“He knows I’m not immune to him,” Samantha said. “Why isn’t that enough?”
“Because he’s Ethan and he’s terrified of another rejection,” Emily responded.
“Blast it all, I’m not Lisa!” Samantha said.
“We know that,” Gabi soothed. “On some level, he knows that, too. Still, after what he’s been through, it’s bound to be scary to put his pride on the line again, to say nothing of his heart.”
“I know all that,” Samantha said. “So does he, if he’s being honest with himself. That doesn’t mean we can resolve things between us.”
“Well, you sure won’t resolve them if you go running back to New York right after the wedding,” Emily said. “I can give testimony on how difficult it is to work things out long distance. Even with the best intentions in the world, Boone and I almost didn’t make it.”
Samantha drew in a deep breath, then told them what she’d decided. “I’m not going back, at least not to stay. Eventually I’ll go back to pack up my things and sublet my apartment, but I’m staying here.”
Gabi’s eyes lit up at once. “And opening that playhouse?”
“I’ll have to see about that,” Samantha said cautiously. “But if Grandmother doesn’t mind me hanging around here with her, I’ll at least start those acting classes and see where that leads.”
“That’s fantastic,” Gabi said with real enthusiasm.
Samantha glanced at Emily, whose expression wasn’t nearly as thrilled. “You disagree?”
Emily shook her head. “No, I think the classes and the playhouse sound great, just perfect for you. I’m just thinking about me. Selfish, I know, but it’s going to add to the pressure for me to give in and move back, too.” Tears filled her eyes. “Not that I wouldn’t love to be right here with you guys so our kids can all grow up together, but I’m so afraid I’ll lose myself and everything I’ve accomplished if I’m here. It’ll be so easy to forget about everything I wanted to do.”
Gabi gave her a sympathetic look. “You know that I totally get that kind of concern, but I’m here to tell you that you can reinvent your life to be anything you want it to be right here in Sand Castle Bay.”
“And if you need to do the occasional job in Los Angeles, I imagine Boone will be supportive of that,” Samantha added.
Gabi’s expression brightened. “And if you want to make a contribution by designing safe houses for women who need them, then start an organization in North Carolina that does that, if one doesn’t already exist. I’d be willing to bet that Sophia would give you all the help you ask for. Being here will only limit you as much as you allow it to.”
Samantha nodded. “I totally agree, Em. You’ve proven yourself, maybe even exceeded your wildest expectations. Now take all that experience and talent and run with it. Do something that really matters to you, just do it here.”
“I’m living proof it can happen,” Gabi reminded her.
A smile broke across Emily’s face at last. “I can do that, can’t I? Especially with you guys as cheerleaders.”
“Of course you can do it,” Gabi said. “Castle women can do anything they set their minds to. We have Cora Jane’s word on that.”
“As soon as Boone and I get back from our honeymoon, I’m going to speak to Sophia, see what she thinks,” Emily said with resolve.
“Why wait?” Samantha asked. “She’ll be here later today for the rehearsal dinner, won’t she? Sit down with her this afternoon. You’ll go into the wedding with a lighter heart if you have her ideas and her blessing. I know you think of her as a role model and mentor.”
“I’ll do it,” Emily said, jumping up to hug them both. “I love you guys. You’re amazing.”
“We’re Castles,” Gabi repeated. “According to Grandmother, it’s in our DNA.” She turned to Samantha. “Now that we’ve got Em pointed in the right direction, what’s your next step? Are you just going to put up flyers? Announce you’re teaching classes? Find a storefront space and open a school?”
“I’m still working out the details,” Samantha said.
“Well, if your focus is on teaching acting, why not start by talking to Regina Gentry?” Gabi suggested. “I imagine she’d have plenty of ideas about what she’d like to see available in the area. She might even have a long list of potential students she’d share with you. And it might even be wise to get her more involved.”
Samantha frowned. “More involved? How? Why?”
“She’s been the respected drama teacher around here for years,” Gabi reminded her. “You don’t want to give her the sense that you’re trying to take over from her. It could cause a rivalry you don’t need. Ask her to direct scenes for you for a showcase. Have her teach some specific technique. I don’t know. Just get her invested in your plans beyond giving advice.”
Though Samantha worried a little about what Ethan would think of her working with a woman he’d so recently called out for her insensitivity, she immediately seized on the idea. “You’re absolutely right. I’ll head over to the high school later this morning, see if she’s available. I need to kick-start this plan so Ethan knows I’m serious about it.”
Emily and Gabi exchanged a look.
“Despite your denials, I knew Ethan was the real reason behind this,” Emily said, obviously delighted. “Am I good at this matchmaking stuff or what?”
“As soon as you’ve finished congratulating yourself, how about butting out?” Samantha pleaded. “I can take it from here.”
“That remains to be seen,” Emily said. “If I don’t see progress, I’m butting right back in.”
Samantha sighed. “Of course you are.”
“It’s nothing any loving sister wouldn’t do, right, Gabi?” Emily said, grinning.
Gabi chuckled and once more lifted her mug. “Count me in.”
Samantha frowned at them. “You do realize I’m not the holdout, right?”
“She’s
