watching as her oldest sister digested that bit of information.

"Someone looks hot and bothered," Trish remarked smugly. "Is all this talk of tattoo's making you think about paying Richard an afternoon visit at the club?"

"Trish, don't be crude," Shea ordered, but her eyes cast themselves in another direction. "It's just an unexpected place for a tattoo."

"It is," Sarah said. Thinking back to the night Shane had applied it, she wrinkled her nose. "It hurt a bit, too."

"Did it?" Shea winced sympathetically.

"I'm pretty sure lover boy kissed and made it better."

"Trish!" Both sisters turned on her in disbelief.

"What?" She took a bite of her salad, fork poised over the bowl. "He didn't?"

Another flush flew into Sarah's cheeks. "That's not the point."

"What is then?"

Trish looked so serious, and the conversation was taking such a wild turn, that Sarah had to laugh. Covering her mouth to prevent it from getting louder, she failed miserably when Trish, then Shea joined in. Grasping her sister's hands, Shea looked at them with great affection.

"I'm sorry," she said, catching her breath. Meeting Sarah's eyes, Shea's voice gentled considerably. "My mind still sees you as my four year old baby sister."

"I know it does."

"It's hard for both of us to see you growing up, having a serious relationship…" Trish bit her lip. "But you have my support. He makes you happy and I want that for you so much."

"So do I," Shea nodded, shelving her earlier arguments. "He's not who I'd want for you and Dad-"

"To hell with what Daddy thinks," Trish muttered. Shea's eyes flickered in her direction. "Forget it. I'll get Madison."

"Thank you," she said softly.

Sarah watched Trish walk outdoors to summon their niece. Her walk didn't have the same carefree gait it used to, and those days her smile was strained. She wasn't happy.

"She misses Henry."

"Well, maybe it's for the best," Shea murmured. "There's nothing wrong with seeing what else is out there."

Sarah's tone was waspish.

"Did Daddy tell you to say that?"

Hurt glimmered in her sister's eyes. "No, Sarah. He didn't. I'm saying it because I am older and I have been there. I love you and Trish. If I could help either of you to avoid any of the pain that comes from a relationship, I would."

Shea's smile was watery.

"I would do it in a heartbeat."

Sarah was silent.

"Will you please hear me out?"

Nodding once, Sarah knew she at least owed it to her sister to be heard.

"Dad won't like your relationship with this man," Shea said, finishing her earlier thoughts firmly. Waiting to make sure she had Sarah's attention fully, she closed most of the space between them. "Do you understand why? He, Shane, will never be anything more than a small-time fisherman on a very small island."

"I know that," Sarah replied.

"Would you be able to live like that?" Shea's eyebrows rose in question. "Small town living, the same thing day in and day out?"

"Shea-"

"You'd be content with him-with that life."

"Shea." Sarah said slowly. "I love him."

The quiet conviction in her voice gave Shea pause. She looked hard at her youngest sibling, searching for something. Shea must have been satisfied with what she found, because, gently, her hands clasped themselves around Sarah's. It was a loving, sisterly gesture.

"I believe you. Just be careful."

"I am."

"I didn't mean 'careful' in that respect," Shea smiled. "I meant be careful with your heart. You only have the one, and it's a good one. I'd hate to see it broken."

Hugging her sister tightly, Sarah felt giddy at her sisters acceptance.

"Don't worry, Shea," she whispered. "Shane would never do anything to hurt me."