Someone Else’s Life(71)

“Get what? You can tell me, once we’re back inside and dry.” Annie forced out a laugh. “We’re all soaking wet.”

“I had nothing to live for. When I was little, I was sure I was put on this earth to do something great. That’s what my father always told me. But I never found that thing that I wanted to be.”

“Um . . .” Annie wanted to interject, to scream at Serena to give back her son and get away from the edge. But she couldn’t. She had to stand here, in one of the worst storms she’d ever seen, and listen to this woman because she held Annie’s heart in her arms. She couldn’t risk doing anything to make them fall into the water.

“I’ve always dreamed of writing a book. I can see it.” Serena gazed up, as if envisioning her book in front of her. “A novel. By Serena Kent.”

“You can do that,” Annie said. “You can do anything you want to. But you have to get away from the river.” She was desperate. She needed to get Finn back up to safety.

“I can’t.” Serena’s tear-filled eyes turned back to her. “I tried, but I can’t focus enough to write a book.”

She was about to continue but stopped when they heard a voice shouting.

“Annie!” It was faint, but Annie recognized Sam’s voice. Her sister was looking for her, probably worried because she hadn’t come back with Serena and Finn.

Annie wanted to yell out that she was here but held her tongue, for fear of scaring Serena. With determination, she turned back to Serena. “You can get help for it, reach for your dreams. I’ll help you.”

Serena’s face scrunched up incredulously. “You hate me.”

“I don’t. You need help. I need help.” She took a step, now close enough she could touch them. “And maybe it’s not a shameful thing to admit.”

Serena made a scoffing noise and turned back to the river. For a moment, Annie’s heart stopped, sure Serena was going to ignore her and jump into the water with Finn.

“I’ll make you a pact. We’ll do it together. We’ll support each other, just like we did earlier.”

Serena turned slowly around, rocking a little from the force of the water. “You would help me?”

“Yes.” Annie focused on Finn, who was clinging to Serena’s neck. “We have a bond. We’re connected, like you said.” Would that be enough to convince her?

Serena’s forehead scrunched up with skepticism, but Annie could see she’d piqued her interest. Serena took a step and stumbled in the water as Finn stared down with terrified eyes.

Annie’s heart stopped. Her son was balanced so precariously above the murky water. If Serena were to let go . . . Annie squeezed her eyes shut and then opened them. She had to stay strong. She had to think clearly and get her son back.

“Come back with me.”

Serena didn’t say anything, only turned her back on Annie. Finn peered around the woman’s neck, his wide eyes signaling his terror.

Annie’s hand clapped over her mouth. How was she going to get Serena away from the edge? She kept her eyes on Finn, sending him love. She would get him out of this situation. She would save him no matter what.

Sam’s voice sounded again, shouting Annie’s name. Annie knew she had to act now, before Sam burst onto the dock, scaring Serena. She took a deep breath and then brought a finger up to her lips, signaling to Finn to remain quiet. He gave a slight nod, and Annie reached out, her breath held.

Serena suddenly turned around. “What are you doing?” There was no mistaking the panic in her voice.

“Nothing.” Annie froze, arms outstretched. “You’re right, Finn is yours. I’ve been selfish. I . . . I’m ready to share our son now. Finn is our son.”

“Our son?” Serena looked confused for a moment; then her face cleared. “No, he’s mine. Johnny is yours.”

“Okay, fine.” Annie tried to control her breathing, to not let her panic take over. She had to hold it together. “Just get away from the edge. Please.”

“No,” Serena cried. “You hate me now.” She looked at Finn, who was still clinging to her neck, but was staring at her with wide, terrified eyes. “And he hates me too. He’s scared of me.”

“Serena. Look at me. Listen to me.” Annie waited until Serena turned her gaze to her. “He doesn’t hate you. I don’t either. Remember how we bonded back at the house? Let’s go back. Please, he’s scared and wet. We need to get him inside.”

Slowly, Annie held up her arms, gesturing to Finn with her eyes. Her son understood and suddenly launched himself at her. She caught him in a desperate hug. Clasping him to her body, she backed up as she kept her eyes on Serena. Serena watched them, a small smile on her lips. She reached out a hand as Annie backed up even more, slogging through the water.

“Come on, Serena. Let’s go inside, get dried off. We’ll take a hot shower and then have a glass of wine together. Doesn’t that sound good?” Annie moved to where the land sloped up and began climbing out of the flooded water. “Let’s go, okay?”

Serena nodded, and just as Annie thought she was going to come back with her, a roaring sound arose from the river as water rushed toward them. Eyes wide, Annie scrambled upward until she was on the ledge above the dock. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, a huge swell of water washed over the dock, and Serena slipped backward into the river without a sound. Annie stumbled back and grabbed a tree, anchoring herself as the current rushed at them in an angry gush, threatening to rip them away from the tree.