Hearts Heal

HEARTS HEAL THE ISLAND BOOK 2 DECLAN RHODES Copyright © 2023 by Declan Rhodes All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Be the first to hear about all of my upcoming books and receive free stories not available anywhere else. Sign up for my newsletter at this link and receive a free book, Late Night Means Love, just for joining: https://claims.prolificworks.com/free/34zXEjYv Declan Rhodes also previously published under the pen name Grant C. Holland. CONTENTS Characters 1. Martin 2. Andrew 3. Martin 4. Andrew 5. Martin 6. Andrew 7. Martin 8. Andrew 9. Martin 10. Andrew 11. Martin 12. Andrew 13. Martin 14. Andrew 15. Martin 16. Andrew 17. Martin 18. Andrew 19. Martin 20. Andrew 21. Martin 22. Andrew 23. Martin 24. Martin 25. Andrew Epilogue - Martin Also by Declan Rhodes About the Author CHARACTERS Martin - 30-year-old Human Resources manager - lifelong Garfield Island resident Andrew - 30-year-old firefighter - lifelong Garfield Island resident Gretchen - Close friend of Martin’s Blake - Recent newcomer to the island Lucas - Photographer and recent newcomer to the island Hank - Close friend of Andrew ONE MARTIN I gasped in surprise as the flurry of white flowers suddenly flew over Marco’s shoulder. I’d only moved closer so I could snap a few quick pictures with my phone before the bouquet toss. I made a valiant effort to avoid it, but fate had other plans—suddenly, the bundle of flowers landed in my hands. A cacophony of groans erupted from the women around me. I offered them a friendly smile and the bouquet. "Anyone?" I asked, holding out the flowers with an innocent shrug. They only glared at me and marched off in a huff. The wedding reception for Marco and Ryder was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Every single resident of Garfield Island seemed to be there. They cheered on the newlyweds with glasses of champagne in their hands. While it didn't seem like anyone wanted to look at it that way, I knew that the event was just a momentary respite from reality. It was a welcome, but brief, distraction from the chaotic world outside. After catching the bouquet, I found my good friend, Gretchen, at a table a few steps away. She was pulling out pins from her hair and letting her luxurious auburn mane flow freely again. She should have been the one to catch the flowers—any man would be blessed beyond measure to have her at his side. “Can you believe I caught this? If I weren’t looking directly at his back, I would have sworn that Marco tossed it to me like a second baseman picking off a runner at first base. It’s rather absurd, honestly.” “That’s what makes it such a fun tradition, Martin,” Gretchen said. “Maybe the flowers know something the rest of us don’t. You never know. Mr. Right might be out there on the dance floor at this very moment.” I laughed at Gretchen’s optimism. “I highly doubt that. I’m not convinced I’ll ever have a Mr. Right, but I guess I should hold onto the bouquet just in case.” As we watched the revelers dance to the upbeat music, I noticed a tall man standing near the edge of the dance floor. He wore a sharp black suit and had a rugged handsomeness that was impossible to miss. His dark hair swept back from his face, revealing sharp cheekbones and a strong jawline. “Who’s that?” I asked Gretchen as I pointed at the mysterious man. “Oh, that’s Blake,” she said with a hint of admiration in her voice. “He’s new to the island. Just moved here a few weeks ago. Ryder told me that he’s working from home—an accounting business.” My eyes darted back to the dance floor and I saw that Blake was watching us. Our eyes met, and I noticed that look in his eyes—at least I thought I did. It didn’t happen often to me. Maybe after all those years, the flowers were working some magic. My heart skipped a beat. There was something alluring about him. He was different from the rest. Something drew me in. As if he could read my thoughts, Blake began to make his way over to us. He picked his way around chairs and tables. I tried to keep my cool, but my heart was beating so fast that I was sure everyone around me could hear it. “Hi, I’m Blake,” he said with a charming smile. “I noticed you were the one who caught the bouquet.” I held up the roses and gardenias and smiled nervously. “Yeah, I did. I’m Martin. Who would have thought?” “I hope you find that special person sometime soon, but meanwhile, would you do me the honor of introducing me to this lovely lady next to you?” An embarrassed blush crept up my neck as Blake turned his attention to Gretchen. She smiled up at him. Her eyes were bright with interest. “Of course,” I said as I tried to hide the disappointment in my voice. “Gretchen, this is Blake. He’s new to the island.” “Nice to meet you, Blake,” Gretchen said, extending her hand. She briefly turned her head and opened her eyes wide in excitement. As Blake took her hand, I knew that I had to be happy for my friend. He was handsome as hell, and he was looking for someone special. She fit that definition. “Have you been enjoying the island so far?” Gretchen asked as she leaned closer to him. “It’s been great,” he said, and he glanced at me for a moment before he turned his attention back to Gretchen. “But I have to