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the impetuous teenager longing for excitement and a lifestyle suited to only a few and panicking at the thought of being married. They could have had a baby that first year, which would have insured he could never leave. Things were different now. He was different. The thought of a baby, or two, did funny things inside. Would he be a good father? He’d do his best. If he could be half as good as his own father, it’d be okay.
    â€œHave you heard from Joe and Gillian?” she asked politely.
    He nodded, disappointed to think they were reduced to this—polite conversation about other people. Yet, what had he expected—that time would stand still until he chose to return? When, in fact, circumstances had dictated his return, not his choice.
    â€œThey finished sorting the things Gillian wants to bring here, cleaned the apartment and have started back. Gillian’s driving her car, Joe the rented moving van. They expect to be home in a couple of weeks.”
    â€œHow is it watching Jenny?”
    He smiled. “I’m constantly surprised by what she says. I can’t believe I let seven years of her life go by before getting to know her. She’s awesome.”
    â€œShe is. All the girls in her class are. I enjoy listening to them talk and am fascinated by how much they know and understand. I think as a kid I was a lot more oblivious to events going on around me. Of course, right now the main topic is the wedding. She’s thrilled to be in it.”
    â€œI guess that’s something most girls love,” he said, daring a glance at her. He didn’t want to talk about weddings, not so soon after explaining why he’d run from theirs.
    Marcie looked at her watch. Did he see tears in her eyes? “I have to go.” She gathered her sandwich and paper and stuffed it back into the bag. “Finish your lunch. Thanks for mine.” She rose and headed back toward the café without a backward look.
    I’m sorry, Marcie, he wanted to call out. Please stay.
    Zack watched her leave knowing they were no closer at this moment than two days after he’d left her. But one thing was certain. After all this time, after all that had happened since he’d left, he still had strong feelings for MarcieWinter. She was skeptical, unbelieving in his commitment to stay in Rocky Point. So be it. He had a long way to go to regain her trust. His plans weren’t firm yet, but they definitely included settling down and reconnecting with his family and old friends. If he were a praying man, he’d ask for help.
    Another thing that had gone by the wayside when he’d left. It wasn’t as if God was only in Rocky Point, Maine. But Zack didn’t think He would have viewed his taking off in a good light. Probably had washed His hands of Zack years ago.
    Could he mend fences there, as well?

Chapter Three
    Z ack finished the sandwich, trying to come up with an idea to prove to Marcie he could be trusted, that he knew his mind now and he was in it for the long haul. He hadn’t a clue on how to convince her.
    Seeing her again had planted the idea of the two of them together again. He wanted her back in his life and wanted to be a part of hers. He’d have to work at it, but one thing he knew for sure, she was worth it. She wasn’t as receptive as he’d hoped. Yet perhaps that only showed him how much she’d once cared. Surely love that strong, a love they had thought would last their lifetime, wouldn’t have faded completely away. Could he convince her to give him another chance?
    â€œZack,” Sheriff Tate Johnson said, stopping by the table.
    â€œTate. Take a seat. You on patrol?”
    Tate Johnson and Zack had gone to school together. Tate’s parents ran the hardware store in the center of town. They’d shared more than growing up together. Both had been anxious to leave Rocky Point. Tate had gone to college in Boston, studying criminology. Ended up