didn’t think he’d be able to fall back asleep. As he became more alert, the dream
faded, until all he could remember was Emily pulling him over the edge.
He considered making breakfast but didn’t want to wake Casey. She looked too
comfortable to disturb.
He crept into the cottage’s living room. The windows were open, and a small breeze
gave him an occasional chill.
His wallet hadn’t dried as much as he hoped. The bills under it absorbed some of
the moisture. He mentally added a new wallet to his shopping list. He didn't think
it would be the same.
He slipped out of the cottage as quietly as he could so his wife wouldn't be
disturbed. He walked down the beach to the dock.
The fireflies were no longer lighting up the lake. Only the light from the moon
glimmered across the lake.
He sat on the wooden dock. It was old and weathered but still sturdy. He wondered
if the neighbors or the Carters had a boat they tied to it.
The dock was low enough where he could place his feet in the water. The water felt
cool but not cold. It felt refreshing. Even with the windows open, the cottage had
stayed warm.
For the first time in his life, William felt happy. Not content. He couldn’t
believe he was married now. After Emily left, he thought he would always be alone.
He thought he should thank David and Lisa again for setting them up.
He thought back to his final conversation with his grandmother. She had mentioned
Casey, not Emily, and something about a beautiful baby. He wondered if his
grandmother could somehow see the future.
He found himself humming the tune Casey had hummed earlier. He knew he wasn't