By now my legs had resumed some basic functionality so I nodded. He released me and I stood on my own. Then he took my hand in his and clasped it. Side by side, we slowly waded into the water. The waves were mostly calm now. As the water reached our stomachs, the waves simply lifted and lowered us

The next morning, after dressing in my one piece swimsuit, I stood in front of the vanity in the bedroom, trying to decide how best to wear my hair, as to eliminate the most friction and increase my speed in the water. Swimmers, I knew, wore swim caps to cover their hair, but lacking that, I wasn’

I’d promised to be careful, and I would be. But I didn’t know how careful I could be when I was swimming out in the ocean, unable to fully take notice of my surroundings. To have a friend like Veronica, someone I trusted so implicitly, guarding my back, gave me relief without measure. “Thank you

Holding Elva’s hand, we followed Bridget around to the side of the mansion. A camera crew followed us, with their cameras trained on Bridget, Elva, and me. I tried to keep my head up high and my grip firm on Elva’s hand. Constantly having cameras watching was unnerving. It felt like I was constant

Bridget, Veronica, me, and Jessica lined up at the starting line in that order. By now the camera crews were ready and waiting. Many were dotted along with beach with a few others out in the boats around the designated racing area. Nathan directed us where the path would be, showing us both on a m

For a while, I thought maybe I could do this. If I could muster my resolve, maybe my will could outmaneuver Bridget’s confidence. And, as I pushed myself, I finally began to take the lead away from Bridget. I was pulling ahead. The raceway was clear ahead of me and I felt my heart soar. This w

Nicholas POV Panic and fear waged war in my heart as I swam down into that water and saw Piper, the woman who had claimed my heart more than once, losing consciousness. Her eyes were slipping closed. She was running out of air. Veronica was doing her best to drag Piper to the surface, but Piper

“Just for the record, I won the race,” Bridget said, from the peripheral of the small crowd gathered around me. Nicholas was still holding me, with Veronica, Jessica, and Elva close by. Everyone, it seemed, was worried about me – all except Bridget, who said again, “Did you record my finish? Did y

“I’ll keep an eye on her,” Julian said, holding his brother’s gaze. “Thanks,” Nicholas said. He placed his hand over mine on his arm, then, gently, pulled my hand away from him. “I’ll be back as soon as I’m able.” I could see the determination burning in his eyes. I didn’t want him to go but I k

When she awoke from her brief nap, Elva stuck to me like glue. She kept looking up at me with her big, tearful eyes. For a day that began with such high hopes, we were both feeling the lows now. I took her hand and did not release, very aware that I had nearly lost the chance to be her mom. If I h